Mauritius has built one of the most business-friendly environments in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Its combination of low taxes, modern infrastructure, skilled bilingual workforce, and strategic location makes it an attractive destination for both local entrepreneurs and international investors.

The government actively supports investment through the Economic Development Board (EDB), which assists businesses with setup, expansion, and sector-specific incentives. Mauritius has also signed Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with over 40 countries, offering legal protection for foreign investors against expropriation.

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Low Corporate Tax — 15% Flat Rate

One of the most competitive corporate tax rates in the region. No capital gains tax on most transactions.

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Strategic Location

Gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe. GMT+4 time zone makes Mauritius ideal for global operations.

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40+ Bilateral Investment Treaties

Strong investor protections and a broad tax treaty network for international businesses.

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Very Low Minimum Share Capital

No statutory minimum share capital for most private companies. Start with as little as 1 share.

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Skilled Bilingual Workforce

English and French speaking professionals across finance, law, IT, and business services.

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Modern Infrastructure & EDB Support

World-class financial, legal, and digital infrastructure. Grants available for qualifying sectors.

2. The CBRD — Official Company Registration Authority

All company registrations in Mauritius are handled by the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD), a department of the Ministry of Finance. The CBRD operates under the Companies Act 2001 and is responsible for registering companies, businesses, partnerships, foundations, and sociétés.

🏛️ Important — How to Register

All new company incorporations and renewals are submitted online via the CBRIS portal at cbris.mns.global. On approval you receive a Business Registration Number (BRN) — your company's official identifier with the government and the MRA.

Before applying: always check the prohibited company names list to avoid an instant rejection.

Here are the most commonly used CBRIS online services — all accessible directly from the portal:

🏢Register Company + Get BRN→ 📋File Annual Return→ 💰Pay Registration Fee→ 🔍Search Companies (Free)→ 🚫Prohibited Names List→ 👤Apply for CBRIS Login→

Not sure where to start? DNB HR Associates handles the full CBRD process on your behalf — name reservation, documents, CBRIS submission, and follow-up.

Get Free Advice →

Need More Information Before You Decide?

Talk To Us Now

We are available Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm.

📞 +230 57561873 → 💬 WhatsApp Us → ✉ contact.dnbhr@gmail.com → 📄 Contact Us →

3. Types of Company Structures in Mauritius

Choosing the right structure is the most important decision before registering. Each structure has different rules around ownership, liability, tax treatment, and compliance obligations. Here is a clear summary of all 8 options.

Most Common

Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd)

The most widely used structure for businesses in Mauritius — local, foreign, small, and large. Provides limited liability protection so shareholders are not personally liable for company debts.

Minimum 1 director & 1 shareholder (can be the same person)

Shareholders protected from personal liability for company debts

Shares are not freely transferable to the public

Ideal for SMEs, startups, and family businesses

Public Company

Public Company Limited by Shares (Plc)

Required for businesses seeking to raise public capital through the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM).

Minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders

Shares freely transferable to the public

Subject to enhanced reporting and disclosure requirements

International

Global Business Company (GBC)

Designed for international trading, investment holding, and financial services. Regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) — requires an FSC licence in addition to CBRD registration.

Minimum 2 directors resident in Mauritius

Access to Mauritius’ extensive tax treaty network (40+ countries)

Requires an FSC licence — additional compliance obligations apply

Foreign Presence

Branch of a Foreign Company

Allows a foreign company to operate in Mauritius without creating a separate legal entity. The parent company remains fully liable for all branch obligations.

Must appoint a local representative or agent in Mauritius

Must register with the CBRD Registrar of Companies

Project-Based

Limited Life Company (LLC)

Created for specific purposes or projects with a predetermined lifespan. Automatically dissolved at the end of its stated term — ideal for joint ventures and time-limited projects.

Simplest

Sole Proprietorship

The simplest and lowest-cost structure. Owned and operated by one individual. Important: the owner is personally liable for all business debts — there is no separation between personal and business assets.

Multi-Party

Partnership / Société

Formed by two or more individuals or entities agreeing to share profits and losses. Partners are personally liable for partnership debts. Governed by a partnership agreement.

Wealth Planning

Trust

Used for estate planning, asset protection, and wealth management. Managed by trustees for the benefit of beneficiaries under a Trust Deed. Regulated under the Trusts Act 2001.

Not sure which structure fits your business? We assess your situation and recommend the right one — free and without obligation.

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4. Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Once you have chosen your structure, the incorporation process in Mauritius is straightforward when done correctly. Here are the five steps — from first decision to Certificate of Incorporation.

Choose Your Company Structure

Review the 8 structures above and match one to your goals, sector, ownership plan, and whether you need international tax treaty access, limited liability, or public share issuance. If unsure, we advise you for free.

Check & Reserve Your Company Name

Search existing registered companies at onlinesearch.mns.mu (free) and review the CBRD prohibited names list before submitting. A rejected name means starting over.

Prepare All Required Documents

Prepare your company Constitution, directors’ and shareholders’ consent letters, identity documents, registered office address, and share allocation details. Incomplete or incorrect documents are the single most common cause of delays.

Submit Online via the CBRIS Portal

Log in to cbris.mns.global (apply for a login at cbris-registration.mns.mu first), submit your complete application, and pay the applicable registration fee.

Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation & BRN

Once approved, the CBRD issues your Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Number (BRN). Your company is now legally registered and ready to operate. Typical processing time: same day to 3 working days.

5. Documents Required for Incorporation

The documents required vary slightly by structure. Below are the standard requirements for a Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd) — the most common type. Incorrect or missing documents are the most frequent cause of delays and rejections.

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Company Constitution

Governing document setting out company objectives, rules, and shareholder rights

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Director Consent & ID

Signed consent form + passport or national ID copy for each director

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Shareholder Details & ID

Full name, address, nationality, and ID copy for each shareholder

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Registered Office Address

A valid Mauritius postal address for official correspondence

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Share Allocation Details

Number of shares, nominal value, and allocation between shareholders

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Registration Fee Payment

Paid via CBRIS at time of submission — see the 2026 fee schedule

We prepare all your incorporation documents. Incorrect documents are the most common reason applications are delayed or rejected. We get it right, first time.

Start Your Incorporation →

6. Costs & Registration Fees

Company registration fees in Mauritius are set annually by the CBRD. Below is a breakdown of what to budget for. DNB HR Associates’ professional fees are fixed and confirmed upfront — no hidden charges.

Cost Item	Details	Paid To
CBRD Registration Fee	Varies by company type — see the 2026 fee schedule	CBRD via CBRIS
Annual Trade Fee	Payable every year to keep the company in good standing	CBRD via CBRIS
Annual Return Filing	Filed yearly — failure to file results in penalties and risk of striking off	CBRD via CBRIS
Registered Office	A valid Mauritius address is mandatory — virtual office arrangements are accepted	Service provider
DNB Professional Fee	Fixed and transparent. Covers structure advice, name reservation, document preparation, CBRIS submission, and follow-up	DNB HR Associates

* Fees are updated annually by the CBRD. Always verify current amounts at companies.govmu.org.

7. After Incorporation — What Comes Next?

Your Certificate of Incorporation is just the beginning. These are the key obligations and steps that follow immediately after your company is registered in Mauritius.

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Open a Corporate Bank Account

Your Certificate of Incorporation and BRN are required to open a business bank account in Mauritius

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Set Up MRA-Compliant Payroll

If hiring employees, payroll obligations start from day one. We manage this fully on your behalf

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EDB Occupation Permit (if needed)

Foreign directors or senior staff need an EDB Occupation Permit before they can legally work in Mauritius

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Annual Return Filing (CBRD)

Every company must file an annual return via CBRIS. Missed filings lead to penalties and risk of deregistration

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Work Permits for Foreign Staff

Non-citizen employees need a Work Permit before starting work under the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act

We handle everything after incorporation too. MRA registration, payroll, work permits, EDB permits, and annual CBRD filings — all in one place.

Talk to Our Team →

8. Frequently Asked Questions

With a complete and correct application, the CBRD typically processes incorporations within same day to 3 working days. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete documents or a rejected company name.

Yes — for most business activities, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in Mauritius. Some sectors (e.g. retail trade, sugar) have local ownership restrictions. We can confirm the rules for your specific sector.

No — the process can be completed 100% remotely. DNB HR Associates handles all CBRIS submissions on your behalf. You do not need to travel to Mauritius to register your company.

The standard corporate tax rate in Mauritius is 15% flat rate. There is no capital gains tax on most assets. VAT registration is required once annual turnover exceeds MUR 6 million.

Mauritius has no statutory minimum share capital for most private companies. You can incorporate with as little as 1 share at a nominal value. The amount should reflect your business needs.

The CBRD (Corporate and Business Registration Department) registers companies under the Companies Act 2001. The EDB (Economic Development Board) issues Occupation Permits for foreign investors and professionals. Most businesses need to deal with both.

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DNB HR Associates

Business Setup & HR Consultants — Port Louis, Mauritius

DNB HR Associates specialises in company incorporation, EDB occupation permits, work permits, HR outsourcing, and payroll services for businesses in Mauritius. We work with local entrepreneurs and international investors across all sectors.

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Client Success Stories

What Clients Say About Setting Up in Mauritius with DNB

From hotel construction projects to international payroll management — here is what our clients say about working with DNB HR Associates.

★★★★★

"I was starting a project for the construction of a hotel and needed about 90 foreign workers. Being new in Mauritius, I didn't know how to go about the hiring process. Fortunately I met DNB HR Associates who did everything for me to complete the project. Thank you."

90+

Foreign workers successfully placed

★★★★★

"Outstanding recruitment services. They provided us with top-tier candidates who fit perfectly with our needs. Professional, efficient, and always available."

★★★★★

"Based in Spain, our payroll in Mauritius was processed without any problems. Thanks to the highly experienced team. They are very professional."

★★★★★

"HR and Payroll outsourcing improved our financial health. Attention to detail and compliance expertise are top-notch. We saved significantly on operating costs."

★★★★★

"Customer service improved tremendously. Professional handling of interactions ensured high satisfaction levels across our entire team in Mauritius."

★★★★★

"DNB helped us to open our company in Mauritius. They handled our recruitment, HR and payroll very nicely. Very professional — investing in them is value for money."

★★★★★

"The team at DNB guided us through every step of setting up our company in Mauritius. Their local knowledge is unmatched and their turnaround time is excellent."

Our Happy Clients

Trusted by international businesses from Spain, the UK, and beyond — setting up and growing in Mauritius.

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Recent Project — RIU Hotels Mauritius

Our latest major collaboration was the construction of RIU Hotels in Mauritius — managing recruitment, work permits, and HR for 90+ foreign workers from project start to completion.

View Project →