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Mauritius Company Regulations: Key Features and Requirements

In an effort to attract international business and investment, Mauritius has established a unique corporate framework that offers favorable tax rates and a wide range of benefits for companies incorporated under its jurisdiction.

Gross Income Limitation

One of the key features of Mauritius companies is that there is no minimum gross income requirement. This means that companies can be formed with minimal capital and without generating any income, as long as they comply with the relevant regulatory requirements.

Double Taxation Treaty Access

Mauritius has entered into a number of double taxation treaties with various countries, providing tax relief on foreign-sourced income to companies incorporated in the country. However, access to these treaties is dependent on the company’s structure and the maintenance of its seat of management and control outside Mauritius.

Taxation

Authorized Companies (ACs) are taxed at a rate of 15%, but they may benefit from an income tax exemption of up to 80% on certain types of foreign-sourced income. These include dividends, interest, and profits derived from a permanent establishment in a foreign country.

Key Features and Requirements

Incorporation

  • Company name: May be in English or French
  • Authorized share capital: No minimum issued capital; par value can be no par value or USD1.00
  • Directors: Minimum one (1); corporate director allowed
  • Shareholders: Minimum one (1); bearer shares not allowed
  • Registered office and agent: Mandatory in Mauritius
  • Company secretary: Not mandatory
  • Accounting records: May be kept at the registered office or elsewhere; financial summary to be filed with FSC within six months

Annual Requirements

Fees

  • Annual FSC license fee: Due on incorporation and July 1st of every subsequent year after the license is first issued
  • Annual ROC fee: Payable to Registrar of Companies no later than January 20th in each year
  • Tax return: Authorized company required to submit a return of income to Mauritius Revenue Authority within six months of its year end

General Information

Key Features

  • Corporate re-domiciliation: Yes
  • Double taxation treaty access: Yes, provided that the company is correctly structured and maintains its seat of management and control outside Mauritius
  • Exchange control: No
  • Corporate taxation: No corporate tax on foreign-sourced income; no withholding tax on distributions and payments

Important Note

It is essential to note that while this information provides a general overview of the key features and requirements of Mauritius companies, it is not legal advice. Before making any decisions or relying on this information, it is recommended that professional advice be sought from qualified experts.