Company Registration in Mauritius: Complete Guide to Company Types and Compliance Requirements

Company registration in Mauritius business compliance guide. Mauritius is one of Africa’s leading international business and investment jurisdictions. Its strategic location, developed financial-services sector, relatively business-friendly regulatory environment and extensive network of international tax treaties make it attractive to both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors.

However, establishing a business in Mauritius involves more than registering a company. Entrepreneurs need to choose the correct legal structure, register with the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD), establish their tax obligations with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and, where applicable, obtain licences from regulators such as the Financial Services Commission (FSC) or Bank of Mauritius.

Mauritius also has specific requirements for beneficial ownership, annual returns, accounting records, VAT, payroll and regulated activities.

This guide explains the main forms of companies in Mauritius and the key registration and ongoing compliance requirements applicable in 2026.

What Are the Different Forms of Companies in Mauritius?

The Companies Act 2001 provides several fundamental company forms. A company may be:

• A company limited by shares;
• A company limited by guarantee;
• A company limited by both shares and guarantee;
• An unlimited company.

Each company is also classified as either a private company or public company. The Companies Act also permits certain companies to have limited-life status.

In practice, entrepreneurs and investors will commonly encounter:

1. Private companies limited by shares;
2. Public companies;
3. Companies limited by guarantee;
4. Unlimited companies;
5. Global Business Corporations;
6. Authorised Companies;
7. Foreign companies registered as external companies;
8. Limited Life Companies;
9. Special structures such as Protected Cell Companies and other regulated investment vehicles.

It is important to distinguish between company types under the Companies Act and special licences or statuses under financial-services legislation. For example, a Global Business Corporation is a corporation holding a Global Business Licence rather than a completely separate basic company form.

1. Private Company Limited by Shares

The private company is the most common structure for ordinary commercial businesses in Mauritius.

It is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to establish a separate legal entity while limiting shareholder liability.

A private company can have between one and 50 shareholders. The Registrar’s official FAQ confirms a minimum of one and maximum of 50 shareholders.

This structure is commonly appropriate for:

• Consulting companies;
• Trading companies;
• Technology businesses;
• Professional services;
• Construction companies;
• Import and export businesses;
• Family-owned businesses;
• Start-ups;
• Investment companies;
• Regional headquarters.

A single shareholder can therefore establish a Mauritian private company without needing another shareholder.

Advantages of a Private Company

A private company provides:

• Separate legal personality;
• Limited shareholder liability;
• Flexible ownership;
• Ability to conduct commercial activities;
• Ability to employ staff;
• Ability to enter contracts;
• Ability to open corporate bank accounts;
• A structure suitable for expansion.

For many SMEs, this is the most straightforward company structure.

2. Public Company

A public company is generally designed for larger businesses and companies that require a broader ownership and capital-raising structure.

Unlike a private company, a public company is not subject to the same private-company restrictions and may be appropriate where the business intends to access public investment or operate on a larger corporate scale.

Public companies have more extensive governance, reporting and disclosure obligations.

The Companies Act also contains specific governance requirements for public companies. For example, the Act requires at least one woman on the board of a public company, while a listed public company is subject to a 25% minimum female board representation requirement.

Public companies should therefore be established only after considering the additional governance and reporting requirements.

3. Company Limited by Guarantee

A company limited by guarantee is generally used for organisations that do not operate primarily for shareholder profit.

Instead of shareholders contributing share capital, members undertake to contribute a specified amount if the company is wound up.

This structure can be suitable for:

• Associations;
• Clubs;
• Charitable organisations;
• Professional bodies;
• Community organisations;
• Certain non-profit organisations.

The company’s constitution should clearly establish its objectives and how its assets are to be used.

A company limited by guarantee should not automatically be assumed to have tax-exempt status. Any available tax exemption or charitable status should be separately established under the applicable tax and regulatory framework.

4. Company Limited by Both Shares and Guarantee

The Companies Act permits a company to be limited by both shares and guarantee.

This is a specialised structure and is not normally the first choice for an ordinary commercial SME.

It may be useful where the company’s structure requires both an ownership/share mechanism and a guarantee mechanism.

Professional legal and corporate advice should be obtained before using this structure.

5. Unlimited Company

An unlimited company is a company in which the liability of its members is not limited in the same way as shareholders of a company limited by shares.

This structure provides less liability protection and is therefore less common among ordinary SMEs.

It may nevertheless be appropriate for specific investment, professional or corporate structures where the owners understand and accept the additional liability exposure.

6. Global Business Corporation — GBC

Mauritius is particularly well known for its Global Business Corporation (GBC) regime.

A GBC is a resident corporation holding a Global Business Licence (GBL) issued under the Financial Services Act.

The FSC explains that a resident corporation with predominantly non-Mauritian ownership that proposes to conduct business outside Mauritius or with specified categories of persons may apply for a Global Business Licence.

A GBC may be particularly relevant for:

• International investment;
• Holding companies;
• Regional investment structures;
• International trading;
• Investment funds;
• Financial services;
• Cross-border business;
• African investment structures.

However, a GBC is not simply a “tax-free company”.

A GBC holding a Global Business Licence must satisfy regulatory and substance requirements, including carrying out core income-generating activities in or from Mauritius, being managed and controlled from Mauritius and being administered by a management company.

The FSC currently lists a Category 1 Global Business Licence in its licensing framework.

Businesses considering a GBC should therefore analyse the commercial purpose, tax position, substance requirements and licensing requirements before incorporation.

7. Authorised Company

An Authorised Company is another important international-business structure in Mauritius.

The FSC identifies Authorised Company applications under section 71A of the Financial Services Act.

An Authorised Company is generally designed for businesses whose activities are conducted principally outside Mauritius and which do not meet the requirements or need for Mauritian tax residency associated with a Global Business Corporation.

It is particularly relevant to international structures where the business has limited activities in Mauritius.

Because the tax and residency consequences can differ substantially from those of a GBC, investors should obtain professional tax advice before choosing between the two.

8. Foreign Company / External Company

A foreign company that establishes a place of business or carries on business in Mauritius may be required to register as an external company.

The Companies Act requires a foreign company to file specified documents with the Registrar, including:

• Authenticated incorporation documents;
• Constitution or charter;
• Shareholder information;
• Beneficial-owner information;
• Director information;
• Details concerning local directors where applicable;
• Appointment or power of attorney for persons resident in Mauritius authorised to accept service;
• Details of the registered office in Mauritius.

This structure can be useful where an existing foreign company wants to establish a Mauritian branch rather than create a new subsidiary.

9. Limited Life Company

The Companies Act allows certain companies to be registered as limited life companies.

This can be useful for specific projects or investment structures intended to operate for a defined period.

It is a specialised structure and should be considered based on the project’s financing, ownership and exit strategy.

Choosing the Right Structure

The appropriate structure depends on the business objective.

Business objective	Structure to consider
Ordinary SME	Private company limited by shares
Single-owner business	Private company with one shareholder
Large business	Public company
Association/non-profit organisation	Company limited by guarantee
Specialised corporate structure	Unlimited or mixed liability company
International investment/business	GBC, where eligible
International business without Mauritian tax residence	Authorised Company, where eligible
Foreign business establishing a branch	External company
Time-limited project	Limited Life Company

The cheapest structure is not necessarily the best structure. Tax residency, substance, ownership, financing, liability, governance and future expansion should all be considered.

How to Register a Company in Mauritius

Company incorporation is administered by the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD).

Mauritius provides online incorporation through its electronic business-registration system.

The CBRD’s incorporation guidelines state that operators can register and log in online, complete the required information, upload documents, make payment electronically and receive an electronic certificate of incorporation after verification.

Step 1: Select the Legal Structure

Determine whether the business will operate as:

• Private company;
• Public company;
• Company limited by guarantee;
• GBC;
• Authorised Company;
• External company;
• Another permitted structure.

For regulated international structures, the FSC requirements should be considered before finalising the structure.

Step 2: Choose the Company Name

The proposed company name must comply with the requirements of the Companies Act.

The CBRD’s current FAQ states that a proposed company name can be reserved using Form F11, although reservation is not compulsory. It also states that an approved name can be used to proceed with incorporation within seven days or be reserved for two months upon payment of the applicable fee.

The name should not be confusingly similar to an existing company or otherwise prohibited.

Step 3: Prepare the Incorporation Pack

The CBRD identifies an incorporation pack including:

• Form 1;
• Form 7;
• Form 9;
• Form 8 where there is a company secretary;
• Proof of residential address for directors;
• Beneficial-owner information.

The exact documents can vary depending on the company structure and circumstances.

Foreign shareholders and directors may need additional identification and supporting documentation.

Step 4: Prepare Beneficial Ownership Information

Beneficial ownership is an important component of company incorporation and ongoing compliance.

The current Companies Act defines a beneficial or ultimate beneficial owner by reference to the natural person who ultimately owns or controls the company, including through ownership, voting rights or other forms of effective control.

Businesses should therefore identify the individuals who ultimately own or control the company rather than simply recording an intermediary corporate shareholder.

Step 5: Submit the Application

The incorporation application can be submitted electronically through the CBRD system.

The CBRD reviews the information and supporting documents and issues an electronic certificate of incorporation when the application is approved.

Step 6: Obtain the Business Registration Card

The company can also obtain its electronic Business Registration Card through the registration process.

The CBRD states that company information can be shared with relevant public bodies, including the MRA and Ministry of Social Security.

Tax Registration in Mauritius

Company registration should be followed by establishing the company’s tax profile with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).

The MRA provides electronic services for:

• Corporate income tax;
• VAT;
• Individual tax;
• Tax payments;
• Other tax-related services.

The company should determine which taxes apply based on its activities, turnover, employees, ownership and transactions.

Corporate Income Tax

Mauritius generally applies a 15% corporate income-tax rate to companies, while companies engaged in qualifying export of goods may be subject to a 3% rate on qualifying income.

The exact tax treatment depends on the nature of the income and the company.

Certain companies may also qualify for partial exemptions or other tax regimes.

Businesses should therefore distinguish between the headline corporate tax rate and the effective tax treatment of specific categories of income.

Fair Share Contribution

Mauritius has also introduced a temporary Fair Share Contribution (FSC).

The MRA states that, for income derived from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028, companies with supplies exceeding MUR 24 million, or companies required to register for VAT and having chargeable income exceeding MUR 24 million, may be liable for the contribution. The rate varies according to the applicable corporate tax category.

This should be included in the tax planning and compliance review of larger companies.

VAT Registration

VAT is an important compliance requirement for many businesses.

Following changes introduced by the Finance Act 2025, the compulsory VAT-registration threshold was reduced from MUR 6 million to MUR 3 million.

The MRA states that businesses whose taxable supplies exceed or are likely to exceed MUR 3 million must register for VAT. The new threshold took effect from 1 October 2025.

The standard VAT rate remains 15%.

VAT-registered businesses must:

• Charge VAT on taxable supplies;
• Issue VAT invoices;
• Maintain VAT records;
• Submit VAT returns;
• Pay VAT due;
• Maintain supporting purchase invoices;
• Correctly account for input and output VAT.

The MRA states that businesses with taxable supplies not exceeding MUR 10 million generally submit quarterly VAT returns, while businesses exceeding that amount submit monthly returns.

Payroll and Employer Compliance

A company that employs staff must establish employer compliance with the MRA and applicable social-security authorities.

The MRA’s current guidance states that an employer must register within 14 days of employing someone and will receive an Employer Registration Number. Employers may have obligations relating to:

• PAYE;
• CSG;
• NSF;
• Training Levy;
• Monthly payroll returns;
• Return of Employees;
• Statements of Emoluments.

The MRA also requires applicable monthly PAYE/social-contribution returns and annual employee reporting.

Social Contributions

Mauritius operates statutory social-security contribution systems covering areas such as the National Pensions Fund and National Savings Fund.

The Social Security Division notes, for example, that NPF contributions involve employer and employee contributions and that NSF contributions apply to employees subject to the applicable rules.

Employers should ensure that payroll systems are updated whenever contribution rates, thresholds or statutory deductions change.

Annual Returns and Corporate Compliance

Company registration is not a one-time exercise.

The Companies Act generally requires companies to file an annual return with the Registrar each year.

The Act provides that an annual return is generally due within 28 days of the company’s annual meeting, subject to the specific rules and exemptions applicable to the company.

There are exemptions for certain small companies, including specified small private companies below the applicable turnover threshold, although changes in shareholding, directors or other company particulars can affect the exemption.

Businesses should therefore maintain a corporate compliance calendar rather than assuming that every company has identical filing obligations.

Accounting Records and Financial Statements

Companies must maintain appropriate accounting records and prepare financial statements in accordance with the applicable legal and financial-reporting requirements.

The exact level of reporting depends on:

• Company type;
• Size;
• Public-interest considerations;
• Whether the company is listed;
• Regulatory status;
• Applicable accounting standards.

A company should maintain records such as:

• Sales invoices;
• Purchase invoices;
• Bank statements;
• Payroll records;
• Asset registers;
• General ledger;
• Trial balance;
• Financial statements;
• Tax computations;
• Corporate resolutions;
• Shareholder records.

Good accounting records are essential for both tax compliance and effective business management.

Beneficial Ownership Compliance

Beneficial ownership is not merely an incorporation requirement.

Companies must maintain accurate information about individuals who ultimately own or control the business.

The updated Companies Act incorporates beneficial ownership concepts and the Beneficial Ownership Register into the regulatory framework.

Changes in ownership or control should therefore be reviewed promptly and the relevant corporate records updated.

This is particularly important for companies with:

• Foreign shareholders;
• Holding companies;
• Trust structures;
• Multi-layer ownership;
• Investment vehicles;
• Nominee arrangements.

Financial Services Regulation

Mauritius has an extensive financial-services sector.

Companies involved in regulated activities may require approval or licensing from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) or another competent authority.

Potentially regulated activities include:

• Investment dealing;
• Investment management;
• Insurance;
• Collective investment schemes;
• Fund management;
• Corporate services;
• Leasing;
• Fintech activities;
• Securities activities;
• Other non-bank financial services.

The FSC’s current licensing framework contains separate application categories and licensing requirements for activities such as Global Business, Authorised Companies and numerous financial-services activities.

A company should therefore determine whether its proposed business activity is regulated before commencing operations.

Global Business Compliance

Businesses using Mauritius as an international investment platform need to pay particular attention to substance.

A Global Business Corporation holding a Global Business Licence must meet the applicable requirements concerning:

• Core income-generating activities;
• Management and control;
• Administration;
• Mauritius substance;
• Regulatory reporting;
• Tax compliance.

The FSC states that a GBC must carry out its core income-generating activities in or from Mauritius, be managed and controlled from Mauritius and be administered by a management company.

The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that Mauritius-based international businesses have genuine economic substance rather than being merely paper entities.

Foreign Investors and Non-Residents

Foreign investors can establish businesses in Mauritius, but they should consider immigration, investment, tax, foreign-exchange, licensing and substance requirements.

Before establishing a company, a foreign investor should determine:

1. Whether the proposed activity is open to foreign investment;
2. Whether an occupation permit or other immigration approval is required;
3. Whether a minimum investment requirement applies;
4. Whether the business requires a sector licence;
5. Whether the company should be structured as an ordinary company, GBC or Authorised Company;
6. Whether Mauritian tax residence is required;
7. Whether the business must demonstrate substance in Mauritius;
8. Whether foreign-exchange and repatriation rules apply.

The company structure should therefore be selected based on the investor’s actual business model rather than simply choosing Mauritius because of its international tax reputation.

Sector-Specific Licences

Depending on the activity, additional registrations may be required.

Examples include:

Financial Services

FSC or Bank of Mauritius licensing may be required.

Tourism

Tourism-related activities can require licences or approvals from the relevant authorities.

Construction

Construction businesses may require industry registrations and permits.

Import and Export

Businesses involved in international trade need to comply with customs and import/export requirements.

Food Businesses

Food-related businesses may require local authority and health-related approvals.

Transport

Certain transport activities require permits and licences.

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Businesses operating in healthcare or pharmaceutical activities may require additional regulatory approvals.

Gambling

Gambling and gaming activities are subject to specific regulatory requirements.

The key principle is:

Company incorporation does not automatically give a business permission to conduct a regulated activity.

Company Registration Checklist for Mauritius

Before commencing operations, a new business should ensure that it has addressed the following:

• Select the appropriate company structure.
• Determine the shareholders and ownership percentages.
• Identify the ultimate beneficial owners.
• Select and check the proposed company name.
• Reserve the name where appropriate.
• Prepare the incorporation forms.
• Prepare the constitution where applicable.
• Prepare director and shareholder identification documents.
• Provide proof of residential address where required.
• Provide registered-office information.
• Submit the incorporation application to the CBRD.
• Pay the applicable registration fees.
• Obtain the Certificate of Incorporation.
• Obtain the Business Registration Card.
• Establish the MRA tax profile.
• Determine corporate income-tax obligations.
• Determine whether VAT registration is required.
• Register for VAT where applicable.
• Establish compliant invoicing.
• Register as an employer where employees are engaged.
• Set up PAYE and social-contribution compliance.
• Maintain accounting records.
• Maintain beneficial ownership information.
• File annual returns where required.
• Prepare financial statements and obtain audit/review where applicable.
• Obtain sector-specific licences.
• Assess FSC or Bank of Mauritius requirements for regulated activities.
• Establish a corporate and tax compliance calendar.

Common Mistakes When Registering a Company in Mauritius

1. Choosing a GBC Simply for Tax Reasons

A GBC is an international-business structure subject to regulatory and substance requirements. It should be selected because it fits the business model, not simply because Mauritius has a favourable tax regime.

2. Ignoring Beneficial Ownership

Companies must properly identify and maintain information on their ultimate beneficial owners.

3. Assuming Company Registration Covers All Licences

Incorporation does not replace sector-specific licensing.

4. Missing Annual Returns

Annual corporate filings are an important part of maintaining good standing with the Registrar.

5. Using the Old VAT Threshold

The VAT registration threshold was reduced to MUR 3 million from October 2025. Businesses should therefore update their compliance systems rather than relying on the former MUR 6 million threshold.

6. Ignoring Payroll Compliance

Once employees are hired, employer registration, PAYE and social-contribution obligations arise.

7. Establishing a Paper Company

International businesses using Mauritius need to pay attention to substance, management and control requirements.

Why Professional Support Matters

Mauritius has a relatively efficient company-registration system, but the regulatory environment becomes more complex once tax, international business, employment and regulated activities are considered.

A business may need to coordinate:

CBRD → MRA → Social Security → FSC/Bank of Mauritius → Accounting → Beneficial Ownership → Annual Returns → Sector Regulation

Professional support can help businesses:

• Select the correct company structure;
• Prepare incorporation documents;
• Register the company;
• Establish beneficial ownership records;
• Register for tax;
• Register for VAT;
• Set up payroll;
• Maintain accounting records;
• Prepare tax returns;
• Manage annual returns;
• Assess licensing requirements;
• Establish ongoing compliance procedures.

Final Thoughts

Mauritius offers a broad range of business structures for entrepreneurs, SMEs, international investors and non-profit organisations.

For most ordinary businesses, a private company limited by shares provides a practical starting point. Larger businesses may consider a public company, while non-profit organisations may use a company limited by guarantee.

International investors may also consider a Global Business Corporation or Authorised Company, but these structures come with additional regulatory, tax and substance considerations.

The most important lesson is that company registration is only the beginning of compliance.

A properly established Mauritian business should have a framework covering CBRD registration, beneficial ownership, MRA taxation, VAT, payroll, social contributions, accounting, annual returns and sector-specific licensing.

For international businesses, the analysis should go further and consider tax residency, economic substance, management and control, international reporting and the applicable FSC framework.

The goal should not simply be to obtain a Mauritian company certificate.

The goal should be to establish a business that is properly structured, legally registered, tax compliant and commercially ready to operate in Mauritius and across Africa and international markets.

Need Help Registering a Company in Mauritius?

Ubuntu Compliance helps entrepreneurs, investors and businesses with company registration, accounting, tax consultancy and ongoing compliance across Mauritius and the wider SADC region.

Whether you are establishing a local Mauritian business, creating a regional investment structure or expanding an existing SADC business into Mauritius, selecting the correct structure and establishing compliance from the beginning can make the business easier to manage and scale.

---