Why Set Up in Mauritius
A stable, OECD-compliant financial centre at the crossroads of Africa and Asia — combining a competitive tax framework, an extensive treaty network, strong governance and a high quality of life for the people who choose to be based here.
Mauritius has spent four decades building one of Africa's most respected international financial centres. What began as a simple offshore centre has evolved into a sophisticated, well-regulated jurisdiction that offers international investors, holding companies, fund managers, family offices and high-net-worth families a genuinely compelling combination of tax efficiency, legal certainty, geographic access and quality of life. It is not the cheapest jurisdiction, and it is no longer a secrecy haven — Mauritius is an OECD-compliant, FATF-compliant, globally transparent financial centre. Its strength lies in the quality of its offering: a 15% flat corporate tax with a 3% effective rate on qualifying foreign income, access to 47+ double taxation agreements, an independent English common law judiciary, a skilled professional workforce, and a natural gateway position between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indo-Pacific. The Board of Investment (BOI) actively supports foreign investors in setting up and operating in Mauritius, providing a single-window facilitation service for new structures and business activities.
Key Reasons to Set Up in Mauritius
Competitive and Transparent Tax Framework
A flat 15% corporate tax rate, an 80% partial exemption on qualifying foreign-source income (effective 3%), no capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends, and no inheritance or estate tax. The framework is fully OECD-compliant, applying to all entities on a non-discriminatory basis, and is not subject to harmful tax practice designations. Global Business Companies (GBCs) benefit from the partial exemption regime administered by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), providing predictable and defensible tax treatment on cross-border income flows.
Extensive Treaty Network
Mauritius has concluded over 47 double taxation agreements, including with India, China, South Africa, UK, France, Germany, UAE, Singapore, Luxembourg, and many African nations. For investments into treaty partner countries, this network provides legal certainty on withholding taxes, permanent establishment thresholds and dispute resolution — often providing substantial rate reductions on cross-border income flows. The DTAs are governed by OECD model principles and include limitation on benefits provisions that require genuine economic substance in Mauritius.
English Common Law Legal System
Mauritius follows English common law (with elements of French civil law for personal matters). Trusts, companies and funds are governed by familiar, internationally recognised legal concepts. The Supreme Court has an independent judiciary and judgments are enforceable in most common law jurisdictions. Arbitration is available through the MCCI Arbitration and Mediation Centre. The Trusts Act 2001 and the Companies Act 2001 provide a modern, comprehensive legislative framework that international advisers recognise and respect.
Political Stability and Good Governance
Mauritius is consistently ranked among Africa's top performers for political stability, rule of law, government effectiveness and absence of corruption. The 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Mauritius first in Africa for overall governance for the sixteenth consecutive time. Democratic institutions are robust, property rights are secure, and the country has never experienced a coup or significant political violence.
Robust Regulatory Framework
The Financial Services Commission (FSC) regulates non-banking financial services, and the Bank of Mauritius (BOM) regulates banks. Both regulators are internationally respected, participate in IOSCO and other international regulatory forums, and have implemented FATF-aligned AML frameworks. Mauritius is not on the EU blacklist or the FATF grey list.
Skilled Professional Workforce
Mauritius has a high literacy rate (91%+) and a tertiary-educated professional workforce across accounting, law, finance, technology and administration. English and French bilingual professionals are readily available. Professional costs remain competitive relative to Europe, Singapore or Hong Kong.
Strategic Geographic Position
Located between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent, Mauritius is a natural platform for managing investments and business relationships across both regions. The time zone (UTC+4) bridges Africa and Asia, and direct air connections to key business hubs facilitate regular client and investor visits.
Quality of Life
For founders, executives and families who choose to be based in Mauritius, the quality of life is genuinely exceptional — a warm climate, excellent healthcare (public and private), international schools, world-class food and outdoor lifestyle, and a safe, stable environment. This matters not only for personal wellbeing but for attracting and retaining talented staff.
Getting started in Mauritius: the typical journey
Initial assessment and objective setting
We begin with a confidential discussion to understand your investment objectives, the jurisdictions involved, the nature of assets to be structured and any specific regulatory or tax considerations. This allows us to identify the most suitable Mauritius vehicle or combination of vehicles for your situation.
Structure selection and design
Based on the assessment, we propose the appropriate structure — whether a Global Business Company (GBC), a trust under the Trusts Act 2001, a foundation under the Foundations Act 2012, a Private Trust Company, a licensed fund or a combination. We outline the regulatory requirements, timelines and costs associated with each option.
Regulatory and KYC preparation
We prepare the incorporation or establishment documents and collect the required KYC documentation for all principals. Applications to the FSC and the Registrar of Companies are submitted, and any licence applications (e.g. GBC licence, trustee licence, fund authorisation) are lodged. A standard GBC application takes 5–10 working days; trust establishment 7–14 days.
Bank account opening
We assist with the preparation of the bank account opening file for one of Mauritius's leading international banks — including SBM Bank, AfrAsia Bank, Absa Mauritius or MCB. Account opening typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on the bank and the complexity of the due diligence. We co-ordinate the process and liaise directly with the bank's relationship managers.
Ongoing administration and compliance
Once the structure is established and operational, we provide ongoing registered office, company secretarial, directorship, accounting, CRS/FATCA filing and regulatory renewal services. Annual compliance calendars are issued so that all deadlines are tracked proactively. You receive regular reporting on the status and activity of your Mauritius entities.
Documents typically required to get started
- Certified copy of valid passport for all directors, shareholders and beneficial owners
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, dated within 3 months) for all principals
- Source of wealth declaration or documentation for ultimate beneficial owners
- Bank reference letter or professional reference for each principal
- Business plan or description of proposed activities (for GBC or licensed entities)
- Corporate documents (certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents, register of directors/shareholders) for any corporate shareholder
- Details of any politically exposed persons (PEPs) or persons subject to sanctions screening
- For trusts: draft trust deed and details of proposed beneficiaries and protector