BUSINESS IN MAURITIUS
You are buying either freedom or a head start
A new company gives you full control over the brand, product and costs. With an existing business, you pay for customers, a team, premises, equipment and contracts — but only when their value can be supported by documents.
WHAT ENTREPRENEURS SAY
Registration is not the hardest part
Entrepreneurs often make the same point: registering a company is relatively straightforward, while opening a bank account and securing the right to work may take longer. When buying a business, examine debts, accounts, customers and employee obligations especially carefully.
The key acquisition question: why will customers stay after the owner changes?
| Compare | Start from scratch | Buy an existing business |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | You have an idea and early customers | You need a team, premises or a licence |
| What you get | Full control, but you build everything yourself | Operating processes and a customer base |
| What to verify | Demand and six months of cash runway | Revenue, debts, contracts and customers |
| Main risk | The launch takes longer | Hidden liabilities from the previous owner |
REALISTIC TIME TO START OPERATING
Registration is quick. A full launch takes weeks.
Start a company from scratch
Until you are ready to accept payments
Typically 3–9 weeks- 01 Company registration and BRN — 1–3 business days
- 02 Tax and accounting setup — 2–5 days
- 03 Bank account and KYC — 3 days to 6 weeks
- 04 Licences, contracts and payments — 1–4 weeks
Buy an existing business
Until management and payments are transferred
Typically 6–16 weeks- 01 Agree the terms — 3–7 days
- 02 Financial and legal due diligence — 2–6 weeks
- 03 Contract and required approvals — 1–4 weeks
- 04 Handover, bank and licences — 2–8 weeks
Indicative timelines with complete documents · CBRD, MCB and Competition Commission · Aug 2026
SAVE THIS CHECKLIST
5 checks before you decide
01DEMAND
Identify where the first customers will come from
02RULES
Check licences and restrictions for foreigners
03BUDGET
Calculate the full cost and a six-month cash buffer
04ACQUISITION
Check the business’s taxes, debts and contracts
05STATUS
Arrange the right to work and live on the island separately
Not sure which option suits you?
Compare starting a new company with buying an existing business and get a checklist for your chosen route.