Mauritius has become a prominent destination for international entrepreneurs and investors looking for a well-regulated, business-friendly jurisdiction. Its strategic location, favorable tax regime, and ease of doing business make it an ideal gateway to African and Asian markets. But before you move forward, it's essential to understand the financial commitments involved in company registration in Mauritius.

This guide provides a complete breakdown of the costs, fees, and taxes associated with setting up a company in Mauritius. From incorporation fees to ongoing tax obligations, you'll gain a clear picture of what to expect financially when launching a business in the country.

Overview of Company Registration in Mauritius

Before diving into the costs, let’s briefly cover the types of companies available for registration:

• Domestic Company – Suitable for local business operations
• Global Business Corporation (GBC) – Used for international trading and investment
• Authorised Company – A non-resident company with activities and control outside Mauritius
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – For joint ventures or investment holding

Each type has a different compliance requirement and cost structure, so selecting the right one is crucial for long-term planning.

Government Fees for Company Incorporation

Here are the official fees payable to the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) and other regulatory bodies when setting up a company:

1. Name Reservation Fee

Before registration, you must reserve your company name.

• Fee: MUR 200 (approximately USD 4)

2. Incorporation Fee

This fee depends on the company type and authorised share capital.

• Private Company (Local or GBC):
• Fixed fee: MUR 3,000 (approx. USD 65)
• Authorised Company:
• Typically registered via a management company. Incorporation fees are bundled (see professional service section).

3. Trade/Business Registration Card

All companies must obtain a business registration card from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).

• Fee: MUR 100 (approx. USD 2)

4. Regulatory Licence Fees (if applicable)

Certain sectors such as finance, fintech, insurance, and gaming may require additional licences from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) or other authorities.

• Fees: Vary depending on business activity
• Range: USD 500 to USD 10,000+

Professional Service Provider Fees

Foreign nationals and companies are generally required to work with a licensed management company or corporate service provider to complete company registration in Mauritius. These professionals handle paperwork, compliance, and liaison with regulatory authorities.

Typical services include:

• Company formation and filings
• Registered office address
• Company secretary
• Resident director (if required)
• Bank account setup assistance
• Tax registration and filings

Estimated professional fees:

• Domestic company setup: USD 1,000 – USD 2,500
• GBC setup: USD 3,000 – USD 6,000
• Authorised company setup: USD 2,000 – USD 4,000

Annual renewal and compliance services are also charged separately, generally in the same range as the setup fees.

Statutory and Compliance Costs

After successful registration, ongoing statutory compliance is required to keep the company active and in good standing.

1. Annual Return Filing

All companies must file an annual return with the Registrar of Companies.

• Fee: MUR 300 (approx. USD 6)

2. Financial Statements and Audits

GBCs are required to maintain audited financial statements. Domestic companies may also require audits depending on turnover thresholds.

• Accounting fees: USD 500 – USD 2,000+ annually
• Audit fees: USD 1,500 – USD 5,000 (for GBCs or larger entities)

3. Renewal Fees for GBC or Authorised Company

These fees are payable annually to maintain the company’s status.

• GBC renewal: USD 1,500 – USD 3,000
• Authorised company renewal: USD 1,000 – USD 2,000

Tax Obligations in Mauritius

Mauritius offers a low-tax environment, but it is not a tax-free jurisdiction. Understanding the applicable taxes is key to managing long-term costs.

1. Corporate Income Tax

• Standard rate: 15%
• Partial exemption regime: GBCs can benefit from an 80% exemption on certain income types, reducing effective tax to 3%

Eligibility for the exemption requires meeting substance requirements, such as local employees and office space.

2. Value-Added Tax (VAT)

• Standard VAT rate: 15%
• Registration is mandatory for businesses with annual turnover exceeding MUR 6 million (approx. USD 130,000)

3. Tax on Dividends and Capital Gains

• Dividends: No withholding tax on dividends paid by Mauritian companies
• Capital gains: Not subject to tax in Mauritius

4. Social Security Contributions

If employing staff in Mauritius:

• Employer contributions: Around 6% – 10% of employee salary
• National Pension Fund and Training Levy also apply

Optional Costs to Consider

Depending on your business model and goals, here are some additional costs to factor in:

1. Local Director or Nominee Services

Some company types or tax exemption eligibility criteria may require appointing a local resident director.

• Fees: USD 1,500 – USD 3,000 annually

2. Virtual Office or Physical Office Space

• Registered office address: Often bundled with setup fees
• Virtual office services: USD 300 – USD 1,000 per year
• Physical office (if required): Based on location and size

3. Bank Account Setup

Many local and international banks in Mauritius require in-person or video verification and due diligence documentation.

• Initial deposit requirements: Vary by bank
• Banking assistance fees (via provider): USD 300 – USD 800

Summary of Estimated Costs

Here’s a general estimate for setting up a Global Business Corporation (GBC) in Mauritius:

Cost Item Estimated Range (USD) Name reservation 4 Government incorporation fees 65 Trade registration card 2 Professional setup services 3,000 – 6,000 Compliance & accounting (annual) 1,000 – 4,000 GBC renewal fee 1,500 – 3,000 Local director services (if needed) 1,500 – 3,000 Office/Virtual address 300 – 1,000 Bank account setup (optional help) 300 – 800

Total Setup Year 1 (GBC): Approx. USD 6,000 – USD 13,000

Annual Maintenance Costs: Approx. USD 3,000 – USD 7,000

Costs for domestic or authorised companies will generally be lower, especially if audit and director requirements are not triggered.

Conclusion

Mauritius offers a compelling mix of cost-effectiveness, tax efficiency, and global business appeal. However, while the country is competitively priced compared to other international jurisdictions, it is not without its financial commitments. Understanding the full scope of fees and taxes associated with company registration in Mauritius is essential for budgeting and planning.

Working with a trusted local service provider can ensure that your registration is compliant and your ongoing operations meet all legal and tax requirements. With careful planning and transparency, Mauritius can be a powerful jurisdiction for both regional and international growth.

FAQs

1. Is Mauritius a tax-free jurisdiction?

No, Mauritius is a low-tax jurisdiction but not tax-free. Corporate tax is levied at 15%, with certain exemptions reducing it to as low as 3% for eligible companies.

2. Do I need a local partner to register a company in Mauritius?

No, there is no legal requirement to have a local partner. Foreigners can own 100% of a Mauritian company, although some company types may require a resident director.

3. Can I register a company in Mauritius without visiting the country?

Yes, the entire process can typically be handled remotely through a licensed management company, though some banks may require a video or physical meeting for account setup.