Licences at two levels
Business Licence Applications in Mauritius
Mauritius licensing operates on two levels: the regime your company sits in, and any sector licence on top of that.
GCC business setup specialists
Regime licence, then sector licence
A Global Business Licence is not a trading permit — it determines your regime. If your activity is regulated, such as financial services or investment management, a separate FSC licence is required and the process is substantial.
- Regime and sector licences distinguished clearly
- FSC-regulated activities identified early
- Local permits and trade fees covered
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
Black Swan Business Setup Services•Black Swan Business Setup Services•Black Swan Business Setup Services
What might apply
Licences and permits in Mauritius
The first row is a regime, not a trading licence.
| Licence | What it covers | Granted by |
|---|---|---|
| Global Business Licence | The company’s regime and tax residence | Financial Services Commission |
| Authorisation as an Authorised Company | Non-resident treatment | Financial Services Commission |
| Investment dealer or adviser licence | Regulated financial activity | Financial Services Commission |
| Management licence | Administering other entities | Financial Services Commission |
| Trade fee and local permits | Operating premises locally | Local authority |
| Sector permits | Tourism, food, construction and others | Relevant authority |
A Global Business Company must be administered by a management company licensed by the Financial Services Commission, and an Authorised Company must have a licensed registered agent. That is a statutory requirement in Mauritius, not a commercial preference. We co-ordinate your engagement with a licensed Mauritian management company and manage the process end to end; the regulated filings are made by them.
How it works
Establishing what you need
The regime is settled first, then the sector question.
01
Establish the regime
Domestic, Global Business or Authorised Company, which determines the base licence or authorisation.
02
Identify sector licensing
Whether your activity requires an FSC licence or a sector permit, and what each assesses.
03
Apply and follow through
Applications prepared and submitted, queries answered and conditions carried into your compliance calendar.
- A plain description of what you will do
- Whether you deal in or advise on investments
- Whether you hold or manage client assets
- Whether you administer other entities
- Whether you operate a fund
- Whether you need local premises
- Whether you will employ locally
- Whether you provide insurance services
- Whether you trade physical goods
- Expected counterparties and jurisdictions
- Any regulator contact already made
- Equivalent licences held elsewhere
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Regime recommendation
- Identification of any FSC licence required
- Management company engagement co-ordinated
- Licence application preparation
- Co-ordination with the regulator
- Local trade fee and permit guidance
- Conditions carried into a compliance calendar
- One adviser co-ordinating it
Not included, quoted separately
- FSC and authority fees, paid at cost
- Investment dealer and similar licensing, quoted separately
- Compliance manual drafting
- Capital adequacy requirements
- Professional indemnity premiums
- Premises works
- Legal representation at hearings
- Regulated filings, made by the licensed management company
Verify independently
Official Mauritian authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Corporate and Business Registration DepartmentFinancial Services CommissionMauritius Revenue AuthorityEconomic Development BoardRegistrar of CompaniesIndustrial Property Office
Questions
Mauritius business licensing — FAQs
Is a Global Business Licence a trading licence?
No. It determines the company’s regime and tax residence. A regulated activity needs its own FSC licence in addition.
Which activities need an FSC licence?
Investment dealing and advice, fund management, insurance, and administering other entities, among others. We check your specific activity before you commit.
How demanding is FSC licensing?
Substantial for most categories. It assesses the firm, its controllers and its capital, and takes months. It is a project, not a filing.
Do I need a local trade permit?
If you operate premises locally, generally yes, through the local authority. A Global Business Company serving overseas clients may not.
Can I trade while an application is pending?
No, where the activity is licensable. Carrying on regulated activity without authorisation is a serious matter.
Go deeper
More Mauritius services
Careers
Apply for a role
Tell us which role you are applying for and what you have done that is relevant. If you have UAE or GCC experience, say which jurisdictions and authorities you have worked with.
Connect with us
Request a setup assessment
For founders and business decision-makers considering paid business services. Not for job applications, employment searches or personal visa-only requests.
Talk to a consultant
At Black Swan Business Setup Services, our mission is simple: to empower entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes to establish and expand their presence in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and beyond.
© 2026 Black Swan Business Setup Services. All rights reserved.