Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean with a favourable time zone (GMT plus 4). Communication and transport with the rest of the world make Mauritius an ideal location for international business. There are daily flights to and from the most important destinations (Europe, Africa, Asia, Pacific). Politically, Mauritius has the tradition of a democratically elected government and has enjoyed political stability for decades. Mauritius is an island covering 1,865 square and is situated some 2,000 kilometers off the East Coast of Africa. Being of volcanic origin, Mauritius has a central plateau and mountains scattered throughout the island, fast flowing rivers, tropical forests, white sandy beaches, transparent lagoon well protected from the open sea by the world’s third largest coral reef

Comprehensive legislations have been introduced to develop the offshore activities. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority was set up in November 1992 and played a crucial role in establishing and developing the offshore sector. The Authority has adopted a professional and business friendly regulatory approach by continuously improving on its services and guiding operators to increase the competitiveness of the Mauritian jurisdiction. Modern legislations enacted include the Companies Act 2001, the Trusts Act 2001, the Financial Intelligence and Anti Money Laundering Act 2002, the Income Tax Act 1995, the Protected Cell Companies Act 1999, the Securities Act 2005, the Financial Services Act 2007, amongst others.

Several other factors have contributed towards making Mauritius a reputable offshore jurisdiction, which are:

Low corporate of just 3% for your FX company
Quick approval and application process
100% Western standard in legal framework
100% White Listed internationally
Fantastic banking infrastructure
Guaranteed full bank account openings with multi-currency accounts (suitable also for customers third-party funding)
No problems to arrange partnerships with overseas brokerage institutes or liquidity providers
Mauritius is a member of ESAAMLG, the assessment of the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) measures in Mauritius was conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and adopted by ESAAMLG since 2008.
English is business and trade language along with French
Only 2 hours’ time difference to Central Europe - so strategically you can reach Europe, Asia, and the US within one business day

Flexible company law, securities and trust legislations;
Business friendly and healthy regulation by Mauritius Financial Services Commission
Good corporate governance code based on international norms;
Low and reasonable tax rates for corporate and individuals being 15%;
Occupation and residence permits are granted to expatriates within 3 days, and business licenses and permits normally within 15 days;
Mauritius has a Stock Exchange known as Stock Exchange of Mauritius.
There are more 30 domestic listed companies and more than 50 other companies trading on the Development and
Enterprise market with modern norms of trading. The Exchange is open to Global Business Companies and Funds seeking a primary or secondary listing.
Mauritius is a member of the International Court of Justice and the International Centre for Settlements of Investment Disputes
Mauritius has concluded a number of Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs).

The Mauritius GBC1 is set up under the Companies Act 2001 and licensed under the Financial Services Act 2007 - so a 3% tax will apply to your business what is very low compared to FX entities to be registered in Europe or South East Asia; a Mauritius GBC1 is considered as a Mauritius tax resident company (and therefore have access to the double tax treaties of Mauritius) if its management and control is exercised from Mauritius (what we will arrange in our setup package).

The Payment Intermediary Services License is of interest to those who wish to operate as an online Payment Service Provider (PSP). With a Payment Intermediary Services License, the company can offer merchant online services for accepting electronic payments by a variety of payment methods including credit card, bank-based payments such as direct debit, bank transfer, and real-time transfer based on online banking. The main customer base is often composed of online merchant sellers.

(a) offer wallets/accounts to individuals and corporate clients;
(b) offer Merchant services like trustee payment processing, credit card processing to companies, online shop owners or any kind of Merchant that is operating according to its local and the Mauritius laws;
(c) enable customers funding of their wallets, process incoming and outgoing payments directly via correspondence banks or through other Payment Services Providers e.g. in Europe to use the SEPA infrastructure of third parties;
(d) charge fees for accounts, openings, incoming and outgoing transfers, credit card processing, other payment methods;
(e) issue account certificates to your account holders;
(f) offer online banking and transfer options for individuals and corporate clients;
(g) Issue debit cards by co-branding or white label;

The Mauritius GBC1 is set up under the Companies Act 2001 and licensed under the Financial Services Act 2007 - so a 3% tax will apply to your business what is very low compared to PSP entities to be registered in Europe or South East Asia.

A Mauritius GBC1 is considered as a Mauritius tax resident company (and therefore have access to the double tax treaties of Mauritius) if its management and control is exercised from Mauritius (what we will arrange in our setup package).

The minimum capital requirement for PIS is currently set out at MUR 500 000, approx. US$16,000 (or its equivalent in another currency).

Depending on the nature, complexity and risks associated with PIS activities, the Financial Services Commission, Mauritius (FSC) is increasing the minimum stated unimpaired capital requirement for all PIS entities from MUR 500 000 (Approx. US$14,000) to MUR 2 000 000, approx. US$52,000 (or its equivalent in another currency).

Existing holders of PIS Licenses issued by the Commission will be allowed a transitional provision of 1 year, from the date of this Circular Letter, to adhere to the new capital requirements.

Corporate vehicle permitted: Category 1 Global Business Company
Local physical office: Yes, office premises in Mauritius
Capital requirement: Each category of Investment Dealer needs to have a minimum capital.
Directors & Shareholders: Min 2 resident directors with board meetings held in Mauritius; Min 1 shareholder, no nationality restrictions
Regulating Authority: Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSA)
Service Providers Required: Yes
Time Frame: 2-3 months
Financial Statements Filing: All categories are required to file audited financial statements within 6 months of financial year end.
Staff Qualification: Staff employed must have relevant experience and qualification as required under the Securities Act Minimum Capital Required
Accounting requirements: Quarterly should be done from Mauritius, local auditor is a must
Tax Treatment: The Mauritius GBC1 is set up under the Companies Act 2001 and licensed under the Financial Services Act 2007 - so a 3% tax will apply to your business what is very low compared to FX entities to be registered in Europe or South East Asia. A Mauritius GBC1 is considered as a Mauritius tax resident company (and therefore have access to the double tax treaties of Mauritius) if its management and control is exercised from Mauritius (what we will arrange in our setup package).

End to end comprehensive service
Speedy and efficient service
Expert advice on structuring options
Dedicated ongoing compliance support
Extensive network pool of service providers

Our lawyers and financial services experts at Atrium Legal Lab provide solutions to clients by combining the traditional legal fabric with new technologies. If you would like more information as to how set up and get licensed in Mauritius as a Payment Service Provider (PSP), our Business Development Team will be happy to fully assist you.