Mauritius offers a corporate taxation framework that combines competitive tax rates with specific incentives for international businesses and selected industries. Companies operating in the country must understand how their residency, business activities and earnings influence their tax obligations.
Corporate Tax Rates and Residency Rules
The standard corporate income tax rate in Mauritius is 15% of taxable profits. Businesses established as Mauritian tax residents generally pay tax on income earned locally and internationally. Foreign companies, meanwhile, are taxed on revenue originating within Mauritius, subject to applicable double taxation agreements.
Export-oriented businesses enjoy a preferential 3% rate on qualifying profits from goods exported overseas. Eligible Freeport operators and private developers undertaking approved activities also benefit from this reduced rate.
Mauritius additionally provides foreign tax credits where qualifying overseas income has already been taxed abroad, helping businesses avoid duplicate taxation.
Tax Incentives for International Businesses
Companies holding Global Business Licences operate under the standard 15% corporate tax framework but may qualify for substantial exemptions.
Certain foreign income streams, including dividends, interest, aircraft leasing and reinsurance earnings, can receive an 80% exemption. Qualifying interest income earned by collective investment schemes and closed-end funds may receive a 95% exemption.
Businesses claiming the 80% exemption cannot simultaneously claim foreign tax credits on that income.
Authorised Companies are generally classified as non-residents for taxation purposes but must report their Mauritian income to the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
Minimum Tax Requirements for Large Companies
Mauritius introduced the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax from July 2025, targeting multinational groups with consolidated annual revenue reaching EUR 750 million in at least two of four preceding financial years.
Where their combined Mauritian effective tax rate falls below 15%, qualifying entities must pay an additional amount to satisfy the minimum threshold.
An Alternative Minimum Tax also applies from July 2026 to specified businesses in hospitality, insurance, telecommunications, property and financial intermediation.
Affected companies generally face a minimum liability equivalent to 10% of adjusted accounting profits when ordinary corporate tax falls below that amount.
Banking Sector Taxation
Banks follow a separate structure, paying 5% on their first MUR 1.5 billion of chargeable income and 15% on amounts exceeding this threshold.
A special banking levy of 5.5% also applies to leviable income. Additional contributions may arise under Mauritius’s Fair Share Contribution arrangements, subject to applicable limits.
Corporate Social and Environmental Contributions
Companies must establish Corporate Social Responsibility funds representing 2% of the previous year’s chargeable income. For funds established from January 2026, at least half must be transferred to the tax authority.
Businesses exceeding MUR 50 million in turnover may also face a 2% Corporate Climate Responsibility Levy on qualifying income.
Fair Share Contribution and Local Taxes
Between July 2025 and June 2028, eligible non-banking companies exceeding prescribed income and supply thresholds face additional contributions of 5% or 2%, depending on their corporate tax classification.
Certain licensed businesses and exempt entities are excluded.
Mauritius does not impose separate municipal corporate income taxes, simplifying compliance for companies operating across different local jurisdictions.
Understanding these obligations helps businesses calculate liabilities accurately, evaluate investment opportunities and maintain regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Income Tax in Mauritius
Are Foreign Companies Required to Pay Corporate Tax in Mauritius?
Yes. Foreign companies generally pay corporate income tax on income earned from Mauritian sources. Resident companies are taxed on worldwide income, although applicable tax treaties and foreign tax credits may reduce double taxation.
What Tax Benefits Are Available to Global Business Companies?
Companies holding Global Business Licences may qualify for an 80% exemption on certain foreign-source income, including eligible dividends, interest and leasing revenue. Some investment funds also benefit from a 95% exemption on qualifying interest income.
What Is the Alternative Minimum Tax in Mauritius?
Introduced from July 2026, the Alternative Minimum Tax generally requires eligible businesses in selected industries to pay at least 10% of their adjusted book profits when their ordinary tax liability falls below that amount.
Do Companies in Mauritius Pay Additional Taxes Beyond Corporate Income Tax?
Yes. Depending on their size and activities, businesses may face Corporate Social Responsibility contributions, the Corporate Climate Responsibility Levy and Fair Share Contributions. These obligations are separate from standard corporate income tax.
Source: Mauritius Revenue Authority