Zitadelle AG – Regulatory Advisory for Global Expansion

Mauritius, ranked as Africa’s leading financial hub and globally recognized for its ease of doing business, offers a unique opportunity for multinational corporations to consolidate their regional operations through the Global Headquarters Administration (GHA) Licence. At Zitadelle AG, we help multinational groups establish and scale their regional footprint by securing GHA licences and ensuring full compliance with the Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) regulations.

What Is the Global Headquarters Administration (GHA) Licence?

Introduced in 2016, the GHA Licence enables multinational companies to set up their regional administration, procurement, and accounting offices within Mauritius. This strategic initiative positions Mauritius as a premier gateway for investment into Africa and Asia while also serving as a base for back-office operations.

Companies holding a GHA Licence must provide at least three out of the following services to a minimum of three affiliated entities within the same multinational group:

• General administration and management

• Business planning, development, and coordination

• Economic and investment research and analysis

• Services related to the global headquarters in Mauritius

Key Benefits of the GHA Licence in Mauritius

Mauritius continues to enhance its reputation as a jurisdiction of substance, especially after aligning its tax framework with EU and OECD standards and its removal from the FATF grey list. The GHA Licence provides strategic, operational, and fiscal advantages:

✅ Eight-Year Corporate Tax Holiday

Qualified GHA Licence holders benefit from an 8-year exemption from corporate income tax, subject to fulfilling licensing and substance requirements.

✅ No Capital Gains or Withholding Tax

Mauritius imposes no capital gains tax, and there is no withholding tax on dividends and interest.

✅ Business-Friendly Environment

• #1 in Africa and #13 globally in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2020

• Strong legal and regulatory framework

• Over 40 double taxation treaties

• No exchange control restrictions

• Multi-currency banking with major global banks present

✅ Skilled Workforce & Cost-Efficiency

Mauritius offers an English- and French-speaking talent pool, affordable professional services, and highly qualified finance and compliance personnel.

GHA Licence: Economic Substance Requirements

To qualify and maintain a GHA Licence, companies must meet specific economic substance conditions:

• Maintain a physical office in Mauritius

• Employ at least 10 professionals, including 2 managerial staff

• Incur a minimum annual expenditure of MUR 5 million (approx. USD 150,000)

Zitadelle AG ensures clients meet these criteria efficiently, from office leasing to HR support.

Work & Residency Permits in Mauritius

Multinational executives and employees relocating to Mauritius can benefit from the Occupational Permit (OP). This combined work and residency permit is available under three categories:

• Investor (up to 10 years, renewable)

• Professional (up to 3 years, renewable)

• Self-Employed (up to 10 years, renewable)

After three years, OP holders may convert to a 20-year Permanent Residence Permit, subject to eligibility.

Employment & Salary Expectations in Mauritius

Mauritius offers a strong fintech talent pool ideal for regional headquarters. Based on our experience with GHA and Global Business Companies (GBC), key hiring positions and estimated salaries include:

Typical roles recruited by our clients include:

• Directors

• Compliance / AML Officers

• Dealers (brokerage)

• Accounting Officers

• Back Office & Client Support

Zitadelle AG can assist with local recruitment, employment contracts, and compliance with labour laws in Mauritius.

Why Work with Zitadelle AG?

As a trusted advisor for global regulatory solutions, Zitadelle AG offers end-to-end support for your GHA Licence application, including:

• Pre-application advisory and feasibility checks

• Drafting and submission of business plans

• Support with company incorporation and Global Business Licence (GBC) setup

• Coordination with regulators and Economic Development Board (EDB)

• Full compliance with tax, HR, and substance requirements

• Ongoing administrative and governance support

Ready to Set Up Your Global Headquarters in Mauritius?

Let Zitadelle AG guide your multinational group through the seamless setup of a Global Headquarters Administration Licence. We help you tap into Mauritius’ tax advantages, skilled workforce, and financial infrastructure to elevate your regional operations.

📩 Contact us today to request your GHA Licence application kit or to schedule a free consultation with our advisory team.