Trusts in Mauritius

A trust is a fiduciary arrangement where a settlor transfers assets to a trustee to hold and manage for the benefit of beneficiaries. Upon creation, the settlor relinquishes legal ownership, and the trustee assumes full responsibility for managing the trust in accordance with its terms.

Mauritius trusts offer flexibility, asset protection, and confidentiality—making them a strategic tool for succession planning, wealth preservation, and international structuring. Trusts are governed by the Trusts Act 2001, and do not need to be registered, ensuring privacy.

Key Features

No trust register — full confidentiality
Up to four trustees; at least one must be a qualified trustee resident in Mauritius
Optional appointment of a Protector to oversee trustee decisions
No forced heirship rules apply
Foreign trusts can migrate to Mauritius and vice versa
Trusts may appoint a managing trustee and custodian trustee
Charitable trusts are tax-exempt in Mauritius

Asset Protection

Mauritius trusts are widely used to protect assets against legal risks, expropriation, and creditor claims. The Trusts Act includes strong protections, such as:

Trusts are not void due to settlor bankruptcy unless proven to be created with fraudulent intent
Legal action against trust assets is limited to two years from the date of settlement

Creation & Forms

Trusts may be created by:

Settlement – signed by both settlor and trustee
Declaration of Trust – executed by the trustee alone

Trusts can be established by residents or non-residents, with no public filing requirement.

Taxation & Residency

Trusts may elect to be tax resident in Mauritius and obtain a Global Business Licence. Taxable trusts are subject to 15% corporate tax, with an 80% exemption available if substance requirements are met. A trust is tax resident if:

At least one trustee is resident in Mauritius
A local bank account is maintained
Accounting records are kept locally
The resident trustee is involved in all decision-making

Distributions to non-resident beneficiaries are exempt from tax.

VAT & Trade Fees

VAT registration is mandatory if turnover exceeds MUR 6 million
Certain business categories must register for VAT regardless of turnover
Trade fees vary by business activity; companies below MUR 5,000 in fees may be exempt

Incorporation & Fees

Private company incorporation: MUR 3,000
Public company incorporation: MUR 13,500
Annual registration fees range from MUR 500 to MUR 13,500 depending on turnover and company type

General
Type of company	Domestic - Can be private or public
Applicable Law	Companies Act 2001
Corporate Taxation	15%
Double Taxation Treaty Access	Yes
Confidentiality	No. Records are public and available online.
Capital
Stated Capital	Minimum MUR 1
Currency	MUR
Shares and Shareholders
Type	Limited by share, guarantee, both by shares and guarantee
Foreign Shareholders	Allowed
Directorships
Minimum requirement	One resident director
Registered Office
Requirement	Should be in Mauritius
Company Secretary
Requirement	Qualified and resident
Bank Account
Requirement	Principal bank account in Mauritius
Currency	MUR or foreign currencies
Board Meetings
Requirement	Held and chaired in Mauritius
Accounts
Requirement	Annual Financial Summary if turnover less than MUR 50 million.
	If turnover exceeds 50 million, audited financial statements required.
Filing
Annual Return	Within 28 days of annual general meeting
VAT
Requirement	Compulsory if turnover exceeds MUR 6 million Specific activities should compulsorily register for VAT irrespective of turnover
Trade Fee
Requirement	Depends on business activity of company. Activities where the trade fee is less than MUR 5,000 are exempted from payment.
Fees
Company Incorporation Fees	Depends on business activity of company. MUR 3,000 for Private Company MUR 13,500 for Public Company
Annual Company Registration Fees	MUR 500 (Small Private Company: Turnover not exceeding MUR 10 million) MUR 2,500 (Small Private Company: Turnover exceeding MUR 10 million) MUR 9,000 (Private company: Turnover exceeding MUR 50 million) MUR 13,500 (Public Company)