How to Get a Business Registration Number (BRN) in Mauritius — And Why It Matters

A Business Registration Number (BRN) is the 9-digit ID that identifies your business to the government, banks, the MRA, suppliers, and — increasingly — customers who want to check you're legitimate. Getting one takes about 30 minutes online on the CBRIS portal (companies.govmu.org) and costs Rs 125 for sole traders. This guide walks you through the exact form fields, the documents to prepare, and the small mistakes that cost founders a week of back-and-forth.

What exactly is a BRN?

The BRN is issued by the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) under the Business Registration Act. It's the single reference used by:

• The MRA for income tax, VAT and PAYE.
• Banks when opening a business account.
• EDB and SME Mauritius for grants and schemes.
• Public tenders and larger private buyers doing due diligence.

Without a BRN, you can trade informally, but you can't invoice VAT-registered clients cleanly, take part in tenders, or apply for most schemes — including the SME Marketing Support Scheme.

Documents you need before you start

Have these ready as PDFs or clear phone photos:

• National Identity Card (or passport for non-citizens).
• Proof of address dated within the last 3 months (CEB, CWA, Emtel/MyT bill).
• Business name — check availability on CBRIS first.
• Business activity description (a short one-line summary of what you sell).
• Trading address (can be your home for most services).

Step by step on CBRIS

1. Go to companies.govmu.org and create a MauPass or CBRIS account.
2. Choose Register a Business → Individual Enterprise (sole trader) or Company.
3. Enter your business name and check availability instantly.
4. Fill in your NIC/passport, address, business activity, and start date.
5. Pay Rs 125 (sole trader) or Rs 3,000 (Ltd) by card.
6. Download your Business Registration Certificate — the BRN is printed on it.

Sole trader certificates are often issued the same day; companies take 2–3 working days.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Registering a business name that's too generic (banks may query it).
• Choosing the wrong activity code — this affects VAT and licensing.
• Using an out-of-date proof of address (older than 3 months = rejected).
• Ignoring the annual renewal notice — sole traders must renew before the anniversary date.

After you get your BRN

Within the first month:

1. Register with the MRA on Tax Connect.
2. Open a business bank account.
3. Pay your Municipal Trade Fee for the year.
4. List your business free on SME Hub Mauritius so customers can find you.

For the wider setup, see our pillar guide: How to Start a Business in Mauritius (2026).

Frequently asked questions

How much does a BRN cost in Mauritius?

Rs 125 for a sole trader (Individual Enterprise) and Rs 3,000 for a private company. Renewal fees for sole traders are also Rs 125 per year.

How long is a BRN valid?

A company BRN is valid for the life of the company. Sole trader registrations must be renewed annually before the anniversary of registration.

Can I register a BRN without a physical shop?

Yes — a home address with proof works for most service and online businesses. You'll only need a Building & Land Use Permit if you receive customers or use industrial equipment on the premises.

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Ready to be found by Mauritian buyers, suppliers and other SMEs? List your business free on SME Hub Mauritius →