What is Company Formation in Mauritius?
Company formation in Mauritius is the process of incorporating a company under the reformed Global Business regime, either as a Global Business License (GBL) company (tax resident with treaty access and partial exemption) or an Authorised Company (non-resident for tax purposes). As of January 2019, Mauritius abolished the old GBC1 and GBC2 structures, replacing them with GBL and Authorised Company regimes to align with international tax standards.
Important Note: The Category 2 Global Business License (GBC2) is no longer issued as of January 2019. Existing GBC2 licenses were grandfathered until 2021 but have since transitioned or dissolved. Companies seeking Mauritius structures must now choose between GBL and Authorised Company.
Mauritius offers a strategic location, tax-efficient structures, access to 40+ double tax treaties (for GBL companies), and a stable legal framework based on English common law. GBL companies can achieve effective tax rates as low as 3% through the 80% partial exemption regime (subject to substance requirements), while Authorised Companies provide tax-neutral structures for holding and asset protection. AURNÉ Private Advisory guides clients through every step of Mauritius company formation, from initial consultation to ongoing compliance and substance management.
Why Choose Mauritius for Company Formation?
Mauritius offers numerous advantages for international business structures:
- Tax Efficiency: GBL with 80% partial exemption (effective 3% tax) or Authorised Company with tax neutrality
- Double Tax Treaties: Access to 40+ treaties including India, China, Singapore, UAE, South Africa (GBL companies)
- Strategic Location: Gateway to Africa and Asia, ideal for investment into India
- English Common Law: Stable legal framework based on English common law
- International Recognition: Widely recognized and respected jurisdiction
- Regulatory Compliance: Aligned with international standards (BEPS, OECD requirements)
- Banking Access: Strong banking sector with international banks
- Cost-Effective: Competitive costs compared to other jurisdictions
- Flexible Structures: Flexible corporate structures for various business needs
GBL vs Authorised Company: Which Should You Choose?
Important: As of January 2019, the old GBC1 and GBC2 structures were replaced. GBC2 licenses are no longer issued. Companies must now choose between Global Business License (GBL) and Authorised Company structures.
| Feature | Global Business License (GBL) | Authorised Company |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Status | 15% (80% partial exemption available, effective 3%) | Non-resident (tax neutral, except Mauritius income) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Yes (40+ treaties, subject to substance) | No |
| Substance Requirements | Yes (mandatory for partial exemption) | No (management outside Mauritius) |
| Place of Management | Mauritius | Outside Mauritius |
| Best For | Active business, treaty benefits, investment into India/Africa | Holding, asset protection, passive structures |
| Compliance | More complex (substance, tax returns) | Simpler (annual return, tax return) |
| Costs | Higher (includes substance costs) | Lower |
Common Uses for Mauritius Companies
Investment into India
GBL companies can access India-Mauritius double tax treaty, providing tax-efficient investment structures into India with effective 3% tax rate through partial exemption.
Africa Investment
Strategic gateway to Africa with tax-efficient structures and treaty benefits for African investments through GBL companies.
Holding Companies
Authorised Companies offer tax-neutral structures for holding companies, providing efficient asset holding without Mauritius tax exposure.
Asset Protection
Strong legal framework and privacy protections for asset protection structures.
Note: All costs, fees, and prices mentioned are approximate and indicative only. They are subject to change without notice. Actual costs may vary based on specific requirements, regulatory changes, and market conditions. Please contact us for current pricing and a detailed quotation tailored to your specific needs.