Open a Foundation in Mauritius

Foundations in Mauritius can be created in accordance with the Foundations Act of 2012. They can be created by natural persons or companies, local or foreign, and must meet certain requirements.

Below, our Mauritius company formation agents explain the conditions for setting up a foundation here. We can assist people and enterprises interested in registering such an entity.

Set up procedures for foundations in Mauritius

There are two ways to establish a foundation in this country:

• the first one is registration;
• the second one is testament creation.

The means of creation depend on the purpose of the respective entity. Based on the reason you want to create it you can rely on our company registration agents or lawyers in Mauritius for the preparation of the settlement documents.

Requirements to create a foundation in Mauritius

Here are the main aspects to consider before registering a Mauritius foundation:

• its name must contain the word “Foundation” at the end, terms such as limited or partnership being restricted to use;
• the founders must appoint a local manager who must be a resident company authorized by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission;
• it must also have a legal address in Mauritius;
• at least one of the board members must be a Mauritius resident.

Foundations are incorporated with the Companies Register, and our local specialists can help you ensure you meet all requirements before registration.

Documents for opening a foundation in Mauritius

The Charter or the will is the main establishment document to draw up when setting up a foundation in this country. When choosing the former, it must contain the following information:

• the name(s) of the founder(s);
• the purpose of the foundation;
• the capital (endowment);
• the address of the foundation;
• the procedure of appointment and removal of Council members and secretary;
• details about the general meetings;
• the information of the beneficiaries.

Other information may also be required in accordance with the objects of the Mauritius foundation. Alongside the Charter, the following papers must also be submitted to the Registrar:

• the ID/passport of the founder, in case of natural persons;
• the Certificate of Registration, in the case of companies;
• a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the bank to ensure the payment of the capital;
• a business plan of the foundation explaining its objectives.

Our company formation consultants in Mauritius can advise on all documents to prepare when opening a foundation. The registration process takes several weeks to complete, depending on the reason for establishment.

Uses of foundations in Mauritius

There are various reasons for setting up foundations in Mauritius. Such entities can be used for:

• asset protection;
• wealth management;
• estate planning and succession (the will is often used for the creation of such a foundation);
• tax planning;
• securitization;
• corporate financing;
• charitable activities and social benefits.

Foundations can also be used to create Special Purpose Vehicles in Mauritius.

Such entities also come with certain benefits, one of the most important being the tax exemptions they can obtain. Our accountants in Mauritius can offer detailed information on these advantages.

How many charitable organization operate in Mauritius?

According to the Revenue Department in Mauritius, at the level of 2025:

• there are 45 charitable foundations operating in Mauritius;
• there are also 83 charitable trusts with activities in the insular state.

If you want to open a foundation in Mauritius and need support, do not hesitate to contact us.