Black Ledger – Country Profile

Explore Strategic Jurisdictions for Tax Optimization, Residency, Banking, Business Formation, Wealth Protection & Quality of Life

Reputable Jurisdiction
Worldwide Tax System

Mauritius

Mauritius is a hybrid jurisdiction—offering tax incentives, strong offshore structuring options, and a gateway into Africa and Asia. Its Global Business Company (GBC) regime offers a partial exemption system—typically reducing effective corporate tax to around 3%—and access to a growing network of tax treaties. Mauritius is also a hub for investment funds, holding companies, and trusts, with a legal system grounded in both French civil and British common law. While not ideal for personal residency, its substance rules are flexible, and its reputation is improving after OECD reforms. Best used as a “treaty + entity flag” in regional and emerging market strategies.

Tax System

Tax System Type
Worldwide
Flat Tax (15%)
Personal Tax (Top Rate)
15%
Foreign pensions exempt
Effective Tax Rate ($250K)12%
Corporate Tax15%
Capital Gains Tax0%
Dividend TaxNone
VAT/GST15%
Wealth TaxNone
Inheritance TaxNone

Foreign Income Treatment

Foreign-sourced income is taxed at 0%.
Tax Treaties50+
Substance RequirementsLevel: Moderate
Offshore businesses must meet substance requirements
Pension TaxationModerately Favorable
Local pensions subject to 10% tax
Tax Note
Mauritius offers territorial taxation, no capital gains tax, and effective rates as low as 3% via partial exemptions. With numerous treaties and low compliance burdens, it’s highly functional for Africa-Asia investment flows. It balances simplicity and compliance well for wealth holding and regional structuring.

Residency & Citizenship

Available Programs

Investment
Retirement
Business

Investment Requirements

Standard Investment375,000
Program TypeProperty Investment
Additional CriteriaBusiness 375,000

Residency Requirements

Tax Residency CriteriaPrimary: Physical Presence 183 Days
Physical PresenceRequirement: MinimalAnnual Visit
Digital Nomad VisaAvailableDuration: 1 YearIncome requirement: $1,500 per month
Family InclusionYesSpouse: Yes, Children: Under 24, Parents: With Dependency Proof

Path to Citizenship

Available PathYes
TimelineTimeline: 5 yearsVia: Naturalization
Dual CitizenshipYesNo restrictionsDual citizenship allowed without restrictions

Expert Analysis

Score: 7/10

Mauritius offers several accessible residency options, including property purchase (USD 375K+) and retiree visa (USD 1.5K monthly income). The 10 year renewable visas with minimal physical presence requirements are attractive, as is the territorial tax system with exemption of foreign source income and no capital gains tax.

Strategy Considerations

Low tax rates
Strong offshore sector
Growing financial hub.
Travel Limitations
Small Economy
Banking Scrutiny
International banking regulations tightening

Ideal For

Best Suited For

Entrepreneurs

Tax optimization & wealth preservation

Fintech Startups

Asset protection & banking privacy

Retirees

Global business operations

Special Note: Low tax hub for Africa and India trade
Less ideal for: Those looking for a completely tax-free jurisdiction or strong banking privacy.

Strategic Implementation

Flag Theory Scores

8
Tax
7
Residency
7
Asset Protection
7
Banking
8
Business
6
Lifestyle
6
Investment

Real Estate Investment

Average Rental Yield
3%5%

Strategic Support Costs

Residency
$3,000 – $6,000
Banking
$1,500 – $4,000
Tax Planning
$4,000 – $8,000
Business
$3,000 – $6,000
Trust Setup
$8,000 – $14,000
Full Implementation Package$19,500 – $38,000

Investment Note

Mauritius offers no capital gains tax and no withholding tax on dividends, making it attractive for investment structuring. Property investment provides residency rights but modest yields (4-5%). The jurisdiction excels as an investment gateway to Africa, with numerous tax treaties reducing withholding taxes.

Banking & Asset Protection

Banking Score

7/10

Banking quality, accessibility, and international integration

Asset Protection Score

7/10

Legal frameworks for preserving and protecting wealth

Banking Privacy

3/5

Moderate

Key Features
  • Client confidentiality protection
  • Limited domestic information sharing

Non-Resident Account Opening

Accessibility: Moderate
Requirements: Passport, Proof of Address, Reference, Tax Clearance
Remote Opening: No
Minimum Deposit: $5,000
Processing Time: 2-4 Weeks
Documentation Level: Substantial

International Banking Features

CRS & FATCA Participation:Full

OECD member strong AEOI compliance one of Africa’s strictest transparency regimes

International Transfers:Easy

Investment hub with large transfer volumes fast processing via major banks

Multi-Currency Accounts:Yes

Business friendly banking multi currency widely available for HNWIs

Crypto Friendly:Yes

Government actively supports blockchain and crypto fintech sector well developed

Private Banking

Minimum Amount: 500,000
Currency: USD
Special Notes: Popular for expat and wealthy foreign clients mid level private banking
Deposit Protection Limit: $50,000 USD

Asset Protection Structures

Trusts:Yes Recognized

Type: Strong Trust Protection

Foundations:Yes Available

Type: Strong Foundation Law

Features: African Financial Center

Strategy Insights

Banking Strategy

Mauritian banking is surprisingly sophisticated, with strong ties to both African and Asian financial systems. Account opening requirements have increased but remain reasonable with proper documentation. Private banking typically requires USD 250K+ minimums, with strong multi-currency capabilities particularly for USD, EUR, and GBP.

Asset Protection Strategy

Mauritius combines elements of French civil law and English common law to create a unique asset protection environment. The Global Business Company structure with carefully drafted constitution can provide significant protection. The Protected Cell Company offers innovative segregation of assets within a single entity.

Key Statistics & Lifestyle

Lifestyle & Community

Expat CommunityGrowing
Climate
Tropical
Immigration ClimateWelcoming
Focus:Business And Retirees
Processing:Moderate
Requirements:Moderate

Mauritius is safe and affordable with a strong expat presence, particularly in coastal areas. Healthcare is good by African standards but lacks high-end specialist care. Schooling is improving but still limited. A viable base for part-year living or regional executives, less so for global families needing top-tier services.

Safety Profile

Overall SafetyHigh
Political StabilityMedium
Stability Factors:
  • Stable Economy
  • Investment Friendly
Risk Factors:
  • Political Uncertainty

Tourist friendly and politically stable

Cost of Living

Relative to NYC (=130)50

Affordable

Quality of Life

HealthcareGood
System:Basic public, High quality private
Expat Access:Private recommended
Insurance:Mandatory
Medical Tourism:No
International SchoolsGood
Curriculum:British French IB
Languages:English French
Availability:Limited
Cost:High
Admission:Moderate
InfrastructureMedium
Strengths:
  • Stable Financial System
  • Developing Digital Infrastructure
Weaknesses:
  • Small Island Limits Infrastructure Expansion
Global Airport ConnectivityGood
Hub:Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport
Connectivity Notes:Long haul flights to Europe, Limited Asia Access
English PrevalenceWidely Spoken
Usage:Government, Business
Notes:French and Creole common, English is official

Business Structures

Corporate Tax Rate15
ExemptionsTax Incentive
Exemptions: Special economic zone, Offshore business

Business Formation

TimelineMinimum: 3 days
Note: Quick business incorporation with favorable treatment for financial firms
Official Costs1,000 – 3,000
Currency: USD
Note: Affordable business setup with low maintenance fees
Foreign OwnershipRestricted
Note: Certain restrictions on local trade businesses but offshore sector is fully open
Local Director RequiredNo
Note: Foreign directors allowed but substance rules apply for tax residency
Business Environment Score8/10

Available Business Entities

Business Entities
Global Business Company
GBC
Authorized Company
LLC
Notes: Popular for fintech and investment holding

Special Economic Zones

Yes SEZs exist

Zones: Smart City Schemes, Special Economic Zones

Business Environment

Mauritius offers a highly competitive 15% corporate tax rate with numerous double tax treaties, particularly with African and Asian nations. The partial exemption regime effectively reduces tax to 3% for qualifying activities. Company formation is efficient (3 5 days) with reasonable ongoing compliance.

Last Updated: March 2025Strategic Country Profile: Mauritius

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