Quick answer — Mauritius GBC at a glance. A Global Business Company (GBC) is a Mauritius company licensed by the Financial Services Commission through a licensed management company, mainly for business conducted outside Mauritius. It pays 15% corporate tax, with an 80% partial exemption on certain foreign income — such as foreign dividends and interest — if it meets substance requirements, giving an effective rate of about 3% on that income. Setup usually takes a few weeks.
Mauritius sits between Africa, India and the Middle East, with a network of tax treaties, a stable legal system mixing English and French traditions, and a financial sector regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). For founders who want to live on an island with good connectivity or run an Africa- or India-facing business, it offers an unusual mix: company tax as low as 3% on certain foreign income, a remote-work visa, and a reputation more mainstream than classic offshore centres.
The GBC is the vehicle for international business. It must be administered by a licensed management company and meet substance tests to keep its benefits. Founders who live in Mauritius and serve local clients use a domestic company instead, and founders who want a Mauritius company managed entirely from abroad can look at the Authorised Company.
A GBC is costly for very small service businesses because of the management company, local directors and audit. It is not a structure for founders who stay fully resident in a high-tax country, and it is not aimed at locally employed expats.
Comparing Gulf and African hubs? See our overview of zero-tax company jurisdictions.
Foreign-source dividends, interest, profits of a foreign permanent establishment, and certain other activities can be 80% exempt, if the company carries out its core income-generating activities in Mauritius with adequate staff and expenditure. The effective rate on that income is then about 3%.
For a Gulf alternative with a residence visa, compare a qualifying free zone company in the UAE. For a francophone African hub, see the Moroccan SARL for international services.
To be managed and controlled from Mauritius, a GBC generally needs:
The partial exemption also requires core income-generating activities in Mauritius.
You become tax resident in Mauritius after 183 days in a tax year, or 270 days over three years. Residents pay progressive personal income tax up to 20%, and foreign-source income is generally taxed only when remitted to Mauritius. Remote workers can live there on the Premium Visa; investors can apply for an Occupation Permit.
If you remain tax resident elsewhere, your home country's CFC rules may apply to a GBC paying an effective 3% on passive income. Plan your exit from your previous residence before relying on the structure.
The management company performs full due diligence, including source of funds and wealth. Beneficial ownership is reported to the registrar, and the FSC supervises GBCs.
A GBC typically costs €3,000–6,000 to set up and €5,000–15,000 a year to run, mostly in management company, director and audit fees.
Amounts are indicative; confirm current fees with the FSC and your management company.
Active service income does not automatically qualify for the partial exemption and is generally taxed at 15%. Model your income mix before choosing a GBC.
Mauritian banks onboard GBCs routinely through their management companies, but expect detailed KYC, a business plan and evidence of source of funds. Accounts can be opened in several currencies.
The Mauritius Business Bank Comparison Guide compares the main banks for GBCs — get it when you start your Mauritius setup with Heavnn.
A Global Business Company is a Mauritius-resident company licensed by the Financial Services Commission to conduct business mainly outside Mauritius. It must be administered by a licensed management company.
The corporate tax rate is 15%. Certain foreign income, such as foreign dividends and interest, can be 80% exempt if substance conditions are met, giving an effective rate of about 3%.
At least two resident directors, a principal bank account in Mauritius, accounting records kept in Mauritius, audited accounts, and, depending on activity, local staff, office or expenditure.
Yes. The Premium Visa allows remote workers to live in Mauritius, and the Occupation Permit is available for investors and entrepreneurs who meet the conditions.
A GBC is tax resident in Mauritius and can benefit from its treaties. An Authorised Company is managed and controlled outside Mauritius, is not tax resident there, and cannot conduct business in Mauritius.
Mauritius delivers its low effective rate only with the right entity and real substance. Heavnn checks both before you apply.
Start your Mauritius company with Heavnn →
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rates and fees are indicative as of October 2026.
