Foundation Administration in Mauritius
Ongoing administration for Mauritius foundations — council management, statutory compliance, record-keeping and reporting — ensuring your foundation operates effectively and remains in good standing.
A Mauritius foundation requires active, professional administration to fulfil its legal obligations under the Foundations Act 2012, maintain its good standing with the Registrar of Foundations and the Financial Services Commission, and give effect to the founder's objectives. Proper administration encompasses the management of council meetings, maintenance of accurate foundation records, preparation of annual accounts, completion of regulatory filings, and ongoing KYC maintenance for all relevant parties. Poor administration not only creates regulatory risk but can undermine the validity and effectiveness of the foundation as a structuring vehicle. Our team provides a complete secretarial, administrative and compliance service for Mauritius foundations — whether established for wealth preservation, succession planning, philanthropic purposes or as an alternative to trust structures. We act as qualified secretary, maintain the statutory registers, file annual returns and manage all interaction with the Registrar of Foundations, the FSC and the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
What foundation administration includes
Secretarial services
Every Mauritius foundation must have a qualified secretary. We provide the secretary function, maintaining the foundation's statutory records, preparing and filing required documents with the Registrar and ensuring the foundation's compliance calendar is met at all times. The secretary is responsible for maintaining the foundation's registered office, its registers of council members and beneficiaries, and all correspondence with the Registrar.
Council meetings and minutes
We prepare agendas for council meetings, attend or facilitate meetings, draft formal minutes recording decisions made and resolutions passed. All decisions are documented and retained on the foundation file. Where permitted by the charter, we can facilitate meetings by electronic means for councils with internationally dispersed members.
Annual accounts
We prepare or co-ordinate the preparation of the foundation's annual accounts, reconciling the foundation's assets, income and distributions. These are presented to the council and retained on the foundation file in accordance with the Act. Where an audit is required (by the charter or applicable regulation), we co-ordinate with the appointed auditors.
Regulatory filings
Annual returns and any other required filings are prepared and submitted to the Registrar of Foundations and, where applicable, the FSC. Renewal of any licences or authorisations is managed proactively. We track all filing deadlines and issue advance reminders to ensure no deadline is missed.
KYC maintenance
We maintain up-to-date KYC records for the founder, council members and beneficiaries, conducting periodic reviews and requesting updated documentation as required by AML/CFT regulations. KYC is reviewed at least annually and following any change in the identity of principals or beneficial owners.
Distribution processing
Distributions to beneficiaries are processed in accordance with the foundation charter and council resolutions. We prepare distribution letters, maintain distribution records and ensure that each distribution is properly authorised and documented. International wire transfers are co-ordinated through the foundation's bank, with full documentation maintained on the foundation file.
CRS and FATCA compliance
Where the foundation is a Reporting Financial Institution for CRS or FATCA purposes, we prepare and file the required annual reports with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) in accordance with applicable regulations. We assess the foundation's classification under CRS and FATCA at establishment and advise on any changes in classification resulting from changes in the foundation's activities or beneficiary composition.
Annual administration cycle
Annual council meeting
We organise and facilitate the annual council meeting, at which the accounts are reviewed, key decisions recorded and any required resolutions passed. We prepare the agenda, circulate relevant papers to council members in advance and draft formal minutes recording all decisions. For foundations with internationally dispersed councils, we facilitate meetings by video conference with appropriate documentation.
Annual accounts preparation
Foundation accounts are prepared, reconciling all asset movements, income and distributions during the year. We gather statements from all custodians and banks, reconcile them against the foundation's internal records and produce draft accounts for council review. Where an external accountant or auditor is required, we co-ordinate the process and provide all supporting documentation.
Regulatory filings
Annual return filed with the Registrar of Foundations. CRS/FATCA reports filed with the MRA where applicable — targeted for completion before 30 June in line with MRA deadlines. Any FSC licence renewals or authorisation renewals completed before expiry. We monitor all filing deadlines and act proactively to ensure nothing is missed.
KYC review
Periodic review of KYC files for all parties — founder, council members and beneficiaries. Updated documentation requested where required by AML/CFT regulations or where the risk profile of any principal has changed. We issue KYC renewal requests with adequate notice to avoid disruption to administration timelines.
Reporting to founder
Annual summary report prepared for the founder covering the foundation's activities, asset position, distributions made and any matters requiring attention during the coming year. The report identifies upcoming regulatory deadlines, any changes in applicable law and any recommendations for updating the charter or regulations.
Charter and objective review
At the annual review, we assess whether the foundation's charter and regulations remain appropriate for the founder's objectives and the current regulatory environment. Where amendments are required — for example, to reflect changes in beneficiaries, council composition or distribution policy — we co-ordinate the amendment process in accordance with the Foundations Act 2012 and the charter's own amendment provisions.
Information and documents for ongoing administration
- Foundation charter and regulations
- Register of founder, council members and beneficiaries
- Asset schedule — updated annually
- Bank statements and investment reports for the year
- Details of any distributions made or planned
- Updated KYC documents for any party whose circumstances have changed
- Any correspondence with the Registrar, FSC or tax authorities
Indicative annual administration fees
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Annual foundation secretarial and administration | USD 4,000 – 10,000 |
| Annual accounts preparation | USD 1,500 – 4,000 |
| CRS / FATCA filing | USD 500 – 1,500 |
| Distribution processing (per event) | USD 300 – 700 |
| Council meeting facilitation (per meeting) | USD 500 – 1,500 |