Can a foreigner 100% own a company in Mauritius?

Yes. Mauritius permits 100% foreign ownership of companies across most sectors. There are no restrictions on foreign shareholding for Global Business Companies or Authorised Companies, and most domestic sectors are equally open to full foreign ownership.

Is Mauritius on the FATF blacklist or EU blacklist?

Mauritius was removed from the FATF grey list in October 2021 and is not on the EU blacklist of non-cooperative jurisdictions. It is considered a well-regulated, OECD-compliant financial centre.

Do I need to be resident in Mauritius to incorporate a company or trust?

No. Non-residents can incorporate companies and establish trusts in Mauritius. However, a GBC requires at least two resident directors and must demonstrate local management and control to access double taxation treaty benefits.

What is the minimum share capital required to incorporate a company in Mauritius?

There is no statutory minimum share capital for most company types in Mauritius. A company can be incorporated with a nominal share capital, though banks and regulators may expect a commercially reasonable amount depending on the nature of the business.

How does a Mauritius trust protect assets?

A Mauritius trust legally separates assets from the settlor's personal estate, providing protection against future creditor claims, political risk, and forced heirship rules. The Trusts Act 2001 includes specific provisions for asset protection trusts with a two-year fraudulent transfer look-back period.

Can a Mauritius company hold property on the island?

Yes. A domestic company or a GBC can hold Mauritius real estate, subject to compliance with the Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act. Foreign-owned entities may acquire property through approved government schemes such as the Smart City Scheme or Property Development Scheme (PDS).

How do I choose between a GBC and an Authorised Company?

Choose a GBC if you need access to Mauritius's double taxation treaty network, plan to conduct substantive international business, or require a tax-resident structure. Choose an Authorised Company if your business operates entirely outside Mauritius, you want lower compliance costs, and DTA access is not a priority.

Incorporation of Companies and Trusts in M…

Incorporation of Companies and Trusts in Mauritius: The Complete Guide

Mauritius has established itself as one of the world's most respected international financial centres, offering a streamlined, transparent, and tax-efficient environment for the incorporation of companies and trusts. Whether you are a foreign investor, an entrepreneur relocating to the island, or a high-net-worth individual seeking robust asset protection structures, Mauritius provides a compelling legal and regulatory framework backed by a network of over 45 double taxation agreements (DTAs).

Why Choose Mauritius for Company and Trust Incorporation?

What Makes Mauritius a Leading Jurisdiction?

Mauritius sits at the intersection of Africa, Asia, and the Gulf, making it a strategically vital hub for cross-border investment. Several factors distinguish it from competing offshore jurisdictions:

Political and economic stability — Mauritius consistently ranks among Africa's top performers in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index.
Common law legal system — Derived from English law, providing familiarity and enforceability for international investors.
OECD-compliant regulation — The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Registrar of Companies enforce international standards, giving Mauritius a "white-listed" status.
Attractive tax regime — A flat corporate tax rate of 15%, with an 80% partial exemption available for qualifying Global Business Companies, effectively reducing the rate to 3%.
No capital gains tax — Profits on disposal of shares and assets are generally not subject to capital gains tax.
Double taxation treaty network — Over 45 DTAs, including with India, China, France, South Africa, and the UAE, make Mauritius a preferred conduit for international investment flows.

What Types of Companies Can Be Incorporated in Mauritius?

Global Business Company (GBC)

The Global Business Company is the most widely used structure for international investors and fund managers. A GBC must be managed and controlled from Mauritius and is eligible for treaty benefits under the DTA network. It requires at least two resident directors, a local registered agent, and a physical presence in Mauritius.

Key uses: Holding companies, investment funds, trading companies, IP holding, joint ventures.

Authorised Company (AC)

An Authorised Company is used by businesses whose activities are conducted entirely outside Mauritius. It is not tax resident in Mauritius and therefore not eligible for DTAs, but it benefits from minimal compliance requirements and low setup costs.

Key uses: International trading, consultancy, e-commerce businesses with no Mauritius-sourced income.

Domestic Company

A domestic company is incorporated under the Companies Act 2001 and is fully tax resident in Mauritius. It is ideal for businesses operating locally — including retail, hospitality, property development, and professional services.

Key uses: Local business operations, employment of staff, property ownership in Mauritius.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and Limited Partnership (LP)

Mauritius also allows the registration of LLPs and LPs, which are increasingly popular for private equity funds and joint ventures due to their flexible profit-sharing arrangements and pass-through tax treatment.

How Are Trusts Incorporated in Mauritius?

What Is a Mauritius Trust?

Trusts in Mauritius are governed by the Trusts Act 2001, which draws from both English common law and civil law traditions. A Mauritius trust is a fiduciary arrangement in which a settlor transfers assets to a trustee, who manages them for the benefit of named beneficiaries or for a specified purpose.

What Types of Trusts Are Available?

Discretionary Trust — The trustee has full discretion over the distribution of income and capital among beneficiaries. Widely used for family wealth planning and succession.
Fixed Interest Trust — Beneficiaries receive a defined share of income or capital as specified in the trust deed.
Purpose Trust — Established for a defined non-charitable purpose rather than for individual beneficiaries. Common in structured finance and commercial transactions.
Charitable Trust — Created for philanthropic objectives and may benefit from favourable tax treatment.
Protective Trust — Designed to protect assets from creditor claims, particularly useful for high-net-worth individuals in litigious environments.

Who Can Act as Trustee?

A trustee of a Mauritius trust must hold a Trust or Management Company Licence issued by the FSC. This ensures professional oversight and regulatory accountability. Settlors and beneficiaries may be non-residents, and the trust can hold assets globally.

What Is the Process for Incorporating a Company or Trust in Mauritius?

Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Engage a licensed Management Company — All GBCs, ACs, and trusts must be administered by an FSC-licensed management company. They act as your registered agent and handle compliance.
Name reservation — Submit your proposed company name to the Registrar of Companies for approval.
Prepare constitutional documents — Draft the constitution (articles of association), shareholder agreements, and trust deeds as applicable.
Submit incorporation application — File with the Registrar of Companies and, for GBCs and trusts, simultaneously with the FSC.
Open a corporate bank account — Mauritius has several reputable banks including MCB, SBM, and AfrAsia Bank that cater to international business clients.
Commence operations — Once incorporated and licensed, the entity may begin transacting.

How Long Does Incorporation Take?

Domestic Company: 1–3 business days
Authorised Company: 5–10 business days
Global Business Company: 10–15 business days (subject to FSC review)
Trust: 10–20 business days

What Are the Costs Involved?

Typical Fees and Annual Costs

Costs vary depending on the structure and the management company engaged, but as a general guide:

Structure	Approximate Setup Cost	Annual Maintenance
Domestic Company	USD 500–1,000	USD 500–1,500
Authorised Company	USD 1,000–2,000	USD 1,500–3,000
Global Business Company	USD 2,500–5,000	USD 3,000–8,000
Trust	USD 3,000–6,000	USD 4,000–10,000

Annual costs include registered agent fees, FSC licence fees, annual returns, and accounting/audit requirements.

Regulatory Bodies and Compliance Requirements

Who Regulates Companies and Trusts in Mauritius?

Registrar of Companies (ROC) — Oversees incorporation, annual filings, and statutory compliance for all companies.
Financial Services Commission (FSC) — Regulates GBCs, ACs, trusts, and management companies. Issues licences and enforces anti-money laundering (AML) obligations.
Bank of Mauritius — Supervises banking and financial institutions.

All entities must comply with the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act (FIAMLA), maintain proper books of accounts, and file annual returns. GBCs are additionally required to demonstrate economic substance in Mauritius.

Combining Business Incorporation with Relocation to Mauritius

Many entrepreneurs and investors who incorporate in Mauritius also choose to relocate personally, taking advantage of the Occupation Permit (OP) or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) schemes. Holding a GBC or domestic company can support an application for an Investor Permit, which grants the right to live and work in Mauritius.

For those making the move, securing the right property is a natural next step. Mauritius Life recommends exploring listings on Property Finder Mauritius to find villas, apartments, and commercial spaces suited to your lifestyle and business needs.

Incorporation of Companies and Trusts in Mauritius