Global Business Company (GBC)

A Global Business Company (GBC) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act 2001 and licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to conduct business primarily outside of Mauritius, and in a currency other than the Mauritian Rupee.

GBCs are tax resident in Mauritius, allowing them to benefit from the country’s wide network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), making them ideal vehicles for international investment and structuring.

Permitted Activities

Subject to FSC approval, GBCs may engage in a broad range of activities, including:

Investment holding and asset management
Collective investment schemes
Consultancy and advisory services
Financial and insurance services
Aircraft leasing and financing
ICT, licensing, franchising, and global headquarters
Shipping, logistics, and international trading

Other global business activities may be approved by the FSC on application.

Governance & Shareholding

There is no minimum capital requirement. Shares may be issued in different classes, with or without par value, and in any currency except the Mauritian Rupee. GBCs must issue registered shares and may have a sole shareholder, either individual or corporate. At least one resident director is required, though a minimum of two is generally recommended to meet substance requirements. Board meetings may be held outside Mauritius, provided proper records are maintained.

Taxation & Substance

GBCs are taxed at 15% and, subject to prescribed substance requirements, may benefit from an 80% partial exemption, reducing the effective tax rate to 3%. There are no capital gains tax, withholding taxes, or stamp duties.

To access DTAA benefits, GBCs must maintain management and control in Mauritius, including:

Two resident directors
Local bank account and registered office
Financial statements prepared and audited in Mauritius
Core income-generating activities conducted locally
Administration by a licensed Management Company

A 2% Corporate Climate Responsibility Levy applies to companies with income exceeding MUR 50 million, effective 1 July 2024.

Incorporation & Domiciliation

GBCs must be incorporated and licensed through a Management Company. The process includes name reservation, submission of statutory documents, and FSC approval. Incorporation typically takes 10–15 working days upon receipt of complete documentation. Mauritius also permits re-domiciliation of foreign companies to and from Mauritius, subject to legal requirements.

Key Features - Global Business Company
Share Capital
Minimum Share Capital	USD 1
Permitted Currency	Any currency except MUR
Shareholders
Minimum	One
Non-citizen shareholding	Yes, non-citizen can hold 100% shares
Publicly accessible records	No
Location of meetings	Mauritius (proxy possible)
Directors
Minimum required	Two
Resident directors	At least two
Publicly accessible records	No
Location of meetings	Anywhere, but including at least 2 directors from Mauritius
Company Secretary
Company Secretary	Yes, a management company shall act as company secretary
Accounts
Requirement	Audited Financial Statements
Requirement to file accounts	Yes (not publicly accessible)
Activities
Any restriction on activity	No, however appropriate licences may be required depending on the type of activity
First Application Regulatory Costs
Processing Fee (FSC)	USD 500
First Global Business Licence Fee	July - September: USD 1,950 October - December: USD 1,470 January - December: USD 975 April - June: USD 490
Company Incorporation Fees	MUR 3,000 for Private Company holding a Global Business Licence
	MUR 13,500 for Public Company holding a Global Business Licence
Annual Government Costs
Annual Global Business Licence Fee	USD 1,950
Annual Company Registration Fee	MUR 9,000 for Private Company holding a Global Business Licence
	MUR 13,500 for Public Company holding a Global Business Licence
	MUR 2,500 for Limited Partnership holding a Global Business Licence
	MUR 2,500 for Limited Liability Partnership holding a Global Business Licence