I
Mauritius

Mauritius

Company Formation in Mauritius

Mauritius

Formation Time
2–5 business days
Min. Capital
No minimum
Corporate Tax
15% headline (effective 3% for GBC)
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Mauritius is the premier gateway jurisdiction for investment into Africa and India, combining a competitive tax regime with one of the most extensive double taxation agreement (DTA) networks on the continent. The Global Business Company (GBC) — formerly Category 1 Global Business Licence — is the primary structure for international businesses, offering a headline 15% corporate tax rate with an effective rate as low as 3% through the deemed foreign tax credit mechanism (80% partial exemption on foreign-source income). Mauritius has signed 46 DTAs, with strategically important treaties covering India, China, South Africa, the UK, and numerous African nations. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) regulates international business, while the Bank of Mauritius oversees banking and monetary policy. Mauritius consistently ranks #1 in Africa on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, the World Bank's Doing Business Index (Africa), and the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index. The jurisdiction is bilingual (English and French), operates under a hybrid legal system (English common law for commercial matters, French civil code for certain areas), and has a stable democratic government since independence in 1968. Beyond holding and trading structures, Mauritius is developing as an Africa-focused fintech hub, a base for fund administration, and a centre for global outsourcing and ICT services. The Authorised Company (AC) — formerly Category 2 GBL — provides a lighter-touch structure for companies not requiring DTA access.

Effective 3% tax rate
46 DTAs — India, China, Africa
#1 in Africa governance
GBC structure
Africa/India gateway
Bilingual (EN/FR)

Why Choose Mauritius

1

15% headline tax — effective 3% through 80% deemed foreign tax credit

2

46 Double Taxation Agreements — including India, China, South Africa, UK

3

#1 in Africa for governance, ease of business, and economic freedom

4

Gateway to Africa's 1.4 billion consumer market and India

5

Global Business Company (GBC) — internationally respected structure

6

Bilingual jurisdiction (English and French) — ideal for Francophone Africa

7

FSC-regulated with FATF and OECD compliance

8

Stable democracy since 1968 — no political risk

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
Global Business Company (GBC)100%2 (at least 1 must be Mauritius-resident)No minimum (USD 1 common)15% headline; effective 3% via 80% deemed foreign tax credit on foreign incomeIndia/Africa investment holding, international trading, fund management, IP structuring
Authorised Company (AC)100%1No minimum0% (not eligible for DTA benefits)International trading with no need for treaty access, holding non-African assets
Global Business Limited Partnership100%N/ANoneTransparent — income taxed at partner levelPE funds targeting Africa/India, joint ventures
Protected Cell Company (PCC)100%2 (1 Mauritius-resident)Varies15% / effective 3% (GBC) or 0% (AC)Captive insurance, multi-class funds, platform structures

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

KYC & Due Diligence

1–2 days

Submit all identity, source of funds/wealth, and business documentation to Mauritius management company for AML clearance.

2

FSC Application (GBC)

2–5 days

Apply to the Financial Services Commission for a Global Business Licence. Include business plan, projected activities, and director details.

3

Incorporation

1 day

File incorporation documents with the Companies Division of the Registrar of Companies upon FSC approval. Certificate of Incorporation issued.

4

Post-Incorporation Setup

1–2 days (TRC: 1–2 weeks)

Appoint directors (including Mauritius-resident), issue shares, open statutory registers, obtain Tax Residence Certificate (TRC) for DTA access.

5

Bank Account Opening

2–4 weeks

Open corporate bank account with a Mauritius bank. Local banking is generally accessible for GBCs.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeUSD 350+
Our Service FeeUSD 3,500+
Annual RenewalUSD 2,800+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Mauritius has a developed banking sector with over 20 licensed banks. Corporate account opening for GBCs is well-established and generally smoother than in many other offshore jurisdictions, particularly when the company is managed by a reputable local management company. Several international banks have Mauritius subsidiaries.

Account Opening Time
2–4 weeks
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

SBM Bank (State Bank of Mauritius)MCB Group (Mauritius Commercial Bank)AfrAsia BankHSBC MauritiusBank One (partnership with Deutsche Bank)Absa Bank MauritiusStandard Chartered Mauritius

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
15% headline — effective 3% for GBCs via 80% partial exemption (deemed foreign tax credit) on foreign-source income
Personal Income Tax
15% flat rate
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
Capital Gains Tax
0% — no capital gains tax
Withholding Tax
0% on dividends paid to non-residents; 15% on interest and royalties (reduced by DTAs)
Double Tax Treaties
46 countries

The 80% deemed foreign tax credit reduces the effective rate on qualifying foreign-source income to 3%. To access DTA benefits, a GBC must obtain a Tax Residence Certificate (TRC) from the Mauritius Revenue Authority, demonstrating it is managed and controlled from Mauritius. The India-Mauritius DTA was amended in 2016 — capital gains on Indian shares are now taxable in India, but the treaty still provides benefits on dividends, interest, and royalties.

Visa & Residency

Occupation Permit (Investor)

10 years, renewable

For investors making a minimum USD 50,000 investment in a qualifying business

Occupation Permit (Professional)

10 years, renewable

For professionals earning a basic monthly salary of at least MUR 60,000 (USD ~1,300)

Premium Visa

1 year, renewable

For remote workers and retirees — live in Mauritius while working for a foreign employer

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 2–4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the effective 3% tax rate work for a Mauritius GBC?
A GBC pays 15% corporate tax on its taxable income but receives a deemed foreign tax credit equal to 80% of the Mauritius tax payable on foreign-source income. This reduces the effective rate to 3% (15% x 20% = 3%). The credit is automatic — no proof of actual foreign tax paid is needed. However, the company must meet substance requirements and demonstrate management and control from Mauritius.
Is the India-Mauritius tax treaty still beneficial?
The 2016 amendment to the India-Mauritius DTA means capital gains on Indian shares are now taxable in India at normal Indian rates. However, the treaty still provides significant benefits: reduced withholding on dividends (5–15%), interest (7.5%), and royalties. Mauritius also retains its value for investments into other Indian Ocean and African countries where its DTA network is unmatched.
What is the difference between a GBC and an Authorised Company (AC)?
A GBC is FSC-licensed, pays 15% tax (effective 3%), and can access Mauritius's 46 DTAs via a Tax Residence Certificate. An AC is lighter-touch, pays 0% tax, but cannot access DTAs and is not considered tax-resident in Mauritius. Choose GBC for India/Africa investment requiring treaty benefits; choose AC for international trading where DTA access is not needed.
Do I need a local director in Mauritius?
Yes, GBCs must have at least one director who is resident in Mauritius. This can be a nominee director provided by the licensed management company. The requirement ensures management and control is exercised from Mauritius, which is necessary for tax residency and DTA access.
Can I get a bank account in Mauritius?
Yes. Mauritius has a well-developed banking sector and GBCs are well-served. Banks such as AfrAsia, Bank One, SBM, and MCB are experienced with international structures. Account opening typically takes 2–4 weeks. Having a local management company significantly facilitates the process.
Is Mauritius suitable for investments into Africa?
Mauritius is the #1 gateway for investment into Africa. It has DTAs with numerous African countries (South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Madagascar, Uganda, Zambia, among others), is a member of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), and its bilingual English/French capability is ideal for serving both Anglophone and Francophone African markets.
What are the ongoing substance requirements?
A GBC must demonstrate that it is managed and controlled from Mauritius. This means: board meetings held in Mauritius (or with Mauritius-resident directors participating), maintaining a registered office with the management company, employing local qualified staff (for significant operations), and keeping accounting records in Mauritius. The management company typically assists with meeting these requirements.