Can documents be submitted electronically?

Yes. Initial submissions can be made electronically — we accept scanned copies of certified documents. However, the FSC and certain banks may require original certified documents or notarised hard copies for final processing. We advise on the specific requirements for each stage of the process.

What if my documents are not in English?

Documents in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation prepared by a sworn translator. The original document and the translation must both be provided and certified. We can assist with identifying accredited translators.

How recent must proof of address documents be?

Proof of address must be dated within 3 months of submission to the FSC or Registrar. This means that utility bills, bank statements, and official government correspondence used as address proof should be no older than 3 months at the time your application is submitted — not at the time you gather them. We coordinate timing carefully to avoid documents expiring before submission.

What is an acceptable source of funds document?

Source of funds documentation must explain where the specific money being invested in the Mauritius company came from. Acceptable evidence includes: bank statements showing the transfer of funds, sale and purchase agreements for asset sales, audited accounts showing dividend or distribution income, payslips or employment contracts for salary income, and loan agreements for borrowed funds. A declaration alone is not sufficient — supporting evidence is required.

Is a bank reference letter mandatory?

For GBC applications, bank reference letters for all beneficial owners are strongly recommended and typically required by the FSC. For AC and domestic company formations, they are recommended but may not always be strictly required. The reference letter should be from a recognised bank, confirm the account holder's relationship with the bank, and attest to satisfactory conduct of the account.

How long does KYC review take?

Our KYC review of submitted documents typically takes 2–5 business days. We conduct an initial completeness check and advise on any gaps or quality issues before submitting to the FSC or Registrar. The FSC's own review of the KYC as part of the GBC application takes place within the overall 2–4 week licensing timeframe.

Knowledge Centre

Documents Required for Mauritius Company Formation

Complete KYC, due diligence, and documentation checklist for GBC, Authorized Company, and domestic company applications.

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Completing a thorough and accurate set of Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence documents is the most important preparatory step in the Mauritius company formation process. Incomplete or inadequate documentation is the primary cause of delays in applications to the Registrar of Companies, the FSC, and to banks for account opening. Mauritius's regulatory framework requires all management companies and financial institutions to conduct rigorous client due diligence in compliance with the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act (FIAMLA) and associated regulations.

This means that every beneficial owner, shareholder, and director must be properly identified and verified — regardless of their nationality, reputation, or the amount invested. The documentation requirements set out below reflect current FSC and Registrar of Companies standards. Requirements may be updated from time to time.

All documents must be in English or French, or accompanied by a certified translation. Documents must be certified by an appropriate authority — typically a notary public, practising lawyer, or authorised bank officer. Proof of address must be dated within 3 months of submission.

We advise every client on their specific documentation requirements before commencing the formation process, and we provide a personalised checklist based on the proposed structure.

For All Individual Beneficial Owners, Shareholders, and Directors

Every individual who is a beneficial owner, shareholder (holding 10%+ directly or indirectly), or proposed director must provide: (1) Certified copy of valid passport — must be notarised or certified by a practising lawyer, notary public, or authorised bank officer. (2) Proof of residential address — utility bill, bank statement, or official government document, dated within 3 months of submission. (3) Detailed CV/resume — covering professional background, qualifications, and relevant experience. (4) Two professional reference letters — from bankers, lawyers, accountants, or other regulated professionals who can vouch for the character and business background of the applicant. Bank reference letters are strongly preferred. (5) Source of funds declaration — explaining the origin of the funds being invested or transferred. This must be supported by evidence (bank statements, sale proceeds, salary records, audited accounts). (6) Source of wealth declaration — for UBOs with 10% or more ownership, explaining how they accumulated their overall wealth. (7) Police clearance certificate — required for beneficial owners and directors in many applications, particularly for occupation permit-related processes.

For Corporate Shareholders and Ultimate Beneficial Owner Chains

Where a shareholder is itself a company (rather than an individual), the complete corporate chain must be documented until the ultimate natural persons (UBOs) are identified. Required documents for each corporate entity in the chain include: (1) Certificate of incorporation (or equivalent registration document in the jurisdiction of incorporation). (2) Certificate of incumbency or certificate of good standing (not older than 6 months). (3) Current constitutional documents (memorandum and articles of association). (4) Register of directors. (5) Register of shareholders (tracing through to all beneficial owners who hold 10% or more). (6) Latest audited financial statements or management accounts. (7) Board resolution authorising the investment in or shareholding of the Mauritius company. (8) KYC documents for all ultimate beneficial owners (individuals) as set out above. If the corporate shareholder is itself regulated by a recognised financial regulator (e.g., FSC, FCA, MAS, SEC), simplified due diligence may be applicable in some cases.

For the Proposed Mauritius Company

In addition to KYC for individuals and corporate shareholders, the following company-specific documents and information are required: (1) Proposed company name (provide 2–3 options in order of preference). (2) Proposed registered office address (we provide this as part of our domiciliation service). (3) Description of proposed business activities — what the company will do, how it will generate revenue, and where it will operate. (4) Details of proposed share capital and shareholding structure — number and class of shares, allocation among shareholders. (5) Details of proposed directors, including names, nationalities, and contact information. (6) Details of proposed company secretary (we provide this service). (7) Proposed financial year-end.

Additional Documents for GBC Applications

GBC applications require more extensive documentation than AC or domestic company formations, reflecting the higher regulatory standard required by the FSC. Additional requirements include: (1) Detailed business plan — including description of proposed activities, target markets, clients, revenue projections for 3 years, key contracts or agreements, explanation of the corporate and ownership structure, and description of substance arrangements. The business plan is reviewed critically by the FSC. (2) Evidence of substance arrangements — office lease agreement or letter from management company confirming registered office, employment contracts for local staff or management company engagement letter covering local services. (3) Financial projections — for the first 3 years of operation, showing projected revenues, expenses, and balance sheet. (4) Details of proposed auditors — FSC requires GBCs to appoint a local Mauritius audit firm. (5) Corporate and shareholder structure diagram. (6) Details of any proposed regulated activities (if the GBC will conduct fund management, investment advisory, or other regulated activities, additional licensing documentation is required).

Certification and Authentication Requirements

All copied documents must be certified. Acceptable certifying authorities include: notaries public, practising lawyers (barristers or solicitors), certified public accountants, authorised officers of regulated banks, or consular or embassy officers. Certified copies must include: the certifier's stamp or letterhead, signature, date of certification, the certifier's name and professional qualification, and a statement that the document is a true copy of the original. Documents in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation from a sworn translator. All documents must be current — typically dated within 3 months for proof of address, reference letters, and certificates of good standing. The FSC may request originals for inspection in some cases.

Bank Account Opening Documents

Bank account opening requires a separate documentation package, which largely mirrors the KYC requirements above but includes bank-specific forms and may have additional requirements depending on the chosen bank. Additional bank requirements typically include: (1) Completed bank account opening forms (bank-specific). (2) Corporate resolution authorising bank account opening and naming authorised signatories. (3) Specimen signatures of authorised signatories. (4) Description of the expected nature of transactions (transaction profile) — types of transactions, expected volumes, source and destination countries, and expected turnover. (5) Confirmation of business activities and client base. (6) Any additional due diligence required by the specific bank based on their risk assessment. Banks in Mauritius conduct their own independent due diligence and may request documents beyond those required by the FSC.

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each situation is unique — please consult qualified professionals before making decisions.