A diversified and welcoming ecosystem
Mauritius welcomes international investors across a wide range of business sectors. The country's economic diversification, initiated in the 1990s and supported by favourable legislative frameworks (Companies Act 2001, Financial Services Act 2007, ICT Act, Electronic Transactions Act), has created an environment conducive to setting up companies operating in varied fields.
Certain sectors require specific licences in addition to the Global Business Licence or the Authorised Company Licence. Here is a comprehensive overview of the main sectors and their requirements.
Financial services
Mauritius is a recognised international financial centre, with a complete ecosystem of financial services regulated by the FSC and the Bank of Mauritius (BoM).
Fund management
Open-ended funds, closed-end funds, hedge funds, private equity, real estate funds. CIS Manager Licence (FSC). VCC or PCC structures recommended.
Brokerage
Equity, bond, derivatives and forex brokerage. Investment Dealer Licence (FSC). Minimum capital required, qualified staff, trading systems.
Investment advisory
Investment advisory, portfolio structuring, wealth management. Investment Adviser Licence (FSC).
Insurance and reinsurance
Captive insurance, reinsurance, insurance management. Insurance Licence (FSC). PCC structure suited to multi-risk captive insurance.
| Financial activity | Licence required | Regulator | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fund management | CIS Manager Licence | FSC | GBC + VCC/PCC |
| Brokerage | Investment Dealer Licence | FSC | GBC |
| Investment advisory | Investment Adviser Licence | FSC | GBC |
| Insurance | Insurance Licence | FSC | GBC / PCC |
| Banking services | Banking Licence | BoM | Local company |
| Payment services | Payment Services Licence | BoM / FSC | GBC |
| Leasing | Financial Leasing Licence | FSC | GBC |
International trading (Global Trading)
International trading is one of the most dynamic sectors in Mauritius. Trading companies use Mauritius as a trading platform between Africa, Asia and the rest of the world.
Types of trading
- Commodities: oil, metals, agricultural products (sugar, spices, oils), ores
- Manufactured products: textiles, electronics, industrial equipment
- Consumer goods: food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products
- Intermediation services: commercial brokerage, sourcing, procurement, supply chain management
The Mauritius Freeport
Free zone (Freeport)
The Freeport offers exemption from customs duties on imported and re-exported goods, storage and processing infrastructure, proximity to the port and the airport, and the possibility of value addition (assembly, labelling, repackaging). A Freeport Licence is required for activities in the free zone.
Recommended structure: AC for pure trading (0% tax) or GBC if access to tax treaties is needed. No specific licence beyond the GBC/AC for pure trading.
Information technology
Mauritius has developed a dynamic IT sector, supported by the Ebene Cybercity and a modern infrastructure, with government incentives for technological innovation.
Eligible IT activities
- Software development: mobile applications, enterprise systems, custom solutions
- SaaS (Software as a Service): cloud platforms, online solutions, web applications
- Managed IT services: IT outsourcing, technical support, cybersecurity, hosting
- Artificial intelligence and data: analytics, machine learning, data processing, data science
- BPO (Business Process Outsourcing): business process outsourcing, call centres, shared services
Specific advantages: favourable tax regime, skilled and bilingual workforce (French/English), accessible via a work permit, quality telecom infrastructure (SAFE and LION submarine cables), GMT+4 time zone compatible with Europe and Asia.
Recommended structure: GBC for development companies with clients in DTA countries, AC for purely international services at lower cost.
Fintech and digital assets
Mauritius is positioning itself as an emerging fintech hub with a regulatory framework suited to financial innovation:
- Regulatory Sandbox Licence: allows innovative solutions (payments, blockchain, financial AI) to be tested under FSC supervision for 2 years
- Custodian Services (Digital Assets) Licence: for the custody of digital assets (cryptocurrencies, tokens)
- Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP): framework for virtual asset service providers (exchanges, wallets, trading)
- Payment Services Licence: for electronic payment services, mobile money, e-wallets
Innovative sandbox: the FSC's Regulatory Sandbox Licence is a unique tool that allows fintechs to launch their products within a lighter regulatory framework, with the possibility of obtaining a permanent licence at the end of the test period.
Holding and investments
The investment holding is one of the most widespread uses of the Mauritian GBC, thanks to the unique combination of 0% on capital gains and 45 double taxation avoidance treaties in force (MRA, 2026):
- Shareholding: holding shares in operating companies in Africa, Asia, Europe
- Private equity: capital investment vehicles, growth funds
- Venture capital: investment in startups and scale-ups
- Family office: centralised management of international family wealth
- Intellectual property: holding and licensing of patents, trademarks and copyrights
Recommended structure: GBC for access to tax treaties, PCC or VCC for structured funds.
E-commerce and digital platforms
Online marketplaces
B2B, B2C and C2C platforms. Dropshipping, international fulfilment. Access to payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Adyen).
Digital products
Sale of software, online training, digital content, SaaS subscriptions. Full tax exemption via AC or reduced rate via GBC.
Subscription services
Recurring models (streaming, online tools, premium newsletters). International billing with no VAT on sales outside Mauritius.
Payment gateways
Online payment services (with specific Payment Services Licence). Legal framework of the Electronic Transactions Act.
Recommended structure: AC for reduced costs and full exemption, GBC if institutional credibility or access to DTAs is needed.
Consulting and professional services
- Management consulting: strategy, organisation, digital transformation consulting
- Accounting and tax services: international audit, cross-border taxation, transfer pricing
- Legal services: international business law, structuring, compliance
- Engineering and architecture: international technical services, BIM, design
- Training and coaching: online and in-person training programmes, certifications
Key advantage: consulting income billed to clients outside Mauritius benefits from the 80% exemption (GBC, effective rate ~3%) or full exemption (AC, 0%). No specific licence required for unregulated consulting activities.
International real estate
- Real estate holding: holding international real estate through subsidiary structures, with 0% capital gains in Mauritius
- Property management: property management, international facilities management
- Real estate development: promotion and construction of international projects
- REIT / Real estate fund: fund structures investing in real estate (via VCC or PCC)
Note: a GBC or AC cannot hold real estate located in Mauritius. Mauritian real estate holdings hold property in other countries, benefiting from DTAs to optimise taxation on rental income.
Logistics and supply chain
- International logistics management and supply chain coordination
- Freight forwarding and transport agency services
- Operations in the free zone (Freeport): warehousing, repackaging, re-export
- Warehousing and regional distribution (East Africa, Indian Ocean)
Blue and maritime economy
Mauritius, with its vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 2.3 million km², is actively developing its blue economy:
- Aquaculture and industrial fishing
- Maritime services and shipping (vessel registration under the Mauritian flag)
- Exploration of marine resources and marine biotechnology
- Nautical tourism and cruises
- Renewable marine energy
Regulated sectors requiring specific licences
| Sector | Licence | Regulator | Additional timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking | Banking Licence | Bank of Mauritius | 6 – 12 months |
| Insurance | Insurance Licence | FSC | 3 – 6 months |
| Fund management | CIS Manager Licence | FSC | 2 – 4 months |
| Brokerage | Investment Dealer Licence | FSC | 2 – 4 months |
| Online gambling | Gambling Licence | GRA | 3 – 6 months |
| Fintech (sandbox) | Regulatory Sandbox Licence | FSC | 1 – 3 months |
| Digital assets | VASP Registration | FSC | 2 – 4 months |
| Payment services | Payment Services Licence | BoM | 3 – 6 months |
Emerging sectors and opportunities
Mauritius is actively developing several emerging sectors offering new opportunities for investors:
Artificial intelligence
National AI strategy with incentives for businesses. Development of data centres, ML applications and data analytics.
Renewable energy
Solar, wind, biomass, green hydrogen. Government target of 60% renewable energy. Attractive investment framework.
Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical research, generic drug manufacturing, regional distribution (Africa, Indian Ocean).
Creative industries
Film and animation, design, gaming, content production. Tax incentives for audiovisual productions.
Structure suited to each sector
| Sector | Recommended structure | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Financial services | GBC | FSC licences, DTAs, institutional credibility |
| Holding | GBC | DTAs, tax residence, 0% capital gains |
| International trading | AC or GBC | AC if DTAs not needed (0%), GBC if needed (~3%) |
| IT / SaaS | AC or GBC | AC for reduced costs, GBC for image |
| E-commerce | AC | 0% tax, reduced costs, fast setup |
| Consulting | AC or GBC | Depending on business volume and target clients |
| Investment funds | GBC + VCC/PCC | Complete regulatory framework, DTAs |
| International real estate | GBC | DTAs on rental income, 0% capital gains |
| Fintech | GBC | Specific licences, sandbox, credibility |
To help you choose between a GBC and an AC, see our detailed comparison guide.
The information presented is provided for guidance only. Regulatory requirements and the licences needed vary depending on the specific activity. Consult our experts for a feasibility analysis of your project in your sector of activity.