Mauritius is a highly regarded jurisdiction for international business due to its strong regulatory framework, strategic location, and attractive tax regime. The process is generally efficient and encourages 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do business in Mauritius:
1. Determine Your Business Structure
Foreign investors have several options, depending on whether the company will operate locally or internationally:
| Structure | Primary Use | Key Feature |
| Domestic Company | Operating within Mauritius (providing services to Mauritian residents). | 100% foreign ownership is allowed. |
| Global Business Company (GBC) | Conducting international business (e.g., investment, finance, holding). | Must meet substance requirements (e.g., minimum two resident directors, local operations) to benefit from the tax treaty network. Licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). |
| Authorised Company (AC) | Managing non-Mauritius operations and deemed non-resident for tax purposes. | Ideal for international trading, holding assets outside Mauritius. Administered from outside Mauritius. |
| One-Person Company | Allows a single director/shareholder. | Suitable for sole entrepreneurs. |
2. Prepare for Incorporation
- Reserve a Company Name: Check the availability and reserve your preferred name through the Corporate and Business Registration Integrated System (CBRIS) online portal.
- Determine Residency/Permits: As a foreign entrepreneur, you will need a legal right to work and reside. Common options are the Occupation Permit (for investors, professionals, or self-employed individuals with specific income/investment thresholds) or a Premium Visa (for digital nomads/remote workers).
- Investor Permit: Requires an initial investment (e.g., around USD 50,000 for a qualifying business).
3. Register Your Company
The incorporation process is largely managed by the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD). For GBCs and ACs, you must work with a Management Company (MC) licensed by the FSC.
The Process:
- Prepare Documents: This typically includes:
- Application for Incorporation (Form 1).
- The company’s Constitution (bylaws).
- Consent Forms (for director(s), shareholder(s), and secretary, if applicable).
- Details and due diligence (passport copies, proof of address) for all directors and shareholders.
- A detailed Business Plan (often required for GBCs, bank accounts, and Occupation Permits).
- Submit and Pay: Submit the forms and documents online via the CBRIS system or in person at the CBRD.
- Receive Registration: Upon approval, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation and a Business Registration Card (BRC). This process can be very fast, often within a few working days.
4. Obtain Licenses and Register for Tax
- Industry Licenses: Depending on your activity, you will need specific licenses or permits.
- Trade Fee/Local Permits: Required for physically operating a business (e.g., retail, restaurants).
- FSC License: Mandatory for financial services, investment funds, or Global Business Companies (GBCs).
- Regulated Activities: Certain sectors (like broadcasting, sugar production, real estate acquisition) have foreign ownership limits or special conditions.
- Tax Registration: The company is automatically registered as an employer with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) upon incorporation. You must also register for:
- Corporate Income Tax (CIT): The standard rate is 15%, but certain activities, like global trading, can qualify for an effective tax rate as low as 3% by utilizing Partial Exemption regimes.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds the threshold (currently MUR 6 million).
5. Post-Incorporation and Compliance
- Open a Corporate Bank Account: You will need to open a corporate bank account with a local or international bank in Mauritius. Banks will require your Certificate of Incorporation, BRC, a business plan, and due diligence documents.
- Compliance: All companies must file annual returns and financial statements. GBCs have stricter substance requirements (local directors, local bank account, accounting records) to maintain their license and tax status.
- Tax Treaties: Mauritius has an extensive network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with over 45 countries, which is a major draw for international structuring.
Recommendation: Given the importance of selecting the correct corporate structure and complying with the substance requirements for tax benefits, it is strongly advised to engage a local Management Company or professional legal/corporate service provider in Mauritius. They can streamline the incorporation, licensing, and compliance processes.