Language: English is the official language, but most of the population is also fluent in French. "Creole" is understood by everyone.

Population: The population of approximately 1.1 million is a mixture of people from Africa, Madagascar, Europe, India and China.

Political System: Mauritius was ruled by the British from 1810 until 1968, when it became an independent country within the Commonwealth. Mauritius is a democratic republic with a president, who is the head of state and commander in chief; and a prime minister, who is head of government with full executive power. There are a number of different political parties, and elections are held every five years.

Legal System: The legal system is based on both English and French law with a company law similar to the English Company Law. The highest court of appeal is the Privy Council in England.

Taxation: Mauritius will shortly sign double-taxation agreements with Belgium, Canada, China, Luxembourg, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Double-taxation agreements exist with following countries:

• France
• Germany
• India
• Italy
• Malaysia
• United Kingdom
• Zimbabwe

• Offshore banks
• Insurance companies
• Public companies
• Companies with a share capital in excess of US$ 1 million
• Companies wishing to access one of the double-taxation agreements
• Companies wanting to employ expatriate staff
• Fund management companies

Offshore Private Limited Companies: Requirements for companies with either Exempt or Ordinary status are as follows:

• An annual government fee has to be paid on the anniversary date of incorporation. The Offshore Certificate will be considered invalid if the fee is not paid within one month after the date due.
• Offshore companies are by law guaranteed total privacy and confidentiality.
• All companies, including foreign companies, must have the written consent of the minister to use words such as Authority, Municipal, State Government, Chamber of Commerce, Chartered, Cooperative or Mauritius.
• A company name can be reserved three months in advance.
• Companies are required to have a registered office address in Mauritius.
• At least two directors, who may be non-resident, are required.
• Unless all of the issued shares are owned by a holding company, there must be a minimum of two shareholders. A company cannot continue business for more than six months if the number of shareholders is reduced to less than two.

The name of an Exempt Company can be in any language, and it may also use any suffix to denote limited liability, e.g. Inc., Ltd., S.A., PLC, GmbH, etc.

A company secretary is required, who does not have to be a resident.

An Exempt Offshore Company can be completely anonymous, because beneficial ownership is not exposed. There is no requirement to hold meetings nor to file annual returns or accounts, and its financial affairs are available exclusively for the directors and shareholders. The company may also issue bearer shares.

Companies with Ordinary Status: This type of company can be incorporated within 15 working days. On the initial application for an Offshore Certificate, a nominal government fee of US$ 500 has to be paid. There is also annual government fees of US$ 1,500.

The application for Ordinary Status must contain:

• The Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• A Certificate from a local law practitioner, who must verify that the Memorandum and Articles of Association correspond with the Companies Act.
• A detailed Business Plan that contains an appraisal of the volume of the company's business and future markets, and also accounts for the preceding three years.
• A character reference about the Beneficial Owners from a commonly accepted firm or bank.

• Ordinary Companies are not allowed to issue bearer shares.
• The company name must include the word "Limited" to denote limited liability.
• A resident company secretary is required.
• Annual General Meetings can take place anywhere in the world, not more than 15 months apart. Proxies are permitted.

1. In 1994, a new International Company based on the International Business Companies (IBC) legislation model was created. Existing Exempt status companies can either proceed for three more years, or convert to International Companies or Ordinary status. The new International Companies Act comprises companies limited by guarantee and by shares, limited life companies and unlimited liability companies. An International Company is not permitted to do business with residents in Mauritius or transact in the Mauritian rupee.
2. The Mauritian Shipping Registry allows parallel registration and freedom to select the law to cover mortgages.
3. The islands offshore trust legislation is very flexible; it guarantees confidentiality and is excellent for founding Asset Protection Trusts.

• Extensive double taxation agreements
• Social, political and economic stability
• Exemption from all taxes and from exchange controls
• A well-established international banking system
• Confidentiality guaranteed by law
• Bearer shares (not Ordinary status companies)
• Strategic geographical location between Asia and Africa
• Immediate company availability
• Companies incorporated in other jurisdictions can proceed in Mauritius