Insight into the cost of living and investing in Mauritius

The Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDB) has published a document covering all the financial aspects of living and investing in Mauritius. If you’re considering starting a business in this small, vibrant, independent republic, Magellan gives you an insight into the key points, which should be supplemented by reading the full EDB report.

The cost of establishing and incorporating a company in Mauritius

Please note that the exchange rate quoted in this article is Rs 45 to USD 1.

Key figures

Incorporation fees: There are no incorporation fees for national public or private companies. There is no fee for registering a continuation of a domestic private or public company or registering a domestic foreign company.

Fees payable at the time of incorporation: Fees vary depending on the type of company. For example:

• A public company holding a Global Business License pays Rs 13,500 (approximately USD 300);
• A private company holding a Global Business License pays Rs 3,000 (approximately USD 67);
• The fee for an authorized company is USD 100;
• The registration fee for a foreign company is Rs 13,500 plus Rs 200 for the certificate (approximately USD 300 plus USD 4.4 for the certificate).

Work and residence permit fees in Mauritius

Below is an overview of how much it costs to obtain a work and residence permit in Mauritius.

Please note that the exchange rate quoted is Rs 45 to USD 1.

Occupation Permit

Investor / Self-employed / Retired non-citizen: USD1,000

Professional with an employment contract:

• Less than 2 years: USD 400;
• 2 to 3 years: USD 500;
• 3 to 5 years: USD 800;
• 5 to 10 years: USD 1,000.

Young professional with a work contract:

• Less than one year: USD 150;
• 1 to 2 years: USD 250;
• 2 to 3 years: USD 300.

Short-term work permit (maximum duration 9 months): USD 300.

Dependents of work or residence permit holders: USD 400 per dependent.

Work Permit

Employers are required to pay a processing fee of Rs 700 (around USD 15.56) for each work permit application.

Work permit fees vary according to the type of employment, from Rs 1,000 (approximately USD 22) to Rs 15,000 (approximately USD 333), depending on duration and sector of activity.

Annual fee

The annual fee is calculated using the formula T = N x 500, where N refers to the duration of the work permit in years and T refers to the non-refundable fee.

Property prices in Mauritius

• Office buildings: Rs 25,000/m² (USD 556/m²)
• Industrial buildings: Rs 20,200/m² (USD 449/m²)
• Local residential property: Rs 33.200/m² (USD 738/m²)
• Luxury residential property: Rs 67,200/m² (USD 1,493/m²)
• Commercial properties: Rs 28,000/m² (USD 622/m²)

Recurring costs in Mauritius

• Annual registration fees depend on the type of company, ranging from Rs 500 (USD 11) for small private companies to Rs 13,500 (USD 300) for public and foreign companies.
• Commercial fees are due two tax years after business registration and vary according to the type of business.
• Rent varies according to the type and size of the building.
• Utilities include water, electricity, sewerage and telecommunications.

Business taxes in Mauritius

• Corporate income tax: 3% for exporting companies, 15% for others.
• Value-added tax: 15% on goods and services.
• Personal income tax: Varies from 10% to 15%, depending on income.
• Contribution Sociale Généralisée (CSG): Ranges from 1.5% to 6%, depending on income.
• Other social fees: contributions to the National Savings Fund and HRDC training levy.

Employment costs in Mauritius

• Minimum wage for workers in export companies: Rs 10,875.
• Minimum wage for other workers: Rs 11,575
• CSG ranges from 1.5% to 3% for employees and from 3% to 6% for employers, depending on the salary.

Make your relocation to Mauritius a success

Magellan has the answers to all your questions about the EDB “Cost of Doing Business – March 2023” report. Whether you’re looking to invest or simply relocate to Mauritius, our team will assist you with a wide range of services to help you thrive in your endeavor in one of the most dynamic African countries.