Mauritius has firmly established itself as a strategic financial hub for international investors, thanks to its stable legal framework and flexible corporate structures. Among the most prominent options are the Global Business Company (GBC) and the Authorised Company, both offering a secure, internationally compliant environment for local and cross-border operations.

C&S Secretarial Services outlines why these entities are essential tools for ensuring good governance, compliance and transparency and enabling businesses to optimise their international investments and transactions.

The importance of GBCs in Mauritius: Key figures and economic role

GBCs play a pivotal role in the Mauritian financial ecosystem. According to the IMF’s 2025 report, more than 13,000 GBCs were operational in Mauritius as of December 2023, a testament to their growing economic significance. These companies are integrated into the national accounts and balance of payments, contributing meaningfully to the country’s revenue and economic activity.

Main activities of GBCs

• Holding equity and managing financial assets
• Fund management and advisory services for international investors
• International trade and cross-border transactions
• Diversified financial services, including portfolio structuring and optimisation

The IMF has noted some discrepancies in estimates related to output and implied exports, prompting the Bank of Mauritius and Statistics Mauritius to align their data with technical assistance from the IMF. This process aims to ensure the reliability of macroeconomic indicators and strengthen the credibility of Mauritius as a financial centre.

Encart 1 – Key GBC statistics in Mauritius

• Over 13,000 GBCs were active in Mauritius as of December 2023
• Of the 13,564 GBC licences, approximately 30% are under foreign ownership
• GBCs mainly focus on equity holding, fund management, international trade, and consultancy services
• The IMF highlights their key role in the Mauritian economy and their growing integration into national accounts and the balance of payments

The GBC: A secure vehicle for international business

GBCs are licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and are designed for companies that conduct primarily international activities. They offer a flexible, compliant and transparent structure that aligns with both local and global legal requirements.

Governance and compliance

• Regular board meetings
• Detailed minutes for each strategic decision
• Accurate bookkeeping and financial reporting, aligned with FSC and international standards

These requirements ensure transparency and reliability, building trust among partners and foreign investors.

Strategic uses of the GBC

• International investments and asset management
• Holding international and local companies
• Global trade within a secure legal framework

Encart 2 – Governance and statistical harmonisation

• The Bank of Mauritius and Statistics Mauritius have improved the consistency of macroeconomic data related to GBCs
• Collaboration supported by the IMF through several missions (2021, 2024, and 2025)
• Goal: to align statistical treatment of GBC-related services with international standards
• Notable progress in the inclusion of GBCs in national accounts and the balance of payments, despite some ongoing discrepancies

The Authorised Company: A structure for foreign investors

The Authorised Company allows foreign investors to hold a majority stake while operating within Mauritius’ legal framework, ideal for securing international projects while retaining company control.

Governance and requirements

• Appointment of a company secretary for legal and administrative oversight
• General meetings and board meetings with full documentation
• Compliance with FSC and tax authority requirements

Strategic benefits

• Access to international investments and financial projects
• Asset and fund management
• Structuring of real estate or commercial projects requiring local authority approval

Governance in Mauritius: A pillar of investor security

Mauritius enforces strict standards to ensure sound corporate governance:

• Clear management structures with well-defined responsibilities
• Minutes of meetings and clear decision reports for all management committees
• Documented decisions and meetings across all governing bodies
• These requirements, combined with a stable legal framework, ensure investment security and alignment with both local and international obligations.

Additional services to maximise compliance and performance

Creating a GBC or Authorised Company goes beyond legal registration. The following additional services allow business leaders to focus on strategic growth:

• Corporate secretarial and administrative services: organising meetings, drafting minutes, monitoring legal obligations
• Registered office address provision
• Work and residence permits for foreign directors
• Tax and accounting services for compliance and optimisation
• Opening of local and international bank accounts

Why choose Mauritius for your GBC or Authorised Company

Mauritius offers a trusted and recognised legal framework, ideal for securing your operations and attracting international investors:

• Competitive tax regime and double taxation avoidance agreements
• Political and economic stability;
• Robust financial infrastructure: banks, specialised services, stock exchange
• Internationally favourable time zone and digital connectivity for global operations

Contact C&S Secretarial Services to create your Global Business Company (GBC) or Authorised Company in Mauritius. Our team provides end-to-end support, from legal registration to ongoing administrative management and regulatory compliance. We help you secure your operations so you can focus on growing your business in full transparency and alignment with international standards.

Source:

Statistiques économiques : le FMI salue les avancées, mais pointe des divergences – defimedia.info

​EBC Financial Group Enters South Africa, Advancing Strategic Expansion in Africa – ebc.com

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Establishing a Global Business Company (GBC) or an Authorised Company in Mauritius requires specialised expertise. To ensure efficiency, full regulatory compliance, and optimal tax benefits, it is essential to work with a licensed Management Company capable of handling all administrative and fiscal processes.

With C&S Secretarial Services, you receive comprehensive support, from incorporation to ongoing management, in full accordance with the requirements of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).

What is a licensed service provider, and why is it essential?

A licensed service provider, or Management Company, is authorised by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to represent a GBC or Authorised Company before Mauritian authorities.

This representation is mandatory and ensures that:

• All regulatory obligations are met with both the FSC and the MRA;
• The company is genuinely managed and controlled from Mauritius, in line with economic substance requirements;
• The incorporation process is streamlined, minimising risks of delay or rejection.

Without this licensed partner, it is not possible to obtain the FSC licence or the Tax Residence Certificate (TRC), both of which are required to access Mauritius’ tax advantages and double taxation treaties.

Services provided by C&S Secretarial Services, your licensed Management Company

To ensure the smooth operation of your GBC or Authorised Company, we provide a complete range of services, from company formation to annual compliance monitoring.

1. Preparation and filing of documents

Before any official submission, the licensed provider certifies and files all company documents, ensuring full legal compliance. Services include:

• Drafting and certifying the company’s constitution and memorandum;
• Collecting information from directors and shareholders;
• Filing documents with the FSC and following up on all formalities.

2. Liaison with the FSC and the MRA

To ensure effective communication with the authorities, the licensed agent acts as your official contact point:

• Submitting the application for a GBC or Authorised Company licence;
• Obtaining the TRC to confirm tax residency;
• Following up on files and clarifying any regulatory queries.

3. Ongoing management and reporting

Once the company is incorporated, the Management Company handles daily administration and annual reporting in accordance with Mauritian law:

• Maintaining accounts in Mauritius;
• Annual audit of financial statements;
• Organising board meetings and preparing minutes;
• Filing tax returns and managing exemptions.

A concrete workflow: incorporating a company in 48 hours

With an experienced local partner, setting up a GBC or Authorised Company can be quick and secure. The key steps include:

1. Preparing documents : constitution, shareholder and director details, identity certificates;
2. Submission to the FSC through a licensed provider;
3. Coordination to obtain the TRC from the MRA;
4. Final registration and organisation of the first board meetings.

This workflow illustrates how an official and competent agent can reduce delays while ensuring full compliance.

What are the advantages of working with a licensed provider?

Partnering with a licensed Management Company such as C&S Secretarial Services offers many benefits:

• Security and compliance: all legal and tax obligations are fully met;
• Time-saving: fast incorporation and simplified annual follow-up;
• Tax optimisation: TRC and economic substance conditions met for tax exemptions;
• International credibility: a globally recognised structure, inspiring trust among partners and investors.

Why choose C&S Secretarial Services?

C&S Secretarial Services assists investors with the creation and full management of GBCs and Authorised Companies in Mauritius:

• Fast incorporation within 48 hours through an experienced licensed provider;
• Comprehensive management of documents, TRC, audit, and reporting;
• Strict compliance with substance requirements;
• Personalised guidance at every step to secure your investment.

Contact C&S to set up your company

FAQ – Licensed service provider, GBC, and Authorised Company

What is a licensed provider in Mauritius?
It is a company authorised by the FSC to represent a GBC or Authorised Company before local authorities, ensuring compliance and administrative follow-up.

Why is it mandatory for creating a GBC or Authorised Company?
It is required to obtain the FSC licence, manage local substance obligations, and issue the TRC, necessary for accessing tax benefits.

What services does a licensed provider offer?
Document preparation and filing, liaison with the FSC and MRA, TRC application, bookkeeping, audit, board meeting organisation, and annual reporting.

How long does it take to incorporate a GBC or Authorised Company?
With an experienced provider like C&S, incorporation can be completed in just 48 hours, including certified documents and TRC issuance.

Why choose C&S Secretarial Services?
C&S ensures quick incorporation, full legal and tax compliance, and personalised support for every client.

Conclusion

Your licensed Management Company is the cornerstone of the creation and management of a GBC or Authorised Company in Mauritius, ensuring speed, compliance, and tax efficiency.

Choose C&S Secretarial Services for complete and tailored support, from company formation to annual management of your legal and tax obligations.

L’article Creation and management of GBC and Authorised Company in Mauritius est apparu en premier sur C&S Secretarial Services.

What is a Global Business Company (GBC)?

A Global Business Company (GBC) is a structure licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius and is mainly designed for conducting business activities outside the country. With its favorable tax regime and access to double taxation treaties, the GBC stands out as a strategic choice for international companies looking to expand their operations.

Advantages of a GBC in Mauritius

Tax benefits: Standard 15% income tax, with partial exemptions available on certain activities and no taxes on capital gains or dividends. Double taxation agreements often reduce the effective tax burden to around 3% for international activities.

Global flexibility: A GBC can operate almost anywhere in the world while benefiting from Mauritius’ economic and political stability.

Infrastructure and skilled workforce: Access to competent professionals, especially in the financial and legal sectors.

No exchange controls: Funds can move freely in and out of Mauritius.

Restrictions

Without a specific license, a GBC cannot conduct:

• Banking or insurance activities
• Trust or fund services
• Securities or collective investment fund management
• Gambling or casino operations

Constitution requirements

• Shareholding and control: Strategic decisions must be taken in Mauritius.
• Directors and secretary: At least two resident directors and one qualified secretary are required.
• Registered office: Mandatory in Mauritius.
• Name and documents: Name approved by the Registrar of Companies, incorporation documents in English or French, detailed business plan, legal certificates, compliance checks, and annual reports to the FSC and MRA.

Incorporation process

• Name check: Confirm availability with the Registrar of Companies.
• Application submission: Send required documents to the FSC.
• Payment of fees: Incorporation and annual renewal fees.
• Certificate of incorporation: Company officially created upon approval.

Compliance obligations

• Maintain sufficient share capital, with different share classes possible.
• Demonstrate adequate local substance: resident directors, bank accounts, and accounting in Mauritius.
• Submit financial statements and annual returns to the FSC and MRA.

Taxation

GBCs are subject to a 15% corporate tax on profits, with the possibility of an 80% partial exemption on certain activities, bringing the effective tax rate to 3–3.4%. Additionally:

• No withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties.
• No capital gains tax.

Key economic data

According to the FSC and recent statistics:

• Total GBC assets reached USD 753 billion in 2023.
• The global business sector contributes 8.4% to Mauritius’ GDP.
• Bank loans to GBCs stood at MUR 83.682 billion in December 2023.

These figures show that GBCs play a major role in the economic dynamism and development of Mauritius’ financial sector.

What is an Authorised Company?

An Authorised Company is one that is mainly owned by non-residents and whose management and control are conducted outside Mauritius. Unlike GBCs, an Authorised Company is not considered tax resident in Mauritius.

Key characteristics

• Taxed only on income sourced from Mauritius.
• Not eligible for double taxation treaties.
• Management and control recommended outside Mauritius, with most directors being non-residents.
• Must appoint a local Registered Agent, often a licensed management company like C&S Secretarial Services.

Restrictions and obligations

Authorised Companies cannot:

• Employ resident staff in Mauritius.
• Open accounts in local currency.
• Acquire or rent real estate in Mauritius.

They must, however:

• File annual tax returns with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).
• Maintain a registered office in Mauritius.

2023 statistics

• Active Authorised Companies: 6,296 (slight increase from 6,142 in 2022).
• These companies indirectly contribute to the Mauritian economy by purchasing local services such as accounting, management, and legal support.

What is a Domestic Company?

A Domestic Company is incorporated under Mauritian law and primarily intended to operate on the island.

Key characteristics

• Must comply with all local laws (Companies Act 2001, Income Tax Act 1995).
• Standard corporate tax applied on Mauritian income.
• Must maintain a registered office and minutes for board meetings.

Advantages

• Simple structure for companies operating only in Mauritius.
• Direct access to local markets.
• No international substance requirements.

How are Domestic Companies different from GBCs or Authorised Companies?

Unlike GBCs and Authorised Companies:

• A Domestic Company is a tax resident in Mauritius.
• It does not need to demonstrate that its main activities are conducted abroad.

Comparative summary of the three structures

Why choose C&S Secretarial Services to create your company in Mauritius?

Setting up a GBC, Authorised Company, or Domestic Company in Mauritius requires compliance with local legislation and a complete application file. C&S Secretarial Services offers:

• Full company incorporation and liaison with the Registrar of Companies.
• Management of board meetings, drafting of minutes, and administrative compliance.
• Provision of registered office address and management of local substance for GBCs.
• Assistance with work and residence permit applications for directors and employees.

With C&S, creating and managing your company in Mauritius is simplified and fully compliant with local and international standards.

Conclusion

Mauritius provides an ideal environment to establish or domicile your business thanks to its tax advantages, economic stability, and clear regulations. The choice between a GBC, an Authorised Company, and a Domestic Company depends on your objectives: internationalisation, tax optimisation, or local business operations.

For comprehensive and secure support in setting up your company in Mauritius, get in touch with C&S Secretarial Services today. Their expertise will save you time, ensure compliance, and let you focus fully on your business growth.

L’article GBCs, Authorised Company et Domestic Company: Understanding business structures in Mauritius est apparu en premier sur C&S Secretarial Services.

An Authorised Company (AC) is a legal business structure available in Mauritius, primarily tailored for foreign investors and companies seeking a streamlined offshore setup while operating locally. Unlike other business categories such as Global Business Companies (GBCs), Authorised Companies offer a simpler incorporation process and a more favourable fiscal regime for specific types of activities. ACs can be formed by resident or non-resident individuals or corporate entities. C&S Secretarial Services gives you an insight into ACs and why they present a strategic avenue for international ventures.

Who should consider an Authorised Company in Mauritius?

Mauritius has built a legislative framework that encourages the formation of Authorised Companies as part of its drive to attract foreign capital while preserving the dynamism of its local economy. The support of local experts, such as C&S Secretarial Services, proves invaluable in navigating the administrative and legal steps necessary to establish such entities efficiently and in full compliance.

Understanding the Authorised Company: Definition and key traits

An Authorised Company is an offshore entity that permits a business or investor to engage in commercial activities outside Mauritius, subject to certain limitations. It is not permitted to conduct business directly with Mauritian residents but can interact with international clients and partners.

This model is particularly attractive to entities seeking to optimise tax exposure without falling under stringent local tax obligations. Unlike domestic companies, which must pay corporate income tax, Authorised Companies may qualify for tax exemption, subject to regulatory conditions.

Key attributes of Authorised Companies include:

• A flexible corporate structure, notably more adaptable than a GBC. It suits enterprises that wish to establish a presence in Mauritius without engaging in local transactions.
• While exempt from local corporate tax, ACs are still required to meet basic legal obligations, including the appointment of at least one director and maintaining proper accounting records.
• Shareholders and directors enjoy a relatively high level of confidentiality which often appeals to international investors.

Steps to establish an Authorised Company in Mauritius

Forming an Authorised Company requires strict adherence to the legal process. The fundamental steps include:

Company name selection: The proposed name must be approved by the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) and must not be similar to existing names.

Registered address: The company must have a physical address in Mauritius, properly registered with the authorities.

Directors and shareholders: An Authorised Company must appoint at least one director and one shareholder, either individuals or legal entities. Residency in Mauritius is not a requirement, allowing for remote management by foreign investors.

Share capital: Unlike GBCs, there is no fixed minimum capital requirement. However, it is advisable to allocate a reasonable capital sum to build trust with partners and demonstrate financial stability.

Legal documentation: The company must file several key documents, including its constitution, a declaration of compliance, and formal appointments of directors and shareholders.

One of the primary advantages of the Authorised Company lies in its simplified administration and reduced maintenance costs compared to more complex entities like Global Business Companies.

Why opt for an Authorised Company in Mauritius?

Choosing to incorporate an Authorised Company can be a strategically sound decision for businesses aiming to leverage the tax efficiencies Mauritius offers without engaging in local trade. That said, it’s essential to evaluate whether this structure aligns with your operational goals.

Here are three compelling reasons to choose the Authorised Company model:

• With minimal capital requirements and ease of management, ACs are often more cost-effective to maintain than GBCs.
• For businesses that intend to establish a footprint in Mauritius while dealing with overseas clients, the Authorised Company offers necessary flexibility in a simplified framework.
• As an offshore entity, the Authorised Company may be eligible for corporate tax exemption, helping maximise profits while remaining fully compliant with local regulations.

Nonetheless, consulting with qualified professionals such as C&S Secretarial Services is crucial. They will assess the suitability of this structure to your context and ensure your compliance with the necessary legal and tax obligations.

Where to register an Authorised Company in Mauritius?

Mauritius presents an ideal setting for registering an Authorised Company thanks to its flexible legal environment and advantageous tax policies. The country has positioned itself as a reputable financial centre, supported by numerous tax treaties that help avoid double taxation, another compelling factor for global investors.

To proceed, one must engage with the Corporate and Business Registration Department and follow all prescribed legal and fiscal protocols. It is strongly recommended to partner with local professionals like C&S Secretarial Services, who can guide you from incorporation through to ongoing compliance and operational support.

Conclusion

The Authorised Company stands out as a strategic business vehicle for international enterprises seeking to operate from Mauritius while steering clear of domestic market obligations. With its attractive tax framework and streamlined management requirements, it is a viable option for many.
For tailored advice and support, contact C&S Secretarial Services. Their team of seasoned professionals is ready to assist you at every step, from selecting the right corporate structure to ensuring full legal compliance throughout your journey.

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