In today’s world, more and more people are seeking to become global citizens, taking advantage of the many benefits that come with having multiple nationalities. Citizenship by investment programs have emerged as a popular way to obtain a second or even third passport, offering investors and entrepreneurs the opportunity to secure their financial futures while also gaining access to a world of new opportunities. In this article, we explore the various paths to obtaining global citizenship, including the countries where it is possible to obtain citizenship through investment, as well as the opportunities available in Mauritius.

 

Citizenship by Investment Programs: A Path to Global Citizenship

Citizenship by investment programs (CIPs) have become increasingly popular among high-net-worth individuals seeking to obtain a second citizenship. These programs offer individuals the opportunity to obtain citizenship in a country by making a substantial investment in that country’s economy. While each country has its own specific requirements for citizenship, the general idea is that investors can secure their financial future while also gaining the benefits of citizenship in another country.

Currently, there are several countries around the world that offer citizenship by investment programs, including:

 

1. Malta

The application for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment requires a contribution of at least EUR 600,000 for a minimum residence period of 36 months or EUR 750,000 for a minimum of 12 months. Applicants must also pass a strict due diligence process and meet other requirements such as donation to an organisation.

 

2. St. Kitts and Nevis

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme requires applicants to make a significant economic contribution to the country. In exchange, and subject to a stringent application procedure including thorough background checks, the applicants and their families are granted full citizenship. Applicants can choose from several options, one being real estate acquisition. This implies the purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of USD 400,000 for an approved private home.

 

3. Grenada

The Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme offers a real estate option which requires a purchase of at least USD 220,000 from a government-approved real estate project. An additional minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 50,000 also applies for this option. This citizenship eventually grants you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 145 destinations, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area.

 

4. Dominica

For the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme single applicants may choose from one of two options:

• A non-refundable contribution to the Economic Development Fund of USD 100,000
• An investment in an approved real estate development with a minimum value of USD 200,000

 

5. Vanuatu

The Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Programme requires an initial non-refundable payment of USD 7,000 and a donation of at least USD 130,000 to the government.  This citizenship grants the applicant visa-free access or visa on arrival to over 100 countries across Asia, Americas, Africa, Middle-East, Oceania and the Caribbean.

 

Mauritius: Exploring Other Paths

While Mauritius does not offer a citizenship by investment program, there are other paths to living and working on the island. For example, individuals can obtain a residence permit through investment in the Mauritian economy.  A Permanent Residence Permit under the Immigration Act is granted to the non-citizen and their dependents upon acquisition of a residential property not less than USD 375,000. This is valid while stay on the property.

Another way is through an Occupation Permit. Non-citizens can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) after being on the island for at least 3 years. The PRP will then allow the applicant to live and work in Mauritius for 20 years.

In addition to the Occupation Permit, Mauritius also offers a Retired Non-Citizen Permit, which allows individuals over the age of 50 to retire in Mauritius and live here for 10 years. To obtain this permit, applicants must transfer an initial USD 1,500 from their personal bank account abroad to their personal bank account in Mauritius and ensure that there is an aggregate of USD 18,000 per year paid to this local account for the 10 years. More on Permits in Mauritius here.

 

how TBI can help

With its extensive network of trusted professionals, TBI will make the process of applying and qualifying for a permit in Mauritius smooth and stress-free. As a foreigner, it can be daunting to move to Mauritius. With TBI having expertise in the local market, you can ensure that you connect with the right people and easily settle in.

 

Mauritius, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is a popular destination for tourists and expatriates alike. With its stunning beaches, lush greenery and friendly people, it’s no wonder that many foreigners choose to settle down in Mauritius. Moving to Mauritius requires a lot of research and preparation, which is thoroughly explained on this page. However, one of the major challenges that foreigners face when buying a home in Mauritius is obtaining a home loan. In this article, we will provide useful information on obtaining a home loan as a foreigner in Mauritius, including the requirements, process and benefits.

 

Requirements for obtaining a home loan in Mauritius

Foreigners who wish to obtain a home loan in Mauritius must meet certain requirements, which may include the following:

1. Valid passport: Prospective borrowers must have a valid passport issued by their country of origin.
2. Proof of income: Applicants must provide proof of their income, which may include salary slips, bank statements, and tax returns.
3. Good credit history: Prospective borrowers must have a good credit history and a positive credit score.
4. Proof of property ownership: The borrower must provide proof of ownership of the property they wish to purchase.
5. Adequate deposit: The borrower must have an adequate deposit, typically up to 30% of the property value

It is also important to note that foreigners do not need a residence permit to obtain a home loan in Mauritius. However, you may be able to get a residence permit if you invest at least $375, 000 in a property under approved schemes in Mauritius. For more information on latest rules and requirements for buying a house for sale in Mauritius, check out this article.

 

Process for obtaining a home loan in Mauritius

The process for obtaining a home loan in Mauritius typically involves the following steps:

1. Research and comparison: Prospective borrowers should research and compare the home loan options offered by various banks in Mauritius to find the best rates and terms.
2. Application: Once a suitable lender has been identified, the borrower can submit a loan application along with the required documents.
3. Approval: The bank will review the loan application and may request additional information or documentation. If the borrower meets the lender’s criteria, the loan will be approved.
4. Valuation: The lender will conduct a valuation of the property to determine its value and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.
5. Disbursement: If the valuation is satisfactory, the lender will disburse the loan amount to the borrower.

 

Benefits of obtaining a home loan in Mauritius as a foreigner

1. Competitive interest rates: Although interest rates have risen dramatically over the last few years, they are still viable for investors.
2. Investment opportunities: Mauritius is known for its robust real estate market, offering excellent investment opportunities for foreigners seeking to invest in property.
3. Tax benefits: Foreigners who purchase a property in Mauritius may be eligible for tax benefits, such as reduced rates of property tax and stamp duty.
4. No residency requirements: Foreigners do not need to be residents of Mauritius to obtain a home loan, making it easier for non-residents to invest in property on the island.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT INTEREST RATE AND LTV

The interest rates for home loans in Mauritius vary depending on the bank and other factors such as the loan amount, repayment period, and the creditworthiness of the borrower. As of February 2023, the interest rates for home loans in Mauritius range from around 6% to 6.5% per annum.

It is important to note that these rates are subject to change and may differ based on the lender’s policies and market conditions at the time of application.

Regarding the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, this refers to the maximum percentage of the property value that the bank is willing to lend to the borrower. In Mauritius, the LTV ratio for home loans is typically up to 70% of property value.

It is important to note that the LTV ratio may also depend on other factors such as the borrower’s creditworthiness and the purpose of the loan.

Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a qualified financial advisor or a property agent to better understand the loan terms and conditions before applying for a home loan in Mauritius. This is where TBI Business Advisors can assist you. With more than 10 years of experience in the local market, TBI has gained a wide network of trusted professionals and has a well-defined process for you to apply and qualify for a home loan. Get in touch to know more.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can foreigners get home loans in Mauritius?

Yes, foreigners can get home loans in Mauritius. However, the loan application process may differ from that of Mauritian citizens. The bank will evaluate your creditworthiness and the purpose of your loan. You may also be required to provide additional documentation.

What is the maximum loan amount that foreigners can get in Mauritius?

The maximum loan amount that foreigners can get in Mauritius varies from bank to bank. Typically, the loan amount is up to 70% of the property value. Some banks may offer higher loan amounts for high-net-worth individuals or for properties with a high value.

What is the interest rate on home loans for foreigners in Mauritius?

The interest rate on home loans for foreigners in Mauritius is similar to that of Mauritian citizens, from 6% to 6.5% as of March 2023. The rate may vary depending on the bank, loan amount and repayment period. It is important to compare the interest rates of different banks before choosing a lender.

What are the eligibility criteria for foreigners to get home loans in Mauritius?

To be eligible for a home loan in Mauritius as a foreigner, you must have a good credit score and a stable income source. Additionally, the property you wish to buy must be located in a designated area, as specified by the bank.

Can foreigners get home loans for buying land in Mauritius?

Yes, foreigners can get home loans for buying land in Mauritius. However, the loan amount may be lower than that for buying a property, and the interest rates may be higher. It is important to check with different banks to compare their loan terms and conditions.

What are the repayment terms for home loans for foreigners in Mauritius?

The repayment terms for home loans for foreigners in Mauritius may vary depending on the bank and the loan amount. The repayment period varies according to the borrower’s age; if they are 55 years, the repayment period will be 10 years, considering that borrowers can only be a maximum of 65 years. Some banks may offer a grace period of up to six months before the first repayment is due. It is important to check with the bank about their repayment terms before applying for a loan.

Can foreigners get home loans for buying a second property in Mauritius?

Yes, foreigners can get home loans for buying a second property in Mauritius. However, the loan amount and interest rate may differ from that for buying a primary residence. Some banks may offer lower loan amounts and higher interest rates for second properties.

 

How TBI can help

With its extensive network of trusted professionals, TBI will make the process of applying and qualifying for a loan smooth and stress-free. As a foreigner, it can be daunting to take a loan or invest in a property in Mauritius. With TBI having expertise in the local market, you can ensure that you connect with the right people and that you get a good value on your investments.

 

From stunning beaches to healthcare, this blog article explores the benefits of retiring in Mauritius, an island nation off the African coast. The article also highlights why you should retire in Mauritius and how you can retire in this beautiful island. Here, at TBI, we work on making your move to Mauritius a hassle-free and enjoyable one. We have helped countless of foreigners move here, who are now having the best days of their life.

Benefits of retiring in Mauritius

Due to its reputation for luxury, safety, medical facilities, retirement facilities and quality of life, Mauritius has been attracting a lot of retirees over the years. Mauritius is an equally favourable destination for retirees as it is for professionals and travelers.

Retirement facilities in Mauritius

Mauritius offers various retirement-focused facilities for those who want to spend their retirement years on this island. Various Smart Cities and luxurious developments include, not just the usual restaurants, cafes and spas, but also medical facilities on-site and even assisted living. Mauritius is genuinely focused on making retirement one of the best phases of people’s lives.

Medical facilities

With 5 public hospitals and more than 30 private clinics across Mauritius, this island provides premium services and quality healthcare. You can easily avail to private health insurance facilities. Infrastructures are highly modernized with qualified doctors.

Activities for the retired in Mauritius

With its tropical climate and good quality of life and standard of living, Mauritius is well-known for the various sports and leisure activities it offers. With activities such as scuba-diving, hiking, golf, beach trips, you will feel as if life has just begun for you!

 

How to retire in Mauritius?

Whether it’s just for a few weeks or few long months, Mauritius has several options for those looking to retire in Mauritius. Foreigners can apply for a Retired Non-Citizen Permit / Retirement Permit or a Premium Visa.

Retired Non-Citizen Permit / Retirement Permit

The Retirement Permit in Mauritius is valid for 10 years and has 2 main conditions:

1. The Retired Non-Citizen must be 50 years old or above.
2. The Retired Non-Citizen must transfer an initial USD 1,500 from their personal bank account abroad to their personal bank account in Mauritius at the time of issuance and ensure that there is an aggregate of USD 18,000 per year paid to his local account for the 10 years.

Becoming a Permanent Resident on a Retirement Permit in Mauritius

A major advantage of being a Retired Permit holder in Mauritius is that you can apply to become a Permanent Resident in Mauritius, provided that you have a Residence Permit and have transferred at least USD 54, 000 or its equivalent in freely convertible currency. It should be noted that this must be during the 3 years preceding the application. This would be an option if you want to extend your stay for another 20 years. Having a Permanent Residence Permit in Mauritius will allow you to stay in Mauritius for 20 years. However, you still have the option to renew your Retirement Permit for another 10 years on the island.

Premium Visa

If you are looking to retire in Mauritius and aren’t sure whether it’s the right place for you, you can apply for a Premium Visa. This longer term travel visa will allow you to move to Mauritius and stay in Mauritius for 1 year (renewable) and enable you to test the waters here. To qualify for the Premium Visa, the following criteria should be met:

1. The applicant must be from an eligible country. There are over a hundred listed on the EDB website.
2. The applicant should produce proof of their long stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay.
3. The applicant should not enter the Mauritius Labour market nor should the main place of business and source of income and profits be in Mauritius.
4. The applicant needs to show proof of funds when applying for the Visa.

What TBI Business Advisors can do for you:

• We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
• We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
• TBI will advise on the appropriate permit or visa for coming to Mauritius.
• We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations.
• We will assemble the documents and make the application on your behalf.
• If you need assistance with setting up companies whether as an investor or just creating a business here.
• We can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations.
• The directors can act as Commissioner for Oaths.
• We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firms as and when required.

Please contact us via our website, via email to info@tbimauritius.com or via the form below.

While every effort is made to ensure that the information given is accurate, the information on this site does not contain legal, tax or any other professional advice. We accept no responsibility or liability due to any information or representation, whether accurate or not, relied upon in the contents. It is an information guide to provide the reader with a useful general, but basic understanding of the different considerations. You must seek local legal, tax or other professional advice before relying on the contents of this site.

This blog article is a complete guide to obtaining a Mauritius visa for Indians. It discusses the different types of visas for Indians, the eligibility criteria, the documents needed to apply, and the process of getting the visa.

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean, approximately one and a half times bigger than Delhi. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations amongst Indian travelers. Mauritius Visa for Indians is obtained upon arrival in Mauritius and is a single-entry visa. Indians cannot obtain the visa before their trip commences. However, they should arrange for the necessary documents required. Indians can then arrive at the Mauritius Airport and pick up their visa document from the immigration desk.

Types of Visa for Indians in Mauritius

Indian citizens can apply for different types of Mauritian visas. Each visa has a different purpose, hence it is important to be aware before applying for a specific visa.

Tourist Visa

Ideal for Indian citizens who wish to visit Mauritius for tourism, sightseeing or visiting relatives and friends. A maximum of 6 months is usually granted; however, in some cases, the immigration allows only a few weeks in the country. In this case, the visa can be renewed. It is important to keep in mind that a Tourist Visa is not to be used for business purposes.

Business Visa

This is for Indian passport holders who want to visit Mauritius for business purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, and participation in exhibitions, seminars or any other commercial activities. A maximum of 120 days in a calendar year is granted, with a limit of 90 days in a single visit. Indian citizens who are looking to apply for a Residence Permit or Occupation Permit in Mauritius are advised to come to the island on a Business Visa.

Medical Visa

A Medical visa is granted to Indians coming to Mauritius for medical treatment to be provided in private health care institutions which are duly registered with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life under the Private Health Institutions Act. This visa is given upon arrival, for the duration of the treatment with a maximum of 6 months.

Student Visa

A Student Visa allows eligible Indian citizens to enter and stay in Mauritius to study full-time or part-time in a tertiary educational institution registered with the Tertiary Education Commission, or in a Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) institution registered with the Mauritius Qualifications Authority, or to follow a practical training course which forms part of higher studies.

Social Visa

The Social Visa is granted to Indian citizens who are part of socio-cultural organisations for a maximum period of 45 days, to carry out social and religious activities.

Eligibility criteria

The Mauritius Visa Requirements for Indians to be eligible are:

• Indian Passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel
• Proof of accommodation in Mauritius (hotel bookings)
• Confirmed return tickets within the 60 days for which the visa is valid
• Proof of funds for the duration of stay (bank statement)

Documents required

To ensure a hassle-free process to obtain a visa on arrival at the Mauritius airport, you should keep certain documents ready. Below is a list of all the relevant documents:

• Filled-in visa forms with all necessary details and information
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• A passport that is valid for at least 6 more months from the date of travel
• If you are travelling to another destination from Mauritius, you must show a valid visa for that nation. Otherwise, you will need to showcase confirmed return flight tickets.
• All accommodation details, which should include room booking receipts and other details
• In case a Mauritian citizen is sponsoring your stay in the country, you would need to show a letter from the sponsor indicating the same. The citizen’s address and the relationship must also be mentioned in this sponsorship letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the various expenses for the duration of the stay
• Bank statement

Cost of Mauritius visa for Indians

The Mauritius Visa for Indians is free of cost and the processing time anywhere between a few minutes to an hour.

How to apply for Mauritius visa for Indians?

The visa application process is not complicated. In fact, there is no pre-registration process to follow. You just need to take all necessary documents, present them at the airport immigration department and obtain the visa on arrival.

What TBI Business Advisors can do for you:

• We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
• We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
• TBI will advise on the appropriate permit or visa for coming to Mauritius.
• We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations.
• We will assemble the documents and make the application on your behalf.
• If you need assistance with setting up companies whether as an investor or just creating a business here.
• We can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations.
• The directors can act as Commissioner for Oaths.
• We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firms as and when required.

Please contact us via our website, via email to info@tbimauritius.com or via the form below.

While every effort is made to ensure that the information given is accurate, the information on this site does not contain legal, tax or any other professional advice. We accept no responsibility or liability due to any information or representation, whether accurate or not, relied upon in the contents. It is an information guide to provide the reader with a useful general, but basic understanding of the different considerations. You must seek local legal, tax or other professional advice before relying on the contents of this site.

Today we have a fascinating article from Caoilfhionn van der Walt from our African tax partner Regan van Rooy (RvR) about the impending cessation of the grandfathering provisions for GBC 1s and 2s. The article covers the changes, the options and how to move forward. There are thousands of Mauritian offshore companies that need to move quickly to maintain/ improve/ limit their tax position and RvR give some ideas and solutions to you. They also have included a link to their app which gives free guidance on the options.

2021 – A seismic shift in the Mauritius tax landscape (by Caoilfhionn Van der Walt)

No more deemed tax credit or GBC2 – will Mauritian companies pay 15% tax from now on?

Up until June 2018, Mauritius Global Business Company Category 1 companies (GBC1s) were subject to an effective tax rate of 3% and GBC2 entities were not taxed at all. However, from 1 July 2021 this is no longer the case – the GBC2 regime will be abolished completely and all Mauritian entities will be subject to a headline tax rate of 15%.

So what has changed and why?

In terms of background to these changes, Mauritius has been under pressure from the OECD and EU tax committees for some time due to what those bodies perceived as “harmful tax practices”.

As a result, the 2018 Mauritian Finance Act 2018 announced two key changes – firstly the deemed tax credit regime (whereby GBC1 entities were able to claim a presumed tax credit of 80% of the Mauritian tax on foreign income, resulting in a 3% effective tax rate) was abolished.  Secondly, the entire GBL2 regime was abolished (a specific legal entity which was considered non-taxable in Mauritius). Grandfathering provisions were introduced whereby GBL1 licences issued on or before 16 October 2017 would remain valid until 30 June 2021, and would be allowed to claim the deemed tax credit up until such date. However, from 1 July 2021, GBC1 companies (known as GBLs going forward) will be subject to the normal 15% Mauritian tax rate. 

The deemed credit and GBC2 regimes were the bedrock of Mauritius’ attractiveness as a holding company location, so this is a massive shift for Mauritius.  In addition, and also in response to OECD and EU pressure, Mauritius has recently introduced detailed substance requirements for Mauritian resident entities, as well as controlled foreign company rules.  So overall, doing business in Mauritius, can seem, at first blush, a lot harder. 

However, the good news is that, due to these measures, Mauritius is now off the various “grey-lists” in terms of tax measures (just to be put on another blacklist in terms of AML rules but that’s another story). 

Does this mean all Mauritian companies will pay 15% tax?

No, but great care needs to be taken to identify the best option to pursue. There are still plenty, absolutely above-board, ways to have a very attractive effective tax rate in Mauritius.  We discuss the three main routes below:

Partial exemption regime

An 80% partial exemption can be claimed against the Mauritius tax levied on certain specified foreign-source income, resulting again in an effective tax rate of 3%.  This applies in respect of:

• foreign-source dividends;
• interest income;
• profits of a permanent establishment;
• Income from collective investment schemes and reinsurance;
• Income from ship and aircraft leasing;
• Income from international fibre capacity.

Tax Holidays

Mauritius has a very broad range of generous tax holidays, 19 in total.  For larger groups, wanting to hold or support their African operations underneath a Mauritian holding company, the global headquarter administration license regime is highly attractive.  This is a total corporate tax holiday for eight years for companies that provide back-office or strategic support to at least three related parties, and subject to a number of conditions including that the company must have a physical office in Mauritius and employ at least 10 staff.  Other key tax holidays, which apply for five or eight years,  include:

• Global treasury or legal advisory activities;
• Overseas family office;
• Innovation-driven or high-tech activities related to IP development in Mauritius;
• E-commerce platform activities;
• Peer-to-peer lending;
• Tertiary education campus;
• Manufacture of nutraceutical products;
• Manufacture of pharmaceutical products or medical devices.

Double taxation relief

Finally, Mauritius has a very generous double taxation relief system – foreign tax credits are not subject to a limitation, and can be mixed, i.e. set off against other taxable foreign income (although excess credits cannot be carried forward to the next tax year).  Also, where foreign dividends are earned, the Mauritian recipient can claim credit not only in respect of the withholding tax suffered, but also on the corporate tax suffered on the profits out of which the dividends were paid!  And then offset the excess against other foreign income streams.  This is particularly relevant for Mauritian companies holding African subsidiaries, which are almost always subject to high tax and thus can often lead to 0% tax payable in Mauritius.

Conclusion

Lots of options therefore!   And the benefit of all these changes, is that you now can have a situation where your headline tax rate is 15% (above the minimum tax rate mooted in terms of BEPS Pillar II) but your effective tax rate could be zero, due to absolutely above-board tax benefits such as tax holidays, specific exemptions or foreign tax credits, which make for a pretty unassailable situation even for those who use tax morality or harmful tax practices as a stick to beat the tax-payer.

Our app

But how do you decide which option is best for your company?  Well, we at Regan van Rooy have designed an app to help, this is an easy-to-use online smart questionnaire to help you identify whether any opportunities exist to optimise your company’s tax position, and which is the best route to pursue, depending on your company’s business operations and income flows. The questionnaire should take five minutes to complete. There is also a separate tool to identify whether your company meets Mauritius’ new enhanced substance requirements.

Contact us to discuss at info@reganvanrooy.com

About the Author

Caoilfhionn van der Walt – MA, MSc, CA (ICAEW), H Dip (International Tax)

Caoilfhionn has 20 years of international tax experience. She started her career in the international tax team at Arthur Andersen, London, and thereafter at Deloitte London before moving to Johannesburg where she was the head of international tax at the Sasol group for nine years, as well as a part-time and guest lecturer in international tax at the University of Johannesburg. Caoilfhionn joined Regan van Rooy in 2016 and heads up the Mauritian office.

About TBI

TBI Business Advisors is a Mauritian consultancy firm with a global reach and network. TBI assists individuals and businesses with their investment, setup and operations in Mauritius and throughout Africa, as well as relocation, permits and residence. Please contact us for any further information about any of these services and we would be glad to email/ chat on a Zoom/ Teams call.

Disclaimer

Our aim with our articles is to make them digestible. We keep them short and relevant but do not update them. They are not designed to be legally relied upon. This article contains no legal, tax or financial advice, all of which should be sought from relevant professionals.

Please contact us via our website, via email to info@tbimauritius.com or via the form below.

It looks like COVID-19 did not disrupt the banking, financial and offshore sectors in Mauritius too much. Although the virus spread has was contained in Mauritius, the economic ramifications of the global shutdown are not to be underestimated. Our aim with this article is to say what can be set-up remotely during the lockdown, what options there are in terms of Mauritius bank accounts and Mauritius offshore company formations, and the general procedures and processes thereof.

What can be set-up remotely in Mauritius?

Mauritian bank accounts, companies and Funds can be set up without ever having to come to Mauritius. This includes Mauritian business registration of Global Business Companies (GBCs), Authorised Companies (ACs) and Mauritian domestic companies. The same can be said for the more complex financial licences like a Payment Intermediary Services Licence (a PSP in other jurisdictions), an Investment Dealer Licence, an Investment Adviser Licence and a CIS Licence to name but a few.  One can invest in property without having to come here, (although make sure you have someone trustworthy on the ground) as well as setting up an investment vehicle for purchasing the property. One can even apply for a residence permit via the EDB online portal from abroad. With internet banking the limitations of a bank account in a foreign jurisdiction are somewhat minimised.

What types of bank accounts are available in Mauritius?

The banking sector in Mauritius is sophisticated, stable and provides multi-currency accounts, internet banking and international bank cards to its many global customers. Personal offshore Mauritian bank accounts for those living abroad can be set up in a few weeks as long as KYC and compliance tests are passed. Equally Mauritian offshore bank account openings are available both Mauritian companies and foreign companies.  Mauritius offshore bank accounts are actually very popular for companies incorporated elsewhere, notably in Hong Kong, Dubai and Cyprus, due to the strength of the banking sector here and the lack of exchange controls. A company that is tax resident in Mauritius such as a GBC, must have its primary bank account in Mauritius.

Which Banks are present in Mauritius?

Currently licenced by the Bank of Mauritius are the following banks: ABC, Absa (formerly Barclays), AfrAsia, Bank of Baroda, Bank of China, Bank One, Banyan Tree, BCP, Century Banking Corporation, Habib Bank, HSBC, Investec, MauBank, SBI, SBM, MCB and Warwyck. These banks differ in size, capability and offerings. There are global names, niche banks, formidable Mauritian and African competitors and an Islamic Bank.

What currency of account can I have?

One can choose any of main world currencies for a Mauritian offshore bank account. Many individuals and companies therefore have EUR, GBP, USD and MUR accounts. The internal exchange rate is competitive with most of the banks here so having multiple accounts is a significant benefit.

What needs to be provided to set up an offshore bank account in Mauritius?

Each bank has their own procedures to apply for a bank account, normally lasting for a few weeks. Expect the usual checks on individuals for their personal accounts, as there are for directors, shareholders and UBOs of companies, including certified copies of a passport and a recent utility bill. Reference letters, generally from a current bank are requested but substitute documents can normally suffice such as 6 months of current bank statements and a signed form allowing the Mauritian bank to contact the current bank.

The key focus is on the funds that will be arriving in the bank account, to show firstly where the money is coming from, and then that there is no chance that this money is in any way made from illegal activities, or that the bank account or company is going to be used to launder money. Mauritius takes its Money Laundering obligations very seriously as shown by its OECD and EU status. Expect the Business plan for any company account to be looked into in detail.

Unlike certain jurisdictions, there are no exchange-controls in Mauritius and the hard thing is to bring money into Mauritius. Once it is here, it is easy to move around and so it is a great banking jurisdiction for a trading company. For example, for any company buying goods in Asia and selling them in Africa or Europe, if a GBC is set up, then it is very easy to pay all the suppliers from Mauritian bank accounts. With 80% exemption on corporation tax, it means that there is only 3% tax on profits and no tax on dividends so this is a very popular option.

How to successfully set up an offshore Mauritius bank account?

We would break down the key elements of successfully opening bank accounts into the following sections:

1. The Activity of the company or individual – For example if the activity is something that is illegal in Mauritius, such as cannabis oil, online gambling or weapons, or if it is deemed very risky such as cryptocurrency exchanges with clients predominantly from countries which makes banks nervous, then it will rarely get off the ground. Mauritian banks are still very cautious when any company activity involves cryptocurrency, even if it is licenced by the FSC in Mauritius. One can ask for dispensation from the FSC for a GBC to have a primary bank elsewhere, and there are now some banks in Mauritius that have more of an appetite for the Fintech future. A bank account opening will always be difficult in any jurisdiction with these activities.
2. The Shareholders and the UBO – Expect thorough KYC checks on all parties involved, especially those owning the company or account, from World-Check to media checks. If there are potential issues such as historical media attention, then try and tackle it from the start rather than hope that no one sees it. It is much easier to set up a bank account in Mauritius if it is for a Mauritian company rather than a foreign company so bear in mind it is sometimes worth setting up a holding or trading company in order to utilise the banking sector here if you are struggling to do so with a foreign company.
3. The preparation in the application – The most successful applications are those where the client’s agent in Mauritius, normally holding an EIC (Eligible Introducer Certificate), has asked in advance all of the question that the bank will ask, and therefore, the initial application is comprehensive, and the evidence preempts any concerns. Ultimately if the first two elements above are not right then there will still be an issue but there are many clients who fit into a grey area and with the right assistance then they can have a bank account setup in Mauritius.
4. Picking the right bank – Some of the more popular banks can be risk-averse and some of the banks are more Fintech-friendly for example. When setting up a company in Mauritius either with a Regulatory Sandbox Licence or a PIS licence dealing with cryptocurrency for example, then you can seek guidance from the Regulatory body, the EDB or the FSC respectively, as to which bank will be more likely to open an account if it is successful with its licence application. Some of the banks have far better internet banking than others and some are far quicker for account opening.

Conclusion

Mauritius offers a stable and welcoming environment to do business. Even though the world is in COVID-19 turmoil, many clients are finding they have the opportunity to focus on things that they have been meaning to for a long time. It is clear that risk management and diversification is something that every individual and company need to consider. Whether it be a life insurance policy or a trust to protect one’s estate, an investment in property that gives a permanent residence backup for the buyer and their family or just their company or personal banking moved to a stable jurisdiction for ease or to mitigate tax, then Mauritius has something to consider for everyone.

About the Author

Philip Tsalikis is a practising UK barrister based in Mauritius and registered there as a foreign lawyer. He is the founder of TBI Mauritius, a consultancy firm based in Mauritius but with a global reach and network. TBI assists individuals and businesses with their investment, setup and operations in Mauritius, and throughout Africa.

Disclaimer

Our aim with our articles is to make them digestible. We keep them short and relevant but do not update them. They are not designed to be legally relied upon. This article contains no legal, tax or financial advice, all of which should be sought from relevant professionals.

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