The Different Types of Companies in Mauritius: Complete & Updated Guide for 2026

January 22, 2026

Introduction and context

Mauritius offers a sophisticated legal and tax framework that enables international investors and entrepreneurs to structure their activities through different company types suited to a wide range of commercial objectives.

Recognised as an investment platform strategically positioned between Africa and Asia, Mauritius provides a comprehensive range of corporate vehicles—from Global Business Companies to specialised structures used in financial services—each with distinct tax attributes and access to double taxation agreements with 46 countries (subject to eligibility).

This guide sets out the core features, comparative advantages, and strategic uses of each company type available in this leading jurisdiction, helping decision-makers identify the most suitable structure for international expansion, tax planning, and wealth management.

The information provided is indicative and depends on (among other things) the investor’s eligibility, demonstrated economic substance, a tax residence certificate where relevant, and the specifics of each case.

Table of contents

1. Overview of the Mauritian legal framework
2. Global Business Company (GBC) – Category 1
3. Domestic Company – Resident company
4. Authorised Company – Authorised company
5. Companies specialised in financial services
6. Investment fund structures
7. Limited liability companies and partnerships
8. Structure comparison and strategic selection
9. FAQ – Frequently asked questions
10. Key takeaways

Quick answer box

What are the main types of companies in Mauritius?

Key legal structures include the Global Business Company (GBC) for international operations (base corporate tax rate 15%, plus a 2% Corporate Climate Responsibility Levy on chargeable income for entities with annual turnover above MUR 50 million), the Domestic Company for local activities, and the Authorised Company for certain non-resident structures—alongside specialised vehicles including investment funds, management companies, and regulated banking/financial entities supervised by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Does a GBC benefit from tax treaties?

Yes—where the GBC meets tax residence (TRC) and substance requirements, it may access Mauritius’ tax treaty network depending on the specific situation. Treaty status should be verified at the time of structuring using official sources (e.g., the Mauritius Revenue Authority).

How long does it take to incorporate a Mauritian company?

Registration typically takes 1–2 business days. For a standard GBC (non-regulated financial services), the Global Business Licence can take an additional 5–12 business days once complete documentation is filed; regulated financial structures typically require 4–12 weeks depending on complexity and approvals.

Overview of the Mauritian legal framework

Mauritius operates a hybrid legal system combining French civil law for property and succession matters with British common law for commercial and corporate matters—creating a sophisticated regulatory environment supportive of international business.

The Companies Act 2001 (regularly amended) is the main legislative framework governing incorporation, administration, and dissolution of company categories in Mauritius.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) supervises non-bank financial services entities, ensuring alignment with international standards, including those of the FATF and the OECD.

Mauritius’ tax framework is known for transparency and competitiveness. It combines a territorial tax approach with attractive rates and no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents, positioning the jurisdiction as a gateway for investment into Sub-Saharan Africa and emerging Asian markets.

Reforms initiated in 2019 strengthened economic substance requirements while preserving the jurisdiction’s attractiveness for legitimate institutional investors and multinational structures.

Core principles of corporate law

Mauritian company law is built on key principles including: separate legal personality, limited liability of shareholders, transferability of shares (subject to constitutional restrictions), and transparency obligations on beneficial ownership in line with global AML/CFT standards.

Global Business Company (GBC)

The Global Business Company (formerly “GBC1” prior to the 2019 reform) is the preferred corporate vehicle for international investors structuring cross-border operations, investment holding structures, or international trading activities from Mauritius.

It is taxed at a base corporate income tax rate of 15% on chargeable income, plus a 2% Corporate Climate Responsibility (CCR) Levy on chargeable income for entities whose annual turnover exceeds MUR 50 million (approx. USD 1.1 million), and may access Mauritius’ tax treaty network subject to eligibility and adequate substance.

A GBC must demonstrate sufficient economic substance in Mauritius. Requirements include (among others) at least two Mauritius-resident directors (natural persons) who actively participate in board meetings held in Mauritius on a regular, documented basis.

Compliance obligations include maintaining accounting records in Mauritius (IFRS or equivalent), annual audit by Mauritius-based approved auditors, keeping the main bank account in Mauritius, filing tax returns and annual reports within statutory deadlines, and ensuring that core income generating activities are conducted in or from Mauritius with proportionate local expenditure.

Strategic advantages of a GBC

GBCs may offer differentiated benefits such as: no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-resident shareholders, exemption on capital gains for non-residents, and free repatriation of profits and capital without exchange controls—subject to eligibility and regulatory compliance.

The tax treaty network can reduce withholding taxes in source countries (often 5–15% on dividends and 0–10% on interest/royalties depending on the treaty) where TRC and substance requirements are met.

A GBC may also benefit from a Partial Exemption Regime (PER) that can reduce the effective tax burden by up to 80% on certain qualifying income (indicatively resulting in an effective rate around 3% on the exempted portion), plus any applicable CCR Levy—subject to eligibility and substance.

Incorporation and compliance requirements

A GBC requires at minimum one shareholder and two Mauritius-resident directors. Minimum share capital is typically nominal (often USD 1 or equivalent). The company must maintain a licensed registered agent (a Management Company) and a registered office in Mauritius.

Domestic Company (Resident company)

Domestic Companies, incorporated under the Companies Act 2001 to conduct operations mainly in Mauritius, are the standard structure for local businesses (retail, manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, and professional services serving the domestic market).

They are subject to the standard resident tax regime: 15% corporate tax, plus the 2% CCR Levy on chargeable income for companies with turnover above MUR 50 million, while potentially benefiting from sector incentives and tax credits supporting priority industries (renewables, agro-processing, ICT, etc.).

Domestic Companies must keep complete accounting records, undergo mandatory annual audits above certain revenue/asset thresholds, and file annual returns with the Registrar of Companies. They must also maintain registers of shareholders, directors/secretaries, and beneficial owners accessible to competent authorities under AML transparency rules.

Sectors and incentives

Domestic Companies operate across Mauritius’ economy and may access targeted tax incentives for designated economic zones, high-tech projects, and green economy initiatives (accelerated deductions, investment credits, or temporary exemptions) depending on statutory criteria.

Authorised Company (AC)

An Authorised Company (AC) is a private company incorporated under the Companies Act 2001 and authorised by the FSC. It is designed for businesses whose commercial activities are conducted mainly outside Mauritius, and whose central management and control are located outside Mauritius.

Eligibility criteria

• Incorporated under the Mauritian Companies Act
• Majority ownership/voting rights/beneficial interests held by non-Mauritian citizens
• Commercial activities conducted mainly outside Mauritius
• Central management and control located outside Mauritius
• Must have a registered agent in Mauritius (a licensed Management Company)

Tax regime

The AC is treated as non-resident for tax purposes. It is not taxed on foreign-source income, but remains taxable on any Mauritius-source income. An annual tax return must be filed with the MRA within six months of the financial year end.

Important: An AC cannot benefit from Mauritius’ double taxation treaties.

Main restrictions

Prohibited activities include: banking services, financial services, investment funds, and nominee services. Other restrictions include a prohibition on holding real estate in Mauritius or employing Mauritius residents.

Key characteristics

• No minimum capital requirement
• Corporate directors permitted
• Bearer shares prohibited
• Annual filing of a financial summary with the FSC

Companies specialised in financial services

Mauritius hosts a broad range of FSC-regulated financial services entities, including banks, insurers, asset management companies, bureaux de change, securities brokers, and fintech entities (digital payments and blockchain). These activities require specific licences and robust governance, internal controls, and qualified leadership.

Management Companies and corporate service providers

Management Companies (such as Renesis Financial Services) licensed by the FSC provide essential corporate administration, company secretarial, domiciliation, and regulatory compliance services to GBCs and other international structures. They must maintain high standards of due diligence, KYC, and suspicious transaction reporting under AML/CFT obligations.

Banking and insurance institutions

The banking sector includes domestic banks, subsidiaries of international banking groups, and offshore banks specialised in private banking and structured finance. The Bank of Mauritius supervises banks using prudential ratios aligned with Basel III standards. The insurance sector includes life/general insurance and captive insurance solutions for multinational groups, subject to eligibility and regulatory compliance.

Investment fund structures

Mauritius is positioned as a leading jurisdiction for the domiciliation of investment funds targeting African and Asian markets, with a sophisticated, proportionate framework distinguishing between public funds and professional/institutional funds.

Fund legislation allows vehicles structured as companies, trusts, or limited partnerships, each with distinct legal and tax features.

Fund categories and regulatory regimes

Mauritian funds fall into several categories, including:

• Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) for public investors (full regulation)
• Professional CIS for sophisticated investors (minimum investment requirements)
• Expert Funds for institutional investors (lighter regulation)
• Closed-End Funds for private equity, venture capital, or commercial real estate strategies (long holding periods)

The applicable tax regime depends on the structure and strategy. Funds structured as GBCs generally benefit from the 15% base rate (plus CCR Levy where applicable) and potential treaty access subject to TRC and substance; other funds may opt for tax-transparent treatment where taxation occurs at investor level rather than fund level.

Fund services ecosystem

The Mauritian funds ecosystem includes fund administrators, custodians, investment managers, specialist auditors, and legal/tax advisers with deep cross-border structuring expertise, supported by modern infrastructure and a multilingual workforce.

Limited liability companies and partnerships

In addition to traditional companies limited by shares, Mauritius law allows the formation of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Limited Partnerships (LPs), offering additional structural flexibility for certain investments and commercial operations.

LPs—popular for private equity funds and joint ventures—combine general partners (management and unlimited liability) with limited partners (liability limited to their contributions).

Strategic characteristics and uses

LPs allow flexible profit/loss allocation according to the partnership agreement, independent of contributed capital proportions. Optional tax transparency (where the partnership itself is not taxed and income is attributed to partners) can generate efficiencies for partners across multiple jurisdictions, subject to eligibility and compliance. These vehicles are used for infrastructure project finance, commercial real estate, natural resources, and technology ventures where contractual flexibility is critical.

Structure comparison and strategic selection

Choosing the optimal Mauritian structure depends on business objectives, the nature of planned activities, the geography of operations and investments, and the profile and tax residence of shareholders/investors.

A rigorous comparison across legal, tax, regulatory, and operational dimensions helps identify the configuration that maximises advantages while ensuring full compliance with legal requirements and international substance and tax-transparency standards.

Comparative table (translated)

• Global Business Company: 15% on chargeable income + 2% CCR Levy (if turnover > MUR 50m); potential effective 17% (or ~3–5% with 80% PER); treaty access yes (with TRC and substance); substance: two resident directors, local meetings, CIGA in Mauritius; uses: international holdings, cross-border trading, IP.
• Domestic Company: 15% + 2% CCR Levy; potential effective 17%; treaty access possible (if tax resident / TRC where applicable); substance: local operations; uses: local trade, manufacturing, domestic services.
• Authorised Company: 0% on foreign income (non-resident) / 15% only on Mauritius-source income (+ CCR if applicable); effective 0% foreign / 15–17% Mauritius-source; treaty access no; requirements: licensed Management Company in Mauritius, management/control outside Mauritius, no resident directors required; uses: international trading, private asset holding, international consulting, SPV.
• Investment funds: variable (0–15%) depending on structure; treaty/substance depends on category and TRC; uses: private equity, hedge funds, real estate.
• Limited Partnership: transparent or 15% depending on option; variable effective rate; treaty/substance varies by option/structure; uses: joint ventures, funds, special projects.

Note: Effective rates are indicative and depend on eligibility (PER, substance, TRC, etc.). CCR Levy applies on chargeable income for entities above the MUR 50m turnover threshold.

Strategic decision factors

Institutional investors and multinational groups typically assess: global tax optimisation across dividend/interest/royalty flows, asset protection against political/legal/credit risk, confidentiality (within regulatory transparency rules), and the credibility/reputation of the structure with banks, regulators, and commercial partners.

Risks, limits, and points of attention (read before deciding)

• Tax benefits are not automatic: treaty access, partial exemptions, and certain treatments depend on eligibility criteria and may be refused by authorities.
• Economic substance and governance requirements must be real and documented; insufficient substance may trigger regulatory/tax consequences.
• Banking/KYC risks: bank account opening/maintenance may require enhanced checks (KYC/Source of Funds/Source of Wealth) and timelines can vary; a structure may be declined by a bank depending on risk profile.
• Regulatory and tax changes: laws, rates, thresholds, international lists, substance conditions, and administrative practices can evolve; information must be re-verified at implementation date.
• Sector specifics: regulated activities (management, funds, finance, insurance, etc.) require specific licences and authorisations; timelines/costs/requirements vary significantly.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions (selected)

What are the incorporation timelines for a GBC in Mauritius?

Initial registration via the Registrar of Companies (CBRIS) generally takes 1–2 business days once complete documentation is submitted. The Global Business Licence for a standard non-financial-services GBC typically takes an additional 5–10 business days. Regulated financial services structures usually take 4–12 weeks depending on complexity and approvals.

Can GBCs open bank accounts easily?

GBCs with appropriate substance and a legitimate, well-documented activity profile can generally open accounts with Mauritian or international institutions, though due diligence has become more stringent (beneficial owner documentation, source of funds/wealth, operational rationale, proof of substance, and TRC where treaty use is intended).

Is Mauritius on international “non-cooperative” lists?

Mauritius was removed from the FATF grey list on 21 October 2021 and from the EU list of high-risk third countries for AML on 7 January 2022, following reforms strengthening transparency, AML measures, and substance requirements.

Can company profits be freely repatriated?

GBCs and Authorised Companies can generally repatriate profits, dividends, and capital abroad without exchange controls, though banks may require documentation supporting the nature and origin of funds under AML/KYC obligations.

What is the impact of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Levy?

The CCR Levy (introduced by the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024, effective 1 July 2024) applies an additional 2% on chargeable income for companies with annual turnover above MUR 50 million, including GBCs and Domestic Companies. This may bring the standard effective rate to 17% for entities without partial exemptions; entities benefiting from PER may see lower effective rates depending on eligibility.

Key takeaways

• Mauritius offers a broad range of corporate structures—from GBCs for cross-border operations to Domestic Companies for local business—subject to eligibility and regulatory compliance.
• Corporate tax is based on a 15% base rate, with a 2% CCR Levy for entities above MUR 50m turnover (indicatively producing 17% effective, or lower where partial exemptions apply).
• Treaty access typically requires a TRC and demonstrable substance; treaties and applicable rates must be verified case by case.
• Substance requirements for GBCs are strict (e.g., two resident directors, local board meetings, main bank account, local accounting records and audit, and CIGA conducted in/from Mauritius with proportionate local expenditure).
• Authorised Companies do not have treaty access because they are not tax resident in Mauritius and are taxed only on Mauritius-source income.
• Timelines are generally efficient: 1–2 days for CBRIS registration, plus 5–10 days for a standard Global Business Licence (longer for regulated activities).

Conclusion

Mauritius has established itself as a jurisdiction of choice for structuring international investments and cross-border operations, offering a sophisticated legal framework, competitive taxation, and a regulatory environment aligned with demanding international standards on transparency and economic substance.

The diversity of available structures—from GBCs to specialised financial services and investment fund vehicles—enables institutional investors and entrepreneurs to design solutions aligned with their strategic objectives, provided they meet substance requirements, obtain the appropriate tax certifications, and demonstrate genuine operational presence.

Tax advantages presented (potential effective rates and treaty access) are indicative and depend on eligibility (partial exemptions, substance, TRC) and the investor’s circumstances and compliance.

Disclaimer and transparency

Regulatory, tax, and substance requirements may change and must be verified with competent authorities and qualified professional advisers before any structuring decision. This document is provided for general information and aims to present elements factually, fairly, and without misleading statements. Readers should conduct their own checks using official sources and/or obtain professional advice before making decisions. The FSC has not reviewed, approved, or validated this document, and nothing above should be interpreted as an FSC recommendation, certification, or endorsement.

About the author: This guide was prepared by specialised professionals with deep expertise in offshore jurisdictions and sophisticated investment structures for institutional investors and multinational groups operating across African and Asian emerging markets, with up-to-date knowledge of Mauritius’ 2024–2026 reforms and compliance requirements.

Publisher / Editor (transparency): Published by Renesis Financial Services (address in Saint Pierre, Moka, Mauritius). Management Company licence issued by the FSC Mauritius – Licence No. MC12000147. Contact: contact@renesis.mu; +230 490 9736.