In a communiqué published on 10 July 2026, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) made this direction particularly clear. Following the recent review of licensing fees in the Global Business sector, the regulator described a shift away from competing primarily on cost and towards a higher-value financial services model.

The change is about more than licensing fees. It signals how Mauritius intends to strengthen its position as an international financial centre, with greater emphasis on supervision, compliance, governance and the quality of its business environment.

Why Is the FSC Changing Its Approach in 2026?

The FSC explains that its processing fees had not been reviewed since 2008, while annual licence fees had remained unchanged since 2019.

Since then, international regulatory expectations have become more demanding, while the cost of supervision has increased. The 2026 reforms are therefore intended to bring the regulator’s resources more closely in line with its responsibilities.

The changes do not mean that every licence has become more expensive. The FSC has also reduced certain fees, including those applying to VCC funds, asset management and some investment dealer representative licences.

The reform should therefore be viewed as a broader adjustment to the regulatory framework rather than simply a general increase in the cost of doing business.

Authorised Companies Are Particularly Affected

Authorised Companies provide a clear example of this new approach.

The FSC links the revised fees to the international and cross-border nature of these structures, as well as their inherent risk profile. The Commission considers that these characteristics call for risk-based supervision and greater regulatory resources.

Under the current FSC fee schedule, an Authorised Company is subject to a fixed annual fee of USD 1,400, compared with USD 2,600 for a Global Business Company. The processing fee for both categories is USD 600.

For businesses already established in Mauritius, this is therefore about more than an increase in annual costs. It is also an opportunity to review whether the structure currently in place remains appropriate for the company’s actual activities and objectives.

Is Mauritius Still Competitive?

Yes, but the FSC is clearly seeking to change the way competitiveness is measured.

In its July 2026 communiqué, the regulator rejects the idea of competing between financial centres primarily on the basis of the lowest possible costs. Instead, it highlights factors such as governance, the rule of law, regulatory compliance and Mauritius’ international reputation. It also maintains that Mauritius remains cost-effective and competitive compared with other international financial centres.

For international businesses, the annual cost of maintaining a corporate structure should therefore not be considered in isolation.

Choosing between a Domestic Company, a Global Business Company or an Authorised Company requires a broader assessment. The nature of the business, its international activities, applicable regulatory requirements, banking needs and governance arrangements all need to be considered.

What Does This Mean for Businesses Setting Up in Mauritius?

This shift makes choosing the right structure even more important from the outset.

A business that selects a structure simply because it appears to be the least expensive may later find that it does not fit its activities, banking requirements or compliance obligations.

By contrast, a structure that is appropriate for the business can make ongoing administrative and regulatory requirements more manageable.

This is particularly relevant to international investors and businesses planning to operate across borders from Mauritius. Setting up a company is only the starting point. Corporate governance, administration, banking and ongoing compliance all need to be considered as part of the longer-term structure.

Stronger Corporate Administration Matters

The FSC’s new positioning also highlights the importance of maintaining well-managed corporate structures.

Keeping statutory registers up to date, organising board meetings, preparing and retaining minutes, maintaining a properly appointed Company Secretary, updating corporate information and liaising with the relevant authorities are all part of good corporate administration.

For an international business, these are not merely administrative formalities. They contribute to the credibility, transparency and sound administration of a Mauritius-based corporate structure.

How Can C&S Support Your Business in Mauritius?

C&S Secretarial Services supports entrepreneurs and investors with the establishment and ongoing administration of companies in Mauritius.

Whether you are setting up a Domestic Company, Global Business Company or Authorised Company, C&S can assist with company incorporation and ongoing corporate administration, including Company Secretary services, registered office arrangements, corporate governance, board meetings and regulatory formalities.

The firm also provides support with corporate bank account opening, as well as accounting and tax services.

As Mauritius continues to position itself as a high-value international financial centre, choosing and properly managing the right corporate structure becomes an increasingly important business consideration.

The right structure is not necessarily the cheapest one. It is the one that genuinely fits your business, your requirements and your objectives in Mauritius.

Contact C&S Secretarial Services to discuss your requirements and find the right approach for your business.

Sources

• Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius
• The Financial Services Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Competitiveness Amid Strategic Licensing Fee Realignment
• FSC Codified List — consolidated version as at 1 July 2026

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