Starting a business in Mauritius is a relatively straightforward process. It is governed by the Companies Act 2001 and overseen by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the authority of the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD). All formalities can be completed online through the Companies and Business Registration Integrated System (CBRIS).
Investors can choose from a range of legal structures tailored to the size and nature of their project, from a standard limited liability company to a Protected Cell Company (PCC), or even a trust. The Mauritian legal framework, a hybrid of Common Law and a French-inspired Civil Code, ensures transparency, security, and flexibility.
The registration and incorporation of companies in Mauritius is carried out mainly through the CBRIS online platform, which centralizes administrative procedures and significantly reduces processing times.
Choosing the right business structure in Mauritius
Global Business Company (GBC)
The Global Business Company (GBC) is one of Mauritius' flagship vehicles for international operations. It is designed for businesses conducting most of their activities abroad while benefiting from Mauritian jurisdiction and double taxation treaties. GBCs must meet substance requirements (such as having a local office, resident employees, and resident directors). Recent reforms allow GBCs to be structured within more sophisticated frameworks, such as Protected Cell Companies (PCCs), to separate risks while maintaining tax advantages.
Authorised Company (AC)
An Authorised Company (AC) is intended for businesses whose activities and income are generated entirely overseas. Managed from abroad, it carries out no significant operations in Mauritius and is taxed in the jurisdiction where it earns its income. This structure is often used for holding companies or entities with no direct local operations.
Protected Cell Company (PCC)
The Protected Cell Company (PCC) combines a central core (non-cellular) with multiple individual cells, each with its own assets and liabilities. Legally, each cell is insulated from the risks of the others. Creditors of one cell cannot claim assets from another cell or from the non-cellular core, unless otherwise specified. Governed by the Protected Cell Companies Act 1999, PCCs are widely used for investment funds, insurance, or financing structures where risk separation is essential. No minimum capital is required, except for certain regulated activities.
Variable Capital Company (VCC)
Introduced under the VCC Act 2022, the Variable Capital Company (VCC) is a modern vehicle tailored to investment funds. It functions as an "umbrella" entity, housing multiple sub-funds or Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), each with distinct investment objectives. Assets and liabilities are automatically ring-fenced. A single Global Business Licence (GBL) may cover the entire VCC, simplifying operations. This structure is ideal for both traditional and alternative funds, combining flexibility, economies of scale, and internal asset protection.
Trust
A trust, regulated by the Trusts Act 2001, remains a cornerstone for asset management, protection, and succession planning. It offers confidentiality, flexibility, and safeguards against risks such as creditor claims or taxation. Trusts are not subject to public registration, though reporting obligations may apply.
Private Trust Company (PTC)
A Private Trust Company (PTC) is often chosen by families to act as trustee in managing family wealth. It allows for greater control over asset management while operating within a secure legal framework.
Foundation
Established under the Foundation Act 2012, a foundation sits between a trust and a company. It is commonly used for estate planning, asset holding, or private wealth management. Non-resident foundations may qualify for tax exemptions under specific conditions.
Fund/Collective Investment Vehicle
Investment funds, whether open-ended or closed-ended, are a cornerstone of Mauritius' financial ecosystem. They can be structured through GBCs, PCCs, or VCCs, depending on the investment strategy and regulatory needs.
Trading company
A standard trading company benefits from Mauritius' strategic location, serving as a gateway for goods and services between Africa and Asia. It enjoys a favorable fiscal and logistical environment.
Freeport company
A freeport company operates within Mauritius' free trade zone. It takes advantage of export processing facilities, with 95% of products destined for international markets (80% to Africa and 5% to the local market). These companies focus on repackaging, logistics, and export operations.
Regulatory Sandbox License (RSL)
The Regulatory Sandbox License (RSL) allows innovative companies in under-regulated sectors to test their business models under a special framework. Issued by the investment authority, the RSL requires proof of innovation (e.g., in fintech or emerging technologies) and is granted under time-limited conditions to safeguard stakeholders.
Good to know:
The Finance Act 2025 does not alter company categories but aligns Mauritius with international standards (OECD, Pillar 2) while strengthening oversight by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
Registering and incorporating a business in Mauritius
Anyone carrying out commercial activity in Mauritius or Rodrigues must register their business in line with the Business Registration Act 2002.
Business registration can be done in two ways:
- Online through the official Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) platform.
- In person, by submitting the required forms directly at the counter.
Online registration is completed through the CBRIS portal (Companies and Business Registration Integrated System). Once the form is submitted and fees are paid, the entrepreneur receives an electronic Business Registration Card (BRC), which serves as proof of registration. Forms can also be downloaded directly from the website.
Main steps in registration
- The first step is to verify and reserve the company name with the Registrar of Companies. This ensures that the name is available and complies with local regulations.
- The company's Constitution (statutes) must be drafted and filed, unless the founder opts for the model Constitution provided by law. This document sets out internal rules, governance, and shareholder rights.
- The incorporation application must include the Constitution (or standard version), the list of directors and shareholders, the registered office address in Mauritius, identity documents and KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance documents.
- Once approved, the company is issued a Certificate of Incorporation.
- After incorporation, the company must register with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) to obtain a Tax Account Number (TAN) and, if required, a VAT Registration Number. Depending on the nature of its activity, the company may also need specific licenses or permits from the relevant authorities (for instance, the Financial Services Commission – FSC for financial activities).
Timeframes and costs
- The standard incorporation process usually takes 2–3 business days, provided all documents are in order.
- Fees vary depending on the company type: A standard domestic company costs around Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 to incorporate. Structures such as GBCs or VCCs incur higher costs due to regulatory and supervisory fees under the FSC.
Taxation and reporting obligations for businesses in Mauritius
- Corporate tax: The standard rate is 15%, with preferential regimes available for certain strategic sectors (e.g., renewable energy, R&D, pharmaceutical industries).
- Substance requirements: Internationally oriented entities (such as GBCs and VCCs) must demonstrate real presence in Mauritius, including a local office, resident directors, resident employee(s), and minimum annual operational expenses of Rs 1.5–2 million, depending on the activity.
- Annual filings: Every company must file an Annual Return with the ROC, a tax return with the MRA, and, in some cases, audited financial statements.
- AML/CFT compliance: Foreign investors must provide bank references and identification documents in line with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.
Useful links:
Registrar of Companies / Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD)
Download official forms - F1 – Incorporation Application, F7 – Director's Consent, F8 – Secretary's Certificate
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