How to open a company in Mauritius as a foreigner

Mauritius is widely recognized as one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in Africa, combining political stability, a strong legal system based on English common law, and a favorable tax regime. Its strategic location between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as an extensive network of double taxation treaties, make Mauritius particularly attractive to international companies using it as a regional or holding hub.

To open a business in Mauritius, an individual or legal entity must follow certain procedures. Sole proprietorship registration is typically completed on the same day, while domestic/international companies typically take half a day.

A professional permit may be issued to non-citizens applying as investors, self-employed individuals, and specialists, but certain criteria must be met.

A company registered in Mauritius can be 100% foreign-owned, with no minimum share capital requirement. The primary legislation governing the formation and operation of companies in Mauritius is the Companies Act 2001, which is regularly amended to reflect changes in the legal status of companies registered in Mauritius and international best practice.

The registrar of companies in Mauritius is the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, which administers the Companies Act 2001, the Business Registration Act 2002, the Insolvency Act 2009, the Limited Partnerships Act 2011, and the Foundations Act 2012.

Business Licenses in Mauritius

In Mauritius, certain commercial activities are classified as "regulated activities," requiring approval from the relevant licensing authorities. The licensing system for various sectors provides clear criteria and requirements for licensing within a consolidated framework maintained by the Economic Development Board.

Sectors and business activities requiring licenses from the relevant authorities in Mauritius include the following:

• Financial services and banking - Bank of Mauritius.
• Non-banking financial services - Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius.
• Health and life sciences - Ministry of Health and Wellness, Pharmaceutical Council, Clinical Research Regulation Council, Mauritius Dental Council, Mauritius Medical Council, Mauritius Veterinary Council.
• Tourism - Tourism, Accommodation and Tourism Authority.
• Gambling - Gaming Regulatory Authority Mauritius.
• Telecommunications and Broadcasting - Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) of Mauritius, Independent Broadcasting Authority.
• Industry - Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), Assay Office, Ministry of Health and Quality of Life.
• Real Estate and Hospitality - Economic Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Social Inclusion, Social Security and National Solidarity.
• Agriculture - Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, National Agricultural Produce Regulatory Authority (NAPRO), National Plant Protection Authority, Animal Production and Veterinary Services Division.
• Education - Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Higher Education Commission, Mauritius Qualifications Authority, Early Childhood Care Authority age and their education.
• Freeport and Logistics - Economic Development Board (EDB), Mauritius Port Authority, and Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).
• Ocean Economy - Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, and Shipping, Mauritius Port Authority.
• Work and Residence. Work Permits - Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, Occupation/Residence Permits - Economic Development Board (EDB).
• Construction - Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Ministry of Housing and Land Management, Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste and Climate Change.
• Aviation - Civil Aviation Authority of Mauritius (CAAM).
• Transport - National Land Transport Authority.
• Law - Attorney General's Office.
• Cooperative Societies - Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives.

Company Types

Foreign investors in Mauritius have three main types of companies. The choice depends on whether you plan to operate domestically or use the island as a base for international business.

1. Domestic Company

Registering a domestic company is the best way to do business with Mauritian residents and the preferred vehicle for investment on the island. Domestic companies in Mauritius are governed by the Companies Act 2001 and are subject to local taxes, with the basic rate of corporate income tax being 15%, although various exemptions and reliefs may apply.

Types of Domestic Companies in Mauritius:

• Joint Stock Company - the liability of its shareholders is limited by the articles of association to any amount unpaid on shares held by the shareholder.
• Company Limited by Guarantee - the liability of its members is limited by the articles of association to the amount that the members undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its liquidation.
• Hybrid Limited Company, owned by shareholders and guaranteed - the liability of its shareholders is limited to the amount of unpaid payments, if any, on shares held by them, as well as the amount they have agreed to pay contribute in the event of liquidation of the company.
• Unlimited Liability Company - the liability of its shareholders is unlimited.
• Foreign Company - a legal entity incorporated outside Mauritius and having its place of business or carrying on business in Mauritius.
• Limited Duration Company - the articles of association limit the life of the company to a period not exceeding 50 years from the date of its incorporation. This period may be extended to a maximum of 150 years.

2. Global Business Companies (GBCs)

Companies incorporated in Mauritius for the purpose of conducting business primarily outside Mauritius are known as Global Business Companies (GBCs) and are regulated by the Financial Services Act 2007.

Mauritius Global Business Accounts (GBCs) are specifically designed for resident entities carrying out qualifying global business activities, which must be conducted primarily with non-residents of Mauritius and in foreign currencies.

Under the Financial Services Act 2007, Global Business Companies are permitted to engage in various business activities, including, but not limited to:

• Investment holding companies.
• Collective investment schemes.
• Leasing activities.
• Consultancy services on Investments.
• International trade.
• Consulting services.
• Other financial services activities.

A company registered as a general contractor is not permitted to engage in commercial activities in Mauritius, except for ancillary activities necessary for the functioning of the company.

Global Business Corporations (GBCs) are particularly advantageous for businesses seeking a strategic location, a robust regulatory framework, and access to Mauritius's extensive network of double tax treaties (DTAs), providing tax efficiency for operations spanning multiple jurisdictions.

They are also the most efficient structures for obtaining specialized licenses for the provision of non-banking financial services, allowing them to take advantage of the preferential tax regime of GBCs in Mauritius, under which 80% of "gross income" is exempt from taxation, reducing the effective rate Income tax of up to 3%.

3. Mauritius Authorized Company (AC)

In 2019, the "Authorized Company" (AC) category was introduced, replacing the "Global Business Company 2" (GBC2) category. An Authorized Company is a private company that conducts business primarily outside Mauritius and has its central management and control outside Mauritius. There is no requirement to have economic substance in Mauritius to register as an Authorized Company.

Authorized Companies provide a flexible and low-maintenance structure for non-residents wishing to conduct business or own assets outside Mauritius. They are typically used for business ventures, consulting activities, international trade, shipping and ship management, and e-commerce conducted entirely outside of Mauritius, or for holding private assets such as shares, real estate, or intellectual property.

The AC is strictly prohibited from engaging in certain types of commercial activities, including banking, financial services, investment funds, and nominee services.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Open a Company in Mauritius

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Structure

Most foreign companies register as private limited companies, which provide limited liability, a flexible shareholding structure, and simple corporate governance. Branch registration is also possible, but does not create a separate legal entity and may require additional verification by banks and regulators.

Step 2: Check company name availability

You can check your company name through the government's online system. Names must be unique and must not be misleading or imply affiliation with the government without appropriate permission.

Step 3: Prepare incorporation documents

Incorporation documents are standardized and filed electronically. Key documents include:

• Application for Company Incorporation.
• Articles of Association (if applicable).
• Details of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners.
• Address of the registered office in Mauritius.

Standard forms can be downloaded directly from the Registrar of Companies portal.

Step 4: Register with the Registrar of Companies.

The application for incorporation can be submitted online through the Mauritius Network Services portal or in person at the Central Bank of Mauritius (CBRD) office. Upon approval, the company receives a certificate of incorporation and a unique registration number confirming its legal existence.

Step 5: Register for taxes and social security contributions

After incorporation, the company must register with the Mauritius Revenue Authority for corporate income tax and, if applicable, VAT. Employers must also register for social security contributions under the CSG system before hiring employees.

Step 6: Open a corporate bank account

Opening a bank account in Mauritius involves thorough customer identification (KYC) and due diligence. Banks typically require incorporation documents, business plans, information on ultimate beneficial owners, and proof of financial solvency. Opening an account may take several weeks.

Step 7: Set up payroll and compliance with labor laws

To employ employees, companies must enter into appropriate employment contracts, maintain payroll records, and make monthly social security contributions. Employers are responsible for accurately reporting payroll data and making timely payments to the Mauritius tax office.

Post-Incorporation Obligations

Once a company is registered in Mauritius, it must comply with local governance, taxation, and labor laws. Typical requirements include:

Tax and Financial Reporting

Submit corporate income tax returns and, where applicable, VAT returns to the Mauritius Revenue Authority annually, quarterly, or monthly, using the locally adopted IFRS or IFRS for SMEs.

• Corporate Registers: Maintain up-to-date records of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners, and notify the Registrar of Companies of changes within the statutory deadlines.
• Compliance Tracking: Track all tax, licensing, and corporate reporting deadlines using a structured compliance calendar to avoid penalties.
• Licenses and Renewals: Renew all industry-specific licenses issued by the Economic Development Board or other authorities in accordance with their deadlines. Renewals.
• Record Maintenance: Retain accounting, payroll, personnel, and transaction records for at least seven years, ensuring they are available for audit or inspection.

Employment Law Compliance

Comply with employment laws, benefits, social security, and data protection regulations, including drafting appropriate employment contracts and timely submission of payroll reports to the Mauritius Revenue Authority.

Tax and Financial Aspects

Key responsibilities include:

• Corporate Income Tax: 15%, generally payable annually with advance payments throughout the year.
• VAT/GST: 15%, with mandatory registration once the taxable turnover threshold is exceeded (MUR 3 million as of 2025) (year).
• Payroll/Social Contributions: Employer and employee contributions under the CSG system range from 1.5% to 3% for employees and from 3% to 6% for employers and apply to the basic monthly salary and the statutory annual bonus, where applicable.