Mauritius is best known as an international holding and investment jurisdiction, but it also has an active domestic business sector. Foreign groups use it in two ways: as a domestic private company serving local operations, and as a Global Business Company (GBC) holding regional investments. The two routes share a corporate registry and tax authority, but a GBC carries extra regulatory and substance duties.

This guide covers the recurring obligations of a Mauritian private company, including a subsidiary owned by a foreign parent, and notes where a GBC differs.

Updated November 9, 2026. Information comes from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), Chambers and Deloitte materials and professional service providers. Several figures come from secondary sources, so we flag them. Confirm current rules with the Registrar, MRA or Financial Services Commission (FSC) before acting.

Entity compliance Mauritius: the quick answer

• Every company files an annual return with the Registrar of Companies each calendar year, except the year of incorporation.

• The corporate income tax return is filed electronically with the MRA within six months after the financial year-end.

• Employers remit tax deducted at source monthly and issue annual employee statements by mid-August.

• A GBC also deals with the FSC, audited accounts and substance requirements.

What determines a Mauritian company's compliance requirements?

The Companies Act 2001 governs company law, and the Registrar of Companies, within the Corporate and Business Registration Department, maintains the register. The private company limited by shares is the standard domestic vehicle. The Income Tax Act 1995 and the Financial Services Act 2007 add tax and licensing rules.

Your category determines the burden. A domestic company mainly handles Registrar and MRA filings. A GBC holds a Global Business Licence from the FSC, usually acts through a licensed management company, and must show substance in Mauritius. Providers describe a requirement for resident directors and a local registered office. Check the current licence conditions before choosing a structure.

Annual entity requirements in Mauritius: the core checklist

1. Keep accounting records and prepare financial statements

Companies must maintain proper accounting records and prepare annual financial statements. The framework is generally IFRS, or IFRS for SMEs for smaller entities. A small private company may file a financial summary or full statements with its annual return, according to one provider's reading of the Act.

2. Decide whether an audit is required

Audit is mandatory unless an exemption applies. One provider says small private companies with turnover below a threshold of MUR 100 million may qualify for an exemption, while GBCs must be audited under FSC rules. Treat that threshold as a secondary-source figure and verify it. Chambers also notes that certain SMEs incorporated on or after 2 June 2015 enjoy a period of exemption from annual return filing, so check whether your company qualifies.

3. Hold the annual meeting

Companies hold an annual meeting to approve accounts and appoint the auditor, within the statutory timetable. Private companies can often use written resolutions. Keep signed minutes, the register of directors and the share register.

4. File the annual return with the Registrar

Every company registered under the Act must deliver an annual return to the Registrar through the Corporate and Business Registration Department's online system, once per calendar year. The return is a corporate compliance filing. It confirms the company's details and does not include tax figures. It applies to domestic companies, GBCs and Authorised Companies.

5. File the tax return with the MRA

Companies file the annual return of income electronically on MRA e-services within six months after the end of the financial year. As of the 2022–2023 assessment year, GBCs file the same IT Form 3 as other companies. Where the company qualifies under the Advance Payment System, quarterly filings and payments also apply. Confirm eligibility with the MRA.

Tax and indirect tax obligations

• Corporate income tax: the headline rate for domestic companies is 15%, and reduced or partially exempt treatment can apply to qualifying income of GBCs. One provider cites an 80% partial exemption. Confirm that treatment, because it depends on conditions and current legislation.

• Tax deducted at source: employers remit the tax withheld to the MRA by the following month, give employees statements of emoluments by 15 August and submit the annual Return of Employees.

• VAT: registration is compulsory above an annual turnover threshold, which providers quote in the range of roughly MUR 3 million. Confirm the current threshold and standard rate.

• Withholding and other taxes: payments to non-residents and certain local payments may attract withholding. Payroll levies apply to employers.

• Transfer pricing and related-party disclosures: one provider notes that related-party transactions may need disclosure.

Foreign-owned subsidiaries

• A foreign parent can generally own 100% of a Mauritian company. The company is a resident for tax purposes if it is incorporated or centrally managed and controlled in Mauritius.

• For a GBC, the FSC expects local board meetings, resident directors and adequate local expenditure and staff. Recurrent delays can affect compliance ratings kept by the management company.

• Foreign tax credit and treaty positions should be documented, because the group's tax result may depend on them.

• Beneficial ownership information must be maintained, and management companies and banks will request it.

• Keep a clear intercompany agreement and funding record for loans and fees from the parent.

First-year and event-triggered obligations

Incorporation is processed online, and a Business Registration Number is issued. The company registers with the MRA for a Tax Account Number and, if needed, VAT and employer registration. Open a bank account, and for a GBC apply for the licence through a management company.

Event-driven filings include:

• Changes in directors, secretary, registered office or share capital.

• Share transfers and updates to the beneficial ownership information.

• Change of financial year-end.

• For a foreign company with a place of business in Mauritius, a notice to the Registrar within seven days of ceasing business there, according to one provider.

• Liquidation or striking off.

Employment and local requirements

Employers register with the MRA for tax deduction and file the annual Return of Employees. Social contributions and levies apply, and rates change with the annual budget. Foreign employees need work and residence permits or occupation permits, and an investor may qualify for a specific permit category. Keep contracts and payslips for inspection.

Record-keeping and governance in Mauritius

Keep the constitution, statutory registers, minutes, accounts, tax returns, payroll files and beneficial ownership records. Records are expected to be available at the registered office. If a management company administers the entity, agree who holds originals and who signs filings. A late filing at one body often delays others, because FSC, Registrar and MRA deadlines overlap, so use one calendar and review it every quarter.

Build a compliance calendar for Mauritius

A compliance calendar turns the rules above into dated tasks with named owners. Start from the financial year-end and the incorporation anniversary, then add the recurring monthly and quarterly items. Review it each quarter, because deadlines, extensions and registry systems change.

• Month 1 after year-end: close the books and brief the auditor.

• Months 2 to 4: complete the audit and approve the accounts.

• Month 6: file the corporate income tax return with the MRA.

• Each calendar year: deliver the annual return to the Registrar.

• Monthly: remit tax deducted at source and file VAT if registered.

• By 15 August: give employees their annual statements and submit the Return of Employees.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the annual return replaces the tax return.

• Treating a GBC like a domestic company and neglecting substance.

• Missing the six-month MRA deadline when the year-end is not June or December.

• Skipping the audit without confirming the exemption.

• Letting beneficial ownership records fall out of date.

• Failing to coordinate Registrar, MRA and FSC deadlines.

Entity compliance Mauritius: frequently asked questions

When is the corporate tax return due in Mauritius?

Within six months after the financial year-end, filed electronically through the MRA.

Does every company file an annual return?

Yes, each calendar year apart from the year of incorporation. The return confirms company details and contains no financial figures. Some SMEs may enjoy a temporary exemption, so check eligibility.

Is an audit mandatory?

It is mandatory unless an exemption applies. Providers cite an exemption for small private companies and mandatory audit for GBCs. Verify thresholds before relying on them.

What is a GBC?

A Global Business Company holds a licence from the FSC, conducts business outside Mauritius, and must show substance locally.

What is the corporate tax rate?

The headline rate is 15%. Partial exemptions may apply to qualifying GBC income. Confirm current rules and conditions.

Can a foreign company own 100%?

Generally yes. The company should maintain beneficial ownership records and meet the same filing duties as any other Mauritian company.

How CoverPin can help

CoverPin helps finance, legal and operations teams track entity obligations across countries. See our international entities overview, learn about compliance advisory, or browse more guides in our legal and compliance resources.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified local adviser before acting.