Mauritius Company Formation for Indians & NRIs: Complete Guide 2026
Mauritius Company Formation for Indians & NRIs: The Complete 2026 Guide
Mauritius has long been the preferred offshore and holding company jurisdiction for Indian businesses and NRIs. With a sophisticated financial services sector, a strong India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), a Global Business Licence (GBL) regime, and a strategic location between Africa and Asia, Mauritius offers unique advantages for Indian entrepreneurs and Middle East-based NRIs looking to structure their global businesses efficiently.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Mauritius tax laws, DTAA provisions, and business regulations are subject to change. The India-Mauritius DTAA has been significantly amended since 2016. Always consult a qualified Mauritius-licensed management company, legal advisor, and Indian tax consultant before making decisions. Blueberry FM is a loan facilitation intermediary and does not provide company formation services in Mauritius.
Why Mauritius? India’s Preferred Offshore Hub
- 🇲🇺 DTAA with India — one of the most comprehensive bilateral tax treaties India has
- 💰 3% tax on foreign-sourced income for Global Business Licence companies
- 🌍 No capital gains tax on sale of shares (subject to conditions)
- 🏦 No withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents
- 📊 Africa gateway: Mauritius has DTAAs with 46 African countries — ideal for India-Africa business
- 🔒 Strong legal system based on English common law + French civil law hybrid
- 🏆 OECD-compliant — not on any major blacklist
- ✈️ Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Dubai to Mauritius
- 🏠 NRIs can buy property in Mauritius under the Property Development Scheme (PDS)
Mauritius Company Types for Indians & NRIs
| Company Type | Tax Rate | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Business Licence (GBL) | 3% on net income (after 80% partial exemption on foreign income) | Holding companies, investment funds, trading | Access to Mauritius DTAA network |
| Domestic Company (GBC2 equivalent) | 15% corporate tax | Local Mauritius business | Cannot access DTAA benefits |
| Authorised Company | 15% (but foreign income exempt) | Businesses with no Mauritius operations | Simplified compliance |
| Freeport Company | 3% on export income | Manufacturing, logistics, re-export | Duty-free import/export |
Mauritius Tax System: Complete Picture
| Tax Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 15% (standard) / 3% (GBL with 80% exemption) | 80% partial exemption on qualifying foreign income |
| Dividend tax (to non-residents) | 0% | No withholding tax on dividends |
| Capital gains tax | 0% | No CGT in Mauritius (subject to conditions) |
| Withholding tax on interest | 0% (to non-residents) | No WHT on interest paid abroad |
| Withholding tax on royalties | 0% (to non-residents) | No WHT on royalties paid abroad |
| VAT | 15% | GBL companies typically exempt |
| Personal income tax | 15% flat | Only if Mauritius tax resident |
India-Mauritius DTAA: Post-2016 Position
⚠️ Important: DTAA Amendment (2016)
The India-Mauritius DTAA was significantly amended in 2016. Key changes:
- Capital gains on Indian shares (acquired after April 1, 2017): Now taxable in India — the previous 0% capital gains benefit no longer applies to new investments
- Capital gains on Indian shares (acquired before April 1, 2017): Grandfathered — still taxable only in Mauritius (0%)
- Dividends from India: Still subject to Indian DDT/withholding; DTAA provides relief
- Interest from India: Capped at 7.5% withholding under DTAA
- Royalties from India: Capped at 15% withholding under DTAA
Despite the 2016 amendment, Mauritius remains highly relevant for holding structures, Africa-India business, and non-equity investments.
IP Registration & Protection in Mauritius
| IP Type | Registration Body | Coverage | Cost (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trademark | Industrial Property Office (MIPO) | Mauritius | MUR 3,000–6,000 (~USD 65–130) |
| International Trademark (Madrid) | WIPO via MIPO | 120+ countries | USD 650–1,500+ |
| Patent | MIPO | Mauritius | MUR 5,000–10,000 |
| Copyright | Automatic (no registration) | Berne Convention countries | Free |
IP Holding in Mauritius: Tax Efficiency
A Mauritius GBL company holding IP (trademarks, patents, software) and licensing it to operating companies in India or elsewhere benefits from:
- 0% withholding tax on royalties paid out of Mauritius
- 3% effective tax on royalty income received (after 80% exemption)
- No capital gains tax on sale of IP
- DTAA protection on royalties received from India (capped at 15% Indian WHT)
Mauritius as Africa Gateway for Indian & NRI Businesses
Mauritius has DTAAs with 46 African countries — more than any other jurisdiction. For Indian and NRI entrepreneurs targeting African markets (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique), a Mauritius holding company provides:
- Reduced withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties from African subsidiaries
- Capital gains protection on African investments
- Credibility with African governments and banks
- Access to African Development Bank financing
Mauritius Company Formation Costs (2026)
| Cost Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GBL licence (FSC) | USD 1,500–3,000/yr | Financial Services Commission annual fee |
| Management company fees | USD 3,000–8,000/yr | Mandatory licensed management company |
| Registered office | Included in management fees | Must be in Mauritius |
| Accounting & audit | USD 2,000–5,000/yr | Mandatory for GBL companies |
| Total Year 1 (approx) | USD 6,500–16,000 | Higher than Georgia/Estonia but strong DTAA value |
Mauritius vs Other Jurisdictions for Indians
| Factor | Mauritius | Georgia | Estonia | Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective corp tax | 3% (GBL) | 0–1% (VZ/SBS) | 0% (retained) | 17% |
| India DTAA strength | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Africa access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (46 DTAAs) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Setup cost | USD 6,500–16,000/yr | USD 1,000–2,500/yr | €1,200–2,500/yr | SGD 3,000–8,000/yr |
| Dividend WHT | 0% | 5% | 20% | 0% |
| Capital gains tax | 0% | 0% (non-residents) | 0% (retained) | 0% |
Future Growth Potential: Mauritius for Indians & NRIs
🚀 Why Mauritius Remains Strategically Important
- Africa’s fastest-growing markets: As India-Africa trade grows, Mauritius’s 46 African DTAAs become increasingly valuable
- GIFT City competition: India’s GIFT City (Gujarat) is positioning itself as an alternative to Mauritius for Indian businesses — but Mauritius retains advantages for Africa-focused structures
- Fintech hub: Mauritius is developing as a fintech and digital asset hub for Africa
- Residency by Investment: Mauritius offers residency for investments above USD 375,000 — attractive for NRIs seeking a second residency
- Premium Visa: Mauritius Premium Visa allows Indians to live and work in Mauritius for up to 1 year
- Real estate: NRIs can buy property in Mauritius under the PDS scheme (minimum USD 375,000) and obtain residency
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Need Business Funding in India to Support Your Mauritius Structure?
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Disclaimer: All information on this page is for educational purposes only and is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of 2026. Mauritius tax laws, DTAA provisions (including the amended India-Mauritius DTAA), GBL regulations, and IP registration requirements are subject to change. The India-Mauritius DTAA was significantly amended in 2016 — capital gains benefits on Indian shares acquired after April 1, 2017 no longer apply. This page does not constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Always consult a Mauritius-licensed management company, qualified legal advisor, and Indian tax professional before forming a company in Mauritius. Blueberry FM is a loan facilitation intermediary and does not provide company formation, legal, or tax advisory services.