Mauritius PIS License — FSC Payment Intermediary Services Licence (2026 Guide)

The Mauritius PIS License from the FSC is one of the most cost-effective regulated payment authorizations globally — USD $45,000 minimum capital, ~3% effective corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership, and 6–9 month timeline. This page covers the full PIS license guide and includes the definitive PIS vs PSP comparison to help you choose the right regulatory path.

REGULATOR
FSC Mauritius
MIN. CAPITAL
MUR 2,000,000 (~USD $45,000)
EFFECTIVE TAX
~3% – 3.4%
LAST UPDATED
September 2026

— Last updated: September 2026 · 10 min read

By Zitadelle AG | Reviewed by Alex Kazak, Business Development Partner, Zitadelle AG

What is the Mauritius PIS License?

The Mauritius PIS License — formally the Payment Intermediary Services Licence under section 14 of the Financial Services Act 2007 — is the FSC's authorisation for payment businesses serving clients outside Mauritius. It is the licence most international firms mean when they search for a Mauritius payment license, payment gateway license or merchant acquiring license: it covers payment initiation, acquiring, execution of payment transactions and money remittance, provided these services are delivered exclusively outside Mauritius. The licence is held by a Global Business Corporation (GBC) and supervised by the FSC.

Zitadelle AG has obtained multiple PIS licences for clients, including SticPay, and manages the process end to end from our Port Louis office — application, FSC queries, banking introductions and post-licence compliance.

Mauritius has emerged as a leading fintech hub offering business-friendly regulations, tax benefits, and a well-established financial services industry. Compared to EU or Singapore payment licensing, the PIS License requirements are significantly more accessible — making it an attractive entry point for e-commerce gateways, merchant acquirers, cross-border payment processors, and fintech startups.

As of the FSC's most recent published figures, there are 29 active PIS License holders operating from Mauritius — a regulated, growing cohort reflecting Mauritius's position as the leading payment licensing jurisdiction for African, Asian, and Middle Eastern market access. The FSC's public Register of Licensees is the authoritative source for verifying active PIS licenses.

RegulatorFSC (Financial Services Commission) Mauritius
StructureGlobal Business Licence (GBL), held by a Global Business Corporation (GBC)
Min. paid-up capitalMUR 2,000,000 (~USD $45,000)
Recommended capitalUSD $50,000–$70,000
Effective corporate tax~3% (80% partial exemption on 15% statutory rate); ~3.4% where CCR Levy applies
Foreign ownership100% permitted
Timeline6–9 months
Primary focusCard payments, cross-border, merchant acquiring
FSC processing feeUSD 1,400 — one-time (plus USD 600 Global Business Licence processing fee)
FSC annual license feeUSD 2,600 — annual (plus USD 2,600 Global Business Licence annual fee)
All applications viaFSCOne portal (no paper filings)
All PIS applications are submitted exclusively through the FSC's FSCOne online portal — paper filings are not accepted. The FSC has introduced a statutory "determination of application" provision to accelerate decisions when applications are complete.
Fees in force from 1 July 2026 under the Financial Services (Consolidated Licensing and Fees) (Amendment) Rules 2026 (GN No. 119 of 2026). USD fees apply to Global Business Licence holders.

Confirmed FSC Position

The PIS license explicitly authorizes payment intermediary services conducted exclusively outside Mauritius. This is confirmed directly by the FSC in its own published fintech guidance. Any business model involving domestic Mauritius operations, domestic clients, or Mauritian Rupee settlement requires a PSP license from the Bank of Mauritius under the National Payment Systems Act — not a PIS license.

What a Mauritius Payment License (PIS) Allows

  • •Payment gateway services — processing credit and debit card transactions for online merchants
  • •Merchant acquiring — onboarding merchants and acquiring their card transactions
  • •Payment initiation and execution of payment transactions between payers and payees
  • •Money remittance and cross-border money transfer for businesses and individuals
  • •Card payment processing across the full transaction lifecycle, from authorisation to settlement
All services must be provided exclusively outside Mauritius. Serving Mauritian customers or merchants requires a Bank of Mauritius licence instead (see PIS vs PSP below).

Wallet and Account-Based Services

The PIS license is primarily focused on card-based payment services. However, in select cases the FSC has approved wallet and account-based services under the PIS framework — with EziPay Global and Magma.mu as notable examples of companies authorized for both card services and wallet/account functionalities. Important caveat: FSC approval for wallet and account services is not guaranteed and has been declined in some cases. Zitadelle AG assesses your specific business model during the initial consultation to determine whether wallet functionality is achievable under PIS.

Not sure the PIS licence fits your model?

Send us a short description of your payment flows. We'll tell you whether PIS, a Bank of Mauritius PSP licence or another jurisdiction fits — before you commit to anything.

The FSC Application Process — What to Expect

Bank of Mauritius consultation

The FSC requests the Bank of Mauritius's views before granting a PIS license — a cross-regulator consultation step that applicants should factor into timeline expectations. This is one reason PIS applications, while faster than PSP, are not instant — the FSC coordinates with BoM on payment-system-adjacent applications.

Q&A rounds

Applicants should expect multiple rounds of FSC queries — typically 3–4 rounds spaced roughly 3–4 weeks apart for applications with complete initial documentation. Each round addresses specific gaps or clarifications in the business plan, compliance framework, or ownership structure. Well-prepared applications with complete documentation from submission minimize the number of Q&A rounds.

PCI DSS readiness

Where the PIS licensee will process card data directly, the FSC expects evidence of PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) readiness as part of the technology and security assessment. This does not require full PCI DSS certification at application stage but does require a credible roadmap and technical architecture demonstrating compliance capability.

Local bank account opening

Once the FSC license is granted, opening the mandatory principal Mauritius bank account typically takes 3–12 weeks subject to bank due diligence — a separate process from the FSC licensing timeline itself. Acquiring services can be requested from MCB Bank subject to commercial proposal and due diligence.

Documentation checklist

  • •Certified passport copies and proof of address for all directors and UBOs
  • •Bank reference letters confirming minimum 2-year account history in good standing
  • •Bank balance confirmation showing minimum capital plus 35% buffer for operating expenses
  • •CVs and educational qualifications for all directors
  • •Two professional reference letters for key officers
  • •Source of funds documentation
Zitadelle AG manages the complete application process — including BoM coordination awareness, Q&A round responses, PCI DSS readiness documentation, and banking introduction — from initial consultation through FSC approval and operational launch.

PIS vs PSP: The Most Important Decision

This is the question every fintech founder asks when considering Mauritius as a payment licensing jurisdiction. Two regulatory pathways exist — the PIS License (FSC) and the PSP License (Bank of Mauritius). Choosing the wrong one wastes time and capital. This section provides the definitive comparison.

PIS License — Financial Services Commission

Issued by the FSC Mauritius. Primarily focused on card payments — international e-commerce, merchant acquiring, cross-border processing. GBC corporate structure. Offshore-focused orientation. Wallet and account services possible in select cases.

Notable licensees: EziPay Global, Magma.mu

PSP License — Bank of Mauritius

Issued by the Bank of Mauritius under the National Payment Systems Act 2018 and the National Payment Systems (Authorisation and Licensing) Regulations 2021. Intended for payment services in Mauritius, including e-money and e-wallets. The licensee must have its principal place of business in Mauritius, a board of at least three natural persons (at least one independent), a chief executive officer and full-time senior officers. E-money issuers must hold customer funds in a trust account with a bank in Mauritius.

Notable licensee: ZwennPay (EZ Dash) — restricted to specific jurisdictions

FeaturePIS License (FSC)PSP License (Bank of Mauritius)
RegulatorFSC MauritiusBank of Mauritius (BoM)
Min. capitalMUR 2M (~USD $45K)MUR 1M–5M depending on the payment service (MUR 5M for most services)
Staff requiredCompliance Officer, MLRO, Deputy MLRO, IT securityCEO and full-time senior officers; board of ≥3 incl. 1 independent director
Timeline6–9 monthsBoM confirms completeness within 30 days and decides within 60 working days of a complete application
Market focusOffshore/internationalPrimarily domestic Mauritius
E-walletsCase-by-case (not guaranteed)Yes — e-money issuance licensed by the BoM
Payment cardsPrimary focusCase-by-case
Effective tax~3% (partial exemption)15% standard rate
Best forCross-border, e-commerce, merchant acquiringLocal Mauritius payment operations

Strategic Recommendation

For operators serving clients outside Mauritius, the PIS licence is almost always the better starting point: lower capital, a GBC structure with access to the partial exemption, and a licence built for cross-border card acquiring, gateway and remittance services.

The PSP License is appropriate for companies specifically targeting the Mauritius domestic payments market with e-wallet functionality as their primary product. If your model later requires a full PSP license, Zitadelle AG supports the transition from PIS to PSP as operations scale.

Notable PIS Licensees (FSC Register)

SticPay, Virtual Pay, EziPay Global, and Magma.mu are among 29 active PIS License holders confirmed on the FSC public register as of the most recent published figures. The FSC public register at fscmauritius.org is the authoritative verification source for active PIS license holders.

PIS License — Verified 2026 Cost Breakdown

ItemAmount
FSC processing feeUSD 1,400
FSC annual license feeUSD 2,600 — payable annually
Global Business Licence — processingUSD 600
Global Business Licence — annual feeUSD 2,600
GBC incorporationUSD $2,000–4,000 (Year 1)
Registered agent / management companyUSD $3,000–6,000/year
Compliance Officer (outsourced)USD $2,000–5,000/year
Min. paid-up capital (held in company)MUR 2,000,000 (~USD $45,000)

Capital is held in the company's Mauritius bank account — it is not a fee. Annual ongoing costs are lower than comparable EU payment licenses (Lithuania EMI: €25,000+/yr) while providing a credible FSC-regulated framework for cross-border fintech operations.

Partial Tax Exemption Regime — Now Extended to PIS Licensees

The Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 extended Mauritius's 80% Partial Exemption Regime to income derived by holders of a PIS licence, for the year of assessment commencing 1 July 2025 and every year after. The MRA now lists PIS income among the categories eligible for the exemption.

With 80% of qualifying income exempt, the 15% statutory rate becomes an effective rate of about 3% — provided the company meets the substance conditions below.

Operators with turnover above the MUR 50,000,000 threshold should model an effective rate of approximately 3.4% rather than ~3%, to account for the 2% Corporate Climate Responsibility (CCR) Levy.

Substance requirements to maintain the exemption:

  • Adequate number of qualified employees in Mauritius proportionate to PIS activities
  • Adequate annual operating expenditure in Mauritius
  • Core income generating activities conducted in or from Mauritius (not outsourced entirely offshore)
  • Mauritius-resident directors actively involved in decision-making (not nominee-only)

Failure to maintain CIGA substance results in loss of the partial exemption — taxable at the full 15% statutory rate. Zitadelle AG structures and monitors substance compliance for all Mauritius PIS clients to ensure the exemption is maintained year over year.

Finance Act 2025 — what does not apply to a Mauritius PIS

Two measures introduced by the Finance Act 2025 are commonly raised by applicants researching Mauritius. Neither applies to a PIS structured as a Global Business Corporation:

  • Fair Share Contribution — for companies, 5% of total chargeable income where chargeable income exceeds MUR 24 million, for income derived from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028. Companies holding a Global Business Licence are excluded.
  • Alternative Minimum Tax — 10% on adjusted book profits for certain sectors including financial intermediation. Not applicable to Global Business entities.

PIS or PSP?

Choosing the wrong licence costs months. Our PIS vs PSP assessment is the first step of every Mauritius payment engagement.

Full Requirements for the PIS License (2026)

Min. paid-up capitalMUR 2,000,000 (~USD $45,000); recommended $50,000–$70,000
ShareholdersMin. 1 (individual or corporate; no nationality restrictions)
DirectorsMin. 2 Mauritius-resident directors (professional resident directors can be appointed)
Compliance OfficerRequired — appointed within 6 months of licence or before operations begin, whichever is earlier
MLRO and Deputy MLRORequired — different persons; appointed within the same deadline; registered on the FIU's goAML platform
IT security (CISO)Required
Local officePhysical office in Mauritius — lease agreement submitted to the FSC before operations begin
PI insuranceProfessional indemnity insurance required
SecretaryRequired
Registered officeRequired
Beneficial ownershipPrivate (not on public record)
Director detailsPublic record
Staff note: The Compliance Officer, MLRO and Deputy MLRO must be qualified individuals with relevant AML/CFT experience — not nominal appointments. Zitadelle AG sources candidates through HRFinEase.

Application Process

1
Submit KYC and application documents via the FSC One Platform
All directors, shareholders, and UBOs must provide certified KYC documentation. The application includes corporate documents, business plan, compliance framework, and service descriptions.
2
FSC Review (3–4 rounds of Q&A)
Expect 3–4 rounds of FSC questions over approximately 3–4 weeks per round. Zitadelle AG manages all FSC correspondence. Documentation quality determines the number of rounds required.
3
License approval and company incorporation
Upon FSC approval in principle, government fees are paid and the GBC is formally incorporated.
4
Open a local Mauritius bank account
Bank account opening takes 3–12 weeks subject to due diligence. MCB Bank (Mauritius Commercial Bank) can provide acquiring services subject to a commercial proposal. Zitadelle AG provides bank introductions.
5
Final compliance setup
Obtain professional indemnity insurance, submit payment gateway provider agreements, appoint local auditor and AML auditor, grant compliance access to CRM systems for ongoing monitoring.
6
Commence operations
Full operational launch following FSC compliance confirmation.
Timeline note: 6+ months excluding bank account setup (which adds 3–12 weeks). Total project timeline typically 8–12 months including banking.

After Approval — FSC Conditions Before You Go Live

A PIS licence is granted subject to conditions that must be met before the company starts operating. Most are time-bound.

  1. 1
    Appoint the MLRO, Deputy MLRO and Compliance Officer — within 6 months of the licence date or before operations begin, whichever is earlier.
  2. 2
    Submit acquiring bank details and the final banking agreement — within the same deadline.
  3. 3
    Submit final constitutive documents and all material contracts, including payment processor and technology agreements.
  4. 4
    Evidence MUR 2,000,000 share capital credited to the company's bank account.
  5. 5
    Submit the final Internal Procedures Manual, covering conflicts of interest, disaster recovery and AML/CFT policy.
  6. 6
    Register the MLRO and Deputy MLRO on the FIU's goAML platform.
  7. 7
    Submit the office lease agreement for the company's physical office in Mauritius.
Ongoing, the FSC expects prior notice of any change to the company's website, platform or trading name; clear separation between the PIS company and any holding company; annual platform testing and external audits; and transaction records kept at the company's premises in Mauritius. Zitadelle AG manages these obligations for PIS clients.

Taxation and Business Benefits

Statutory corporate tax15%
Partial exemption80% exemption on qualifying income (CIGA substance required)
CCR Levy2% of chargeable income where turnover exceeds MUR 50,000,000 (~USD 1.1M)
Effective corporate tax rate~3%
Dividend tax0%
Capital gains tax0%
Foreign income tax0%
Withholding tax on distributions0%
Stamp duty on share issuance0%
Tax note: The effective rate is achieved through the 80% Partial Exemption Regime, which replaced the former Deemed Foreign Tax Credit on 1 January 2019 to align Mauritius with OECD BEPS Action 5. The two are mutually exclusive — a company claiming the 80% exemption cannot also claim an actual foreign tax credit on the same foreign-source income. Critically, the partial exemption is not automatic for all Global Business income: it applies to enumerated categories, and payment processing income required a specific statutory extension to PIS licence holders, effective for the year of assessment commencing 1 July 2025. The exemption is conditional on meeting CIGA substance requirements. Zitadelle AG structures and monitors CIGA compliance for all Mauritius PIS clients.

Additional Benefits

  • •100% foreign ownership permitted — no local shareholder requirement
  • •Free repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital — no foreign exchange controls
  • •No stamp duty or capital duty on share issuance
  • •Shareholder details private (not on public record)
  • •Access to Mauritius's network of 46+ double taxation agreements

Africa and Asia Gateway

Mauritius's strategic position between Africa and Asia — combined with 46+ double taxation agreements covering India, China, Singapore, South Africa, the UAE, the UK and France — makes the PIS license particularly valuable for payment companies targeting sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean corridor. A Mauritius PIS entity provides regulatory standing and banking access in markets where a BVI or Seychelles structure would face greater friction.

Who Is the PIS License Best For?

The Mauritius PIS License is well suited to the following business profiles:

  • •E-commerce payment gateways — serving online merchants with card processing and payment acceptance
  • •Cross-border payment processors — facilitating international fund transfers for businesses and individuals
  • •Merchant acquirers — setting up merchant accounts and processing card transactions for retail and online businesses
  • •Fintech startups and scaleups — seeking regulated payment status at accessible cost before scaling to EU EMI or Singapore MPI
  • •Forex broker payment arms — licensing the payment processing entity of a forex or CFD brokerage group
  • •Corporate treasury payment structures — regulated payment vehicles for international corporate groups
  • •Remittance operators — processing cross-border remittances under a credible FSC regulatory framework

Not Ideal For:

  • ✕Companies specifically needing e-wallet issuance as their primary product (PSP license more appropriate)
  • ✕Operations primarily targeting the domestic Mauritius payments market (PSP license more appropriate)

Mauritius PIS vs. Other Global Payment Licenses

FeatureMauritius PIS (FSC)EU EMI (Bank of Lithuania)Singapore MPI (MAS)Canada MSB (FINTRAC)
Min. capitalUSD $45,000€350,000SGD $250,000None
Effective tax~3%16% (Lithuania)17% (Singapore)~26% (federal + provincial)
Timeline6–9 months6–12 months~12 months~6 months
EU passportingNoYes — 30 EEANoNo
Crypto servicesVia VASP licenseLimitedYes (MPI)Yes (limited)
DTAA network46+EU networkExtensiveCanada treaties
Best forAfrica/Asia offshoreEU market accessASEAN/institutionalNorth American market

For payment companies specifically requiring EU market access or passporting, the EU EMI (Bank of Lithuania) is required. For companies targeting ASEAN institutional markets, Singapore MPI is the benchmark. Mauritius PIS is the optimal choice for cost-efficient, tax-effective payment licensing with strong banking access and Africa/Asia market positioning.

How Zitadelle AG Assists

  • •PIS vs PSP assessment — honest evaluation of which license suits your specific business model
  • •Global Business Corporation (GBC) incorporation in Mauritius
  • •Full FSC application preparation — business plan, compliance framework, AML/CFT policies, KYC documentation
  • •FSC submission and correspondence management — all Q&A rounds handled by Zitadelle AG
  • •Mauritius-resident director sourcing
  • •Compliance Officer, CISO, MLRO and Deputy MLRO sourcing through HRFinEase
  • •Professional indemnity insurance introduction
  • •Bank account opening — MCB and other Mauritius bank introductions
  • •Payment gateway provider agreement review
  • •Ongoing annual compliance — FSC reporting, license renewal, CIGA maintenance for tax benefits

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Requirements, timelines, and fees are subject to change. Contact Zitadelle AG or the FSC Mauritius for current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Payment Intermediary Services (PIS) Provider License issued by the FSC Mauritius under a Global Business Corporation (GBC) structure. It authorizes companies to facilitate online payment transactions, provide payment gateways, acquire merchants, and process cross-border payments. It is primarily card-payment focused, with wallet and account-based services possible in select cases subject to FSC approval.

Ready to obtain your Mauritius PIS License?

Zitadelle AG provides end-to-end PIS licensing support — from business model assessment and FSC application through resident director outsourcing, banking introductions, and ongoing compliance.

Quick Facts

Regulator
FSC (Financial Services Commission) Mauritius
Structure
GBL / GBC
Min. Capital
MUR 2,000,000 (~USD $45,000)
Recommended Capital
USD $50,000–$70,000
Effective Tax
~3% – 3.4%
Foreign Ownership
100%
Min. Resident Directors
2 (outsourceable)
PI Insurance
Required
Timeline
6–9 months
Bank Account
+3–12 weeks
Shareholder Privacy
Yes — not public
Zitadelle PIS clients
SticPay and other payment firms
Updated
September 2026

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Requirements, timelines, and fees are subject to change. Always consult directly with the relevant regulatory authority or a qualified professional for the most current information. Zitadelle Advisory Group LTD is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.