For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) managing wealth across borders, choosing the right offshore jurisdiction is one of the most consequential financial decisions they will make. In 2025, Mauritius remains the gold standard — and here's why.
1. The India-Mauritius DTAA: Still the Most Powerful Treaty for NRIs
The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and Mauritius, in force since 1983, continues to offer significant advantages. While the 2016 amendments introduced source-based capital gains taxation for shares acquired after April 1, 2017, the treaty still provides reduced withholding tax rates on dividends (5–15%), interest (7.5%), and royalties (15%) — substantially lower than India's standard 20% withholding rate.
For NRIs routing investments into India through a Mauritius Global Business Company (GBC), the treaty remains a powerful tool for legally minimising tax leakage on cross-border income flows.
2. 15% Flat Corporate Tax — One of the World's Lowest
Mauritius levies a flat 15% corporate income tax on net income. For businesses generating profits outside India, this represents a significant saving versus the 22–30% effective rate in India or the 25% rate in many Gulf jurisdictions. Combined with the absence of capital gains tax and dividend withholding tax on distributions to non-residents, the effective tax burden for a well-structured Mauritius GBC can be remarkably low.
3. Zero Capital Gains Tax
Mauritius does not levy capital gains tax on the disposal of shares or other capital assets. For NRIs building investment portfolios — whether in listed equities, private equity, or real estate funds — this is a decisive advantage. Gains realised within the Mauritius entity are not taxed at the point of disposal.
4. 100% Foreign Ownership, No Local Partner Required
Unlike many jurisdictions that require a local partner or impose foreign ownership caps, Mauritius permits 100% foreign ownership in most business categories. NRIs can own and control their Mauritius company entirely, without diluting equity to a local nominee.
5. FATF-Compliant, OECD White-Listed
Mauritius was removed from the FATF grey list in 2021 and is fully OECD white-listed. This matters enormously for banking relationships, correspondent banking access, and the reputational integrity of your corporate structure. Banks in India, the UAE, and Europe are comfortable dealing with Mauritius-incorporated entities.
6. Strategic Time Zone & Connectivity
Mauritius sits in UTC+4, bridging the business hours of India (UTC+5:30), the Gulf (UTC+4), and East Africa (UTC+3). For NRIs with business interests across these regions, a Mauritius holding company provides a natural operational hub.
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Also read: Complete Guide to Company Formation in Mauritius | Mauritius vs Singapore: Which is Better for NRIs?