How long does the complete incorporation process take?

For a domestic company: 1–2 weeks. For an Authorized Company: 2–4 weeks. For a Global Business Company: 6–10 weeks from engagement to incorporation and FSC licence. Bank account opening adds 4–8 weeks. The total timeline from initial engagement to a fully operational GBC with a bank account is typically 8–16 weeks. The single biggest source of delay is incomplete or problematic KYC documentation.

Do I need to be physically present in Mauritius?

No. The entire process can be managed remotely. KYC documents can be submitted electronically. Our team handles all local interactions with the Registrar of Companies, FSC, and banks. You do not need to travel to Mauritius for incorporation. However, for bank account opening, some banks may require a in-person visit or a video KYC interview. We advise on bank-specific requirements.

What is the most common reason for delays?

The most common cause of delays is incomplete or insufficient KYC documentation. Common issues include: source of funds declarations without adequate supporting evidence, proof of address documents that are too old (must be within 3 months), reference letters that do not meet bank requirements, and corporate shareholders who cannot provide complete ownership chain documentation. Thorough preparation at the KYC stage significantly accelerates the overall timeline.

Can I incorporate a GBC without a physical office in Mauritius?

Yes. You do not need to lease your own office space. We provide a registered office address as part of our domiciliation services. For substance purposes, the domiciliation address counts as the company's physical office. If the GBC requires additional substance (local employees, active management), we advise on the most cost-effective arrangements.

What happens after incorporation? What are the ongoing obligations?

After incorporation, a GBC must: hold board meetings in Mauritius (typically quarterly), maintain substance arrangements, file annual returns with the Registrar, submit annual compliance evidence to the FSC, prepare and audit annual accounts, file an annual tax return with the MRA, and comply with CRS/FATCA reporting obligations. We manage all of these obligations as part of our ongoing management company services.

Knowledge Centre

Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporating in Mauritius

A complete guide from initial planning and entity selection through to company registration, FSC licensing, bank account opening, and operational launch.

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Incorporating a company in Mauritius is a well-structured, professionally managed process with clear steps, defined timelines, and explicit documentation requirements. While the process can be completed entirely remotely — with all documents submitted electronically and our team managing all local interactions with authorities — preparation and planning are essential to avoid delays. The total timeline from initial engagement to a fully operational company with a bank account ranges from approximately 3 weeks for a simple domestic company to 8–12 weeks for a GBC with FSC licensing and bank account.

This guide walks through every step in detail, explaining what is required, who does what, and how long each stage takes. It covers the most common Mauritius entity types: the Global Business Company (GBC), the Authorized Company (AC), and the domestic company. Where steps differ by entity type, this is noted.

Our team manages the entire process on your behalf — from initial structuring advice through to post-incorporation setup and ongoing compliance. You do not need to be present in Mauritius at any stage.

Step 1: Define Your Objectives and Assess the Structure

Before any documentation is prepared, we spend time understanding your business objectives, target markets, income flows, and tax planning goals. This determines the optimal entity type and structure. Key questions include: Do you need DTA access (points toward GBC)? Will there be active business operations in Mauritius? What countries will you invest into or operate from? Are there specific regulatory requirements for your activities (fund management, insurance, etc.)? Do you intend to relocate to Mauritius personally? This initial assessment typically takes 1–3 days and results in a clear structuring recommendation.

Step 2: Choose the Entity Type

Based on your objectives: Global Business Company (GBC): for DTA access, tax residency, and the partial exemption system. Requires FSC licensing and economic substance. Authorized Company (AC): for international operations without DTA access. Simpler and cheaper. Domestic Company: for local Mauritius operations. Straightforward incorporation under the Companies Act 2001. Other structures (Limited Partnership, PCC, VCC, Trust, Foundation) may be appropriate for specific purposes. We provide a written structuring recommendation with cost comparison before you commit.

Step 3: Engage a Licensed Management Company

All GBCs and ACs must be managed by a licensed management company in Mauritius. The management company serves as the registered agent, manages FSC licensing, provides registered office services, and oversees ongoing compliance. We serve as your licensed management company. The engagement agreement sets out the scope of services, fees, and responsibilities. This step is completed before any applications are submitted.

Step 4: Prepare and Submit KYC Documentation

This is often the most time-consuming step and the one most prone to delays. All beneficial owners, shareholders, directors, and (for GBCs) protectors must provide: certified passport copies, proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months), detailed CV/resume, two professional or bank reference letters, source of funds declaration with supporting evidence, and source of wealth declaration. Corporate shareholders must additionally provide: certificate of incorporation, certificate of incumbency, register of directors and shareholders, audited financial statements, and board resolutions authorising the investment.

Step 5: Reserve the Company Name

We conduct a name availability search with the Registrar of Companies and submit a name reservation application. We recommend providing 2–3 name options in order of preference to avoid delays if the first choice is unavailable. A name reservation is valid for a limited period, during which the formal incorporation application must be filed. Name reservation is typically completed within 1–3 business days.

Step 6: Prepare Formation Documents

We prepare all required formation documents: the company constitution (articles of association), initial board and shareholder resolutions, share subscription agreements, and for GBCs and ACs, the FSC application and supporting annexures including the business plan. For GBCs, the business plan must be detailed — covering the company's proposed activities, target markets, revenue model, financial projections, substance arrangements, and corporate governance framework. We prepare and review all documents before submission.

Step 7: Submit to Registrar of Companies and FSC

For domestic companies: we submit the incorporation documents to the Registrar of Companies. Registration typically takes 2–5 business days. For GBCs and ACs: we submit the FSC application concurrently with the Registrar of Companies filing. FSC review for a GBC typically takes 2–4 weeks for a complete, well-documented application. The FSC may raise queries — we respond promptly to minimise delays. For ACs, registration is generally faster (1–2 weeks).

Step 8: Receive Incorporation Documents and FSC Licence

Once approved: the Registrar issues a Certificate of Incorporation. The FSC issues the GBC or AC licence certificate. We compile and deliver all formation documents: certificate of incorporation, FSC licence, constitution, initial resolutions, share certificates, and register of directors and shareholders. At this point, the company is legally incorporated and licensed. It can now sign contracts, enter transactions, and proceed to bank account opening.

Step 9: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Bank account opening is a separate process from incorporation and typically takes 4–8 weeks. We assist with selecting the most appropriate bank based on your entity type, transaction volumes, currencies required, and industry. We prepare the bank account opening package — typically KYC documents, business plan, formation documents, and completed bank forms — and submit to the selected bank. Banks conduct their own due diligence and may request additional information. We manage all bank communications.

Step 10: Post-Incorporation and Operational Setup

Once incorporated and licensed, we complete the operational setup: MRA tax registration, setting up accounting records and chart of accounts, establishing substance arrangements for GBCs (office access, local directors if not already engaged), setting up the corporate secretary function, drafting the first board resolutions for commencement of operations, and initiating the compliance calendar. Your Mauritius entity is now fully operational and ready to commence business.

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.