Why Mauritius Has Become the Preferred Jurisdiction for Investment Funds

Mauritius has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most respected international financial centers for cross-border investment into Asia and Africa. With over 1,000 licensed investment funds, the jurisdiction offers a robust legal framework, a tax-neutral environment, and a deep pool of qualified professionals.

For fund promoters seeking to launch collective investment schemes (CIS) or open-end investment funds, Mauritius combines regulatory certainty, cost efficiency, and international recognition.

At Zitadelle AG, we help clients structure and license funds in Mauritius that meet the highest compliance and governance standards while remaining strategically optimized for global investors.

A Strong and Transparent Regulatory Environment

Investment funds in Mauritius are supervised by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), under the Securities Act 2005, Financial Services Act 2007, and the Securities (Collective Investment Schemes and Closed-End Funds) Regulations 2008.

The FSC framework allows promoters to establish various fund types, including Open-End Funds (CIS) and Closed-End Funds (CEF) - under Global Business Company (GBC) structures. These entities benefit from:

• No capital gains tax

• No withholding tax on dividends

• No exchange controls

• Access to 46 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) and 45 Investment Protection and Promotion Agreements (IPPAs)

Mauritius is fully aligned with OECD, FATF, and IOSCO standards, making it a white-listed, transparent, and investor-friendly jurisdiction.

Open-End Funds (Collective Investment Schemes)

An Open-End Fund or Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) allows investors to participate in a diversified portfolio of assets while maintaining liquidity through the ability to redeem shares at the Net Asset Value (NAV).

These funds can be established as:

• A company or trust incorporated in Mauritius

• Managed by a licensed investment manager, or

• Operated as a self-managed fund, provided the board includes at least two Mauritian-resident directors with proven expertise in asset management.

Zitadelle AG assists clients in designing fund structures that are flexible, compliant, and investor-ready, with clear governance, AML/CFT controls, and transparent reporting systems.

Self-Managed Funds: Control Meets Compliance

A self-managed scheme can be an attractive option for fund promoters seeking more control and lower ongoing costs. However, it also comes with greater responsibility.

To qualify as self-managed, a fund must demonstrate:

• Adequate internal risk management and compliance systems

• Qualified Mauritian directors, AMLCO, MLRO, and DMLRO

• Clear delegation frameworks if sub-advisors or portfolio managers are used

Zitadelle AG provides end-to-end support for self-managed funds, from governance setup to FSC licensing and operational readiness.

Advantages of Structuring a Fund in Mauritius

Mauritius offers a unique combination of stability, tax efficiency, and international credibility. Key advantages include:

• Political stability and a hybrid legal system (English common law & French civil law)

• Tax neutrality - no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, and no foreign exchange restrictions

• Strategic location between Africa and Asia, ideal for cross-border fund flows

• Highly qualified bilingual professionals (English/French) including ACCA, CIMA, and TEP-certified experts

• Access to global markets under FATF- and OECD-compliant standards

These features make Mauritius the go-to jurisdiction for fund structuring, especially for private equity, venture capital, real estate, and multi-asset funds targeting emerging markets.

Why Choose Zitadelle AG

Zitadelle AG brings together deep experience in fund licensing, compliance, and structuring across multiple jurisdictions — including Mauritius, Labuan, and the AIFC Kazakhstan.

Our team provides:

• Full support from fund concept design to FSC approval

• Legal drafting and compliance documentation

• Appointment and onboarding of Mauritian directors and AML officers

• Coordination with administrators, auditors, and legal counsel

Whether you are launching your first collective investment scheme or expanding an existing fund platform, Zitadelle AG ensures your Mauritius structure is both compliant and commercially optimized.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to register a fund in Mauritius?
Typically, 6–8 weeks depending on the fund type, structure, and completeness of documentation.

2. Can a Mauritius fund be managed from abroad?
Yes. Foreign managers regulated in recognized jurisdictions can manage Mauritius funds, subject to FSC approval.

3. What types of assets can a Mauritius CIS invest in?
Publicly traded securities, private equity, debt instruments, real estate, and alternative assets, as allowed by its investment policy.

4. Does Mauritius impose tax on fund income?
No, Mauritius offers tax neutrality with no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, and no exchange controls.

Get Expert Help with Your Mauritius Fund Setup

Launching a compliant, efficient, and globally attractive investment fund in Mauritius requires careful planning and regulatory insight.

Zitadelle AG guides you through every step - from licensing strategy to operational readiness.

📩 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can structure your fund for success in Mauritius.