Mauritius is in the midst of a great change, a total innovation of the business and investment climate that makes the island state really advantageous as a premier investment destination. Opening bold moves have been made to further ease investment and entrepreneurship. A new business can now be up and operational in just three days. Investors and professionals benefit from a hassle-free environment where income and corporate tax are harmonized at a low 15%.

Businesses can be conducted locally in several forms: under a self-employed activity, as a partnership with Mauritian nationals or a 100% foreign owned company under the Companies Act. The Registrar of Companies is the authority with which any business must register before starting operations. A unique business registration number and registration card is delivered within 3 days.

For a limited number of regulated activities an application for the appropriate permit or license must be made to the competent authorities prior to start of operations. For such activities, please seek advice from the Board of Investment.

Mauritius offers both a low tax jurisdiction and competitively priced business costs. The Mauritius tax regime is one of the lowest in the world:

• Corporate and income tax of 15%
• Tax free dividends
• No capital gains tax
• Up to 100% foreign ownership
• Exemption from customs duty on equipment
• Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital
• No minimum foreign capital required
• 50% annual allowance on declining balance for the purchase of electronic and computer equipment
• An extensive tax treaty network with several countries.
• Business operating costs remain affordable compared to other emerging business centres of the world.