Why Mauritius
Sea, Sun and Sand
Mauritius is a small island surrounded by white beaches and extensive lagoons which are rich in marine creatures. Inland, mountains, hills, waterfalls, lakes and free flowing rivers helps to preserve the amazing views which can be obtained throughout the island. With the island being relatively small, beaches should normally be reachable within 30 minutes.
Hybrid legal system and political stability
Mauritius is a Republic governed by a parliamentary democracy with elections being held every five years and is composed of an independent judiciary. It is a hybrid legal system based on English and French laws. The highest Court of Appeal is the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. Since its independence in 1968, Mauritius was one of the few African countries to enjoy political stability. All the successive governments have promoted a market-driven economy where free enterprises can succeed and foreign investment thrives.
Consistent Economic Growth
As a result of good political stability, the Mauritian economy has consistently experienced growth over the last decade. Current growth is being led mainly by the construction, financial services, and information and communications technology industries.
Qualified and bilingual workforce
The literacy rate in Mauritius exceeds 80% and due its historical background, Mauritians are bilingual mastering English and French. Mauritius possesses a workforce made up of qualified professionals. Many Mauritian also benefit from an overseas experience by studying abroad (United Kingdom, France, USA, Canada, India, Singapore, Australia and South Africa).
Secure investment framework
Ease of doing business advocates for both regulatory quality and efficiency. Based on the Ease of Doing Business 2019 report, Mauritius has been ranked 20th among the world top economies and ranked 1st among the Sub-Saharan African economy to be in the top 20. Striving to reach for the best practices, the island has reformed its business environment methodically in all areas, leading to a good reputation as a secure and reliable investment hub with regards to good governance, transparency, ethics, economic and political freedom.
Attractive Tax Regime
Mauritius benefits from a low and simple tax regime with tax rates as per table below:
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| Corporate Tax | 15 % |
| Income Tax (personal) | 15 % |
| Value Added Tax [VAT] | 15 % |
| Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR tax) | 2% on book profit |
| Land Transfer Tax | 0 % |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0 % |
| Inheritance Tax | 0 % |
| Withholding tax on interest and dividends |
Mauritius has access to a vast network of Double Taxation Treaties (DTT), the purpose being to avoid double taxation with respect to taxes on income and wealth tax. Up to date, Mauritius has concluded 46 tax treaties and is party to a series of treaties under negotiation.
No exchange controls
Mauritius is a free market economy with no limit on transferring profits, dividends and capital out of the country.
Strategic geographic location, time zone and airline connectivity
Owing to its strategic location in the middle of the Indian Ocean as well as convenient time zone (GMT+4), Mauritian benefits from direct flights to Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia and therefore can be a strategic point to carry out international business.
Other Benefits
- Preferential access to regional markets such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) amongst other
- Reliable banking and telecommunication systems
- Presence of international bank, legal and accountancy firms in Mauritius
- Multicultural and multi-ethnic, Mauritius offers a unique and peaceful lifestyle in this mix of cultures
