What is the total first-year cost of a GBC in Mauritius?

The total first-year cost for a GBC typically ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 12,000 for formation alone, plus USD 8,000–20,000 for the first year of maintenance. This gives a combined first-year range of approximately USD 13,000–32,000 for a fully compliant GBC with substance arrangements. Costs vary based on complexity and the scope of services required.

Is a GBC more expensive than an Authorized Company?

Yes, significantly. The GBC requires FSC licensing, economic substance arrangements (local directors, employees, office), and more extensive compliance. An AC is approximately 50–60% cheaper to form and maintain but does not offer DTA access or tax residency in Mauritius.

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?

We provide transparent, all-inclusive fee proposals before commencing work. There are no hidden charges. However, costs can increase if the application requires additional due diligence, complex KYC work, multiple round trips with regulatory authorities, or if the client's circumstances change during the formation process.

Can I reduce costs by acting as my own director?

Yes. If you (as a non-resident of Mauritius) are willing to travel to Mauritius for board meetings and can demonstrate active management involvement, the costs of nominee directors may be reduced or eliminated. However, for substance compliance, the GBC must still demonstrate that management and control is genuinely exercised from Mauritius. We advise on the optimal approach.

Do costs increase with higher levels of business activity?

Yes. Accounting and audit fees, and in some cases management company fees, may increase as the volume of transactions and complexity of reporting increases. We structure fees transparently from the outset and advise when activity levels are likely to trigger additional charges.

Knowledge Centre

Cost of Company Formation in Mauritius

A comprehensive breakdown of government fees, professional fees, and ongoing annual costs for GBC, Authorized Company, and domestic structures.

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Understanding the true cost of incorporating and maintaining a company in Mauritius is essential for accurate budgeting and comparing Mauritius against alternative jurisdictions. Costs differ significantly depending on the entity type chosen: a domestic company for local operations is the most cost-effective, while a Global Business Company (GBC) — designed for international business with access to Double Taxation Agreements — involves higher formation and ongoing costs reflecting its more complex regulatory requirements and substance obligations. All costs set out below are indicative and based on typical market rates as at the current period.

Actual costs depend on the specific structure, the complexity of the transaction, the number of shareholders and directors, and the scope of professional services required. We always provide transparent, all-inclusive fee proposals before commencing work, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges. Exchange rates between USD and MUR (Mauritius Rupee) fluctuate — costs quoted in USD are approximate equivalents.

Global Business Company (GBC) — Formation Costs

A GBC requires both company registration with the Registrar of Companies and a licence from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Formation costs typically include: FSC application and licence fee (approximately USD 500–1,000), Registrar of Companies incorporation fee (approximately USD 50–100), management company formation fee covering KYC processing, document preparation, FSC application management, constitution drafting, and coordination (typically USD 2,500–5,000), registered office setup, and optional nominee director fees if local Mauritius directors are required (USD 1,500–4,000 per director per year). Total GBC first-year formation cost typically ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 12,000 depending on complexity.

Authorized Company (AC) — Formation Costs

An Authorized Company involves simpler formation than a GBC. Required fees include: FSC registration fee (approximately USD 200–400), Registrar of Companies fee (approximately USD 50–100), and management company formation fee (typically USD 1,500–3,000). Total AC formation cost typically ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 5,000. The AC does not require nominee directors or extensive substance arrangements, keeping initial costs lower.

Domestic Company — Formation Costs

A domestic company operating within Mauritius is the most cost-effective structure. Formation involves registration with the Registrar of Companies (approximately USD 100–200) and professional fees for document preparation and filing (USD 500–1,500). No FSC licensing is required unless the company conducts regulated financial services activities. Total domestic company formation cost is typically USD 600–2,000.

Annual Maintenance Costs — GBC

Ongoing annual costs for a GBC are higher than other entity types due to regulatory requirements. Typical annual costs include: FSC annual licence renewal fee (approximately USD 500–1,000), registered agent and office fees (USD 1,500–3,000), accounting and audit fees (USD 3,000–8,000 depending on activity level), corporate secretary fees (USD 1,500–3,000), tax return preparation (USD 1,000–2,000), nominee director fees if applicable (USD 1,500–4,000 per director), and MRA registration/compliance (minimal). Total estimated annual maintenance for a GBC: USD 8,000–20,000+.

Annual Maintenance Costs — AC

Annual costs for an Authorized Company are lower than for a GBC. Typical costs include: FSC annual registration fee (approximately USD 200–400), registered agent fee (USD 1,000–2,000), accounting fees (if required, USD 1,000–3,000), and corporate secretary (USD 500–1,500). Total estimated annual maintenance for an AC: USD 3,000–8,000.

Bank Account Opening

Most Mauritius banks do not charge an explicit account opening fee, though some may require a minimum initial deposit or maintain a minimum balance requirement (typically MUR 10,000–50,000 or equivalent in foreign currency). The bank onboarding process for GBCs typically takes 4–8 weeks and requires comprehensive KYC documentation. For accounts held in foreign currencies (USD, EUR, GBP), minimum balance requirements may apply.

Optional and Additional Costs

Additional costs may arise for: tax advisory and planning (USD 2,000–10,000+ depending on complexity), transfer pricing documentation (USD 3,000–15,000), immigration and permit applications for directors or shareholders (USD 1,500–5,000), SEM listing fees (variable), substance consulting, business plan preparation, and translation or notarisation of documents. These are charged separately based on scope.

Cost Summary

Item	Estimated Range	Notes
GBC Formation (Year 1 All-In)	USD 5,000 – 12,000	Includes FSC fee, Registrar fee, management company formation fee. Excludes nominee directors and bank account.
GBC Annual Maintenance	USD 8,000 – 20,000+	Includes FSC licence, registered agent, accounting, audit, and corporate secretary.
Authorized Company Formation	USD 2,000 – 5,000	Includes FSC registration and professional fees.
AC Annual Maintenance	USD 3,000 – 8,000	Includes FSC renewal, registered agent, and basic administration.
Domestic Company Formation	USD 600 – 2,000	Registrar of Companies fee plus professional fees.
Nominee Director (per director per year)	USD 1,500 – 4,000	For GBCs requiring Mauritius-resident directors for substance purposes.

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each situation is unique — please consult qualified professionals before making decisions.