Company Formation in Mauritius
Incorporate the right entity for your business objectives under the Companies Act 2001.
Mauritius provides a modern, efficient, and internationally respected company formation framework under the Companies Act 2001. The jurisdiction offers a diverse range of corporate structures suitable for international investors, entrepreneurs, fund managers, and multinational groups seeking an African or Indian Ocean-facing base with genuine commercial substance. Whether you are establishing a Global Business Company (GBC) to leverage the country's network of over 45 Double Taxation Agreements, an Authorized Company (AC) for streamlined international operations, or a domestic company for activities within Mauritius itself, the incorporation process is transparent, well-regulated, and guided by clear statutory rules.
The Registrar of Companies administers company registrations under the Companies Act 2001, while the Financial Services Commission (FSC) — established under the Financial Services Act 2007 — issues licences for global business entities and supervises their ongoing compliance. Mauritius is consistently ranked among Africa's top business environments and is a member of the World Bank, the WTO, COMESA, and SADC. With no minimum share capital requirements for most entity types, 100% foreign ownership permitted across all structures, no capital gains tax, and no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents, Mauritius offers a compelling combination of tax efficiency, legal certainty, and regulatory credibility for international business.
Key Features of Company Formation in Mauritius
Diverse Entity Types
Choose from a Global Business Company (GBC), Authorized Company (AC), domestic company, limited partnership, protected cell company, variable capital company, or special purpose vehicle — each precisely suited to different business models, investor profiles, and regulatory requirements.
100% Foreign Ownership
Mauritius imposes no requirement for a local partner or minimum local shareholding. International investors and entrepreneurs can hold 100% of the equity in all company types, ensuring full control over their Mauritius structure.
Fast and Efficient Incorporation
Domestic companies can be registered with the Registrar of Companies in as little as 2–5 business days. GBC licensing by the FSC typically takes 2–4 weeks. Our team manages the entire process, reducing delays through complete and accurate submissions.
Modern Legal Framework
The Companies Act 2001 is modelled on international best practices and provides clear, predictable rules for corporate governance, shareholder rights, director obligations, and capital management, giving counterparties and investors confidence in the structure.
Access to 45+ Double Taxation Agreements
GBC entities are tax resident in Mauritius and can access the country's network of over 45 Double Taxation Agreements, reducing withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties from treaty partner countries, subject to substance requirements.
No Capital Gains Tax
Mauritius does not impose capital gains tax on the disposal of shares, investments, or other assets. This makes Mauritius particularly attractive for holding structures, private equity vehicles, and investment funds planning eventual exits.
No Withholding Tax on Outbound Dividends
Dividends paid by a Mauritius company to non-resident shareholders are not subject to withholding tax, enabling efficient repatriation of profits to foreign investors and parent companies.
Competitive Corporate Tax Rate
The standard corporate tax rate is 15%. For eligible GBCs, a partial exemption system may reduce the effective rate on qualifying foreign-source income, subject to meeting substance requirements and individual circumstances.
Robust Regulatory Oversight
The FSC is a reputable regulator aligned with IOSCO and FATF standards. FSC-licensed entities benefit from a level of regulatory credibility that facilitates banking relationships and counterparty confidence internationally.
Full-Service Professional Support
Our licensed team manages the entire lifecycle — from initial structuring advice and name reservation through to registered office provision, corporate secretary, bank account opening, accounting, and ongoing compliance.
How to Form a Company in Mauritius
Consultation & Structuring
We assess your business objectives, target markets, investor profile, and tax considerations to recommend the optimal entity type. This includes a review of whether a GBC, AC, domestic company, or alternative structure best meets your needs.
Name Reservation
We check name availability and reserve your preferred company name with the Registrar of Companies. We recommend submitting three name options to avoid delays if the first choice is unavailable.
KYC & Due Diligence Collection
We collect and verify all required Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation for beneficial owners, shareholders, directors, and other relevant parties, in accordance with AML/CFT regulations and FSC requirements.
Document Preparation
We draft the company constitution, initial board resolutions, share allotment documents, and — for GBCs and ACs — the FSC licence application with supporting business plan and source of funds documentation.
Submission to Registrar & FSC
We submit the incorporation application to the Registrar of Companies and, where applicable, the licence application to the FSC. We manage all correspondence, respond to queries, and track progress through to approval.
Certificate of Incorporation & Licence Issuance
Upon approval by the Registrar and, where required, the FSC, we obtain the Certificate of Incorporation and the GBC or AC licence. We deliver all formation documents and corporate registers to the client.
Bank Account Opening
We facilitate the opening of a corporate bank account with a Mauritius-based or international bank, assisting with the preparation of bank KYC packs and liaising with relationship managers on your behalf.
Post-Incorporation Setup & Ongoing Compliance
We set up accounting records, establish the annual compliance calendar, arrange registered office and corporate secretary services, and provide ongoing support for annual returns, board meetings, and regulatory filings.
Requirements for Company Formation in Mauritius
- Certified copies of valid passports for all shareholders, directors, and beneficial owners
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months) for all individuals
- Completed KYC forms and beneficial ownership declarations for all stakeholders
- Source of funds declaration and supporting documentation (bank statements, financial accounts, or audited accounts)
- Source of wealth declaration for all beneficial owners
- Detailed business plan or description of proposed activities and target markets
- Bank reference letters for beneficial owners (required for GBC and certain other applications)
- CVs or professional profiles of proposed directors demonstrating relevant experience
- Proposed company name (three alternatives recommended)
- Group structure chart (if the company forms part of an existing group)
- Registered office address in Mauritius (can be provided by our firm)
- Evidence of substance arrangements for GBC applicants (letter of intent or draft office lease and employment arrangements)
Estimated Costs of Company Formation in Mauritius
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Domestic company incorporation (incl. registered office, year 1) | USD 1,500 – 2,500 |
| GBC incorporation and FSC licence (incl. registered office, year 1) | USD 4,000 – 7,000 |
| Authorized Company incorporation and FSC registration (year 1) | USD 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Annual GBC maintenance (registered agent, compliance, annual returns) | USD 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Annual AC maintenance (registered agent, annual returns) | USD 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Bank account opening assistance | USD 500 – 1,500 |
| Corporate secretary services (per annum) | USD 1,000 – 2,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Company Formation in Mauritius
How long does it take to incorporate a company in Mauritius?
A domestic company can typically be registered with the Registrar of Companies within 2–5 business days once all documents are submitted. A Global Business Company (GBC) requires an FSC licence, which typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on the completeness of the application. Authorized Company registrations generally take 1–2 weeks. Our team manages all submissions to minimise delays.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Mauritius company?
Yes. Mauritius permits 100% foreign ownership across all company types, including GBCs, Authorized Companies, and domestic companies. There is no requirement for a local partner, minimum local shareholding, or government approval for foreign ownership, making Mauritius highly attractive for international investors.
What is the minimum share capital requirement?
There is no statutory minimum share capital for most Mauritius company types under the Companies Act 2001. Companies are typically incorporated with a nominal share capital of one or more shares. However, certain regulated activities — such as banking, insurance, or fund management — may have specific capital requirements imposed by the relevant regulator.
Do I need to be physically present in Mauritius to incorporate?
No. The entire incorporation process can be completed remotely. KYC and formation documents can be submitted electronically or by courier. Our team manages all interactions with the Registrar of Companies and the FSC on your behalf. You do not need to travel to Mauritius at any stage of the incorporation process.
What is the difference between a GBC and an Authorized Company?
A Global Business Company (GBC) is licensed by the FSC, is tax resident in Mauritius, and can access Double Taxation Agreements. An Authorized Company (AC) is registered with the FSC but is not tax resident in Mauritius and cannot access DTAs. The AC has lighter substance and compliance requirements and lower costs, making it suitable for structures that do not require DTA benefits.
Is Mauritius on any international blacklists?
No. Mauritius is not on any OECD, EU, or FATF blacklists. It is a cooperative jurisdiction that meets international standards for transparency and exchange of information. The country has implemented OECD Common Reporting Standards (CRS) and FATCA, and actively cooperates with international tax and law enforcement authorities.
What ongoing obligations does a Mauritius company have?
All Mauritius companies must file annual returns with the Registrar of Companies, maintain proper accounting records, and comply with AML/CFT obligations. GBCs must also file annual financial summaries with the FSC, maintain adequate substance, and comply with all licence conditions. Our corporate secretary and compliance teams manage these obligations on your behalf.
Can a Mauritius company open a bank account?
Yes. Mauritius companies can open accounts with local Mauritius banks as well as international banks. Bank account opening requires full KYC documentation and is subject to each bank's internal due diligence procedures. We assist with bank selection, documentation preparation, and coordination with the bank throughout the process.