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Domestic Company

The Best Way to Conduct Business with Mauritian Residents

Domestic companies in Mauritius offer the most effective structure for conducting business with Mauritian residents and are the preferred vehicle for investment within the country.

 

Regulated by the Registrar of Companies and governed by the Companies Act 2001, a domestic company can be established for a wide range of activities, including trading, providing consultancy services, investment holding, and property holding (IRS) amongst others. The activities of the domestic company can be conducted with local as well as non-local residents of Mauritius.

 

Domestic companies operating within the Mauritius Freeport Zone can benefit from a range of fiscal and commercial incentives, taking advantage of Mauritius’s COMESA and SADC membership, its network of double taxation treaties, and various trade preferences—making it a strategic base for regional and international business.

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A domestic company may be incorporated by the Registrar of Companies within 3 working days once all documents have been presented. Depending on the nature of the activity, a specific authorisation (licence) may be required.

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Types of Domestic Companies

The following types of company may be incorporated in Mauritius:

  • ​​Company limited by shares – limits each shareholder’s liability to any amount that remains unpaid on the shares they hold.

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  • Company limited by guarantee – limits each member’s liability to the amount they agree to contribute if the company is ever wound up. This limit is set out in the company’s constitution.

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  • Company limited by shares and guarantee (hybrid) – members who are shareholders are only responsible for paying any unpaid amount on their shares. If they have also given a guarantee, they are only liable for the amount they agreed to contribute if the company is wound up.

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  • ​​Foreign company – a company that is incorporated in another country but has a place of business or carries out business activities in Mauritius.

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  • Limited Life Company – the company’s constitution sets a limited lifespan of up to 50 years from incorporation, which can be extended to a maximum of 150 years.

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Key Features of Domestic Companies

Regulatory Requirements

  • No minimum stated capital requirement.

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  • Minimum of one (1) resident director required.

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  • Minimum of one (1) shareholder required who can be a non-resident of Mauritius.

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  • Must have a qualified company secretary, resident in Mauritius.

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  • Board meetings must be held and chaired in Mauritius.

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  • All companies must maintain statutory books and records that adequately show the transactions and financial position of the company. Only an Annual financial summary is required if turnover is less than MUR 50 million. These must be filed annually with the Registrar of Companies. 

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  • Audited accounts required if turnover is above MUR 50 Million.

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  • Lodge an annual return within 28 days of the date of the annual general meeting of the company. 

Mobility

  • A domestic company may re-domicile to another jurisdiction.

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  • May be converted to a company holding a Global Business License.

Shares and Shareholders

  • Par value shares may be stated in more than one currency.

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  • ​Shareholders may be individual or corporate.

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  • Fractional shares are allowed.

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  • Bearer shares are not allowed.

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  • Shares may be subscribed by nominees.

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  • May acquire, redeem, reissue or purchase its own shares.

Taxation

  • Liable to Mauritian income tax at the rate of 15%.

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  • Dividends paid by a Mauritius-resident company are exempt from income tax.

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  • Foreign dividends are taxable but a foreign tax credit can be obtained for any foreign tax suffered. The foreign tax credit is limited to the amount of Mauritius tax on that income.

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  • Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) allows the company to claim double taxation relief available under Mauritius’ network of double taxation treaties.

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