Company Formation in Mauritius
You want to structure your international business, optimize your tax position or access African and Asian markets, but you don't know where to start? Between entity types, licences, banking requirements and compliance obligations, setting up a company in Mauritius can quickly become overwhelming without the right guidance. CAP Maurice guides you through the entire process so you can focus on growing your business, not paperwork.
Legal structures available in Mauritius
The right choice depends on your business, target clients and objectives. We help you identify the most relevant legal form for your project.
Global Business Company (GBC)
The preferred structure for international activities, regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). It provides access to Mauritius' tax treaty network and benefits from a very advantageous effective tax rate.
- Access to double taxation treaties
- Corporate tax rate of 15% with foreign tax credit
- No withholding tax on dividends
- Free repatriation of profits and capital
- Local economic substance requirement
Domestic Company (Local entity)
Ideal for businesses operating in the Mauritian market or that don't need access to tax treaties. The incorporation process is simplified, and the regulatory framework remains flexible for SMEs and sole entrepreneurs.
- Fast incorporation (2 to 4 weeks)
- Reduced formation and management costs
- No Management Company requirement
- Suited for the local and regional market
- Possibility to convert to a GBC
Authorised Company
A lightweight structure designed for companies whose business and management are entirely outside Mauritius. It does not provide access to tax treaties but offers a simplified administrative framework.
- No economic substance requirement in Mauritius
- Reduced reporting obligations
- Flexible framework for passive holdings
Limited Partnership & Funds
Mauritius also offers dedicated vehicles for investment and private equity funds: Limited Partnerships, Protected Cell Companies (PCC) and CIS funds regulated by the FSC.
- Regulated vehicles for asset management
- Tax transparency of the Limited Partnership
- Framework recognised by international institutional investors
What our support includes
We handle the entire process, from the first consultation until your company is fully operational and compliant.
Legal incorporation
- Drafting of articles (Memorandum & Articles)
- Name reservation and registration
- Filing with the Registrar of Companies
- Certificate of Incorporation obtained
- Business Registration Number (BRN) obtained
Licences and regulation
- GBC licence application with the FSC
- Sector-specific licences (if applicable)
- VAT registration with the MRA
- KYC/AML compliance and due diligence
- Appointment of resident directors if required
Banking and finance
- Bank selection tailored to your profile
- Account opening file preparation
- Support during banking interviews
- Payment method setup
- Online banking configuration
Compliance setup
- Tax registration with the MRA
- IFRS chart of accounts setup
- Beneficial ownership register setup
- Anti-money laundering procedures (AML/CFT)
- Registered office and administrative address
The formation process, step by step
A clear and structured process, with a dedicated contact who guides you through every step of your company formation.
Initial consultation and project analysis
We start by understanding your business, target market and objectives. From there, we identify the most suitable legal structure (GBC, Domestic Company, Authorised Company), applicable tax treaties and required licences.
File preparation and name reservation
We prepare all incorporation documents: Memorandum & Articles of Association, Registrar of Companies forms, KYC/AML procedures. In parallel, we reserve your company name with the Corporate and Business Registration Department.
Registration and licence acquisition
We file with the relevant authorities (FSC for GBCs, Companies Division for Domestic). You receive your Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Number (BRN) and required sector-specific licences.
Bank account opening and compliance setup
We guide you from A to Z to open your professional bank account with a Mauritian bank. We also set up your accounting, tax registration with the MRA and reporting obligations.
Operational launch and ongoing support
Your company is ready to operate. We handle the transition to ongoing management: monthly accounting, regulatory compliance, tax filings and strategic advisory over time.
Ready to structure your project?
We analyse your situation and recommend the most suitable structure. No commitment.
The Mauritian legal and tax environment
A modern, transparent regulatory framework aligned with international standards.
Single corporate tax rate, with foreign tax credit system for foreign-source income
Double taxation treaties signed with countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East
Withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties paid to non-residents
Solid legal framework
- Company law inspired by the British Companies Act
- Independent judicial system with dedicated commercial jurisdiction
- Intellectual property protection compliant with WIPO standards
- Member of COMESA and SADC for access to African markets
International compliance
- Member of the OECD Global Forum on tax transparency
- Compliant with CRS and FATCA information exchange requirements
- AML/CFT regulation aligned with FATF recommendations
- Removed from the EU grey list in October 2021
Who is company formation in Mauritius for?
Mauritius is not the right solution for everyone. Here are the profiles where it makes sense — and where it doesn't.
When it makes sense
Entrepreneurs with international clients
You invoice clients in Europe, Africa or Asia and are looking for a tax-efficient structure with a solid legal framework.
Investors targeting Africa
Mauritius is a member of COMESA and SADC, making it a preferred gateway to African markets.
International freelancers and consultants
You work remotely for clients in multiple countries and want a simple structure with clear taxation.
Holding companies and group structuring
You want to centralise the ownership of subsidiaries through a Mauritian holding with 0% withholding tax on dividends.
When it's NOT the right fit
100% domestic activity in your home country
If all your clients and operations are in your home country, setting up in Mauritius makes no fiscal or legal sense.
Seeking tax opacity
Mauritius complies with OECD, CRS and FATCA standards. It is not an opaque tax haven.
Very limited budget
A GBC involves significant annual costs. If your turnover is still low, another jurisdiction might be more appropriate.
No real economic substance
GBCs must demonstrate economic substance in Mauritius. Without a real presence, the structure risks being challenged.
Common mistakes during formation
After guiding dozens of entrepreneurs, here are the mistakes we see most often.
Choosing the wrong legal structure
Many entrepreneurs set up a GBC when a Domestic Company would suffice, or vice versa. The choice should be driven by your actual business activity.
Underestimating economic substance requirements
Since the 2019 reforms, GBCs must demonstrate real substance in Mauritius: qualified employees, physical office, local expenditure.
Poor preparation of the banking file
Opening a bank account is often the sticking point. An incomplete file can delay your launch by several weeks.
Failing to anticipate annual compliance obligations
Tax filings, annual audit, FSC reporting, licence renewals: post-formation obligations are real and recurring.
Working with an unlicensed or unreliable agent
Mauritius requires GBCs to operate through an FSC-licensed Management Company. Unlicensed intermediaries put your company in a non-compliant position.
Can you set up an offshore company in Mauritius?
The term "offshore" is often misunderstood. In Mauritius, there has been no traditional offshore regime since the 2018-2019 reforms. The former GBC2 regime, which functioned as a classic offshore company, was abolished.
Today, the available structures (GBC, Authorised Company, Domestic Company) are all subject to transparency obligations, economic substance requirements and compliance with international standards. Mauritius is a member of the OECD Global Forum and complies with CRS and FATCA standards.
What makes Mauritius attractive is not opacity, but a competitive and legitimate tax framework: 15% corporate tax rate, no withholding tax, a network of tax treaties, and a stable regulatory environment.
Is company formation in Mauritius legal?
Yes, forming a company in Mauritius is perfectly legal, provided you comply with the tax rules of your country of residence. Mauritius is a recognised jurisdiction, compliant with international standards and removed from the EU grey list since October 2021.
The key is economic substance and compliance. If your Mauritian company has a genuine business activity, effective management exercised from Mauritius and meets its reporting obligations, there is nothing illegal about benefiting from a competitive tax framework.
However, creating an empty shell solely to avoid tax in your country of residence, with no real substance, can be reclassified as tax abuse or evasion. This is exactly why proper guidance is essential: to structure your project within the rules.
Frequently asked questions about company formation
Answers to the questions our clients ask most often about setting up a company in Mauritius.
The Global Business Company (GBC) is designed for international activities. It provides access to the tax treaties Mauritius has signed with more than 45 countries and is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). The Domestic Company is intended for businesses operating mainly in the Mauritian market or that don't need tax treaties. The right choice depends on your activity, your target clientele and your tax objectives.
Allow 2 to 4 weeks for a Domestic Company, and 4 to 8 weeks for a GBC (the FSC carries out additional checks). Opening the bank account usually adds another 2 to 4 weeks. These timelines assume a complete file from the outset, which is why good support really makes the difference.
No, not at all. Everything can be done remotely. However, some structures such as GBCs require at least one director to reside in Mauritius, or the effective management to be carried out from the country. If that's your case, CAP Maurice provides qualified resident directors.
There is no legal minimum capital for a private company in Mauritius, whether a Domestic or a GBC. In theory, you can start with 1 USD. In practice, we recommend capital suited to your activity to make bank account opening easier and give your structure credibility. Some sector-specific licences (banking, insurance, funds) have their own capital requirements.
Each year, you need to budget for Management Company fees (approved agent), FSC licence renewal (for GBCs), IFRS-compliant accounting, the annual audit, tax filings with the MRA and the registered office. At CAP Maurice, we offer all-inclusive annual packages so you have clear visibility over your costs.
Resources to go further
Guides, articles and complementary services to prepare your Mauritius project.
Blog articles
Related services
Ready to structure your project in Mauritius?
Book a free strategy call with our team. We'll review your tax, legal and personal situation, and walk you through concrete options for your project.