Country Profile
The Republic of Mauritius is an island located in the Indian Ocean in eastern Southern Africa. The island is situated about 900 km east of Madagascar and 180 km northeast of French Réunion.
The country includes several islands of volcanic origin. Besides the main island of Mauritius, there is Rodrigues Island 600 km away to the east and two outer islands, Agaléga, 1065 km to the north, and the uninhabited archipelago of the Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), 430 km to the northeast.
Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Réunion belong to the Mascarene Islands, with Reunion Island being the largest with 2,512 km2. Spoken languages in Mauritius are Morisien, English, and French. Morisien is a Creole language based on French and is used by almost the entire population in everyday life.
Mauritius is a constitutional republic with a unicameral parliamentary system. The head of state is the president, who is indirectly elected by parliament for a five-year term.
Economic overview
The Republic has experienced remarkable growth since its independence and is seeking to become a high-income country within the next decade. It has made substantial progress in its campaign for social equality and poverty reduction and represents an exemplary model of development.
General Information
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Capital |
Port Louis |
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Area |
2,040 km² sq. km (World data) |
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Languages |
French, English and Yorisien |
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Population |
1, 260,379 (2023) |
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Currency |
Mauritian Rupee (MUR) |
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GDP (current US$) |
14.6 billion (FSC Statistics Mauritius) |
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GDP per capita (current US$) |
11621 (FSC Statistics Mauritius) |
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GDP growth (annual %) |
7% (2023) |
Why Invest in Mauritius?
a) Favourable Tax System
Mauritius’s tax system is competitive with a corporate tax rate of 15%
b) Strategic Location
Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean, making it an ideal investment, trade, and tourism hub for companies doing business in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Mauritius is in the GMT+4 time zone, allowing it to do business with Asia in the morning and Europe and Africa in the afternoon.
c) Business Friendly Environment
The government of Mauritius has taken many steps to create a friendly regulatory environment, including reducing bureaucracy and streamlining the process of registering and operating a company. Mauritius has signed Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with many African Member States making it a promising destination for investors.
d) Political Stability
Mauritius provides a sense of security for investors and businesses. The modern system of law is a combination of French civil law and common law, the country has consistently been ranked as one of Africa’s most politically stable countries.
e) Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs)
Mauritius has signed double taxation treaties with over 54 countries (2023). Under the DTAAs, residents of the contracting states are provided relief from double taxation in the form of tax credits, exemptions, or reduced tax rates.
f) Reputation
Mauritius is recognized as a well-regulated and transparent financial centre, with a robust regulatory framework and a commitment to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. The jurisdiction is famous for its high level of confidentiality in business and financial operations.
Economic Development Board (EDB)
The Economic Development Board (EDB) is a corporate body, set up under the Economic Development Board Act 2017 and operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning & Development. It is the leading Government Agency mandated to provide strong institutional support for strategic economic planning and to promote Mauritius as an attractive investment and business centre, a competitive export platform as well as an International Financial Centre (IFC). The overarching objective of the EDB is to ensure greater coherence and effectiveness in implementing policies and draw the vision for the economic development path to be adopted to reach a high-income economy status. The EDB also acts as the main institution responsible for country branding for investment promotion, to facilitate both inward and outward investment and ensure a conducive business environment.
As an apex statutory body, the EDB synergizes efforts across all ministries and with private stakeholders to meet the set goals. The EDB is responsible to drive research projects and lead initiatives with other stakeholders. The business facilitation agenda of the EDB on the other hand, ensures that projects are swiftly implemented. The EDB ensures that no undue delay is caused due to unnecessary and overly burdensome administrative procedures. The National Electronic Licensing (NELS) platform has been implemented to curtail inefficiencies and provide more certainty to the business community. Finally, the EDB through its 8 representative offices in France, South Africa, Kenya, UAE, India, China, Singapore, and Japan strives to facilitate companies through their business expansion, thereby boosting FDI and exports.
Investment Incentives
General Investment Incentives
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No custom duty or sales tax on raw materials and equipment;
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No tax on dividends;
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No capital gains tax;
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Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital;
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50 % relief on personal income tax for expatriate staff;
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The sector combined with these incentives presents a very lucrative opportunity for investment.
Further, in a quest to attract foreign investments, the following noteworthy measures have been taken:
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A non-citizen is entitled to a resident permit for themselves and their dependents upon the acquisition of an apartment in a building with at least two floors for USD 375 000 (a lower threshold than the previous one of USD 500 000);
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The minimum investment threshold for an investor to obtain an Occupation Permit is now USD 50 000 whilst the maximum duration of occupation permits extended to 10 years (previously three years);
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A family occupation permit has been introduced to allow investors to bring their parents and any other person working exclusively for the family unit to the country provided that they make a donation of USD 250 000 to the COVID-19 Projects Development Fund. In addition, there is no longer any requirement for a dependent to be younger than 24 years, provided the dependent is unmarried, not involved in any gainful activity and wholly dependent on the investor;
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The duration of a permanent resident permit has also been extended from 10 to 20 years.
Investment Schemes
Various schemes have been introduced to attract investment in certain sectors as follows:
a) Premium Investor Scheme
The premium investor scheme promotes the emergence of pioneering industries, innovative sectors and first movers. The scheme allows companies involved in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and medical devices and companies investing at least MUR 500 million to benefit from bespoke incentives, upon recommendation of a Technical Committee and approval by the Minister. Examples of possible incentives include rebates, exemptions and preferential rates in relation to taxes, duties, fees, charges and levies under any enactment.
b) Investment Scheme
A set of incentives are available to enterprises in eligible sectors (such as aquaculture, industrial fishing, seafood processing, high tech manufacturing, pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, agro-processing, food processing, health-care, biotechnology and life sciences, nursing and residential care, digital technology and innovation, marina, tertiary education, and seeds production). These include an eight-year income tax holiday, exemption from registration duty and land transfer tax on acquisition of immovable property, and exemption from VAT on selected items.
c) Export Development Scheme
The export development scheme provides incentives to export enterprises under various sub-schemes. These includes:
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Export Credit Guarantee Insurance Scheme - provides refunds on export credit insurance premiums to eligible exporters.
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Freight Rebate Scheme - provides rebates on the ocean freight cost of exporting eligible products to eligible ports in eligible countries or through eligible ports to landlocked countries, to eligible beneficiaries.
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Trade Promotion and Marketing Scheme - provides rebates on the air freight costs of exporting an eligible product to an eligible market, to eligible beneficiaries. Export enterprises also benefit from a reduced tax rate of 3% on chargeable income attributable to export of goods.
Investment Opportunities in Mauritius
a) Blue Economy
Mauritius is a subtropical island country in the Indian Ocean surrounded by a vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.3 million square kilometres. The Mauritius blue economy activities excluding coastal tourism represent 10% of the Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and employ around 7,000 people. Opportunities exist in:
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b) Agro-Business
The government’s goal is to reduce the dependency on imported food by promoting local crops, inputs, agro-processing, and smart agriculture. In the 2022-2023 budget, the finance minister announced funding for an agro-processing park and a fruit processing cluster. Opportunities exist in:
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c) Research
The Mauritian government has identified life sciences and clinical trial as a promising sector for Mauritius and appropriate legislation has been introduced with a view to encourage the development of this sector. Opportunities exist in:
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Biomedical research;
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Academic research.
d) Real Estate and Construction
Real estate and construction activities contribute 10.5 percent to GDP. Moreover, new property developments influence employment opportunities in sales and marketing, and creative services too. The Mauritian construction industry employs an estimated 40,000 workers. Opportunities exist in:
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e) Financial Services
The Mauritius IFC boasts more than two decades’ track record in cross-border investment and finance and offers an unparalleled well-regulated and transparent platform. As an internationally recognised jurisdiction of repute, the Mauritius IFC is home to a number of international banks, legal firms, corporate services, investment funds and private equity funds. Opportunities exist in:
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Offshore banking (private banking, investment banking etc.);
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Insurance and reinsurance services.
f) Information and Communication Technology
Information and Communication Technologies coupled with Innovation are major enablers towards the transformation of Mauritius into a high-income, inclusive and green economy. Opportunities exist in:
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Software development;
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BPO services;
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Communication cables.
g) Renewable Energy
Mauritius emits 0.01% of the global carbon dioxide emissions and the government is committed to holding to its international commitment of reducing by 40% the GHC emissions by 2030. In order to achieve this target, one of the initiatives is increasing the contribution of renewable energy to 60% of the electricity mix by 2030. Opportunities exist in:
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Wind energy farms;
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Solar power farms.
h) Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry in Mauritius has played an instrumental role in the economic diversification and transformation of Mauritius. It contributes 13,8% (2022) to the GDP, exporting 2,500 product lines to 142 countries worldwide and provides employment to nearly 83,000 persons. Opportunities exist in:
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Light engineering goods;
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Garment manufacturing;
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Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.
i) Health Care Services
The health sector in Mauritius is developed. The sector is served by both public and private sectors. The public sector meets 73% of the health needs of the population while private healthcare facilities meet 23%.
Opportunities exist in:
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Multi-specialty hospital and specialty centre for local and foreign patients;
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Plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery clinics;
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Dental clinics and dental laboratories;
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Allied health services to carry out back-office activities etc.
Starting a Business in Mauritius
Forms of businesses
There are different ways of structuring a business in Mauritius. Some of the commonly used structures are:
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Companies;
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Partnerships/Societies;
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Limited partnership.
Types of Companies
a) Domestic Company
Domiciled companies that operate its business in Mauritius often used for conducting business with Mauritius residents.
b) Authorised Companies
This company is licensed by the FSC of Mauritius and majority of shares/voting rights/legal/beneficial interest is held by a non-citizen of Mauritius. Authorised companies carry out their activities principally outside of Mauritius, and are centrally managed and controlled outside of Mauritius.
c) Global Business Company
This is a company incorporated in Mauritius for the purpose of doing business primarily outside Mauritius. This offshore entity allows foreign citizens to obtain unique taxation and protection advantages while offering their services mainly outside of Mauritius.
d) Protected Cell Company
Protected Cell Company (PCC) or (Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC) is a single legal entity within which may be established various cells. The assets and liabilities of each cell are legally separate from those of the other cells. The PCC is a single legal entity and the cells are not independent legal entities separate from it.
A PCC operates in two distinct parts. These distinct parts are the Core and the Cells. There is (and must only be) one Core, but there may be an infinite number of Cells;
Cellular shares are issued, as required, under different names or numbers so as to identify, and to represent, the particular Cells to which they are attributable. Alternatively, each Cell may be given an identifying number, rather than a name.
Where assets have been allocated to a particular Cell, those assets are held exclusively for the benefit of the owners of the particular Cell and any counterparty to a transaction linked to this Cell. Only persons who have entered into transactions with the Cell, or who otherwise have become creditors of the Cell concerned, will have recourse to that Cell’s assets. Any asset which attaches to a particular Cell is not available to meet liabilities of the PCC or any of the other Cells.
These companies may be:
i) Limited by Shares
Company limited by shares means a company formed on the principle of having the liability of its shareholders limited to any amount unpaid on the shares respectively held by the shareholder.
ii) Limited by Guarantee
These are companies formed on the principle of having the liability of its members limited by its constitution to such amount as the members may respectively undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up.
iii) Limited by both shares and guarantee
Company limited by shares and by guarantee means a company formed on the principle of having the liability of its members (1) who are shareholders, limited to the amount unpaid, if any, (2) to those who have given guarantee, limited to the amount they have undertaken to contribute.
iv) Limited Life Company
This is a company whose constitution limits its life to a period not exceeding 50 years from the date of its incorporation. However, this period may be extended to a maximum of 150 years. Its constitution contains the specific matters as laid down in the law.
Company Registration in Mauritius
Incorporation of companies is made online via Companies and Business Registration Integrated System (CBRIS).
No reservation of name is required. Name is chosen at time of incorporation and applicant is notified if name is not available.
Application Process
Fill the online form and upload all the relevant requirements.
The application form shall state:
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The following documents shall be uploaded:
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Upon incorporation, the Registrar will issue an online certificate of incorporation and a business registration card.
Please Note:
Incorporation of GBL and authorised companies is effected only after the appropriate global licence has been obtained from FSC. Application is generally made by the management company. If the company is doing other licenced activities, application for individual licences/ permits shall be made after incorporation and it is the onus of the applicant to ensure that all the required licences have been obtained prior to start of business.
Company Registration Fees
Please note:
There are no incorporation fees for a domestic private or public company. No fee is applicable for the registration by continuation of a domestic private or public company as well as for the registration of a domestic foreign company. (A domestic foreign company is incorporated and registered in Mauritius with foreign shareholding).
Foreign Company
A foreign company is company not originally incorporated in Mauritius. Within one month of establishing a place of business in Mauritius, the company must register a branch.
The documents required prior to registration are:
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An authenticated copy of its Certificate of Incorporation or document of similar effect;
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An authenticated copy of its constitution or memo and articles;
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List of directors containing full names, residential address, occupation;
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Memorandum of appointment or power of attorney executed by the foreign company;
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Appointment of two local authorised agents to the branch, who shall signify their consent in writing;
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Notice of its registered office in Mauritius;
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Any change in the constitution, directors, authorised agents or their addresses, registered office and name shall be notified to the Registrar within one month of the change.
Company registration is conducted online via Companies and Business Registration Integrated System (CBRIS) (https://portalmns.mu/cbris/).
A foreign company must within three months of its annual meeting of shareholders, file with the Registrar, a copy of its last accounts as well as a copy of the last financial statements of the local branch within six months of the end of the accounting period.
Where the branch of the foreign company ceases to have a place of business in Mauritius, it must within 7 days of the date of cessation, file with the Registrar a notice to that effect.
Taxation
Taxes
Corporate Tax
Companies engaged in export of goods pay corporate tax at the rate 3% (w.e.f 01 July 2017). Export of goods" includes international buying and selling of goods by an entity in its own name, whereby the shipment of such goods is made directly by the shipper, in the original exporting country, without the goods being physically landed in Mauritius.
Other companies pay a corporate tax rate of 15%.
Value-Added Tax (VAT)
VAT is charged at the standard rate of 15% on all goods and services supplied by VAT-registered entities in Mauritius (except those taxed at 0% or exempt). An entity should register for VAT if turnover exceeds MUR 6 million a year. However, certain service providers (e.g., accountants and auditors, attorneys and solicitors, consultants, surveyors, valuers) should register for VAT irrespective of their turnover.
Personal Income Tax Rates
As of 1 July 2023, a progressive tax system has been introduced. The annual chargeable income of an individual will be taxed as follows:
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Chargeable income |
Tax rate |
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0 - Rs 390,000 |
First Rs 390,000 |
0% |
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Rs 390,001 – Rs 430,000 |
Next Rs 40,000 |
2% |
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Rs 430,001 – Rs 470,000 |
Next Rs 40,000 |
4% |
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Rs 470,001 – Rs 530,000 |
Next Rs 60,000 |
6% |
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Rs 530,001 – Rs 590,000 |
Next Rs 60,000 |
8% |
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Rs 590,001 – Rs 890,000 |
Next Rs 300,000 |
10% |
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Rs 890,001 – Rs 1,190,000 |
Next Rs 300,000 |
12% |
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Rs 1,190,001 – Rs 1,490,000 |
Next Rs 300,000 |
14% |
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Rs 1,490,001 – Rs 1,890,000 |
Next Rs 400,000 |
16% |
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Rs 1,890,001 – Rs 2,390,000 |
Next Rs 500,000 |
18% |
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Above Rs 2,390,000 |
Remainder |
20% |
Work Approvals
Occupation/Residence Permit
The Occupation Permit (OP) is a combined work and residence permit which allows foreign nationals to work and reside in Mauritius under 3 specific categories namely:
1. Investor including Investor for innovative start-ups;
2. Professional;
3. Self-Employed.
Foreign nationals, above the age of 50 years, may also choose to retire in Mauritius as retired non-citizens. Such nationals shall be issued with a Residence Permit as Retired Non-Citizens.
An Occupation Permit (Investor and Self-employed) and Residence Permit as Retired Non- Citizen shall be issued for a maximum period of ten years renewable thereafter as per established criteria.
An Occupation Permit under the Professional category shall be issued for a maximum period of ten years depending on the duration of the contract of employment.
Dependents of OP holders or Retired Non-Citizens may also apply for residence permit for a duration not exceeding that of the main holder.
a) Occupation Permit
Application for an Occupation Permit is made through the National Electronic Licensing System (NELS) where one is able to apply and obtain the permit online.
Requirements for all categories of OP
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In addition, for professionals
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Contract of employment and detailed Job description
In addition, for self-employed
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Licence from professional/regulatory body, if applicable;
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Contracts and letters of intent from potential clients (minimum of 2).
Permit fees for occupation permit and residence permit
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Category |
Permit Fees (USD) |
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Investor/ Self Employed/ Retired Non-Citizen (10 years) |
1,000 |
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Payable by employer of a Professional, in respect of a contract of employment of- a) not more than 2 years |
400 500 800 1,000 |
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For Short-term Occupation Permit for - (a) the first time, for a period not exceeding 9 months (b) subsequent extension, for a period not exceeding 3 months (only once) |
300 150 |
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Dependents of Occupation or Residence Permit holder |
400 |
Modes of Payment of Fees
Payment of Permit Fees may be effected by the following modes:
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By Credit Card (in USD) on the National E-licensing platform or;
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By Bank drafts/bank cheques in Mauritian Rupees (MUR) drawn by a local bank to the order of the “Government of Mauritius”, at the appropriate prevailing rate of USD to MUR at the time of payment at the bank. A copy of the bank cheque and the conversion rate should be uploaded on NELS under the field ‘Other documents’.
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b) Work Permits
Work Permits for non-citizens are issued by the Employment Division of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment and Training (MLIRET) under the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act 1973. Applications for work permits are made online via the National Electronic Licensing System.
Eligibility criteria for work permit
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Foreign workers should possess the skills, qualifications and experience required for the job applied for;
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Foreign workers should normally be aged between 20 and 60 years. Departure from this policy is exceptionally made for investors and expatriates who possess specific expertise;
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Visitors on tourist visa are not allowed to take up employment and applications for work permit on their behalf are not entertained;
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For all new applications, expatriates have to produce a provisional health clearance;
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In case of application for groups of workers and / or skilled workers, a request for Permission in Principle has to made to the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Training (MLIRET);
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For recruitment of foreign skilled workers, the employer should obtain a Lodging Accommodation Permit;
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Companies should submit Lodging Accommodation Permit in Employment and Training respect of their workers at least 3 months prior to the expiry of their current Lodging Accommodation Permit;
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Companies should submit a copy of Contract of Employment duly vetted by the Labour Division of the MLIRET if salary of expatriates is MUR 30,000 or less. If salary is more, documentary evidence from the employer certifying that the expatriate will earn a monthly salary of more than MUR 30,000;
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Where the expatriate is being deputed and remunerated by a foreign company, a deputation letter has to be produced;
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For new cases, expatriates are granted 6 months from the date of issue of the work permit to travel to Mauritius. Beyond that date, work permits will be cancelled and companies will be required to submit fresh application;
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Companies should ensure that at the time of submission for applications for work permit, the passport copies of expatriates should have at least six months of validity;
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Expatriates married to Mauritians do not require a work permit.
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Company will be required to submit any additional documents for information as and when requested by this Ministry.
c) Certificate of Exemption
Expatriates employed by Ministries, Embassies, University of Mauritius, amongst others are exempted from work permit. Employers of eligible expatriates, falling under this category, should apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
Visas
A visa is an official acknowledgement issued by the Immigration Office / Embassy/ Consular of Mauritius, indicating that your application to enter Mauritius has been reviewed by an Immigration Officer and that the officer has determined you are eligible to enter or transit in Mauritius for a specific purpose.
Types of Visas
a) Premium Visa
The premium visa aims at encouraging foreign nationals from eligible countries to come for a long stay as a tourist, a retiree or a professional willing to come with their family and work remotely from Mauritius. See link for eligible countries https://residency.mu/live/mauritius-premium-visa/
This visa allows a non-citizen to stay in Mauritius for a period exceeding six (6) months up to one (1) year with an option to renew. It’s a multi-entry visa and one can exit and re-enter the country during its validity and its issued free of charge.
b) Tourist Visa
This allows a non-citizen to visit Mauritius for a short time on vacation. The maximum period of (six) months may be granted in a calendar year on a case-to-case basis, subject to Immigration requirements.
c) Business Visa
The Business visa allows a non-citizen to travel to Mauritius for the purpose of establishing or conducting a business or investment. Business persons are entitled for a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year provided that during each trip the maximum stay does not exceed 90 days and that the non-citizen is not remunerated in Mauritius.
d) Social Visa
Social visa is granted to non-citizens sponsored by socio-cultural organizations for a maximum period of 45 days to carry out social and religious activities. Non-citizens travelling to Mauritius for religious purposes should apply and obtain a social visa prior to travel.
e) Multiple Entry Visa
Granted only to foreign business persons having business interest in Mauritius and who needs a visa prior to travel. For business facilitation, bona fide business persons may be granted multiple-entry visa subject to a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year and provided the stay during each trip does not exceed 90 days.
f) Transit visa
Granted to passengers travelling to a third country within a period of 24 hours.
g) Medical Visa
Medical visa is granted to foreign nationals coming to Mauritius for medical treatment to be provided in private health care institutions which are duly registered with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life under the Private Health Institutions Act. Medical visa is granted on arrival for the duration of treatment, but not exceeding six (6) months.
Visa Requirements
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A valid passport, where the expiry date is beyond the intended period of stay;
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A valid return or onward ticket to the country of origin or residence;
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A confirmed booking for accommodation – for example, a booking at a hotel. If the person travelling is being sponsored by a Mauritian citizen, they will need to produce evidence of sponsorship, stating their name, address, profession, relationship, national identity card number and telephone number;
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Sufficient funds to meet the costs of stay (US$100 per night);
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A pledge not to engage in any profit-making activities;
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Two recent passport-sized photographs;
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A photocopy of data pages within the traveller’s passport; and a photocopy of the residence/re-Entry visa with three months validity, where applicable.
Visa Application Procedure
Duly filled and signed application forms are available at http://passport.govmu.org
An average of five working days is required for processing applications and for a visa to be issued, provided all relevant documents are submitted.
Visas are free of charge.
Useful Contacts
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Economic Development Board Mauritius EDB Head Office 7 Exchange Square, Wall Street,Ebene, Cybercity, 72201 Mr Ken Poonoosamy- CEO EDB Mauritius Tel:+230 203 3800 |
Mauritius Revenue Authority Ehram Court Tel: + 230 207 6000 |
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Corporate Business Registration Department One Cathedral Square Building Jules Koeing Street Port Louis Email: comd@govmu.org Tel: + (230) 202-0600 Fax No: +(230) 212-4480 Passport & Immigration Office Sterling House, 9-11, Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port Louis Tel: (230) 260 2073 (230) 210 9322 Email: piomain@govmu.org |
Work Permit Unit Level 10-11, Victoria House, Corner St Louis & Barracks Streets, Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius Telephone No: (230)405-0100/405-0143 (Counter Service) Fax No: (230)208-6252 E-Mail: emp@govmu.org |