Why set up a company in Mauritius?
Mauritius has established itself as a leading international financial centre, offering a solid legal framework, competitive taxation and a favourable business environment. Ranked among the best destinations on the African continent by the World Bank for ease of doing business, Mauritius combines political stability, a transparent regulatory framework and an exceptional network of tax treaties.
The Mauritian legislative framework is based primarily on the Companies Act 2001, the Financial Services Act 2007 and the regulations of the Financial Services Commission (FSC). This legal foundation, inspired by English law and enriched by French civil law, ensures optimal legal certainty for international investors. Mauritius is also a signatory to the OECD's Multilateral Convention (MLI), a member of the Global Forum on tax transparency and compliant with FATF recommendations on combating money laundering.
The country offers a set of advantages hard to match in the region:
- Attractive taxation: nominal tax rate of 15%, reduced to around 3% effective for GBCs thanks to the 80% exemption on foreign-source income (deemed Foreign Tax Credit)
- Total absence of capital gains tax and of withholding tax on outgoing dividends, interest and royalties
- Network of 45 double taxation treaties in force (MRA, 2026), covering Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East
- Free repatriation of profits and capital, with no exchange restrictions or capital movement controls
- Skilled and bilingual workforce (French and English), familiar with international business practices
- Member of SADC and COMESA, offering preferential access to regional African markets
- Strategic time zone (GMT+4), allowing overlap with Africa, Europe and Asia
Good to know: Mauritius does not appear on any international tax blacklist (neither the EU's nor the FATF's). The country was removed from the FATF grey list and is recognised as a cooperative jurisdiction compliant with transparency standards.
The main types of companies in Mauritius
The Mauritian legal framework offers several types of structures suited to the needs of international investors. Each structure has specific tax, regulatory and operational characteristics. The choice depends on your tax strategy, your target markets, your need for access to tax treaties and your budget.
Global Business Company (GBC)
The Global Business Company is the flagship structure for international investors wishing to benefit from Mauritius's tax treaties. Holding a Global Business Licence issued by the FSC, it offers an effective tax rate of around 3% thanks to the deemed Foreign Tax Credit mechanism (80% exemption on foreign-source income). The GBC is the ideal vehicle for international commercial operations, trading, consulting, asset holding and investment holdings.
Since the 2019 reform, the GBC has replaced the former GBC1 and GBC2 categories. It must demonstrate genuine economic substance in Mauritius: at least two resident directors, a local registered office, management decisions taken from Mauritius and staff proportional to the level of activity.
Authorised Company (AC)
The Authorised Company is designed for purely offshore activities, with no direct business link to Mauritius. Exempt from tax on foreign-source income (0%), it is an economical solution for holding structures, international trading, e-commerce and international consulting activities. In return, it does not have access to tax treaties and cannot obtain a tax residence certificate.
Specialised structures
Beyond GBCs and ACs, Mauritius offers specialised legal vehicles for specific needs:
Investment holding
Optimisation of the holding of international assets thanks to tax treaties, 0% on capital gains and 0% withholding tax. Learn more
Offshore company
A vehicle for international commercial activities in a regulated jurisdiction compliant with OECD standards. Learn more
Protected Cell Company (PCC)
A cell-structured vehicle for multi-strategy investment funds and captive insurance. Legal segregation of assets between cells. Learn more
Variable Capital Company (VCC)
A variable-capital vehicle for open-ended funds: flexible subscriptions and redemptions at NAV with no capital amendment procedure. Learn more
Comparison of structures
The choice of structure depends on several key factors: your tax strategy, your target markets, your need for access to tax treaties and your budget. Here is a summary comparison to help you in your decision. For an in-depth comparative analysis between the two most common structures, see our guide GBC or AC: how to choose.
| Criterion | GBC | AC | PCC | VCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective rate | ~3% | 0% | ~3% | ~3% |
| DTA access | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum capital | None | None | Variable | Variable |
| Resident directors | 2 min. | Not required | 2 min. | 2 min. |
| Formation time | 2-4 wks | 1-2 wks | 4-8 wks | 4-8 wks |
| Annual cost | $3,000-6,000+ | $1,500-3,000+ | $5,000-10,000+ | $5,000-10,000+ |
| FSC licence | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual audit | Mandatory | Reduced | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Main use | Trading, consulting, holding | Offshore, trading | Funds, insurance | Open-ended funds |
Steps to set up a company in Mauritius
Setting up a company in Mauritius follows a structured process, overseen by the FSC and the Registrar of Companies. Here are the main steps of the journey, detailed in our guide to the procedures.
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Choice of legal structure
Analysis of your project, tax objectives and target markets to select the optimal vehicle (GBC, AC, PCC, VCC). See our GBC vs AC comparison to guide you.
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Selection of the management company
Appointment of a management company licensed by the FSC to handle the incorporation and administration process. This intermediary is mandatory for any GBC or AC.
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Due diligence and KYC
Collection of identity documents (certified passports), proof of address, banking references, business plan and information on ultimate beneficial owners (UBO).
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Incorporation and FSC licence
Filing of the constitutive documents with the Registrar of Companies and application for a licence (Global Business Licence or AC Licence) with the FSC.
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Opening the bank account
Opening a multi-currency account with a Mauritian bank (MCB, SBM, AfrAsia, etc.). Timeframe: 2 to 6 weeks.
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Domiciliation and substance
Setting up the registered office and substance requirements. Appointment of the auditor, tax registration (TAN) and obtaining the tax residence certificate (TRC) for GBCs.
Costs and projected budget
The budget for setting up and maintaining a company in Mauritius varies depending on the structure chosen and the complexity of your operations. Costs break down into incorporation fees (paid once) and recurring annual fees (FSC licence, management company, accounting, audit, domiciliation). See our detailed cost guide to establish your projected budget.
| Expense item | GBC (USD) | AC (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation fees (one-off) | 1,500 – 3,000 | 800 – 1,500 |
| Annual FSC licence | 500 – 1,500 | 250 – 500 |
| Registered agent / Management company | 1,500 – 3,500 | 800 – 1,500 |
| Accounting and audit | 1,500 – 3,000 | 500 – 1,500 |
| Domiciliation | 500 – 1,500 | 300 – 800 |
| Estimated total annual cost | 3,000 – 6,000+ | 1,500 – 3,000+ |
Budget tip: many management companies offer all-inclusive packages covering incorporation, licensing, domiciliation and ongoing administration. Compare several offers and negotiate a package suited to your needs. Use our interactive tax simulator to estimate your tax burden, or our online GBC vs AC comparator to identify the optimal structure.
Taxation: the key figures
Mauritian taxation is one of the country's main assets for international investors. For a complete analysis, see our complete guide to Mauritian taxation. The system is based on the Income Tax Act and is administered by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). Here are the rates and exemptions in force.
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax (nominal) | 15% |
| Effective GBC rate (after 80% exemption) | ~3% |
| AC tax on offshore income | 0% |
| Capital gains tax | 0% |
| Withholding tax on dividends | 0% |
| Withholding tax on interest | 0% |
| Withholding tax on royalties | 0% |
| Inheritance tax | 0% |
| VAT | 15% (on local activities only) |
The tax treaty advantage
Thanks to its 45 double taxation treaties in force (MRA, 2026), Mauritius significantly reduces withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties from partner countries (India, South Africa, China, France, United Kingdom, Singapore, Kenya, etc.). This is a decisive advantage for holdings and companies operating in Africa and Asia.
Eligible business sectors
Mauritius welcomes investors in numerous business sectors. Some activities require specific licences in addition to the Global Business Licence or the AC Licence. Here are the most represented areas.
Financial services
Fund management, brokerage, investment consulting, fintech, captive insurance. Specific FSC licences required.
International trading
Import-export, commodity trading, commercial intermediation. Freeport available for transit operations.
Technology and IT
Software development, SaaS, e-commerce, cybersecurity, BPO. Ebene Cybercity as a technology hub.
Consulting and services
Management consulting, legal and accounting services, engineering, international training.
Holding and investments
Holding of shareholdings, private equity, venture capital, family office, intellectual property.
Real estate and wealth
International real estate holding, wealth management, real estate funds, REITs.
Mauritius, a gateway to Africa
Mauritius has established itself as the leading investment platform towards the African continent. A member of SADC (Southern African Development Community) and COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), Mauritius offers privileged access to a market of more than one billion consumers.
Tax treaties with numerous African countries (South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe) help reduce the tax burden on cross-border investments. Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) offer additional legal protection to investors.
The Mauritian workforce, bilingual in French and English, is also an asset for companies targeting both Francophone and Anglophone Africa. If you are considering relocating to Mauritius, the procedures are simplified for investors. The GMT+4 time zone allows overlap with European and Asian business hours.
Compliance and international transparency
Mauritius has considerably strengthened its compliance framework in recent years, positioning itself as an exemplary jurisdiction in terms of transparency:
- OECD and Global Forum: Mauritius is a member of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, with a "largely compliant" rating
- Common Reporting Standard (CRS): automatic exchange of tax information with more than 100 partner jurisdictions
- FATF: removed from the grey list in 2021, recognised for strengthening its AML/CFT framework
- OECD MLI Convention: signed by Mauritius, incorporating anti-BEPS measures into tax treaties
- FATCA: intergovernmental agreement with the United States for the exchange of information on accounts held by US persons
- Register of beneficial owners: mandatory identification and declaration of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) with the FSC
Support and next steps
Setting up a company in Mauritius requires an in-depth analysis of your project to identify the optimal structure. Our experts support you at every stage, from the feasibility study to the operationalisation of your structure.
To deepen your understanding, see our thematic guides:
Legal structures
Complete GBC guide | Complete AC guide | GBC vs AC comparison
Specialised structures
Practical aspects
Formation procedures | Costs and budget | Bank account | Domiciliation
The information presented on this page is provided for guidance only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Mauritian legislation changes regularly. We recommend consulting a qualified professional for any decision relating to setting up a company in Mauritius.