INVEST/TRADE

Dreaming of starting your own business or investing globally? This guide shows why Mauritius is the gateway for entrepreneurs, investors, and dreamers alike. From business setup and trade opportunities to government incentives and local connections—you’ll find the tools and insights to take your first step with confidence.

WHY INVEST IN MAURITIUS?

Mauritius has established itself as one of Africa’s leading business and financial hubs, offering a secure and attractive environment for both local and international investors. Its strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a natural gateway for trade between Africa, Asia, and Europe. 

Investors are drawn to Mauritius for several reasons:

Political & Economic Stability

A strong democratic system, sound governance, and a resilient economy provide confidence and security for businesses.

Business-Friendly Policies

Mauritius ranks highly in ease of doing business, with transparent regulations, low bureaucracy, and efficient company setup procedures.

Attractive Tax System

With competitive corporate tax rates, double taxation avoidance treaties, and no capital gains tax, Mauritius creates a favorable fiscal climate for investors.

Asset Protection & Privacy

International investors benefit from strong legal safeguards for asset protection, coupled with a regulatory framework that respects confidentiality and ensures data privacy.

Skilled Workforce

A bilingual (English and French) workforce, with growing expertise in technology, finance, and services, supports innovation and growth.

Modern Infrastructure

Reliable ICT, transport networks, and financial services make Mauritius a well-connected platform for global business.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mauritius offers a diverse range of opportunities across traditional and emerging industries, making it one of the most attractive destinations for investors in the region. Key sectors include:

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Mauritius is a global hub for banking, fintech, offshore structures, insurance, and investment funds, offering strong legal and tax advantages.

REAL ESTATE & HOSPITALITY

Luxury resorts, integrated resort schemes, smart cities, and commercial property development offer high returns, supported by  tourism and expat demand.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mauritius is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, creating strong demand for investments in solar, wind, biomass, and energy efficiency projects.

ICT

A thriving digital economy with strong infrastructure makes Mauritius ideal for software development, BPO, AI, blockchain, fintech, and cybersecurity solutions.

HEALTHCARE & PHARMA

Mauritius is positioning itself as a regional medical hub with the rising demand for private healthcare, medical  tourism, and pharma production.

LIFESCIENCES

Opportunities exist in biotech research, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and medical technology, supported by Mauritius’ investment in R&D and specialized training.

FREEPORT AND LOGISTICS

Mauritius’ strategic location makes it a trade gateway between Africa & Asia, with investment opportunities in warehousing, re-export, distribution, e-commerce.

AGRO INDUSTRY

From traditional sugar and tea to high-value products such as organics, specialty foods, and agro-processing for export to regional and global markets.

EDUCATION

Mauritius aims to become a regional education hub, attracting international universities, research centers, and specialized training institutions.

BLUE ECONOMY

Vast ocean resources offer opportunities in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, seafood processing, sustainable fishing, and marine renewable energy.

MANUFACTURING

Strong manufacturing base in textiles, apparel, seafood, and light engineering. The government is pushing for high-value, technology-driven exports.

CREATIVE 

Expanding market in film production, digital content, music, gaming, design, and art—industries with strong regional and global potential.

HOW TO INVEST

Mauritius offers a straightforward and transparent process for setting up a business or making an investment. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, the steps are clear and well-supported by government agencies.

01

Choose Your Business Structure

Decide whether to register as a sole trader, partnership, company, or global business entity. Foreign investors often opt for a company or global business license.

02

Register Your Business

Apply online with the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) through the Companies and Business Registration Integrated System (CBRIS).

03

Obtain Required Permits

Foreign investors may apply for an Occupation Permit (OP), Residence Permit, or Investor Permit through the Economic Development Board (EDB).

04

Open a Bank Account

Enjoy the practice as much as you ca

Set up a corporate bank account with a licensed financial institution in Mauritius to manage business operations and investment funds.

05

Meet Legal & Tax Requirements

Register with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) for tax purposes, comply with labor laws, and meet sector-specific regulations if required.

06

Start Operations

Once registered and licensed, you can launch your business, trade, or investment activities. The government provides ongoing support through the EDB.

TRADE

Mauritius leverages its strategic position in the Indian Ocean to import critical goods and export high-value, niche products. 


TRADE DATA RESOURCES:

 Mauritius Trade Profile — Detailed statistics on imports, exports, and trade partners.
WITS / World Bank — Mauritius Trade Data — Broad metrics on trade volumes, deficits, and trends.
GlobalEDGE  Mauritius Trade Statistics — Lists of top export goods.
Trade.gov — Mauritius Market Overview — Insights on trade agreements, import sources, and export opportunities.

IMPORTS 
What Mauritius Needs Most

FUEL & ENERGY

Mineral fuels, refined products, lubricants, natural gas. Critical for power, transport, and industry.

VEHICLES

Cars, SUVs, vans, buses, trucks, and spare parts. Supports mobility and logistics.

EQUIPMENT

Industrial machines, manufacturing equipment, and specialized tools for production.

ELECTRONICS

Appliances, computers, mobile devices, and consumer electronics for homes and businesses.

FOOD PRODUCTS

Cereals, livestock feed, dairy products, eggs, fish, nuts and processed food. Supplies local demand.

HEALTHCARE 

Pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tools, hospital equipment, medical devices. Essential for clinics and hospitals.

RAW MATERIALS

Metals, construction materials, chemicals, and cotton for manufacturing and construction.

CONSUMER GOODS

Furniture, home products, personal care items, and cosmetics. High demand among local households.

EXPORTS
What Mauritius is Known For

APPAREL / TEXTILES

Knitwear, fabrics, and high-quality garments. Major export earning foreign currency.

SEAFOOD

Tuna, fish fillets, and processed seafood. Highly demanded in international markets.

SUGAR CANE 

Refined cane sugar, premium rum, and sweets. Signature products with global appeal.

YARNS & FABRICS

Textiles and yarns meeting export standards. Supports the apparel industry worldwide.

JEWELRY

Cut diamonds, gold, and semi-precious jewelry. Unique, high-value luxury exports.

AGRICULTURAL

Premium tea, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Niche products with strong international demand.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Ylang-ylang, vetiver, and citronella oils. Sought after in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.

PROCESSED FOODS

Value-added meat, snacks, and other packaged foods. Increasingly popular for export markets.

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES

Mauritius is one of the most business-friendly countries in Africa, offering investors and entrepreneurs a wide range of incentives to encourage growth and innovation.

KEY INCENTIVES: 1. Low Tax Regime • Corporate tax capped at 15% • No capital gains tax • Dividend income is tax-free 2. Investment Protection • Double taxation avoidance treaties with 40+ countries • Strong asset protection and confidentiality framework 3. Freeport Advantages • Duty-free imports for goods meant for re-export • VAT exemptions on Freeport activities • Ideal for warehousing, distribution, and logistics businesses 4. Residency & Work Opportunities • Investor and Professional Occupation Permits • Residency available for entrepreneurs and families who invest • Streamlined work and residence permit processes 5. Sector-Specific Incentives • Special schemes for ICT, renewable energy, manufacturing, and financial services • Subsidies and grants for innovation and R&D 6. Ease of Doing Business • Fast company registration (can be done online) • Investor-friendly policies and modern infrastructure

RESOURCES & CONTACTS

Looking to start or expand your business in Mauritius? Here you’ll find the key institutions, official resources, and direct contacts to guide you through investment, trade, registration, and tax processes.

Business Facilitator

Main agency for attracting investment, facilitating trade, and guiding businesses through permits and incentives.

Contact

Location: Ebene Cybercity 
P: 230 203 3800 F: 230 210 8560 E: contact@edbmauritius.org

Trade Network

Represents the private sector, providing support, networking, and trade services to help businesses grow.

Contact

Loc: Anglo-Mauritius House
P: 230 203 4830 F: 230 208 0076 E: mcci@mcci.org

Data Source

Main provider of official trade, economic, ICT, industry data. Useful for market and  export/import research.

Contact

Location: LIC Centre, Port Louis
P: 230 208 1800 F: 230 211 4150 E: statsmauritius@govmu.org

Company Registry

For company incorporation, business registration, access to business registration number, and related filings.

Contact

Location: Ebene Cybercity
P: 230 401 6800 F: 230 401 6801 E: mnsmail@mns.mu

Tax / Revenue

Handles taxes, duties, revenue laws; useful for import/export duties, corporate & personal tax matters.

Contact

Location: Ehram Court Cnr
P: 230 207 6000 F: 230 211 8099 E: headoffice@mra.mu