Mauritius Authorised Company – Is It The Right Choice For Your Business?

Put simply, a Mauritius authorised company means a body corporate that is controlled and managed outside of Mauritius.

Starting your authorised company comes with obvious appeal. For instance, tax-exempt status and operational flexibility.

The incorporation process is also fast and completely transparent. Not to mention the political stability and business-friendly nature of Mauritius.

Keen to get your business going? Read on to find out how to start your Authorised Company in Mauritius.

1. Overview of Authorised Company in Mauritius

Before investing your time and money into an authorised company, you’ll want to consider its pros and cons and whether it has the potential to be successful.

To refine your point of view, we list down below some advantages and disadvantages of this business structure:

1.1. Advantages

Generally, some prominent advantages of Mauritius Authorised Company include:

• Strategic location

Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean with access to important continents such as Africa, Australia, and Asia. In other words, it’s a very strategic business location.

Therefore, starting an authorised company in Mauritius helps you trade globally and expand networks with brands from around the world.

• Business-friendly legislation

In general, Mauritius has a strong regulatory framework and ethical governance. This can be beneficial for your business development.

A Mauritius Authorised Company operates under the provisions of well-regulated acts. Thus, your operation in the country will be simple and straightforward.

• Ease of doing business

Mauritius also has a favorable business nature.

This has been acknowledged by global agencies such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank (WB).

• High level of anonymity and privacy

If you want to protect the information of your company’s beneficial owners, directors, and shareholders, starting an authorised company is a good idea.

• Tax exemption

Your authorised company is a non-resident for tax purposes in Mauritius. This means you’ll be exempted from corporate tax, withholding tax, interest, and royalties, or any capital gains tax.

1.2. Disadvantages

This type of company comes with several disadvantages, including:

• Fundraising restrictions

Your authorised company can’t raise capital from the public or conduct any fundraising activities. This may eventually limit your growth potential.

• Bank account currency

In terms of banking currency, you can’t operate a bank account in Mauritian currency with your authorised company.

However, you may open and maintain an account in foreign currencies with the local banks.

2. Business scope of Authorised Company in Mauritius

Understanding what advantages an authorised company may bring,  you’ll also need to acknowledge its business scope – what it can and cannot do.

2.1. Common activities

An authorised company in Mauritius can be commonly used for:

• Investment and property holding (real estate or other property);

• Trading and consultancy services (non-financial);

• E-commerce;

• Logistics, etc.

2.2 Restricted activities

You shall not conduct any business activity specified in the Fourth Schedule. These include providing banking services, financial services, or services for corporations such as registered office facilities, nominee, directorship & secretarial, etc.

3. Key elements of Authorised Company in Mauritius

There are several important features you’ll need to take note of and comply with – that is, if you want to avoid any problems.

• Directors & Secretaries

Your authorised company should have a minimum of one director. The director can be either resident or non-resident of Mauritius.

Also, the director can be a natural person or a corporate body.

According to the Company Act 2001, you may or may not appoint a secretary for your authorised company.

• Shareholders

You’ll need at least one shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate body.

The shareholders can be of any nationality and not necessarily be a resident of the Republic.

• Registered agents and offices

You must have a management company as Registered Agent at all times. The registered agents must be residents in Mauritius and qualified by the FSC (Financial Services Commission).

Besides, you need to maintain a registered office to receive notifications or legal notices from governance authorities.

• Annual general meeting

You may hold company meetings anywhere, even in countries other than Mauritius. You can conduct these meetings via telephone or any other electronic means.

• Annual reporting

Your company has to prepare and file Financial Summary within 6 months of the financial year-end with the FSC.

Also, you need to submit an Annual Return of Income with the Mauritius Revenue Authority.

4. Incorporation of Authorised Company in Mauritius

Now we’ve covered the main points you’ll need to know about authorised companies, it’s time to incorporate one on your own.

To successfully incorporate your authorised company, simply follow the 3 steps below:

Step 1: Apply for reservation of name

You should submit your application to the Registrar-General Department (Registrar).

The name shall follow the requirements below:

• Unique and not be identical to any existing name;

• No misleading or offensive indication or any specific terms without the consent of the Minister; and

• End with the abbreviation “Ltd” or “Ltée” that indicates it is a company where the liability of shareholders is limited.

Step 2: Prepare Application of Incorporation

Next, send your application for incorporation to the Registrar. Your application should contain the following information:

• Company’s name and date of incorporation;

• Registered office of the proposed company;

• The address as well as the name and address of the company’s registered agent;

• Details of company’s directors and secretaries. If directors are resident in Mauritius, you’ll need to file a memorandum stating the powers of the local Directors; and

• Proof that your company conducts business outside Mauritius and has central management and control outside of Mauritius.

Step 3: Receive Registrar’s Certificate

After filing the application, the Commission shall send you a certificate.

The Commission’s certificate for incorporation consists of information such as company name, registration number, forming date, etc.

Step 4: Apply for authorization

Following the incorporation, you need to apply to the FSC for authorization.

In summary, your authorization form should be:

(1) Made through the company’s registered agent in form and manner determined by the Commission; and

(2) Accompanied by information, documents, or application fees that are specified in Commission’s rules.

For more hands-on help finding the right incorporation plan that’s best suited to you, simply drop a message or get in touch with us via service@bbcincorp.com.