Opening an investment fund in Mauritius implies respecting various laws, in accordance with the type of fund. Working with our company formation agents in Mauritius means respecting the legislation and also ensuring a timely registration process, so that you can start your activities as soon as possible. Below, we invite you to find out what the steps to launch an investment fund are.
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Steps to create a fund in Mauritius
Here are the main aspects to consider when opening an investment fund in this jurisdiction:
- decide on the type of fund that suits your activities and consult the applicable legislation;
- select the appropriate structure for the fund;
- ensure capital adequacy;
- register the legal form with the Companies Register;
- file for authorization with the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius (FSC).
Our company registration agents in Mauritius can help you go through these steps.
Types of funds you can open in Mauritius
Here are the main types of investment funds you can set up in Mauritius and their characteristics:
- collective investment schemes (CIS) or open-ended funds, which can also be established in other jurisdictions, and which pool capital from investors that is injected in various assets;
- closed-ended funds that rely on fixed-term investments and that are suitable for long-term investments in real estate or private equity.
Each of them can be further divided into single, multiple, and protected cell companies. Our local consultants can offer detailed information on each sub-category of funds.
You can also consider operating a foreign investment fund under the Foreign Scheme structure under the supervision of the FSC.
Legal structures for setting up an investment fund in Mauritius
Mauritius funds can be registered as partnerships or companies, as follows:
- limited partnerships that have various tax benefits;
- Global Business Companies, which is one of the employed types of structures for financial activities in Mauritius.
Each of them is subject to specific registration requirements, which can be explained by our Mauritius company formation specialists. We can also assist with their incorporation.
Obtaining authorization from the FSC
The registration and licensing of the fund are two distinct steps to be carried out before launching. The second procedure is also the last one and it ensures that the Mauritius investment fund is fully compliant with the local regulations.
Authorization with the Financial Services Commission implies the following:
- submitting an application form;
- preparing Know-Your-Client documents;
- providing information about the stakeholders;
- filing the statutory documents of the legal entity (Articles of Association in the case of companies, partnership deed in the case of limited partnerships);
- drafting information related to the financial fitness of the enterprise;
- filing proof of payment of the licensing fees.
It is possible for the FSC to request additional information. This is why we recommend working with our agents when preparing the authorization file.
The main laws applicable to investment funds in Mauritius
Here is the legislation to respect when opening an investment fund:
- the 2008 Securities (Collective Investment Schemes and Closed-end Funds) Act;
- the 2005 Securities Law;
- the 2021 Variable Capital Company Act;
- the 2002 Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Law.
With respect to the main advantages of launching such a venture in this country, we mention the following:
- access to more than 40 double tax treaties;
- access to 45 investment protection conventions;
- an effective corporate tax of 3% on Global Business Companies.
If you want to open an investment fund in Mauritius and need support, please contact us.
