Bien choisir sa structure d’entreprise à Maurice

A critical step towards a successful business

When establishing a company in Mauritius, many international investors and local entrepreneurs fall into a common trap: selecting a legal structure ill-suited to their activities. This misstep often leads to serious financial and legal repercussions. C&S Secretarial Services, a leading provider of corporate secretarial and administrative solutions in Mauritius, sheds light on how to avoid costly mistakes.

The initial choice of structure determines not only your applicable tax regime but also your regulatory obligations, your interactions with Mauritian authorities, and the long-term viability of your enterprise. A poor decision at this stage can expose you to excessive taxation, cumbersome administration, or, in extreme cases, legal sanctions.

To avoid these pitfalls, it is essential to explore your options carefully.

1. Global Business Company (GBC): Best suited for international activities

The Global Business Company (GBC) is tailor-made for businesses conducting cross-border operations from Mauritius. Its primary advantage lies in access to Mauritius’ network of tax treaties, currently covering over 40 jurisdictions, which shields investors from double taxation.

Key advantages:

Enjoy international tax treaties and a capped corporate tax rate of 15%, with opportunities for further exemptions.

Especially beneficial for service companies, holding structures, management firms, and fintech operations targeting global markets.

Eligible to obtain a Tax Residence Certificate (TRC), essential for benefiting fully from bilateral tax agreements.

Regulatory considerations:

Mandatory appointment of at least two resident directors in Mauritius.

Annual submission of audited financial statements, requiring meticulous accounting practices.

Engagement of a licensed corporate secretary to ensure regulatory compliance.

Strict adherence to standards imposed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the sector’s regulator.

This structure is ideal for companies seeking to grow internationally while leveraging Mauritius’ favourable tax and regulatory environment.

2. Authorised Company (AC): Offshore solution without treaty access

The Authorised Company (AC) caters to entrepreneurs who do not require access to double taxation treaties. It is an offshore entity that Mauritius does not regard as tax-resident.

Key features:

Total exemption from Mauritian tax provided revenues are generated exclusively outside Mauritius.

Simplified administrative requirements with no obligation to appoint a licensed corporate secretary.

Popular among businesses engaged in international trading, foreign investments, or asset holdings outside Mauritius.

Many entrepreneurs choose this option for their international trade activities, foreign investments, or holding assets outside of Mauritius.

Important restrictions:

No entitlement to treaty benefits under double taxation agreements.

Strict prohibition against conducting business or generating revenue within Mauritius.

The AC offers a flexible, low-maintenance structure for entrepreneurs whose activities are entirely focused abroad.

3. Domestic Company: The natural choice for local operations

A Domestic Company is the optimal structure for businesses catering to the Mauritian market, whether serving local customers or partnering with local firms.

Essentials to remember:

Subject to a standard corporate tax rate of 15%.

No mandatory requirement for resident directors, although local representation can streamline processes.

Offers the option to establish a Limited Liability Company (Ltd), providing legal protection to shareholders.

Must comply with the regulations set by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and the Registrar of Companies.

For entrepreneurs aiming to establish or expand operations within Mauritius, the Domestic Company is the most straightforward and relevant structure.

The risks of choosing the wrong structure

Making the wrong choice can lead to several significant consequences:

• Tax Overload: Higher tax burdens or missed opportunities for exemptions.
• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Risk of company deregistration, financial penalties, or forced restructuring.
• Banking Difficulties: Certain structures may be viewed unfavourably by banks, complicating account opening and financing.
• Administrative Burdens: Unanticipated requirements such as audits or reporting obligations can cause costly delays.

Why hire a professional advisor?

Mauritian regulations are attractive yet dynamic, requiring careful navigation. A thorough assessment of your business model, target markets, cash flow, and beneficial ownership structure is crucial before selecting a legal entity.

By partnering with a firm like C&S Secretarial Services, you can:

• Benefit from a tailored pre-incorporation audit.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance from the outset.
• Delegate the entire administrative and corporate governance workload, from setup to ongoing maintenance.
• Receive long-term strategic support as your business evolves.

Conclusion

Setting up a company in Mauritius is a strategic opportunity for entrepreneurs worldwide—but success hinges on making the right structural choice. Selecting between a GBC, an Authorised Company, or a Domestic Company demands a solid understanding of the Mauritian legal and tax environment.

C&S Secretarial Services provides end-to-end guidance—from structural analysis to entity creation and corporate management—to help you navigate this critical decision.
Our team combines technical expertise with strategic insight:

• Anjela Sonya Mohadeb, LLB graduate from Newcastle University and a member of the Chartered Governance Institute, brings a wealth of knowledge in offshore and financial services.
• Shyam Mohadeb, former PwC partner and renowned Chartered Accountant, serves as a consultant and independent director for leading corporations.

Their complementary expertise ensures pragmatic and legally sound advice, regardless of your level of experience or the complexity of your project.

Planning to set up your business in Mauritius?

Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, our approach is tailored to your needs:

• For non-residents: Efficient structuring, administrative and banking support, and advice tailored to your residency status.
• For residents: Practical solutions, full compliance with local regulations, and optimised daily management strategies.

Contact C&S Secretarial Services for a free consultation and personalized assistance.
Don’t let a wrong structural choice hinder your success.