Offshore Company in Mauritius
International structuring within a reputable, well-regulated jurisdiction.
When international clients refer to an 'offshore company' in Mauritius, they are typically referring to either a Global Business Company (GBC) or an Authorized Company (AC) โ both of which are regulated structures designed for entities conducting business predominantly outside Mauritius. Unlike traditional offshore jurisdictions, Mauritius is a fully regulated, internationally reputable financial centre that is not on any OECD, EU, or FATF blacklists. Mauritius has implemented the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS), FATCA, and the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework, demonstrating its commitment to tax transparency and international cooperation.
The jurisdiction is supervised by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), a credible and internationally recognised regulator. A Mauritius offshore structure โ whether a GBC or AC โ can be used for a wide range of international commercial purposes: holding investments, international trading, intellectual property management, treasury operations, royalty collection, group restructuring, and more. The GBC is the preferred vehicle when access to Mauritius's network of over 45 Double Taxation Agreements is required.
The AC is the appropriate vehicle for operations where DTA access is not needed and a lighter compliance footprint is preferred. Both structures benefit from no capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents, and access to a well-developed international banking sector. The Mauritius offshore offering is distinguished by its combination of regulatory credibility, treaty network, strategic location, and cost competitiveness relative to comparable jurisdictions.
Key Features of an Offshore Company in Mauritius
Reputable, Regulated Jurisdiction
Mauritius is not on any OECD, EU, or FATF blacklists and is recognised as a cooperative, transparent international financial centre. FSC licensing and supervision provide credibility that distinguishes Mauritius from purely offshore, unregulated jurisdictions.
Choice of Vehicle โ GBC or AC
Depending on your requirements, a Mauritius offshore structure can be structured as a GBC (with DTA access and full FSC licensing) or an AC (lighter compliance, no DTA access). We advise on the optimal choice based on your activities, counterparties, and tax objectives.
No Capital Gains Tax
Mauritius does not impose capital gains tax on the disposal of shares, securities, or other investment assets. This makes Mauritius-based offshore structures particularly attractive for investment vehicles and holding companies planning eventual asset disposals or exits.
No Withholding Tax on Dividends
Dividends paid by a Mauritius company to non-resident shareholders are not subject to Mauritius withholding tax, enabling efficient profit repatriation from a Mauritius offshore structure to foreign investors.
Access to Double Taxation Agreements
GBC structures can access Mauritius's network of 45+ DTAs, reducing withholding taxes on income received from treaty partner countries. This is particularly valuable for structures involved in African or Asian investments, subject to substance requirements.
Confidentiality with International Compliance
Beneficial ownership information is held by the FSC and the licensed management company and is not publicly accessible, while Mauritius complies with international standards for automatic exchange of information under CRS and FATCA with participating jurisdictions.
Cost-Competitive Structure
Mauritius offers competitive formation and maintenance costs compared to other well-regulated international financial centres such as Luxembourg, Cayman Islands, or Singapore, making it an accessible choice for a wide range of investors and businesses.
International Banking Access
Mauritius hosts a well-developed banking sector including branches and subsidiaries of major international banking groups. Offshore companies in Mauritius can open multi-currency accounts and conduct international wire transfers with relative ease.
Strategic Location
Located in the Indian Ocean at the intersection of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Mauritius offers a strategic time-zone and geographic advantage for international operations targeting these regions, with excellent air connectivity and digital infrastructure.
How to Set Up an Offshore Company in Mauritius
Consultation and Objectives Assessment
We discuss your international business objectives, proposed activities, counterparty locations, and tax considerations to determine whether a GBC or AC is the most appropriate offshore vehicle, and whether any additional regulatory approvals are required.
Entity Selection and Structure Design
Based on the consultation, we recommend the appropriate entity type and corporate structure, including director arrangements, share classes, governance mechanisms, and substance requirements (for GBC structures). We provide a clear comparison of options.
KYC and Due Diligence Collection
We collect and verify KYC documentation for all beneficial owners, shareholders, and directors, including certified passports, proof of address, source of funds and wealth declarations, and other documents required by the FSC and our AML/CFT procedures.
Document Preparation and Application Filing
We prepare the company constitution, FSC application, and all supporting documents. We submit simultaneously to the Registrar of Companies and the FSC. For GBC applications, we prepare a detailed business plan and substance arrangements overview.
Regulatory Approval and Certificate Issuance
Upon approval by the FSC and Registrar, we obtain the Certificate of Incorporation and FSC licence or registration certificate. We deliver all formation documents and corporate registers to the client and establish the compliance calendar.
Bank Account Opening
We assist with corporate bank account opening, identifying suitable banking partners based on the company's profile and transaction requirements. We prepare the bank KYC pack and liaise with relationship managers throughout the process.
Substance and Compliance Setup (GBC)
For GBC structures, we arrange the substance requirements: registered office, local director or management arrangements, board meeting schedules, and administrative support. We ensure the GBC is positioned to apply for a Tax Residency Certificate from the MRA.
Ongoing Administration and Annual Compliance
We provide ongoing registered agent, corporate secretary, accounting, annual FSC filings, and tax compliance services. We keep the structure in good standing with all regulatory authorities and notify the client of upcoming obligations and regulatory developments.
Requirements for an Offshore 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)
- Completed KYC forms and beneficial ownership declarations
- Source of funds declaration and supporting documentation
- Source of wealth declaration for all beneficial owners
- Description of proposed business activities and target markets
- Bank reference letters for all beneficial owners
- CVs of proposed directors (for GBC applications)
- Group structure chart (if applicable)
- Proposed company name (three alternatives recommended)
- Evidence of substance arrangements for GBC applicants
Estimated Costs of an Offshore Company in Mauritius
| Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| AC offshore company formation and FSC registration (year 1) | USD 2,500 โ 4,000 |
| GBC offshore company formation and FSC licence (year 1) | USD 4,000 โ 7,000 |
| Annual registered agent and compliance (AC) | USD 1,500 โ 2,500 |
| Annual registered agent and compliance (GBC) | USD 3,000 โ 5,000 |
| Accounting and financial statements (per annum) | USD 1,500 โ 5,000 |
| Bank account opening assistance | USD 500 โ 1,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Offshore Company in Mauritius
Is Mauritius considered a tax haven?
No. Mauritius is not on any OECD, EU, or FATF blacklists. It is a cooperative jurisdiction that levies a 15% corporate tax rate, has implemented CRS and FATCA, and actively participates in international tax information exchange. Mauritius has signed over 45 Double Taxation Agreements and meets international standards for transparency and exchange of information.
What is the difference between a GBC and an AC for offshore purposes?
A GBC is tax resident in Mauritius, can access the country's 45+ DTAs, and requires FSC licensing and economic substance. An AC is not tax resident, cannot access DTAs, has lighter compliance requirements, and is generally less costly to maintain. The optimal choice depends on whether DTA access is needed and the level of substance the client can establish.
What activities can a Mauritius offshore company conduct?
A Mauritius offshore company (GBC or AC) can conduct any lawful international business activity, including holding investments and subsidiaries, international trading, IP management and licensing, treasury operations, royalty collection, consulting, and financial intermediation (subject to any required regulated activities licence from the FSC).
Is beneficial ownership information publicly disclosed in Mauritius?
Beneficial ownership information is not publicly available in Mauritius. It is held by the FSC and the licensed management company. However, Mauritius participates in automatic exchange of financial account information under CRS and FATCA, meaning relevant financial information may be shared with tax authorities in participating jurisdictions.
Can a Mauritius offshore company open a bank account internationally?
Yes. Many Mauritius offshore companies open bank accounts with both Mauritius-based banks and international banks in other jurisdictions. Bank due diligence requirements vary by institution. We assist with identifying suitable banks and preparing comprehensive KYC documentation to support successful account opening.
How does Mauritius compare to other offshore jurisdictions?
Mauritius is distinguished from pure offshore centres by its robust regulatory framework, FSC supervision, 45+ DTA network, OECD/EU whitelisted status, and established international reputation. While setup and maintenance costs are higher than classic offshore jurisdictions, the regulatory credibility and treaty access provide significant commercial and banking advantages.