A Global Business Company (GBC) is a Mauritius-resident company licensed to conduct business primarily outside Mauritius.
It is commonly used by international investors, holding companies, fund structures, and globally mobile entrepreneurs seeking access to Mauritius’ tax treaty network and international financial services framework.
This article covers:
- What is a global business company in Mauritius?
- How to start a global business company?
- How is GBC taxed in Mauritius?
- What are the advantages of a Global Business Company?
- What are the disadvantages of a Global Business Company?
Key Takeaways:
- A GBC is a Mauritius tax-resident company used for international business and investment activities.
- GBCs may benefit from Mauritius’ extensive tax treaty network and favorable tax framework.
- Companies must satisfy substance and compliance requirements to maintain their status.
- GBCs are commonly used for holding companies, investment structures, family offices, and cross-border businesses.
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What Is a Global Business Company?
A Global Business Company (GBC) is a corporate structure established under the Companies Act 2001 and licensed under the Financial Services Act 2007 to conduct international investment, holding, and business activities through Mauritius.
Unlike a standard domestic company, a GBC is designed for businesses whose primary operations, investments, or assets are located outside Mauritius.
A company must obtain a Global Business License (GBL) from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) before operating as a GBC.
The structure supports cross-border investment and commercial activities while providing a regulated framework aligned with international compliance standards.
A GBC is generally treated as a Mauritius tax resident company and must satisfy economic substance requirements, including having its central management and control in Mauritius.
Common uses include:
- International holding companies
- Investment structures
- Private equity and venture capital vehicles
- Family office structures
- International consulting businesses
- Intellectual property holding companies
Can a Mauritian Citizen Set Up a GBC?
Yes. Mauritian citizens and foreign nationals can establish a Global Business Company.
However, the company must satisfy the regulatory requirements applicable to Global Business License holders.
These requirements typically include:
- Maintaining Mauritius tax residency
- Demonstrating economic substance
- Meeting governance requirements
- Complying with FSC regulations
- Maintaining appropriate records and compliance procedures
Professional management companies commonly assist with ongoing administration and regulatory compliance.
How to Incorporate a GBC in Mauritius?
A GBC in Mauritius can be incorporated by registering a company, submitting the required documents, and obtaining a Global Business License (GBL) from the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
The typical incorporation process includes:
1. Choose the company structure: Determine the ownership arrangement, business activities, and purpose of the GBC.
2. Reserve the company name: Select and reserve an approved company name before incorporation.
3. Prepare incorporation documents: Submit the required corporate documents, due diligence information, and business details.
4. Appoint directors and officers: Establish the required management structure, including qualified resident directors where applicable.
5. Apply for a Global Business License: Submit the GBL application through a licensed management company for FSC approval.
6. Open a corporate bank account: Establish banking arrangements for company transactions and operations.
7. Meet substance and compliance requirements: Maintain the necessary presence, records, and governance standards in Mauritius.
GBC incorporations are typically handled through licensed management companies that coordinate registration, licensing, and regulatory filings.
The time frame varies based on the structure and approvals required, but the process commonly takes several weeks.
What Documents Are Required for a Global Business Company?
Document requirements for a Global Business Company typically include identification records, shareholder details, corporate documents, and business information for licensing approval.
Requirements vary based on the ownership structure and proposed activities of the GBC, but commonly include:
For Individual Shareholders:
- Passport copy
- Proof of residential address
- Curriculum vitae or professional profile
- Bank reference letter
- Source of wealth declaration
- Source of funds information
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Company constitution or equivalent documents
- Register of directors and shareholders
- Ownership structure chart
- Board resolutions approving participation in the GBC
For Business and Licensing Purposes:
- Business plan
- Description of proposed activities
- Financial projections
- Compliance and due diligence forms
- Supporting documents requested by the management company or FSC
Additional documents may be required depending on the company’s industry, ownership complexity, and regulatory review process.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Global Business Company in Mauritius?
Setting up a Global Business Company in Mauritius typically costs around USD 5,000 to USD 15,000+ initially, with additional annual expenses for administration, compliance, and professional services.
Typical expenses may include:
| Cost Category | Typical Range |
| Incorporation fees | USD 1,000–3,000+ |
| Licensing fees | USD 1,000–3,000+ |
| Management company fees | USD 3,000–10,000+ annually |
| Registered office services | Usually included in administration packages |
| Compliance and accounting | Varies by activity |
| Banking and professional fees | Varies |
More complex structures, such as investment funds, family offices, or multinational holding arrangements, usually require higher setup and ongoing costs due to additional regulatory and administrative requirements.
What Is the Tax Rate for Global Business Company in Mauritius?
A Global Business Company in Mauritius is generally subject to a 15% corporate income tax rate.
A GBC that qualifies as a Mauritius tax resident is taxed under the country’s corporate tax regime and must satisfy applicable substance and compliance requirements.
The amount of tax ultimately payable depends on the company’s income sources, activities, and overall structure.
Certain exemptions, credits, and treaty-related benefits may be available under Mauritius tax law.
What Are the Tax Benefits of GBC in Mauritius?
A Mauritius GBC may benefit from an extensive tax treaty network, foreign tax credits, no capital gains tax, and favorable withholding tax treatment on certain cross-border payments.
Key tax benefits include:
- No capital gains tax: Mauritius generally does not impose capital gains tax on the disposal of shares and many other investment assets.
- No withholding tax on dividends: Dividends paid by Mauritius companies are generally free from Mauritius withholding tax.
- Favorable treatment of interest and royalties: Certain interest and royalty payments may be made without Mauritius withholding tax.
- Foreign tax credits: Foreign taxes paid may be credited against Mauritius tax liabilities, helping mitigate double taxation.
- Access to tax treaties: Qualifying GBCs may access Mauritius’ network of double taxation agreements, which can reduce foreign withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and other income.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Global Business Company?
A Global Business Company offers benefits such as treaty access, international credibility, and a favorable business environment, but it also comes with substance requirements, compliance obligations, and ongoing administrative costs.
Advantages
- Access to tax treaties
- Internationally recognized legal framework
- Political and economic stability
- Potential tax efficiency
- Strong financial services sector
- Flexible ownership structures
Disadvantages
- Ongoing compliance obligations
- Substance requirements
- Annual administration costs
- Regulatory reporting requirements
- Banking due diligence procedures
- May be unnecessary for smaller businesses
Global Business Company vs Authorized Company
A Global Business Company is a Mauritius tax-resident structure, while an Authorized Company is generally non-resident for tax purposes.
This difference affects treaty access, compliance requirements, and how the two structures are typically used.
| Feature | Global Business Company | Authorized Company |
| Tax Residency | Mauritius tax resident | Generally non-resident for tax purposes |
| Tax Treaty Access | Yes | No |
| FSC Licence | Required | Not required |
| Substance Requirements | Higher | Lower |
| International Credibility | Higher | Moderate |
| Typical Use | Investment and holding structures | International business with limited treaty needs |
Who Should Consider a Mauritius Global Business Company?
A Mauritius GBC is generally most suitable for investors and businesses that own, manage, or deploy assets across multiple jurisdictions.
Examples include:
- International investors
- Family offices
- Private investment companies
- Fund managers
- Cross-border entrepreneurs
- Regional holding companies
- International consulting businesses
The structure is generally most suitable when there is a genuine commercial need for an internationally recognized platform supported by treaty access and a regulated financial environment.
Conclusion
A Mauritius GBC can help transform a collection of investments, businesses, or assets into a more organized and scalable ownership structure.
As international portfolios expand across multiple countries and asset classes, having a dedicated vehicle for oversight and coordination can become increasingly valuable.
The greatest long-term value often comes from creating a structure that can accommodate new assets, changing ownership needs, and evolving international operations over time.
FAQs
What is an example of a global business company?
A common example of a Global Business Company is a Mauritius holding company used by an international investor to own foreign subsidiaries, manage cross-border investments, or structure assets across multiple countries.
What are the 4 types of business?
The four common business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.
The exact classifications vary by jurisdiction.
Which business is most profitable in Mauritius?
There is no single most profitable business in Mauritius, but financial services, real estate, tourism, technology, and international investment structures are among its strongest sectors.
Profitability ultimately varies based on market conditions, business strategy, and execution.
What are the types of entities in Mauritius?
Common Mauritius business entities include domestic companies, Global Business Companies, Authorized Companies, limited partnerships, foundations, trusts, and protected cell companies.
Is there an LLC in Mauritius?
Mauritius does not have a traditional Limited Liability Company (LLC) structure like those found in the United States.
Similar limited liability protection is typically achieved through a company limited by shares, which is the most common corporate structure used for business and investment activities in Mauritius.
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