Practical Guide to Company Registration in Mauritius (2025)

This guide summarizes the registration process, relevant policy considerations, and practical steps for setting up a company in Mauritius in 2025. It is written for entrepreneurs, overseas HR managers, and service providers who need a balanced, actionable overview. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Registrar of Companies, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Economic Development Board (EDB) before proceeding.

Key policy highlights and regulatory context

• Companies Act and corporate framework: Mauritius continues to operate under its modern corporate laws that require a constitution, registered office, at least one director and one shareholder for a private company. The company secretary requirement and filing obligations remain central to corporate compliance.
• Tax regime and tax residence: The standard corporate tax rate is 15%. Access to Double Taxation Agreement benefits normally requires a Tax Residence Certificate (TRC) and demonstrable economic substance in Mauritius.
• Economic substance and management requirements: Since global tax transparency initiatives intensified, Mauritius has strengthened substance expectations. Companies seeking treaty benefits or preferential treatment must show local management, decision-making, staff, and premises consistent with their declared activities.
• Anti‑money laundering (AML) and beneficial ownership transparency: Mauritius enforces AML/CFT rules, requiring robust KYC, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance of accurate beneficial ownership records available to competent authorities.
• International reporting: Mauritius participates in CRS and FATCA reporting. Reporting obligations apply to financial institutions and certain corporate structures.

Types of companies and common choices

Step-by-step incorporation process

1. Decide entity type and structure: Choose the right vehicle—private limited company is the most common. Consider share classes, directors and whether you need a local company secretary or resident agent.
2. Reserve a company name: Submit proposed names to the Registrar. Name reservation is usually fast (same day to a few days) but unique name checks can delay approval.
3. Prepare incorporation documents: Draft the constitution (or articles), complete required forms, and collect KYC documents for directors, shareholders and beneficial owners (IDs, proof of address, corporate documents for corporate shareholders).
4. File with Registrar of Companies: Submit incorporation forms and constitution with the prescribed fee. If everything is in order, a certificate of incorporation is generally issued within 2–7 business days.
5. Post‑incorporation filings: Appoint auditors if required, register for tax (MRA), and obtain necessary business licenses or sector approvals (e.g., financial services need FSC authorisation).
6. Open a corporate bank account: Banks will conduct enhanced due diligence; expect account opening to take several weeks depending on complexity and documentation.
7. Apply for Tax Residence Certificate (if needed): To use Mauritius’ DTAs, apply to the MRA and demonstrate substance, management, and local presence consistent with the requirements.

Typical timeline and practical durations

• Name reservation: same day–3 business days
• Incorporation completion: 2–7 business days (subject to documents)
• Bank account opening: 2–8 weeks
• Tax residency certificate: 4–12 weeks depending on evidence and workload

Post‑registration obligations

• Annual return and financial statements: File within prescribed deadlines; small companies may qualify for audit exemptions if thresholds are met—confirm current thresholds each year.
• Tax filings: Submit annual corporate tax returns and VAT returns if registered for VAT.
• Maintain beneficial ownership register and update the Registrar as required.
• Hold and document board meetings—maintain minutes and evidence of decision‑making in Mauritius if relying on local management.

Precautions and practical tips

1. Choose the right company type: A mismatch (e.g., using an international holding as an operating company) creates compliance and tax risks.
2. Prepare for substance reviews: Ensure board minutes, employment contracts, office lease and local expenditure match the declared activity.
3. Be thorough with KYC: Banks and regulators will request certified identity and address documents for directors, shareholders and beneficial owners—start document collection early.
4. Understand sector licensing: Financial services, fintech, and trust businesses need FSC approval; start regulatory applications in parallel with incorporation to avoid delays.
5. Keep accurate records: Timely bookkeeping, payroll, and tax filings reduce audit exposure and support substance claims.
6. Plan for bank onboarding: Consider local introductions or a trusted professional firm to smooth the process; some banks require in‑person meetings.

Common pitfalls illustrated by real‑world examples

Case 1: Holding company lacking management evidence

A European group incorporated a Mauritius holding company to receive dividends. When applying for a Tax Residence Certificate, the MRA asked for board meeting minutes and evidence of local decision‑making. The group had to schedule regular board meetings in Mauritius and hire a local financial manager to meet substance expectations—adding both timeline and cost.

Case 2: Bank account delays for a startup

An early‑stage tech startup faced multiple weeks of bank requests for client contracts, projected invoices and founder interviews. Engaging a local corporate service provider who prepared a compliance pack reduced back‑and‑forth and accelerated account opening.

How SailGlobal can help

For overseas employers and founders seeking on‑the‑ground support, service partners such as SailGlobal provide assistance with company setup, local HR solutions, work permits, substance planning, and introductions to banks and auditors. Using a reputable provider can shorten timelines and ensure compliance with AML, employment and tax rules.

Checklist before you start

• Decide company type and share structure
• Collect certified KYC for all involved parties
• Prepare a short business plan outlining local activities and staffing
• Identify required sector licences and regulatory approvals
• Budget for company setup, bank onboarding, and initial local payroll and office costs

Final recommendations

Mauritius remains a practical jurisdiction for regional hubs and holding structures, but regulators now place greater emphasis on transparency and substance. Begin compliance and substance planning at incorporation stage, engage experienced local advisors, and regularly review your corporate governance and tax documentation. For up‑to‑date rules and forms, consult the Registrar of Companies, MRA, EDB and FSC websites and consider professional support from a provider like SailGlobal to streamline setup and ongoing compliance.