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 conducted 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 review process, which assesses the business plan, directors' qualifications and project compliance. An Authorised Company is generally formed in 2 to 3 weeks. These timelines assume a complete file and successful KYC/AML checks. Bank account opening may require an additional 2 to 4 weeks depending on the institution chosen.

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

Mauritian legislation does not impose a 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 planned activity during the review process. In practice, it is recommended to provide an initial capital consistent with the business plan 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 ensure effective management and genuine substance on the territory.

The incorporation file generally includes: certified passport copies of all shareholders and directors, recent proof of address (less than 3 months old), bank references or letters of good standing, CVs of directors, a detailed business plan (mandatory for a GBC), and an organisational chart of the planned structure. Documents in languages other than English or French must be translated and certified. Sunibel Corporate Services supports you in assembling your file and verifies 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 conducting eligible activities benefit from an 80% exemption on certain income, bringing 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 fully compliant with international standards.

The partial exemption regime (Section 44B of the Income Tax Act) grants an 80% exemption on certain specific GBC income: dividends from foreign companies, interest income, royalties, financial services income, and capital gains on the disposal of foreign securities. To benefit, the company must meet economic substance conditions: be managed and controlled from Mauritius, employ qualified personnel locally, incur proportionate operational expenditure and take 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 is compliant with FATF standards (via ESAAMLG), OECD standards (automatic exchange of information via CRS and FATCA), and the Global Forum on Tax Transparency. Mauritius imposes an effective rate of 15% (reduced to 3% via partial exemption, subject to substance conditions), which is comparable to many European jurisdictions. The strict regulatory compliance of Mauritius 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 for benefiting 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 personnel. 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 a VAT rate of 15% on goods and services supplied within Mauritian territory. However, most GBCs and Authorised Companies conducting international activities are not concerned by VAT, as their services are provided outside Mauritius. Companies with 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 an FSC-issued licence and benefits from the partial exemption regime (effective rate of 3%) as well as access to the network of 46+ double taxation avoidance agreements 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 not requiring 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 over 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 allow for the reduction of withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties paid from signatory countries.

The Mauritian legislative framework was profoundly reformed in 2018-2019 to comply with OECD and EU requirements on harmful tax practices. The former GBC1 was replaced by the Global Business Company (GBC), with the replacement of the deemed foreign tax credit 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 (grandfather clause) until 30 June 2021. Any new incorporation now falls exclusively under the GBC / AC framework.

Economic substance refers to all elements demonstrating that a company carries out 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 personnel on the territory, incurring operational 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 salary of MUR 30,000/month) and Self-Employed (freelancers generating a minimum annual income of MUR 600,000). The application is submitted to the Economic Development Board (EDB) and processed in 2 to 4 weeks. The permit is valid for 10 years and renewable. Sunibel Corporate Services prepares the entire file and ensures follow-up with the EDB.

The investor permit (Occupation Permit - Investor category) requires an initial minimum investment of USD 50,000 (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 applicant must also present a viable business plan and demonstrate the ability to develop the activity locally. Certain sectors may benefit from specific conditions. Property investors via 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 case of disability). Dependants obtain a Residence Permit allowing them to reside in Mauritius for the duration of the main permit. The dependent spouse may also apply for their own Occupation Permit if they wish to work. Children can attend the island's international schools (French, British or IB system). The application for dependants is submitted simultaneously with or subsequent to the main application.

Yes. After 3 consecutive years of residence in Mauritius under an 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 10 years and renewable. Conditions include sufficient actual stay in Mauritius, compliance with tax obligations and a clean criminal record. Property investors in approved schemes (PDS, Smart City, IRS) for an amount exceeding USD 375,000 automatically obtain a residence permit. Mauritian citizenship may be applied for after continuous residence for a period determined by law.

Yes, both structures are particularly 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 preferred tool for asset protection, succession planning and confidentiality. The foundation, more familiar to investors from civil law traditions, offers a similar approach with its own legal personality. Mauritius, thanks to its hybrid legal framework (common law and civil law), allows both types of vehicle to be structured, offering rare flexibility for international wealth strategies.

The fundamental difference lies in legal personality. A trust does not have legal personality: the settlor transfers legal ownership of assets to the trustee, who holds and administers them in accordance with the trust deed, for the benefit of 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, objectives and recognition in their jurisdiction of residence.

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 trusts, while those from civil law traditions (France, Switzerland, Luxembourg) often turn to foundations. Objectives: the trust offers great flexibility and enhanced confidentiality, while the foundation, with its own legal personality, can contract in its own name and offers more structured governance. International recognition: certain jurisdictions more readily recognise one or the other structure. Governance: the foundation allows for a foundation council with operating rules similar to those of a company, which may be more intuitive. Sunibel Corporate Services supports you in this analysis to identify the structure best suited to your situation.

Mauritius offers a comprehensive range of investment fund structures regulated by the FSC. The Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) is the standard 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) allows the segregation of assets and liabilities between different cells within a single entity. Finally, the Expert Fund is reserved for qualified investors (minimum investment of USD 100,000) and benefits from an expedited 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 over 46 countries (including many African and Asian countries) allows for the optimisation of investment and disinvestment flows. The presence of qualified professionals (managers, administrators, auditors, lawyers) and the FSC regulatory framework, compliant with international standards, reinforce the jurisdiction's credibility. Mauritius has thus become a recognised gateway platform for investments in 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 standard company, the VCC can issue and redeem shares without capital reduction formalities, making it particularly 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 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 multiple 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, which 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 to optimise timelines.

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

The bank account opening file generally includes: the Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Good Standing of the company, the Constitution (articles of association), a Board Resolution authorising the account opening and designating signatories, KYC documents for 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, financial statements (if the company is already operating), and where applicable the FSC licence for GBCs. Some banks may request additional documents according to their internal policy. Sunibel Corporate Services provides you with a personalised checklist and verifies the file's compliance before submission to the bank.

The cost of living in Mauritius is generally 30 to 40% lower than in major European cities for most spending categories. 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, while imported European products are more expensive. Transport is inexpensive (petrol, taxis). Dining is very accessible for local cuisine. Domestic services (cleaning, gardening) are affordable. However, international schooling and private healthcare are significant items to include in the budget. A couple can live comfortably in Mauritius with 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 popular areas for foreigners are Grand Baie and Pereybere (north, nightlife and shops), Tamarin and Black River (west, natural setting), Flic-en-Flac (west, beaches), and Moka/Ebene (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 pool. PDS/Smart City scheme residences offer a higher standard but at higher rents. Searches can be conducted via local real estate agencies, specialised online platforms, or the expatriate network. Leases are generally signed for a minimum 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-speaking and international schooling options. The Lycee La Bourdonnais, accredited by AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad), offers the French curriculum from nursery to the final year and prepares for the French baccalaureate. It is located in Curepipe and welcomes a large community of French-speaking expatriates. Ecole du Nord (Mapou) and Ecole 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 English-language programmes. Tuition fees range from EUR 3,000 to 10,000 per year depending on the institution and level. Early enrolment is recommended as places are limited, particularly at the Lycee La Bourdonnais.