The Mauritius Global Business Corporation

A company that intends to carry on global business and avail itself of the benefits of the Mauritius International Finance Centre in terms of the extended tax treaty network and investment protection network, amongst others, must apply to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) through a licenced management company, like GWMS, for a Global Business Licence. Such a company is the Global Business Company (“GBC”)

A GBC may require further approval or licensing by the FSC depending on the business activity that it intends conducting, thereby impacting its cost.

GBC

  • A GBC can do business both out of Mauritius and in Mauritius, the latter being subject to certain conditions.
  • The GBC is taxed at the flat headline tax rate (HTR) of 15% applicable to all types of companies in Mauritius but may benefit from partial exemption of 80% of the HTR which may reduce the effective tax rate to 3% in respect of dividends, interest, specified financial services and Fintech income which are earned outside of Mauritius. All other income are taxed at 15%. A flat corporate tax rate of 15% applies to net taxable income generated from business dealings in Mauritius.
  • A reduced tax rate of 3% applies to income generated from the “export of goods” activity. Under this activity, the GBC buys goods from one country which are then shipped directly to another country without the goods transiting in Mauritius.
  • There are no Mauritius capital gains tax, dividend or interest withholding tax in Mauritius that apply to the GBC.
Mauritius Global Business Corporation - GWMS
Control and Management of a GBC - GWMS

Control and Management of a GBC

The Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulator of non banking financial services activities in Mauritius, will only issue or annually renew a GBC licence where it considers that management & control of a corporation will be exercised in and from Mauritius. FSC considers that management & control of a corporation is generally evidenced where, among others, the corporation:

  • shall have or has at least 2 directors, resident in Mauritius, who are appropriately qualified and are of sufficient calibre to exercise independence of mind and judgement;
  • shall maintain or maintains, at all times, its principal bank account in Mauritius;
  • shall keep and maintain or keeps and maintains, at all times, its accounting records at its registered office in Mauritius;
  • shall prepare, or proposes to prepare or prepares, its statutory financial statements, and causes or proposes to have such financial statements to be audited in Mauritius;
  • and shall provide or provides for meeting of directors to include at least 2 directors from Mauritius;

Additional Requirements for a GBC

As part of regulatory enhancements, a GBC must carry out its Core Income Generating Activities (CIGA) in, or from, Mauritius at all times. This requirement ensures that GBCs demonstrate real economic substance and align with international compliance standards.

Navigating these obligations can be complex, but GWMS Ltd is here to help. With extensive expertise in Mauritius’s regulatory framework, we provide tailored guidance to ensure your GBC remains compliant while maximizing its operational advantages.

Contact us today to learn how our team can assist you in meeting substance requirements and driving your business success in Mauritius.

Requirements for a GBC - GWMS

Authorised Company

Collective Investment Schemes and Closed-End Funds

Special Purpose Fund

Variable Capital Company

Asset Management Company

Taxation Benefits on Specified Investment Income in Mauritius

Trust

Foundation

Relocation Permits