Overview of the Incorporation Process
Incorporating a company in Mauritius is a well-defined process managed by two key authorities: the Registrar of Companies (for company registration under the Companies Act 2001) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) (for licensing of Global Business Companies under the Financial Services Act 2007).
As an FSC-licensed Management Company, Sunibel Corporate Services handles the entire process on your behalf, from initial consultation through to operational launch. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Structure Selection
Every incorporation begins with a thorough assessment of your needs. During this phase, we:
- Analyse your business model, target markets, and revenue streams
- Evaluate whether a GBC or Authorised Company is more appropriate (see our comparison guide)
- Assess the tax implications and potential DTA benefits
- Recommend the optimal corporate structure, including holding chains if applicable
- Provide a detailed cost estimate and timeline
Step 2: Due Diligence and Documentation
Required Documents
All documents must be certified by a notary, lawyer, or certified public accountant. Non-English documents must be accompanied by certified translations.
For Each Shareholder, Director, and Beneficial Owner:
- Certified passport copy — Clear colour copy, certified by a notary or lawyer
- Proof of address — Utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months
- Curriculum vitae — Detailed professional CV
- Bank reference letter — From a recognised banking institution
- Source of funds declaration — Explanation and evidence of the origin of investment funds
For the Company:
- Business plan — Required for GBCs; should detail the proposed activities, target markets, and financial projections
- Proposed company name — Three choices in order of preference (subject to availability)
- Constitutional documents — Prepared by Sunibel based on your requirements
Step 3: Company Name Reservation
We submit your preferred company name to the Registrar of Companies for approval and reservation. The name must be unique and comply with naming requirements under the Companies Act 2001. Name reservation typically takes 1-2 business days.
Step 4: Company Registration
Once the name is approved and all documentation is complete, we file the incorporation documents with the Registrar of Companies:
- Application for incorporation
- Company constitution (articles of association)
- Consent of directors and secretary
- Registered office address declaration
- Share structure and shareholding details
The Registrar issues a Certificate of Incorporation, and the company receives its unique Business Registration Number (BRN).
Step 5: FSC Licence Application (GBC Only)
For a Global Business Company, the next step is applying to the FSC for a Global Business Licence. The application includes:
- Completed FSC application forms
- Business plan with financial projections
- Evidence of substance arrangements (resident directors, bank account, etc.)
- Full KYC/AML documentation package
- Payment of the FSC licence application fee
The FSC typically processes applications within 2-3 weeks, subject to the completeness and quality of the submission.
Step 6: Bank Account Opening
We assist with opening a corporate bank account with a Mauritius-based bank or an international banking institution. This process runs in parallel with or shortly after the FSC licence approval.
Step 7: Tax and Regulatory Registration
- Tax registration — Registration with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) for corporate income tax
- VAT registration — If applicable, registration for VAT
- Employee registration — If hiring local staff, registration with the National Pensions Fund and other social security bodies
- Sector-specific licences — Some activities may require additional licences from relevant authorities
Step 8: Operational Launch
Once all registrations are complete, your company is fully operational. Sunibel provides ongoing support including:
- Company secretarial services
- Annual compliance and filings
- Tax return preparation and submission
- Financial statement preparation and audit coordination
- Registered office and substance services
Timeline Summary
| Stage | AC Timeline | GBC Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Due diligence & documentation | 3–5 days | 5–10 days |
| Name reservation | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Company registration | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| FSC licence | N/A | 10–15 days |
| Bank account | 5–10 days | 5–10 days |
| Total | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
Ready to start the incorporation process? Sunibel Corporate Services manages the entire process from A to Z. Contact us for a free consultation and detailed cost estimate.