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A company holding a Category 2 Global Business License is often used for trading and investment. GBC II companies are not resident for tax purposes and do not have access to Mauritius' tax treaty network. Beneficial ownership is not disclosed to the authorities.

Key Corporate Features

	General
	Type of entity:		GBCII
	Type of law:		Hybrid
	Shelf company availability:		Yes
	Our time to establish a new company:		3 days
	Minimum government fees (excluding taxation):		US$235 to FSC US$65 to ROC
	Corporate taxation:		Nil
	Double taxation treaty access:		No
	Share capital or equivalent
	Standard currency:		US$
	Permitted currencies:		Any except Rs
	Minimum paid up:		US$1
	Stated Share Capital:		Unlimited
	Directors or Managers
	Minimum number:		One
	Local required:		No
	Publicly accessible records:		No
	Location of meetings:		Anywhere
	Members
	Minimum number:		One
	Publicly accessible records:		No
	Location of meetings:		Anywhere
	Company Secretary
	Required:		Optional
	Local or qualified:		No
	Accounts
	Requirement to prepare:		Yes
	Audit requirements:		No
	Requirement to file accounts:		No
	Publicly accessible accounts:		No
	Other
	Requirement to file annual return:		No
	Change in domicile permitted:		Yes

Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean approximately 800 km off the East Coast of Madagascar.

» Population

The population of the Island is approximately 1,200,000 made up principally by people of European, African, Indian and Chinese origin. Mauritius takes pride in the fact that these different cultures co-exist in peace and succeed in creating a cultural entity that is distinctly Mauritian.

» Political Structure

The British ruled Mauritius for 158 years until 12 March 1968 when it became an independent country within the Commonwealth. The Republic of Mauritius is a Westminster style demGTAcy. The President is the Head of State and Commander in Chief. Full executive power rests with the Prime Minister who is Head of Government. The Members of Parliament are elected every five years by popular vote and a number of political parties contest the elections, reflecting the country's firm commitment to a multi-party political system.

» Economy

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourism sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been of the order of 5% to 6%.

The government's development strategy centres on foreign investment. Mauritius has attracted more than 15,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India and South Africa, and investment in the banking sector alone has reached over US$1 billion.

The economy in 2000 grew by 8.9% and the Gross National Income per capita at market prices reached 101,948 rupees. Unemployment rate for 2000 is estimated at about 8.0% while inflation stood at 4.2%.

» Language

English is the official language. However, the Mauritian population is largely bilingual, being equally fluent in English and French. Creole is also spoken and understood by everyone.

» Currency

Mauritian Rupee.

» Exchange Control

None.

» Type of Law

Common Law for corporate matters.

Company Information

» Principal Corporate Legislation

The Companies Act 2001.
Financial Services Act 2007.

» Type of Company for International Trade and Investment 

A Company holding a Category 2 Global Business License which is similar to a British Virgin Island International Business Company and is non-resident for tax purposes.

» Procedure to Incorporate

Submission of the Memorandum and Articles of Association and a Certificate from the Registered Agent confirming compliance with the requirements of the Ordinance. The application must be supported by a Legal Certificate issued by a local Lawyer certifying that local requirements have been complied with. Finally, directors and shareholders must execute consent forms and these must be filed with the Registrar of Companies.

» Restrictions on Trading

Companies holding a Category 2 Global Business License cannot trade within the Republic of Mauritius.

» Powers of Company

A company incorporated in the Republic of Mauritius has the same powers as a natural person.

» Language of Legislation and Corporate Documents

The legislation is in English; the documentation may be expressed in any language but must be accompanied by a certified English translation.


» Shelf Companies Available

Yes.

» Name Restrictions

Any name that is identical or similar to an existing company or any name that suggests the patronage of the President or the Government of Mauritius.


» Language of Name

English or French.


» Names Requiring Consent or a Licence

The following names or their derivatives: assurance, bank, building society, Chamber of Commerce, chartered, co-operative, government, imperial, insurance, municipal, royal, state or trust or any name which in the opinion of the Registrar suggests the patronage of the President or the Government of Mauritius.

» Suffixes to Denote Limited Liability

Limited, Corporation, Incorporated, Public Limited Company, Société Anonyme, Société Anonyme à Responsabilité Limitée, Sociedad Anónima, Berhad, Proprietary, Naamloze Vennootschap, Besloten Vennootschap, Aktiengesellschaft or the relevant abbreviations.

» Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership to Authorities

No.

» Stated Share Capital

There is no limit to the number or value of shares that can be issued.

» Classes of Shares Permitted

Registered shares, preference shares, redeemable shares and shares with or without voting rights.

» Taxation

A Company holding a Category 2 Global Business License does not pay any tax on its worldwide profits to the Republic of Mauritius authorities.

» Licence Fees

US$ 235 per year to FSC.
US$ 65 per year to the Registrar of Companies.

» Financial Statement Requirements

Companies holding a Category 2 Global Business License are required to maintain financial statements to reflect their financial position with the Registered Agent but are not required to file accounts with the authorities.

» Directors

Minimum one, who may be natural person or a body corporate.

» Company Secretary

Optional.

» Shareholders

The minimum number of shareholders is one.

	Word	PDF
Mauritius GBC II Fact Sheet	117KB	87KB
Enquiry Form	107KB	61KB
Order Forms	314KB	196KB
	Excel
Comparison Chart	114KB

Access to this statutory material is provided by the International Tax Planning Association. Access to other laws relating to international tax planning is available to members on the Association's website, www.itpa.org.

	RTF
Companies Act	911KB
Protected Cell Companies Act	85KB

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the details contained herein are correct and up-to-date, it does not constitute legal or other professional advice. GTA Worldwide does not accept any responsibility, legal or otherwise, for any errors or omission.