Mauritius is much more than just a popular tourist destination. Its business landscape has shifted dramatically, with the island becoming more and more appealing to internationals interested in unexplored cross-border business activities that stimulate the global economy. Also, due to its economic stability, effective regulatory structure, proficient workforce, and ideal geographical location, Mauritius can provide multiple opportunities for foreigners looking to grow in the African market or build bridges between continents. As a member of all main African regional organisations such as The African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Mauritius offers appealing benefits as the central business hub of the Indian Ocean.
In addition, Mauritius’ environment is well-regulated with authorities overlooking business to ensure compliance, as well as introducing benefits and innovative schemes to attract business. The Financial Services Committee (FSC) grants companies the different types of companies, based on their memorandums and field of business. Those licenses are Domestic Company (DC), Authorised Company (AC), Protected Cell Company (PCC), and Global Business Company, or License (GBC/GBL). Through this article, we will provide you with essential information about Global Business Companies to assist you in determining the best strategy for your company’s success.
GBL and its benefits:
The Global Business Company license became an attractive, versatile, and competitive vehicle for international investors drawn into the African business landscape. Specifically, in Mauritius, there are five types of business structures: Sole proprietorship, General partnership, Limited partnership, and Global business license which pertains to onshore companies. As of 2023, the GBC License was granted to approximately 13,000 active companies, making it one of the most beneficial and attractive licenses for international business. The GBL is usually obtained for companies active in financial services, international trade, and investment holding activities, especially when income from overseas is in the form of dividends, interest, and capital gains.
Lastly, it is important to mention that a GBL can be structured as a Collective Investment Scheme (CIS), Closed-End Fund, Fund Manager, Investment holding entity Trust, Foundation, or Limited Partnership, and own a Tax Residence Certificate (TRC). The application for a TRC is submitted to the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) through a Management Company (MC) as the first step of the application and it is issued within a week.
The GBL additionally offers investors the following benefits:
Favorable tax rate
Generous tax exemptions
There is no withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties paid
No capital gains tax
Free repatriation of earnings, money, and interest
Protection of assets
Requirements of GBL:
It is important to highlight that a GBL is required to establish a substance and be managed in Mauritius, in compliance with the Financial Services Act. Hence, the Global Business Company (GBC) must always meet the following requirements:
The core income-generating activities ("CIGA")1 of the GBL shall be in or from Mauritius, as required by the Income Tax Act
The GBC ought to be controlled and directed from Mauritius
To be administered by a Management Company based in Mauritius (Grammont Management Ltd is a licensed Company for these purposes)
To maintain a main bank account in Mauritius
To keep and maintain, at all times, its accounting records at its registered office in Mauritius
The statutory financial accounts must be audited in Mauritius; and
Must include at least 2 directors residing in Mauritius.
How can we, Grammont Management Ltd, help?
Whether you are launching a business in a new market or simply expanding, our highly experienced team and our network of partners can assist you in structuring and operating your investment vehicles, facilitating all of your business operations. As Grammont, we have already advised and completed the establishment and administration of multiple GBL Companies for our clients, complying with all the requirements established by FSC. Our mission is to meet the needs and the targets of our clients; thus we provide tailor-made solutions that ensure compliance and reliability. Contact us today to learn more about GBL Companies and how you can benefit from them. Grammont will accompany you on your journey to meeting and structuring your objectives by offering our fiduciary services to you, expanding your business whilst maintaining organization and eliminating the risk.
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