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Mauritius Forex Broker License
Prepare a Mauritius license application for your forex brokerage
Fact Checked by: Kiryl Zaremba
Overview
Service Snapshot
Forex broker licenses in Mauritius are popular among brokers due to a number of factors, such as the opportunity to work in a stable and predictable economy, favorable tax legislation for foreign companies, and its geographical location between Africa and Asia. Gofazen & Sherle experts will assist you in expanding your forex business into international markets and leveraging this favorable business environment.
Mauritius is a popular destination among investors, with more than 20,000 offshore companies already registered there. The Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) has set low initial capital requirements and allows remote management, which makes it easier to enter the market. Fortrade, SimpleFX, BelleoFX, Orbex, and Zulu Trade already have FSC licenses.
Why Choose Mauritius for a Forex License?
A Mauritius Forex license allows companies to easily start a business in a stable investment environment with the support of a reliable regulator, as well as take advantage of opportunities such as:
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Popularity in the global financial services market.
A strategic location allows companies to establish business relationships with companies in both Africa and Asia. In addition, the reputation of the jurisdiction, which is a member of ESAAMLG, the FATF-style regional body, and whose regulator, the FSC, is a member of IOSCO, confirms its commitment to monitoring compliance with international standards.
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Low cost of doing business.
Minimum share capital requirements - $25,000 (Full Service Dealer), remote management, significantly saves time and business costs.
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Tax benefits.
Forex brokers licensed by the FSC as investment dealers may benefit from an 80% partial exemption on their income, which results in an effective tax rate of 3% (the standard corporate rate is 15%), provided they meet the substance requirements. Double taxation agreements have already been signed with 40 countries.
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Strong and transparent regulatory environment.
The FSC has clearly defined the criteria for obtaining a license and monitors market participants' compliance with AML/CFT standards, which increases confidence in those who work in this jurisdiction.
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Speed of approval from the regulator.
Companies can obtain FSC approval within 2-3 months and legally start offering brokerage services.
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Developed banking sector.
Banking solutions from international banks such as HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Investec are available in the region. They offer multi-regional services, offshore services, foreign currency accounts, and transfers.
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Restrictions on recognizing foreign court decisions.
This is a very attractive region for asset protection, as arbitration decisions from other countries are not fully recognized and require additional judicial review.
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Data protection.
The Mauritius Registrar of Companies public register lists the name of the legal entity, its number, and its organizational and legal form. Information about shareholders and authorized persons is disclosed only to government agencies or upon a court order.
How to Get a Mauritius Forex License?
Applicants must familiarize themselves with and comply in detail with all FSC Mauritius license requirements, namely:
Legal registration of the company.
An application for a brokerage license may be submitted by a Global Business Company (GBC1) that has undergone state registration.
Local employees and manager qualifications.
The company structure must include two resident managers with relevant qualifications in the financial sector and experience in investment and trading. Hiring a local MLRO manager is a mandatory requirement.
Initial capital.
The amount of capital directly depends on the type of license and starts from $25,000 (Full-Service Dealer).
Availability of a local office and bank account.
It is permissible to purchase or rent office space within the country, and a local bank account is also required to deposit the initial capital.
Documentation and compliance.
The application must be accompanied by a business plan (for 3-5 years), founding documents, a description of services, AML/CFT mechanisms, risk management policies, and liquidity maintenance (1:1).
Operational and financial criteria.
The company is required to audit its business activities, provide quarterly and annual reports, confirm compliance with AML/CFT, and pay all necessary government fees.
Comparison of obtaining a forex license in Mauritius VS Belize, VS Vanuatu
| Parameter | Mauritius | Belize | Vanuatu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | $25,000 | $500,000 | $50,000 |
| Time to obtain | 3-6 months | 5-6 months | 3-5 months |
| Physical presence | Office + 2 local managers, MLRO manager | Office + local manager | Office |
| Annual fees | $2,500 | $25,000 | $8,500 |
| Taxes | 3% corporate tax | 0% (offshore regime) | 0% (offshore regime) |
| Reputation | High, recognized by international partners | Less prestigious than the EU and the US | Average, attractive in terms of cost |
Forex Licensing Process in Mauritius
The jurisdiction has gained international recognition for its regulatory framework and oversight by the FSC. Access to a well-regulated market with competitive tax rates for companies is granted upon completion of all stages of the Forex licensing process in Mauritius:
To apply for trading and take advantage of local preferential tax legislation, you must register as a GBC1 with a minimum paid-up capital of $25,000, resident managers, and a local office where employees will work.
The following documents must be submitted to the regulator:
- Description of the business model with a forecast for the next 3-5 years, indicating the main markets and development strategies.
- AML/CFT policies.
- Confirmation of the source of funds.
- Key employees (directors) and MLRO employees provide resumes, diplomas, and certificates confirming their qualifications in the financial sector.
The initial assessment of the application takes 4-8 weeks, while a more detailed review of the documents and assessment of the professional experience of the management team takes 4 to 12 weeks.
Annual license fees depend on the type of license selected and range from $2,500. Costs also include annual audits, office and staff expenses, taxes (3%), and regular staff training in AML/CFT procedures.
The company’s initial capital must be deposited into an account at a local bank, which is fairly easy to open by complying with all regulatory requirements. Financial services on the islands are provided by more than 20 banks, including international banks such as HSBC, Barclays, Bank of China, etc.
Documents required for obtaining a forex license in Mauritius
The list of required documents:
- Scanned copies of notarized passports of all members;
- Scanned copies of notarized address confirmations of all members;
- Description of your business model, business plan;
- Documents confirming the source of funds;
- AML/CFT policy;
- Information about the ownership structure/share capital;
- Branches, permanent representative offices, and participation in other companies;
- Employment contracts of the MLRO and deputy MLRO;
- 2 employment contracts with local directors;
- Description of IT systems, cybersecurity;
- Employment contract of the DPO.
Services that a company can provide with a forex license in Mauritius
Obtaining a forex license from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) is a crucial step for any company intending to operate in the financial markets of Mauritius. This license provides several important privileges and opportunities to operate:
- A company will be able to manage the investment portfolios of its clients;
- It will be allowed to trade securities on its account for their subsequent sale;
- The company will be allowed to offer its clients its investment advice and recommendations;
And finally, the company will be able to act as an intermediary in transactions with securities, including currencies, shares, and other types of assets.
In conclusion, obtaining Mauritius forex licenses is an important step for any company wishing to get involved in investment and brokerage activities in Mauritius.
It grants the company access to the market and allows it to offer its services across a wide range of financial transactions.
Types of Forex licenses in Mauritius
The Mauritius Financial Services Authority provides a variety of Forex Licenses in Mauritius to suit the specifics of the planned activity. These licenses give companies access to various market operations and related financial transactions. The following main types of Forex licenses in Mauritius are distinguished:
- Investment Dealer License
Allows companies to set up forex trading platforms, and provide exchange and trading services.
This license requires an initial capital of 1,000,000 Mauritian rupees, equivalent to approximately $22,500. There is an application fee of 7,500 MUR ($750) and an annual license fee of 75,000 MUR ($2,500).
- Investment Advisor License
Enables the provision of investment advice, market analysis, and trading strategies recommendations.
This license requires an initial capital of MUR 1,000,000, equivalent to approximately $22,500. There is an application fee of 7,500 MUR ($750) and an annual license fee of 75,000 MUR ($2,500).
- GBL – Global Business License
Opens opportunities for various financial activities, including investment management. It entitles you to a wider range of services, from forex trading to investment holding.This license requires an initial capital of 45 Mauritian rupees, equivalent to about 1 euro. There is an application fee of 23,000 MUR (approximately 460 euros) and an annual fee of 90,000 MUR (approximately 1,800 euros) for the use of the license.
Overview of Forex license in Mauritius
The main regulator of Forex brokerage in Mauritius is the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which reviews broker applications, monitors compliance with financial and legal regulations, and conducts annual audits.
Key legal acts:
- The Securities Act of 2005 established the legal framework for traders, the provision of investment services, and currency pair trading.
- The Financial Services Act of 2007 introduced mandatory licensing by the FSC and rules for operating in the investment market.
- The AML/CFT Act of 2009 required financial companies to comply with measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, introduce transaction monitoring, report identified threats to the regulator, and identify all customers.
Tax regime
One of the advantages of a Mauritius Forex license is the country’s taxation system. Resident companies must comply with the provisions of the Income Tax Act 1995, which sets a fixed corporate tax rate of 15%. However, offshore companies, including those engaged in forex trading, are subject to a 3% tax.
In addition, the cost of a Mauritius Forex license is significantly reduced due to:
- No capital gains tax.
- No tax on securities trading.
- No tax on dividends, royalties, or stamp duty.
Its strong reputation is confirmed by the jurisdiction’s inclusion in the OECD’s “white list” and the signing of over 40 double taxation agreements.
Conclusion
Mauritius is a well-established jurisdiction regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and complying with FATF and OECD global standards. Thanks to a clear and understandable legal framework, effective supervision by the regulator, and access to tax agreements, the licensing process is fully optimized, facilitating the development of a forex business on an international scale and enabling cooperation with leading banks and major payment systems.
FAQ about Forex License in Mauritius
Is a forex license obtained in Mauritius reliable?
Yes, the jurisdiction has recognized international authority and complies with established FATF and OECD standards. Institutional investors, IT providers, and payment services easily interact with licensed brokers.
How long does it take to receive a final response from the FSC?
The FSC may take up to 4-6 months to review and analyze the documents.
How much initial capital is required to apply?
The amount of start-up capital depends on the type of license chosen. To obtain a Full-Service Dealer license, you must provide $25,000.
Is it necessary to hire local staff?
Yes, two experienced local financiers must be included in the company’s organizational structure, as well as an AML manager.
Can foreign companies take advantage of tax benefits?
Yes, GBC1 pays only 3% corporate tax.
Is Mauritius included in the “black list” of offshore zones?
No, Mauritius is on the OECD’s “white list,” is not considered a high-risk jurisdiction, and is recognized as a reputable financial center with a transparent reputation.
Client Testimonials
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Working with Gofaizen & Sherle team was a real pleasure. Their high level of professionalism and expertise made our journey through the process of establishing and licensing of our company really easy and time efficient. G&S is a trusted partner for us in any topics related to FinTech business.
Edward Kost
CEO - VULTURE OÜ
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