Overview of costs
The cost of setting up and maintaining a company in Mauritius varies according to the type of structure, the complexity of the activity and the management company chosen. This page presents a transparent breakdown of the various expense items to allow you to draw up a realistic budget forecast.
Costs break down into two categories:
- Incorporation fees (one-off): paid once, at the time of formation
- Recurring annual fees: paid every year to keep the company active and compliant with FSC and Registrar requirements
Costs by type of structure
Global Business Company (GBC)
| Expense item | Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation fees | One-off | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Due diligence / KYC fees | One-off | Included or 500 – 1,000 |
| Name reservation | One-off | 50 – 100 |
| FSC licence (Global Business Licence) | Annual | 500 – 1,500 |
| Management company | Annual | 1,500 – 3,500 |
| Resident directors (2 minimum) | Annual | Included or 500 – 1,500 |
| Corporate secretarial | Annual | Included or 300 – 800 |
| Accounting and bookkeeping | Annual | 1,000 – 2,500 |
| Annual audit (licensed auditor) | Annual | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Registered office | Annual | 500 – 1,500 |
| Tax return | Annual | Included or 300 – 800 |
| Total first year | 4,500 – 9,000+ | |
| Total following years | 3,000 – 6,000+ |
Authorised Company (AC)
| Expense item | Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation fees | One-off | 800 – 1,500 |
| Due diligence / KYC fees | One-off | Included or 300 – 600 |
| Name reservation | One-off | 50 – 100 |
| FSC licence (AC Licence) | Annual | 250 – 500 |
| Registered agent | Annual | 800 – 1,500 |
| Accounting | Annual | 500 – 1,500 |
| Registered office | Annual | 300 – 800 |
| Annual Return | Annual | Included or 100 – 300 |
| Total first year | 2,300 – 4,500+ | |
| Total following years | 1,500 – 3,000+ |
Protected Cell Company (PCC)
| Expense item | Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| PCC incorporation | One-off | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Cell creation | Per cell | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| FSC licence | Annual | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Management company | Annual | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Fund administration | Annual | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Annual audit | Annual | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Custodian | Annual | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Total first year | 8,000 – 18,000+ | |
| Total following years | 5,000 – 10,000+ |
Variable Capital Company (VCC)
| Expense item | Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| VCC incorporation | One-off | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| FSC licence (GBL + CIS) | Annual | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Management company | Annual | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Fund administrator | Annual | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Custodian | Annual | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Annual audit | Annual | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Total first year | 8,000 – 18,000+ | |
| Total following years | 5,000 – 10,000+ |
Summary cost comparison
| Structure | Incorporation (USD) | Annual (USD) | First year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC | 800 – 1,500 | 1,500 – 3,000 | 2,300 – 4,500 |
| GBC | 1,500 – 3,000 | 3,000 – 6,000 | 4,500 – 9,000 |
| PCC | 3,000 – 6,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 | 8,000 – 18,000 |
| VCC | 3,000 – 6,000 | 5,000 – 10,000 | 8,000 – 18,000 |
Factors affecting cost variation
Structure complexity
Simple structure (one shareholder, one activity): lower end of the range. Multiple shareholders, multi-tier structures or regulated activities (funds, insurance): higher end of the range with additional costs.
Volume of activity
Dormant or low-activity company: minimal accounting costs. Active company with numerous transactions: more expensive accounting and audit.
Choice of management company
Large management companies (Big 4 affiliates): premium rates. Mid-sized firms: good value for money. Beware of unusually low offers that mask hidden fees.
Regulated activities
Financial services, fund management, insurance: specific FSC licences, minimum capital, compliance officer, enhanced audit. Additional costs of USD 2,000 to 10,000+ per year.
Formation timelines
| Structure | Incorporation + Licence | Bank account | Total estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC | 1 – 2 weeks | 2 – 6 weeks | 3 – 6 weeks |
| GBC | 2 – 4 weeks | 2 – 6 weeks | 4 – 8 weeks |
| PCC | 4 – 8 weeks | 2 – 6 weeks | 6 – 12 weeks |
| VCC | 4 – 8 weeks | 2 – 6 weeks | 6 – 12 weeks |
Factors that speed up the process
- Complete KYC file and certified documents provided promptly (proof of address less than 3 months old)
- Clear, well-structured business plan with realistic projections
- Experienced management company with good relations with the FSC
- Standard structure (no regulated activity requiring a specific licence)
Factors that cause delays
- Missing, non-compliant or uncertified documents
- Beneficial owners in high-risk jurisdictions (countries under sanctions or on a grey list)
- Activity requiring special FSC approval or an additional licence
- Follow-up questions from the FSC on the business plan or structure
Hidden costs to anticipate
Beyond the standard fees, certain costs are often forgotten in the initial budget:
- Document certification: notary or lawyer fees to certify passports and supporting documents (USD 50-200 per document)
- Translations: if your documents are in a language other than English or French, sworn translations are required (USD 100-500 per document)
- Apostille: some documents require a Hague apostille (USD 50-150 per document)
- Bank fees: initial deposit (USD 500-5,000), account-keeping fees (USD 20-100/month), SWIFT transfer fees (USD 15-50 per transfer)
- Legal advice: lawyers' fees for specific questions or complex structures
- Tax advice: tax analysis in your country of residence (compatibility, CFC obligations, filing requirements)
- Insurance: professional civil liability, directors and officers (D&O) insurance
Budget tip: allow a margin of 15-20% above the ranges indicated to cover unforeseen costs (additional documents, processing delays, bank fees). A realistic budget avoids unpleasant surprises. Use our tax simulator to estimate your effective tax burden in Mauritius.
Budget optimisation
- Choose the right structure from the outset: converting an AC to a GBC later costs more than starting directly with a GBC (conversion fees + 4-8 week delay)
- Prepare a complete KYC file: back-and-forth over documents generates additional fees and delays
- Negotiate a package: many management companies offer all-inclusive packages (incorporation + licence + registered office + administration). See our outsourcing services to optimise your budget
- Compare several management companies: price differences can be significant (30-50%) for equivalent services
- Anticipate obligations: delaying the filing of audited accounts results in penalties from the FSC and the Registrar
The amounts shown are estimates based on market practices in 2026 and are provided for indicative purposes only. Actual costs may vary depending on the management company, the complexity of your structure and changes in regulatory fees. Request a personalised quote for a precise budget.