Authorized Company (AC)
Streamlined international operations with simplified compliance requirements.
The Authorized Company (AC) is a corporate structure under the Financial Services Act 2007, designed specifically for entities that conduct business entirely or predominantly outside Mauritius and do not require access to Mauritius's Double Taxation Agreements. Unlike the Global Business Company (GBC), the AC is not treated as tax resident in Mauritius, meaning it is not subject to Mauritius income tax on income derived from sources outside Mauritius. This makes the AC a straightforward, cost-effective vehicle for international holding, trading, IP ownership, treasury management, and consulting operations where treaty access is not a priority.
The AC must be registered with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and must appoint a licensed management company in Mauritius as its registered agent. While the AC does not face the economic substance requirements that apply to a GBC, it must maintain a registered office in Mauritius and meet basic AML/CFT compliance obligations. The AC is incorporated under the Companies Act 2001 and benefits from the same modern corporate governance framework as all Mauritius companies.
The structure is particularly popular for smaller groups, family offices, individual entrepreneurs, and businesses entering new markets who wish to establish a Mauritius presence at lower cost while retaining the ability to upgrade to a GBC structure if DTA access becomes necessary in the future. The FSC's oversight of the AC ensures a degree of regulatory credibility that supports banking relationships and commercial counterparty confidence.
Key Features of an Authorized Company in Mauritius
Not Tax Resident — Foreign Income Exempt
The AC is not treated as tax resident in Mauritius and is not subject to Mauritius income tax on income derived from outside Mauritius. This provides a clean tax position for foreign-source income, subject to tax obligations in the jurisdiction where income arises.
Simplified Compliance
The AC has lighter regulatory requirements than the GBC, with simplified annual filings, no requirement to file full audited financial statements with the FSC, and lower ongoing compliance costs. This makes it an efficient structure for straightforward international operations.
FSC Registration and Oversight
Registered with the Financial Services Commission under the Financial Services Act 2007, the AC benefits from a level of regulatory oversight that adds credibility with banks and international counterparties, distinguishing it from purely offshore or unregulated vehicles.
No Economic Substance Requirements
Unlike the GBC, the AC is not required to demonstrate economic substance in Mauritius. A licensed registered agent and registered office are required, but the AC does not need local employees, a physical office, or board meetings held in Mauritius.
Flexible Use Cases
The AC is suitable for a wide range of international activities: holding shares in subsidiaries, IP ownership and licensing, international trading, treasury operations, consulting, and acting as an intermediate holding vehicle within a group structure.
Lower Formation and Maintenance Costs
Formation and annual maintenance costs for an AC are significantly lower than those of a GBC, making it a practical choice for groups and individuals seeking a cost-efficient Mauritius vehicle without the overhead of full substance requirements.
100% Foreign Ownership
There is no restriction on foreign shareholding in an AC. International investors can hold 100% of the equity and serve as directors, with no requirement for local Mauritius participation.
Upgradeable to GBC
If business needs evolve and DTA access becomes necessary, an AC can be converted or restructured into a GBC by applying for an FSC licence and meeting the relevant substance requirements, providing a pathway for future growth.
Companies Act 2001 Governance
The AC is incorporated under the Companies Act 2001, providing a well-established, internationally recognised corporate governance framework including clear rules on shareholder rights, director duties, and share capital management.
How to Register an Authorized Company in Mauritius
Consultation and Structure Confirmation
We review your business objectives, proposed activities, and the jurisdictions involved to confirm that the AC is the appropriate structure. We assess whether DTA access is required now or may be needed in the future, and advise on the GBC as an alternative if applicable.
KYC and Due Diligence Collection
We collect and verify KYC documentation for all beneficial owners, shareholders, and directors, including certified passport copies, proof of address, source of funds declarations, and any other documentation required by the FSC and our internal AML/CFT procedures.
Document Preparation
We prepare the company constitution, initial board resolutions, share allotment documents, and the FSC registration application with supporting description of activities and beneficial ownership structure.
Simultaneous Registration with Registrar and FSC
We file the incorporation application with the Registrar of Companies and the AC registration application with the FSC simultaneously. The AC registration process is typically faster than a GBC licence application, often completed within 1–2 weeks.
Registered Agent and Office Arrangement
We act as licensed registered agent for the AC, providing the required registered office address in Mauritius and managing all regulatory correspondence with the FSC and Registrar on an ongoing basis.
Delivery of Formation Documents
We deliver the Certificate of Incorporation, the FSC registration certificate, the company constitution, the share register, and all other corporate documents. We maintain a complete corporate secretarial file on behalf of the AC.
Bank Account Opening
We assist with opening a corporate bank account for the AC, preparing the bank KYC pack and liaising with selected banks. We help identify banks that are well-suited to the AC's profile and proposed activities.
Ongoing Services and Annual Compliance
We provide annual FSC filing, registered agent renewal, corporate secretary services, and optional accounting support. We maintain the AC's compliance calendar and notify the client of upcoming filing deadlines and regulatory changes.
Requirements for an Authorized Company in Mauritius
- Certified copies of valid passports for all beneficial owners, shareholders, and directors
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months) for all individuals
- Completed KYC forms and beneficial ownership declarations
- Description of proposed business activities and target jurisdictions
- Source of funds declaration and supporting documentation
- Source of wealth declaration for all beneficial owners
- Proposed company name (three alternatives recommended)
- Group structure chart (if the AC forms part of an existing group)
- Details of any related entities or counterparties involved in proposed transactions
- Bank reference letters (may be required by some banks for account opening)
Estimated Costs of an Authorized Company in Mauritius
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| AC incorporation and FSC registration (year 1, incl. registered agent) | USD 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Annual FSC registration renewal and registered agent fee | USD 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Corporate secretary services (per annum) | USD 800 – 1,500 |
| Accounting and financial statements (per annum, if required) | USD 1,500 – 3,500 |
| Bank account opening assistance | USD 500 – 1,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Authorized Company (AC)
Does an Authorized Company have access to Mauritius Double Taxation Agreements?
No. The Authorized Company is not treated as tax resident in Mauritius and therefore cannot claim benefits under Mauritius Double Taxation Agreements. If DTA access is required — for example, to reduce withholding taxes on dividends or interest from a specific country — a Global Business Company (GBC) is the appropriate structure.
Is the AC suitable for holding investments or subsidiaries?
Yes. The AC is commonly used as a holding vehicle for shares in subsidiaries, real estate interests, intellectual property, and financial instruments, particularly in situations where DTA access is not required or where the investment is structured at a level in the group where treaty benefits are not needed.
What taxes does an AC pay in Mauritius?
The AC is not tax resident in Mauritius and is not subject to Mauritius income tax on income derived outside Mauritius. Any income arising within Mauritius would be subject to the standard 15% corporate tax rate. The AC is not subject to VAT unless it conducts taxable activities within Mauritius. Tax obligations in other jurisdictions depend on the individual circumstances.
What are the annual compliance requirements for an AC?
The AC must file an annual return with the FSC, maintain a licensed registered agent in Mauritius, keep up-to-date beneficial ownership records, and comply with AML/CFT obligations. There is no requirement to file audited financial statements with the FSC, though maintaining proper accounts is required under the Companies Act 2001.
Can an AC open a bank account in Mauritius?
Yes. ACs can open corporate bank accounts in Mauritius. Some banks apply more rigorous due diligence to ACs compared to GBCs, given the lighter substance requirements. We assist with identifying suitable banking partners and preparing the required documentation to support a successful account opening.
Can an Authorized Company be converted to a GBC later?
Yes. If your business evolves and DTA access becomes important, an AC can be restructured or converted into a GBC by applying for an FSC licence, establishing the required economic substance, and meeting all GBC eligibility criteria. We can advise on the conversion process and timeline.
How quickly can an AC be incorporated?
An Authorized Company can typically be registered within 1–2 weeks of submitting a complete application to the FSC and Registrar of Companies. The process is faster than a GBC licence application because there is no FSC licensing review. Our team ensures all documents are prepared accurately to avoid delays.