10 Licences & Permits Mauritian SMEs Often Forget to Apply For

Once the BRN is done, most Mauritian founders assume the paperwork is over. It isn't. Councils, the Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Health and even the MRA regularly close down or fine SMEs for missing one of these easy-to-forget permits.

The 10 most commonly missed permits

1. Municipal Trade Fee — annual, paid to your Council.
2. Building & Land Use Permit (BLP) — required if you receive customers on-site.
3. Food Handler's Certificate — anyone handling food.
4. Sanitary Fitness Certificate — food premises.
5. Health Inspectorate Approval — clinics, spas, salons.
6. Tourism Enterprise Licence — guesthouses, tour operators, car rentals.
7. Occupational Health & Safety Compliance — factories and workshops.
8. Signage / Advertising Permit — for outdoor signs.
9. Music Licence (MASA) — cafés, gyms, restaurants playing music.
10. Data Protection Registration — anyone holding customer personal data (see Data Protection Act guide).

Who to contact

• Municipal or District Council for trade fee, BLP, signage.
• Ministry of Health for food and sanitary permits.
• Tourism Authority for tourism-related activities.
• Data Protection Office for DPA registration.
• MASA for music licensing.

Typical costs

Most permits cost between Rs 500 and Rs 10,000 per year. Non-compliance fines are usually multiples of the licence fee and can escalate to premises closure.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to put up a shop sign in Mauritius?

Yes — most Councils require an outdoor signage permit.

Do I need a music licence if my café plays Spotify?

Yes. Public performance of music in a commercial space requires a MASA licence, even from streaming services.

Where do I check which licences apply to me?

Start with your Municipal or District Council — they'll walk you through activity-specific permits.

---

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