Authorised Company in Mauritius
An Authorised Company is an FSC-authorised Mauritian company for specific international circumstances. It is not a cheaper substitute for a Global Business Company and should be used only when its non-resident profile matches the facts.
The Financial Services Act recognises an Authorised Company under section 71A.
The regime is materially different from a GBC, particularly in relation to management and tax residence.
Founders must examine the laws of every country connected with ownership, management, income and customers.
Selecting the regime while directing the company from Mauritius can create legal and tax contradictions.
What an Authorised Company is
An Authorised Company is a company authorised by the FSC under the Financial Services Act.
It is intended for qualifying activity conducted principally outside Mauritius under a non-resident profile.
The exact legal and tax consequences require current professional analysis.
When the regime may be considered
The proposed activity, ownership, control and place of effective management must fit the statutory framework.
Certain activities may be prohibited or may instead require a Global Business Licence or another FSC licence.
A business plan and full ownership information form part of the authorisation process.
Where the company is effectively managed
Management location is central to the Authorised Company analysis.
Board minutes and nominal arrangements cannot override where real strategic decisions are made.
The company may become tax resident elsewhere depending on foreign law.
Registered agent and Management Company
Authorised Companies are administered through the regulated global-business infrastructure.
A licensed Management Company may act as registered agent and handle filings and compliance.
The beneficial owners remain responsible for providing accurate and current information.
Tax residence and foreign obligations
An Authorised Company should not be marketed simply as tax-free.
Its treatment depends on Mauritian law, residence elsewhere, income source and the owner’s jurisdiction.
Home-country tax, controlled-company and disclosure rules may apply.
Bank accounts and payment providers
Banks may scrutinise the commercial purpose, management jurisdiction and transaction flows.
A non-resident profile can complicate account selection if the operating countries and counterparties do not align.
Prepare a clear explanation of activity, contracts and source of funds.
Governance and regulatory duties
Authorisation status
Maintain FSC good standing.
Registered agent
Keep an approved administrative relationship.
Ownership changes
Report and obtain approvals where required.
Records
Maintain company and transaction evidence.
AML information
Keep beneficial ownership current.
Foreign compliance
File where management and tax residence require.
Authorised Company versus GBC
| Question | Authorised Company | Global Business Company |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory status | FSC authorisation | FSC Global Business Licence |
| Residence profile | Designed around a non-resident management profile | Mauritian resident corporation |
| Management | Effective management expected outside Mauritius under the regime | Mauritius management and substance are central |
| Treaty position | Not assumed as Mauritian resident | Potentially relevant subject to law and facts |
| Administration | Registered-agent and FSC framework | Management Company and FSC framework |
Common Authorised Company risks
Using the structure without a genuine foreign management jurisdiction can create uncertainty.
Owners may overlook tax residence and reporting in the country where decisions are made.
Banks may reject structures whose purpose or operating geography is unclear.
Legal fit, tax residence and banking usability matter more than formation cost.
Use current FSC legislation, application checklists, rules and enforcement guidance.
Financial Services Commission Mauritius · FSC Codified List · Mauritius Revenue Authority
An Authorised Company is a specialist regime, not a shortcut
This page separates the authorisation model from the GBC and explains management, tax, banking and compliance risks.
Questions about Authorised Companies
What is an Authorised Company?
A company authorised by the FSC under section 71A of the Financial Services Act.
Is it the same as a GBC?
No.
Is an Authorised Company tax-free?
That claim is misleading without analysing tax residence, income and foreign obligations.
Where should it be managed?
The management location must match the legal requirements and claimed tax position.
Does it need a registered agent?
The regime uses the regulated Management Company and registered-agent infrastructure.
Can it conduct financial services?
Regulated financial activities may require a different or additional licence.
Can it obtain a bank account?
It may apply, subject to bank risk assessment.
Who should use it?
Only founders whose international activity and management facts genuinely fit the regime.
Use the regime only when the facts support it
Mauritius1331 connects company choice with tax residence, management, regulation and banking reality.