Global activities in Mauritius are regulated by the Financial Services Development Act, 2018. The supervisory body is the Financial Services Commission which monitors the conduct of all global activities and issues licenses to all global companies.
The Financial Services Development Act provides for confidentiality of information on all matters concerning business activities and accordingly documents relating to global companies are not available for public inspection.
The principal forms of business organization in Mauritius are:
The most common structure is the private limited company.
Global Business Companies are regulated by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission. There are two types of Global Business companies namely the Category 1 Global Business Company ("GBC") and the Category 2 Authorised Company ("Authorised Company").
Both types of entities offer the highest degree of confidentiality and the choice between the two types will depend on a number of factors like the proposed activities of the company and the geographical area of operation. Global Business Companies can undertake activities ranging from investments in Africa and other parts of the world to trading. While the GBC is resident for tax purposes in Mauritius and can thus avail itself of the benefits of the double taxation treaties signed by Mauritius, the Authorised Company is tax exempt and is typically used where no tax treaty benefits are sought.
The companies can use any language but usually it is English or French. In any case it must be accompanied by an approved translation in English.
It is prohibited to use a name already in use.
Sensitive words include: “Authority”, “Corporation”, “Government”, “Mauritius”, “National”, “President”, “Presidential”, “Regional”, "Republic", “State”, or any other word which in the Registrar’s opinion suggests, or is likely to suggest, that it enjoys the patronage of the Government or of a statutory corporation, or of the Government of any other State; “Municipal” or “Chartered” or any other word which in the Registrar’s opinion suggests, or is likely to suggest, connection with a local authority in Mauritius or elsewhere; “co-operative”; “Chamber of Commerce.
Where the liability of the shareholders of a company is limited, the registered name of the company shall end with the word "Limited" or the word "Limitée" or the abbreviation "Ltd" or "Ltée".
Beneficiaries’ details do not appear on a public profile. The identity of the beneficial owner of a Mauritius company is treated as strictly confidential and must be disclosed as part of the obligatory due diligence to service providers including firms specializing in company formation, trust managers, lawyers, and accountants, as well as to the auditor. It can only be disclosed by them in the cases stipulated by law and following statutory procedure.
There is no minimum capital requirements in Mauritius. The standard minimum paid up capital is 1 USD. The share capital can be denominated in any currency, except MURs.
Non-par value shares are allowed. Bearer shares are not allowed.