Mauritius is fast becoming a preferred destination for high-net-worth families seeking a secure, tax-efficient, and well-regulated location to manage their wealth. With a comprehensive legal framework, strong government support, and a growing financial services industry, Mauritius is positioning itself as a base for high-net-worth families to build and preserve their legacies. Most people are looking to diversify to neutral jurisdicitons as a way of hedging risk. With conflicts in Europe and the Middle-East, the unease in the US and the fear of conflict in Asia, Mauritius has proven to be a popular, safe, neutral destination in recent years for a backup residency, placement of certain holding structures and their banking facilities, as well as real estate investment.
Why Mauritius for a family office setup?
According to Henley & Partners, Mauritius has over 5,100 millionaires and is expected to see a 95% increase in its high-net-worth population by 2033. This upward trend reflects growing international confidence in Mauritius as a destination for family wealth. Backed by strong laws, flexible tax policies, and a commitment to global standards, Mauritius brings together a compelling mix of strategic advantages that make it an ideal jurisdiction for family offices:
- Political and economic stability
- Hybrid legal system (English and French law)
- Modern infrastructure and digital readiness
- Skilled, multilingual workforce
- Trusted reputation — Mauritius is FATF-compliant and OECD-aligned
What Is a Family Office Setup in Mauritius?
A family office setup in Mauritius involves establishing a private legal entity to manage the financial, investment, and personal affairs of one or more wealthy families. These offices centralise control, streamline decision-making, and support long-term succession and estate planning.
There are two options under the Mauritius model:
- Single Family Office (SFO) – designed to serve the needs of one family
- Multi-Family Office (MFO) – structured to support the needs of several unrelated families
Each is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius.
Family Office Setup Mauritius: Licensing and Structure
To legally operate, all family offices in Mauritius must apply for a license under the Family Office Licence Scheme, introduced through the Financial Services Act 2007 and guided by the Family Office Rules 2020.
Key Licensing Requirements for a Family Office Setup in Mauritius
|
Licence Type |
Capital Requirement |
Local Professionals |
Assets Managed |
Office Premises |
|
SFO |
USD 35,000 |
At least 1 |
USD 5 million |
Required |
|
MFO |
USD 75,000 |
At least 3 |
USD 5 million |
Required |
In addition, each family office must:
- Appoint a Designated Officer to manage the business
- Nominate a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and a Deputy MLRO
- Maintain a risk management framework
- Submit a detailed business plan and compliance procedures
Family Office Setup Mauritius: Tax and Compliance Benefits
One of the key advantages of a family office setup in Mauritius is the country’s efficient and transparent tax environment:
- 10-year tax holiday on income derived from family office activities (subject to conditions)
- No capital gains tax – earnings from asset sales are not taxed
- No inheritance or gift tax – helping families transfer wealth without added costs
- 15% corporate tax rate, with exemptions of up to 80% available
- More than 45 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs)
How to Set Up Your Family Office in Mauritius
Setting up a family office in Mauritius involves five essential steps:
- Choose your structure – Decide between SFO or MFO
- Develop your business plan – Include operations, compliance, and staffing
- Submit your application – Apply through the FSC with all required documents
- Meet local requirements – Office space, resident employees, and insurance
- Begin operations – Once licensed, the office must maintain full regulatory compliance
Family Office Setup in Mauritius: Services and Capabilities
A licensed family office setup in Mauritius can provide a wide range of services, including:
- Investment strategy and portfolio management
- Tax planning and legal structuring
- Estate planning and intergenerational transfers
- Philanthropy and charitable foundation management
- Family governance frameworks (e.g., education, family constitutions)
- Risk management and insurance planning
How We Can Help
We help families with the practical side of setting up a family office in Mauritius. This includes support with the licence application, company setup, and meeting local requirements through our partners. We also help with relocation, finding office and residential property, and working with the relevant authorities. We can assist with opening bank accounts, connecting with service providers, and applying for permits for family members and staff.
What Can TBI Business Advisors Do For You
- We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
- 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.
- TBI can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations.
- We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
- If you need assistance with setting up companies whether as an investor or just creating a business here.
- 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.
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.
