Mauritius boasts a diverse array of business entities, with the private limited company standing out as one of the most favoured options. Alongside this, Mauritius hosts a variety of other company structures (Variable Capital Company or Protected Cell Company), including trusts, foundations, and limited partnerships.

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Company Types:

 

According to the legal framework of Mauritius, businesses are recognized as separate legal entities, categorized mainly as private limited and public limited companies. Moreover, these entities can be further classified into domestic, international companies (offshore) known as Mauritius Authorised companies (MAC) or mid-offshore companies known as Global Business Companies (GBC).

 

Other company structures:

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1. Unlimited company: These entities in Mauritius have no liability limits for shareholders.

2. Limited Life company: Formed with a predefined lifespan, typically 50 years.

3. Small private company: Characterized by an annual turnover below fifty million rupees, exempt from audit requirements but mandated to file annual financial summaries with the company registrar.

4. Foreign Company: Foreign enterprises can establish operations in Mauritius by fulfilling the requirements outlined in the 2001 Company Act, including appointing a local agent and maintaining a registered office. Annual accounts must also be prepared and filed.

5. Variable Capital Company (VCC) & Protected Cell Company (PCC).

6. Different types of shares can be issued and no concept of authorised capital.

 

Global Business Companies (GBC)

 

GBCs are companies holding licenses from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) under the Financial Services Act 2007. It benefits from the Double Taxation Avoidance Treaties (DTAs) and taxed at a reduced rate for various activities such investment holding, global trading and others.

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GBCs can also apply for financial licenses such as investment dealer, payment services provider, fund, etc. 

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Mauritius Authorised Companies (MAC)

 

These companies conduct global business activities exclusively for non-residents, enjoying certain tax benefits and operational flexibilities.

 

Other Vehicles:

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1. Trusts:

   • Governed by the Trust Act of 2001, trusts in Mauritius offer various forms, including charitable, discretionary purpose, and asset protection trusts, with no formal registration requirements for confidentiality.

2. Foundations:

   • Is a wealth management vehicle which possesses some hybrid characteristics of a trust and a company. It is a legal entity in its own right and can therefore own assets directly. It is increasingly being used across the globe, especially in civil law jurisdictions where the concept of trusts is less well known.

3. Partnerships:

   • General partnerships involve unlimited liability for partners and are common in professional service firms, while limited partnerships offer greater flexibility, popular among private equity funds and joint ventures. There are preferred vehicles for General Partners (GP) and for investors (Limited Partners).

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