Mauritius offshore company formation

Mauritius is considered an excellent place to start a business, especially for international entrepreneurs looking for a stable, tax-efficient, and business-friendly environment. 

Although the standard corporate tax rate is 15%, eligible Global Business Companies (GBCs) can benefit from an 80% partial exemption regime, effectively reducing the rate to 3%, provided they meet economic substance requirements in Mauritius.

Here’s why it remains a top choice in 2025:

1. Strategic Location

• Located between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
• The time zone is perfect for dealing with big financial hubs.
• Strong air and sea connections for trade

2. Attractive Tax Regime

• A flat 15% tax rate for companies
• No capital gains tax or inheritance tax
• Tax treaties with many countries reduce withholding taxes
• Foreign tax credits can lower the effective tax rate further

3. Robust Legal and Regulatory Framework

• The legal system is a mix of English and French law
• Investors and businesses get good protection
• Compliance with international standards (OECD, FATF)

4. Ease of Doing Business

• Fast, online company registration process. To enjoy tax benefits and regulatory recognition, businesses must maintain economic substance in Mauritius, such as having a local office, employees, and core income-generating activities performed within the jurisdiction.
• Minimal bureaucracy and efficient licensing
• Ranked highly in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index

5. International Financial Centre (IFC)

• Well-regarded jurisdiction for Global Business Companies (GBCs)
• Popular for fund management, investment holding, and wealth structuring
• Used as a gateway for investment into Africa and Asia

6. Political and Economic Stability

• Stable democracy and legal system
• Resilient economy with key sectors including finance, tourism, ICT, and renewable energy
• Low crime and policies that welcome investors

Besides, Mauritius is no longer considered an offshore tax haven. It complies with international tax standards (OECD BEPS, FATF) and promotes transparent, substance-based taxation.

For business owners wanting a simple and safe base for doing work in the region or around the world, Mauritius has a lot going for it. To make sure you set up your company right and follow all the rules, lots of businesses team up with experts like Offshore Company Services. They're good at setting up companies and helping with corporate stuff in Mauritius and other important places.

=> Full Information: Starting a Business in Mauritius: Opportunities, Costs, and Success

Mauritius is a great place for business owners because of where it is, how easy it is for investors, and its good legal system. What's best really depends on what you're good at and interested in, and how much money you have. However, businesses operating in Mauritius must comply with strict anti-money laundering regulations and international tax reporting standards.

But here are some areas that look good for 2025:

1. Financial Services and Global Business

• Mauritius is a reputable International Financial Centre (IFC).
• You could get into managing funds, planning wealth, private investing, or financial tech.
• Many investors use Mauritius-based Global Business Companies (GBCs) for tax efficiency and treaty benefits, provided they meet the required economic substance conditions.

2. ICT and Tech Startups

• Mauritius promotes itself as a regional ICT hub.
• Growing fields are things like making software, business process outsourcing, cybersecurity, and helping companies go digital.
• Strong government support and skilled bilingual workforce.

3. Tourism and Hospitality

• Mauritius remains a top tourist destination.
• Opportunities lie in boutique hotels, eco-lodges, tour operations, and niche experiences like wellness retreats.
• Government encourages sustainable tourism projects.

4. Renewable Energy

• The government is focused on transitioning to green energy.
• Investment potential in solar, wind, and biomass projects.
• Incentives available for clean energy businesses.

5. Farming

• Mauritius wants to rely less on importing food.
• There's a demand for organic farms, hydroponics, and turning basic foods into fancier products.
• You could also sell to other countries nearby.

6. Online Business

• Rising internet penetration fuels online business opportunities.
• Potential in online retail, logistics, digital marketing, and payment solutions.
• Government supports innovation in digital sectors.

Ultimately, the best business to start in Mauritius is one that aligns with your expertise and market demand. Before launching, conduct thorough market research and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Entrepreneurs often partner with professional service providers like Offshore Company Services, which specialize in company formation, licensing, and tax compliance in Mauritius.

Mauritius has emerged as a preferred destination for the establishment of international business due to the stable legal environment, regulatory certainty, and ideal geographical position to key international markets. Offshore Company Corp provides door-to-door service to customers who seek to register Mauritian companies and secure trademark registrations in Mauritius, with total compliance and operational readiness.

Key reasons why companies set up in Mauritius include:

• Strong legal and regulatory framework: Mauritius follows a hybrid English common law-based legal framework, which offers legal certainty and a well-defined corporate structure regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
• Global credibility and transparency: The jurisdiction boasts a spotless reputation for regulatory compliance and cooperation with international authorities, and it is a jurisdiction that can be trusted for legitimate business activities.
• Extensive treaty network: Mauritius has signed over 45 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAs), facilitating cross-border investment and trade by removing tax duplication and simplifying international transactions.
• Strategic geographic location: Situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a commercial bridge between Africa, Asia, and Europe, ideally placed for companies intending to target these markets.
• Full foreign ownership and profit repatriation: The corporate framework allows for 100% foreign ownership and free repatriation of profits, granting structural flexibility to foreign investors.
• Support for substance and operational presence: Companies can have real operations in Mauritius, meet substance requirements, and gain credibility with foreign clients, partners, and institutions.

With Offshore Company Corp's tailor-made services, companies can successfully incorporate a Mauritius-based company, protect their intellectual property, and be compliant with all local regulations, positioning themselves for long-term international growth.

=> Full information: Setting up a company in Mauritius

A GBC 1 company, now formally known as a Global Business Corporation (GBC), is a tax-resident company licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius to conduct international business outside the local market. GBCs are widely used for cross-border investment, asset holding, fund management, and corporate structuring, especially by multinational groups and financial institutions. 

These structures can avail of the network of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) entered into by Mauritius, the sound legal framework and tax regime based on substance. In order to be considered a GBC1, a company has to satisfy some substance requirements and have its principal place of effective management in Mauritius.

=> Full Information: Global Business Company in Mauritius

Here's a more comprehensive summary of the differences between GBC 1 and GBC 2 companies in Mauritius:

GBC 1 (Global Business Category 1) Companies:

1. Residency and Taxation:

• GBC 1 companies are considered residents of Mauritius for tax purposes.

• They are subject to a flat-rate tax of 15% on their chargeable income.

• They benefit from a Deemed Foreign Tax Credit (DFTC) of 80%, resulting in an effective tax rate of 3%.

• They can apply for a Tax Residence Certificate (TRC) and access Mauritius' network of Double Tax Treaties.

2. Requirements:

• GBC 1 companies must establish more substance in Mauritius, including having at least two directors residing in Mauritius who are qualified and independent.

• Their principal bank account must be in Mauritius.

• Accounting records must be maintained in the registered office in Mauritius.

• Financial statements must be prepared and audited in Mauritius.

3. Dealings with Mauritian Residents:

• GBC 1 companies may have dealings with Mauritian residents but require prior authorization from the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

4. Permitted Activities:

• GBC 1 companies can engage in a wide range of business activities, including those described in their business plan submitted to the FSC.

GBC 2 (Global Business Category 2) Companies:

1. Residency and Taxation:

• GBC 2 companies are not considered residents in Mauritius for tax purposes.

• They are not liable to be taxed by the Mauritian government.

• They are not eligible to benefit from the Double Taxation Treaties network.

2. Requirements:

• GBC 2 companies are expected to maintain a Registered Agent in Mauritius at all times, and only management companies can act as Registered Agents.

3. Dealings with Mauritian Residents:

• GBC 2 companies are prohibited from dealing with Mauritian residents.

4. Permitted Activities:

• GBC 2 companies are more restricted in the types of activities they can engage in. They are generally barred from engaging in certain activities, including banking, financial services, and holding or managing investment funds.

In summary, the main differences between GBC 1 and GBC 2 companies in Mauritius relate to their tax residency, tax obligations, requirements for substance in Mauritius, dealings with Mauritian residents, and permitted business activities. GBC 1 companies are residents, subject to a low tax rate, and have more flexibility in their activities, while GBC 2 companies are non-residents, exempt from taxation but have more restrictions on their operations. The choice between GBC 1 and GBC 2 depends on a company's specific objectives and tax planning requirements.