GLOBAL BUSINESS · MAURITIUS
Mauritius GBC/GBL
company formation.
Titan can help you all the way from set-up to operation and management, along with other services.
Titan assists entrepreneurs, investors and international businesses with Global Business Company formation and ongoing administration from Mauritius.
Incorporation & licensing
Governance & administration
Accounting & ongoing support
Titan Corporate Services Limited
Licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius as a Management Company and Corporate Trustee.
MANAGEMENT LICENCEMC11000121
THE RIGHT STARTING POINT
What is a Mauritius
GBC/GBL?
A Global Business Company is the company.
A Global Business Licence is the licence it holds.
A Global Business Company (GBC) holds a Global Business Licence (GBL) issued by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). It is used for business conducted principally outside Mauritius, with management and control in Mauritius and administration by a licensed management company.
A GBC may be considered for international investment holding, trading or consultancy. Financial services and investment funds require a separate assessment of the relevant licences and approvals.
From our Mauritius office, we help you assess the proposed activity, prepare incorporation and Global Business Licence applications, and organise the support the company needs after formation.
GOVERNANCE & SUBSTANCE
What your GBC needs
in Mauritius.
The company needs genuine governance and an appropriate operating presence. These arrangements should reflect how your business actually operates.
Resident directors
At least two Mauritius-resident directors able to exercise independent judgement.
Licensed administration
Administration by an FSC-licensed management company.
Mauritius banking
A principal bank account in Mauritius. Each bank applies its own acceptance requirements.
Records & audit
Accounting records at the registered office in Mauritius and statutory financial statements audited in Mauritius.
Place of Effective Management
A GBC requires at least two Mauritius-resident directors and genuine management and control in Mauritius. Board meetings should be held in Mauritius, with overseas directors able to participate remotely, subject to the company’s constitution.
Real operating substance
Core income-generating activities in or from Mauritius, supported by suitably qualified people and expenditure proportionate to the business.
An address, a board resolution or an arbitration clause alone does not replace the applicable substance requirements. Titan can discuss appropriate arrangements before an application is prepared.
FROM PLANNING TO OPERATION
A clear path
through formation.
We help you understand the requirements, coordinate the relevant applications and plan the administration that follows.
- 01
Discuss the proposed business
Explain the activity, ownership, target countries, expected transactions and management arrangements. This helps establish whether a GBC is appropriate.
- 02
Agree the engagement & complete due diligence
Confirm the services required, then provide the requested information on the company, its owners and the source of funds.
- 03
Prepare incorporation & licensing submissions
The management company coordinates the relevant applications to the Registrar of Companies and the FSC, including the business plan and supporting documents.
- 04
Put operating arrangements in place
Address governance, accounting, substance and the bank-account application. Incorporation, regulatory approval and bank acceptance are separate milestones.
- 05
Maintain the company
Keep records current and plan accounting, audit, tax and regulatory filings from the outset.
GETTING PREPARED
The information
we will work through.
The application requirements depend on the ownership and activity. The supporting pack generally covers:
- A business plan describing the activity, target markets and financial forecasts.
- A shareholding structure chart and details of shareholders, beneficial owners and directors.
- Identity, address and business-background information for relevant individuals.
- Corporate documents and financial information where shareholders are companies.
- Information explaining the source of funds and intended investments or transactions.
- Details of proposed resident directors, secretary, banker, auditor and financial year-end.
Titan will confirm the documents and certification required for your case.
AN INFORMED DECISION
Tax and treaty
considerations.
Mauritius has a general corporate income-tax rate of 15%. Partial exemptions of 80% or 95% can apply to specified income or activities, subject to conditions. A GBC licence does not mean that every income stream is taxed at 3%.
The income category, substance, tax residence and any other applicable charges need to be assessed. Treaty relief depends on the particular treaty and eligibility conditions, not incorporation alone.
Independent tax advice should consider Mauritius and the countries of the owners, investments and transactions.
DIFFERENT STRUCTURES. DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS.
GBC or Authorised Company?
The central distinction is where the business is managed and controlled.
Management and control
in Mauritius.
A GBC has management and control in Mauritius and must meet the applicable governance, substance and licensing requirements.
You are reading the GBC/GBL guide
Management and control
outside Mauritius.
An AC is a different regime for eligible foreign-controlled businesses conducted principally outside Mauritius.
Planning to operate mainly in Mauritius? Explore the Mauritius domestic company structure.
BEYOND INCORPORATION
Support as your
business develops.
After formation, a GBC needs continuing attention to corporate records, beneficial-ownership information, accounting, audit, tax returns and FSC obligations. Changes in ownership, directors, activity or how the company operates should be reviewed before implementation.
Titan can provide agreed company secretarial and administration support and coordinate with relevant professional advisers.
A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you
take the next step.
Are GBC and GBL the same thing?
No. GBC refers to the Global Business Company; GBL refers to its Global Business Licence. The expressions are often used together because the company holds the licence.
Is GBC1 still the right term?
GBC1 is a historical description. For a new application, the relevant current terminology is a Global Business Company holding a Global Business Licence.
Can I apply directly to the FSC?
The Global Business Licence application is channelled through an FSC-licensed management company. Titan can discuss the proposed business and the support required.
Does a GBL cover regulated financial services?
Not by itself. Activities such as investment dealing or fund management can require their own licence, authorisation or approval. Describe the intended activity at the start so the correct route can be assessed.
LET’S START WITH YOUR PLANS
Discuss your Mauritius
GBC with Titan.
Tell us what the business will do, where it will operate and who will own and manage it. We will be happy to discuss formation and ongoing support.
A short business outline is enough
to begin the conversation.