Frequently Asked Questions

Mauritius offers several legal structures suited to international investors. The Global Business Company (GBC) holds a licence from the Financial Services Commission (FSC), ideal for international activities requiring access to the tax treaty network. The Authorised Company (AC) is registered in Mauritius but conducts its activities primarily outside the territory, without an FSC licence. The domestic company (Private/Public Company Limited by Shares) is suited to activities carried out locally on the Mauritian market. Finally, the Limited Partnership and the Foundation are used for specific wealth structures.

Timelines vary according to the type of structure. A domestic company can be incorporated in 3 to 5 business days with the Registrar of Companies. For a GBC, allow 4 to 6 weeks due to the FSC's review of the file, which assesses the business plan, the directors' qualifications and the project's compliance. An Authorised Company is generally formed in 2 to 3 weeks. These timelines assume a complete file and successful KYC/AML checks. Opening a bank account may require an additional 2 to 4 weeks depending on the institution chosen.

Yes, the entire incorporation process can be carried out remotely. The constitutional documents are prepared by Sunibel Corporate Services and can be signed electronically or certified in your country of residence. Dealings with the Registrar of Companies, the FSC and the tax authorities are handled entirely by our team. Only the opening of certain bank accounts may require travel or a video-conference interview, depending on the policy of the chosen bank.

Mauritian legislation imposes no minimum capital for most structures. A domestic company or an Authorised Company can be formed with a nominal capital (USD 1 or equivalent). For a GBC, although there is no strict legal threshold, the FSC assesses the adequacy of the capital relative to the intended activity when reviewing the file. In practice, it is advisable to provide for an initial capital consistent with the business plan in order to facilitate bank account opening and strengthen the credibility of the structure.

For a GBC, legislation requires at least two directors resident in Mauritius, at least one of whom must be qualified and approved by the FSC. Sunibel Corporate Services provides experienced professional directors to fulfil this obligation. For an Authorised Company, a resident director is also required. For a domestic company, at least one director must be a Mauritian tax resident. These obligations are intended to guarantee effective management and genuine substance on the territory.

The incorporation file generally includes: certified copies of passports of all shareholders and directors, recent proof of address (less than 3 months old), bank references or letters of good standing, the curriculum vitae of the directors, a detailed business plan (mandatory for a GBC), and an organisational chart of the intended structure. Documents in a language other than English or French must be translated and certified. Sunibel Corporate Services assists you in putting together your file and checks its compliance before submission.

The corporate tax rate in Mauritius is 15%, applicable uniformly to all structures (GBC, Authorised Company, domestic company). However, thanks to the partial exemption regime, GBCs carrying out eligible activities benefit from an 80% exemption on certain income, which brings the effective rate down to 3%. This competitive rate, combined with the network of double taxation avoidance agreements, positions Mauritius as a fiscally attractive jurisdiction that is fully compliant with international standards.

The partial exemption regime (Section 44B of the Income Tax Act) grants an 80% exemption on certain specific categories of GBC income: dividends from foreign companies, interest income, royalties, financial services income, and capital gains on the disposal of foreign securities. To benefit from it, the company must satisfy the economic substance conditions: be managed and controlled from Mauritius, employ qualified staff locally, incur proportionate operating expenditure and take its strategic decisions on the territory. This regime replaced the former deemed foreign tax credit system in 2019.

No. Mauritius is on the European Union whitelist of cooperative jurisdictions in tax matters. The country complies with the standards of the FATF (via ESAAMLG), the OECD (automatic exchange of information via CRS and FATCA), and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. Mauritius applies an effective rate of 15% (reduced to 3% via partial exemption, subject to substance conditions), which is comparable to many European jurisdictions. Mauritius's strict regulatory compliance is a major advantage for investors concerned about their reputation and the legal security of their structures.

The Tax Residence Certificate (TRC) is issued by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and attests to the company's tax residence in Mauritius. It is essential in order to benefit from double taxation avoidance agreements. To obtain it, the company must demonstrate that it is managed and controlled from Mauritius: holding board meetings on the territory, taking strategic decisions locally, maintaining Mauritian bank accounts and employing qualified staff. The application is renewed annually. Sunibel Corporate Services prepares and files the TRC application with the MRA as part of its administration services.

Yes, Mauritius applies VAT at a rate of 15% on goods and services supplied within Mauritian territory. However, most GBCs and Authorised Companies carrying out international activities are not affected by VAT, as their services are supplied outside Mauritius. Companies with an annual taxable turnover exceeding MUR 6 million must register for VAT with the MRA. Exports of services are generally zero-rated. Our accounting team advises you on your VAT obligations.

The Global Business Company (GBC) holds a licence issued by the FSC and can benefit, subject to meeting the economic substance conditions, from the partial exemption regime (effective rate that can fall to 3%) as well as access to the network of 45 double taxation avoidance agreements in force (MRA, 2026) signed by Mauritius (India, South Africa, France, United Kingdom, China, etc.). It is subject to strict economic substance and annual audit obligations. The Authorised Company (AC) is registered in Mauritius but conducts its activities primarily outside the territory, without an FSC licence. It is taxed at the full rate of 15% and does not benefit from tax treaties. The AC is suited to activities that do not require treaty optimisation, such as international trade, consulting or holding assets outside Mauritius.

Yes, this is one of the GBC's main strengths. Mauritius has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with more than 46 countries, covering Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Madagascar…), Asia (India, China, Thailand, Malaysia…), Europe (France, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Belgium…) and the Middle East (United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait…). To benefit from these treaties, the GBC must obtain a Tax Residence Certificate from the MRA, attesting to its effective tax residence in Mauritius. The treaties make it possible to reduce withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties paid from the signatory countries.

The Mauritian legislative framework was profoundly reformed in 2018-2019 in order to comply with OECD and EU requirements regarding harmful tax practices. The former GBC1 was replaced by the Global Business Company (GBC), with the deemed foreign tax credit replaced by the partial exemption regime and the introduction of enhanced economic substance requirements. The former GBC2 was replaced by the Authorised Company (AC). Existing structures benefited from transitional provisions (a grandfather clause) until 30 June 2021. Any new incorporation now falls exclusively under the GBC / AC framework.

Economic substance refers to all the elements demonstrating that a company carries on a genuine and effective activity from Mauritius, as opposed to mere domiciliation. The criteria assessed by the FSC include: holding board meetings in Mauritius, employing qualified staff on the territory, incurring operating expenditure proportionate to the activity, maintaining physical premises, and taking strategic decisions from Mauritius. Meeting these criteria is a sine qua non condition for obtaining the FSC licence, the Tax Residence Certificate and the benefit of partial exemption. Sunibel Corporate Services provides the infrastructure and human resources needed to satisfy these requirements.

The work permit (Occupation Permit – OP) allows foreign professionals to reside and work in Mauritius. There are three categories: Investor (for entrepreneurs setting up or acquiring a business), Professional (employees of Mauritian companies with a minimum basic salary of MUR 50,000/month, a single category) and Self-Employed (freelancers with an initial investment of USD 50,000 and a minimum business income of MUR 2 million/year from year 3). The application is submitted to the Economic Development Board (EDB) and processed within 2 to 4 weeks. The permit is valid for 10 years and renewable. Sunibel Corporate Services prepares the entire file and follows it up with the EDB.

The investor permit (Occupation Permit – Investor category) requires a minimum initial investment of USD 100,000 (or equivalent) in a Mauritian company. This investment must be transferred to a Mauritian bank account in the company's name and effectively deployed in the activity. The business must then generate a turnover of at least MUR 5 million per year from year 3, and MUR 8 million for renewal in year 5. The permit, valid for up to 10 years, is subject to a compliance review and may be revoked if these thresholds are not met. Certain sectors may benefit from specific conditions. Property investors via the IRS/RES/PDS/Smart City schemes benefit from a separate regime (automatic residence permit above USD 375,000 in property investment).

Yes. The holder of an Occupation Permit can include family members as dependants: spouse and children under 24 years of age (or with no age limit in the case of disability). Dependants obtain a Residence Permit allowing them to reside in Mauritius for the duration of validity of the main permit. The dependent spouse may also apply for their own Occupation Permit if they wish to work. Children can be enrolled in the island's international schools (French, British or IB system). The application for dependants is submitted simultaneously with, or after, the main application.

Yes. After 5 years of holding a qualifying permit (Occupation Permit or Residence Permit), it is possible to apply for permanent residency (Permanent Residence Permit – PRP) from the EDB. The PRP is valid for 20 years. For the investor route, a turnover of at least MUR 15 million per year over the 5 years (or MUR 75 million cumulatively) must be evidenced, or a direct investment of USD 375,000. For the professional route, a basic salary of at least MUR 400,000/month over the preceding 5 years is required. Property investors in approved schemes (PDS, Smart City, IRS) for an amount exceeding USD 375,000 obtain a residence permit linked to the property. Mauritian citizenship may be applied for after continuous residence for a period determined by law.

Yes, both structures are particularly well suited to wealth management and transfer. The trust comes from the common law tradition and allows the settlor to transfer assets to a trustee who administers them for the benefit of designated beneficiaries — it is a favoured tool for asset protection, succession planning and confidentiality. The foundation, more familiar to investors from a civil law tradition, offers a similar approach with its own legal personality. Mauritius, thanks to its hybrid legal framework (common law and civil law), makes it possible to structure both types of vehicle, offering rare flexibility for international wealth planning strategies.

The fundamental difference lies in legal personality. A trust has no legal personality: the settlor transfers legal ownership of the assets to the trustee, who holds and administers them in accordance with the trust deed, for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The trust is governed by the Trusts Act 2001 of Mauritius. A foundation, on the other hand, has its own legal personality, similar to a company but without shareholders. It is established by a founder, administered by a council, and may pursue objectives defined in its charter. It is governed by the Foundations Act 2012. The choice between the two depends on the investor's legal tradition, their objectives and recognition in their jurisdiction of residence.

The question of the recognition of a Mauritian trust in France is complex and requires a case-by-case analysis. France, a civil law jurisdiction, does not recognise the institution of the trust in its domestic law. However, since the Law of 29 July 2011, the French legislator has introduced a tax framework applicable to trusts (mandatory declarations, taxation of income and wealth). The 1985 Hague Convention on the recognition of trusts has not been ratified by France. In practice, a Mauritian trust will be recognised for tax purposes but its legal characterisation may vary. It is essential to have the situation analysed by an adviser specialising in private international law before any implementation, particularly in light of the bilateral agreements between Mauritius and France.

The choice between a trust and a foundation depends on several key factors. Legal tradition: investors from common law countries (United Kingdom, India, South Africa) are generally more familiar with the trust, while those from a civil law tradition (France, Switzerland, Luxembourg) often turn to the foundation. Objectives: the trust offers great flexibility and enhanced confidentiality, whereas the foundation, having legal personality, can contract in its own name and offers more structured governance. International recognition: certain jurisdictions recognise one or the other structure more readily. Governance: the foundation allows for a foundation council with operating rules similar to those of a company, which can be more intuitive. Sunibel Corporate Services assists you in this analysis to identify the structure best suited to your situation.

Mauritius offers a complete range of investment fund structures regulated by the FSC. The Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) is the classic vehicle for open-ended funds. The Closed-End Fund (CEF) is suited to private equity or long-term investment strategies. The Variable Capital Company (VCC) offers capital flexibility and the ability to create compartments (sub-funds). The Limited Partnership (LP) is the preferred structure for private equity and venture capital. The Protected Cell Company (PCC) makes it possible to segregate assets and liabilities between different cells within a single entity. Lastly, the Expert Fund is reserved for qualified investors (minimum stake of USD 100,000) and benefits from an accelerated FSC approval process.

Yes, Mauritius is a jurisdiction of choice for private equity funds, particularly those targeting Africa and Asia. The Limited Partnership (LP) structure, governed by the Limited Partnerships Act 2011, offers a legal framework familiar to international investors: limited liability for limited partners, contractual flexibility and tax transparency. The network of double taxation avoidance agreements with more than 46 countries (including many African and Asian countries) makes it possible to optimise investment and divestment flows. The presence of qualified professionals (managers, administrators, auditors, lawyers) and the FSC's regulatory framework, compliant with international standards, reinforce the credibility of the jurisdiction. Mauritius has thus become a recognised gateway platform for investments into sub-Saharan Africa and India.

The Variable Capital Company (VCC) is an investment structure introduced by the Companies Act and regulated by the FSC. Its main feature is the flexibility of its capital: unlike a classic company, the VCC can issue and redeem shares without capital reduction formalities, which makes it particularly well suited to investment funds. It allows the creation of compartments (sub-funds) within a single legal entity, each compartment having its own assets, liabilities, investors and investment strategy, while benefiting from a legal segregation of assets between compartments. The VCC thus combines the administrative simplicity of a single structure with the operational flexibility of independent compartments, making it an efficient vehicle for managers offering several investment strategies.

Yes, any company validly incorporated in Mauritius can open a bank account with a local or international bank present on the territory. Mauritius has a solid and diversified banking sector comprising local banks (MCB, SBM, AfrAsia Bank) and international institutions (HSBC, Standard Chartered, ABC Banking). The opening process involves thorough due diligence (KYC/AML) on the company, its shareholders and its beneficial owners. The standard timeframe is 4 to 8 weeks, and may vary depending on the complexity of the structure and the bank's compliance policy. Sunibel Corporate Services prepares the banking file and facilitates exchanges with the chosen institution in order to optimise timelines.

The time required to open a bank account in Mauritius ranges from 4 to 8 weeks as standard, for a simple structure with individual shareholders resident in low-risk jurisdictions. For more complex structures (multi-tier holdings, shareholders in high-risk jurisdictions, trusts or foundations), the timeframe can extend to up to 12 weeks owing to enhanced KYC/AML checks. Several factors influence the speed of the process: the completeness of the file from the moment of submission, the responsiveness of the parties to the bank's further requests, and the choice of institution (some banks have faster processes than others). Rigorous preparation of the file by Sunibel Corporate Services significantly reduces these timelines.

The bank account opening file generally includes: the company's Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Good Standing, its Constitution (articles of association), a Board Resolution authorising the account opening and designating signatories, the KYC documents of all shareholders and beneficial owners (certified passport, proof of address less than 3 months old, bank references), the business plan or a detailed description of the activity, the financial statements (if the company is already operating), and, where applicable, the FSC licence for GBCs. Certain banks may request additional documents according to their internal policy. Sunibel Corporate Services provides you with a personalised checklist and checks the compliance of the file before submission to the bank.

The cost of living in Mauritius is generally 30 to 40% lower than in major European cities for most categories of expenditure. Housing is the main item: a furnished 2-3 bedroom seaside apartment rents for between EUR 800 and 2,000/month depending on location and standard (Grand Baie, Tamarin, Flic-en-Flac). Food is affordable for local products, whereas imported European products are more expensive. Transport is inexpensive (petrol, taxis). Dining out is very affordable for local cuisine. Domestic services (housekeeping, gardening) are affordable. On the other hand, international schooling and private healthcare are significant items to plan for in the budget. A couple can live comfortably in Mauritius on a monthly budget of EUR 2,500 to 4,500 depending on lifestyle.

The Mauritian rental market is dynamic and offers a wide choice of accommodation for expatriates. The most sought-after areas among foreigners are Grand Baie and Pereybère (north, nightlife and shops), Tamarin and Rivière Noire (west, natural setting), Flic-en-Flac (west, beaches), and Moka/Ébène (centre, business district). Monthly prices vary considerably: from EUR 500 to 1,200 for a 2-bedroom apartment, and from EUR 1,500 to 4,000 for a villa with a pool. Residences in PDS/Smart City schemes offer a higher standard but at higher rents. The search can be conducted via local estate agencies, specialised online platforms, or the expatriate network. Leases are generally signed for a minimum term of 12 months with a security deposit of 2 to 3 months. Sunibel Corporate Services can direct you to trusted real estate partners.

Yes, Mauritius has several quality French-language and international schooling options. The Lycée La Bourdonnais, a school affiliated with the AEFE (Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger), offers the French curriculum from nursery school to the final year and prepares pupils for the French baccalauréat. It is located in Curepipe and welcomes a large community of French-speaking expatriates. The École du Nord (Mapou) and the École du Centre (Moka) are AEFE partner schools offering the French programme. For international curricula, Northfields International High School (British IGCSE/A-Level system), Clavis International Primary School and Lighthouse International School offer programmes in English. Tuition fees range from EUR 3,000 to 10,000 per year depending on the school and level. Early enrolment is recommended as places are limited, particularly at Lycée La Bourdonnais.