How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in Mauritius? (Full Fee Breakdown)

Registering a business in Mauritius is one of the cheapest in the region. A sole trader is fully legal for around Rs 1,500–3,000 including the Municipal trade fee, while a private company costs closer to Rs 5,000–8,000 in the first year. This guide breaks down every official fee so you can budget with zero surprises.

CBRD / CBRIS fees

• Sole trader (Individual Enterprise): Rs 125 registration; Rs 125 annual renewal.
• Private company (Ltd): Rs 3,000 incorporation; Rs 3,000 annual return; Rs 500 for name reservation if you park a name first.
• Société: ≈ Rs 3,000 depending on structure.

MRA registration

Free. You register for TAN (Tax Account Number) automatically once you get a BRN. VAT registration is also free but only compulsory above Rs 6M turnover.

Municipal / District Council trade fee

Charged annually on your activity. Typical ranges:

• Micro service business: Rs 500–2,500.
• Small retail shop: Rs 2,500–7,500.
• Restaurants and bars: Rs 7,500–25,000.

Rates differ between Port Louis, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Curepipe, Vacoas-Phoenix, Quatre Bornes and the District Councils.

Sector-specific licences

Only pay what applies:

• Food Handler's Certificate: ≈ Rs 500 per handler.
• Health & Sanitary Fitness Certificate: varies by council.
• Building & Land Use Permit (BLP): several thousand rupees for small premises.
• Tourism Enterprise Licence (guesthouses, tour operators): via the Tourism Authority.

The real total in year one

Budget realistically for:

• Registration + trade fee: Rs 1,500–8,000.
• Bank account setup: usually free, but keep a Rs 3,000–10,000 minimum balance.
• Basic insurance: Rs 3,000–10,000 per year.
• Accountant / bookkeeping: Rs 8,000–30,000 per year for a small operation.

Everything else — website, stock, marketing — is business investment, not registration cost.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a hidden government fee I'm missing?

The main ones are CBRD, MRA (free), Municipal trade fee, and any sector-specific licence. If you're unsure, call your Council — they'll confirm your activity code and fee.

Are registration fees tax-deductible?

Yes. All statutory registration and licence fees are allowable business expenses when you file with the MRA.

Can I pay CBRD fees in cash?

Only in exceptional cases at the counter. CBRIS is fully online with card payment.

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