Company Registration
2 Weeks
Local Director?
Yes
Bank Account Opening
4 Weeks
Travel Required?
No
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Table Of Contents
Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
- At Tetra Consultants, our team of lawyers, licensing specialists, compliance professionals, and accountants will assist you in seamlessly obtaining a Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026. We provide end-to-end support including company incorporation, preparation and submission of the application under Section 30 of the Securities Act 2005, regulatory compliance advisory, and post-licensing operational support, ensuring your business meets all requirements set by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius.
- Utilizing the jurisdiction’s favorable tax regime, Global Business License (GBL) holders benefit from an effective rate of income tax as low as 3% many companies are opting to register company in Mauritius take advantage of these benefits and grow their advisory operations globally. At Tetra Consultants, we guide you through a smooth licensing and incorporation process, with complete compliance and effective setup for the investment advisory business in Mauritius.
- Our service package includes:
- Register company in Mauritius
- Company secretary and registered agent
- Registered office address
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Nominee director and shareholder services
- Mauritius Investment Advisor License
- The main regulatory body tasked with issuing and overseeing the Mauritius Investment Advisor License is the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mauritius. The FSC is the single regulator for the non-banking financial services industry and international business in Mauritius. It regulates, licenses, and supervises investment advisors to ensure adherence to the legal framework, protection of investors, and market integrity. The FSC reviews applications, oversees continuous compliance, and imposes regulatory requirements on licensed institutions doing business in Mauritius’s financial sector.
- The licensing framework is further supported by the specific regulatory instruments like the FSC Circular Letter CL1-121018, which provides an outline of the Economic Substance Requirements that are applicable to the Global Business Companies. Furthermore, the Financial Services (Licensing and Fees) Rules prescribe the applicable licensing and annual regulatory fees for the investment advisors operating in Mauritius.
- The Mauritius Investment Advisor License is administered primarily under the Securities Act 2005 and the Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007. The laws stipulate the licensing requirements, approved activities, capital levels, and compliance requirements for investment advisors. Under Section 30 of the Securities Act 2005, it is an offence for any individual to provide investment advisor services or administer securities portfolios without being licensed by the FSC.
- Under Section 30 of the Securities Act 2005, unlicensed persons are strictly prohibited from:
- Offering investment advice on securities
- Managing client portfolios
- Soliciting clients for investment transactions
- Representing themselves as licensed investment advisors
Requirements for Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
- Your company must be a legal entity.
- You must appoint a minimum of 2 local directors, who must be natural persons (individuals), with sufficient knowledge and experience in financial services. This requirement can be fulfilled by the nominee director and shareholder services.
- A physical office with a telephone line.
- Minimum of 1 compliance officer with Mauritius residency.
- Minimum of 1 money laundering reporting officer (MLRO).
- Minimum of 1 Deputy MLRO.
- A detailed business plan.
- All key personnel including directors, officers, shareholders, beneficial owners, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) must satisfy fit and proper requirements under Section 20 of the Financial Services Act 2007. All compliance officers and MLROs must possess relevant qualifications and practical experience in AML/CFT compliance within regulated environments.
- Detailed systems and procedures for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) must be in place.
- At least one key personnel or director must demonstrate 3-5 years of relevant experience in regulated financial services, such as investment advisory, asset management, or capital markets.
- Applicant should participate in core income-generating activities (CIGA) that is conduct key activities such as investment analysis, advisory, and risk management within Mauritius
- Appointment of an auditor approved by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and registered with the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA) is required.
- Evidence of professional indemnity insurance coverage with a quote from the insurer is required to cover potential liabilities arising from advisory services. Furthermore, the policy should explicitly cover key risks including:
- Professional negligence
- Fraudulent instructions
- Corruption or loss of electronic data
- Errors and omissions in investment advice
Compliance and economic substance requirements in Mauritius as of 2026
- Mauritius has placed a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and economic substance entities holding a Mauritius Investment Advisor License. You should ensure that your operations are not only structured on paper but showcase genuine business presence within the jurisdiction. Under the FSC Circular Letter CL1-121018, Global Business Companies (GBCs) are required to meet specific economic substance requirements to maintain their licensing status and benefit from Mauritius’ favorable tax regime.
- In addition to substance requirements, your business should adhere to ongoing regulatory obligations, this includes:
- Maintenance of proper accounting records in Mauritius for which Tetra Consultants’ accounting and tax team will assist you
- Annual filing of audited financial statements
- Adherence to AML/CFT regulations and internal compliance frameworks
Timeline for obtaining Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
- Company registration: 2 weeks
- Preparation of license application: 3 to 4 weeks
- Time taken by Financial Services Commission to review the application: 3 to 4 months
- Corporate bank account opening: 3 to 4 weeks
- Overall estimated timeline: 5 to 6 months
Types of Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
Investment advisor (unrestricted)
- This license permits your business to carry on client portfolios of securities under mandate and give extensive investment advice on securities dealings, apart from corporate finance advisory. It is suitable for full-service advisory and asset management businesses that conduct discretionary portfolio management. The minimum unimpaired stated capital needed is MUR 600,000 (around US$13,000). This license allows a broad range of activities, including advising through various media and dealing directly with client assets.
Investment advisor (restricted)
- This license allows your business to give investment advice on securities transactions but without client funds or portfolio discretionary management. It is appropriate for research companies, analysts, or consultants offering advisory services but not managing client assets. The minimum capital is less at MUR 500,000 (approximately US$11,000). This license covers advisory services only and excludes portfolio management responsibilities.
Investment advisor (corporate finance advisory)
- This license is intended for corporations dealing in corporate finance issues such as mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, restructuring, and other strategic corporate transactions beyond the typical investment instruments. It calls for a higher minimum unimpaired stated capital of MUR 1,000,000 (about US$22,000). The owners of this license offer advisory on corporate finance and are subject to extra regulatory and compliance obligations tailored to this line of business.
Activities allowed under Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
Portfolio management
- Administer client portfolios of securities on a discretionary mandate (where appropriate).
Investment advice
- Advise on transactions in securities using a range of communication media, including printed and electronic media. You can offer binding or non-binding investment advice on securities. Binding advice refers to recommendations where the advisor may execute transactions on behalf of the client. Non-binding advice refers to advisory services where the final decision remains with the client
Client solicitation
- Solicit clients to participate in transactions in securities and provide investment advisory services.
Research and analysis
- Prepare and offer investment research, market analysis, and recommendations concerning securities.
Compliance advisory
- Provide advisory services on compliance with securities legislation and regulations relating to investment activities.
Corporate finance advisory (if licensed)
- Offer advisory services regarding corporate finance issues like mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, restructuring, and listing compliance.
Preparation of reports and recommendations
- Prepare detailed investment reports and recommendations according to client requirements.
Process to obtain Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
Step 1: Initial consultation and eligibility evaluation
- Tetra Consultants starts by learning about your business model and investment advisory services to identify the most appropriate kind of license-unrestricted or restricted-and comply with the Securities Act 2005 and associated regulations. Our legal team and licensing specialists clarify the licensing requirements, minimum capital, and documentation to prevent delays or rejection.
Step 2: Company incorporation and structuring
- As the Mauritius Investment Advisor License must be issued to a corporation, our legal team and licensing specialists will help you to incorporate a Mauritius company, most often a Global Business Company (GBC), which is a requirement for the application of the license. We draft the constitutional documents of the company, register them with the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD), and make the corporate structure compliant with FSC requirements.
Step 3: Documentation and compliance material preparation
- Tetra Consultants assists you in preparing the entire set of documents required, which includes:
- Filled and signed Section 30 of the Securities Act application forms
- Board resolutions to authorize application signatories
- Certified copies of incorporation documents and constitution papers
- CVs with details, passport copies, and address proofs of directors, officers, and significant personnel
- Compliance manuals, internal procedures, and client agreements based on Mauritian law
- Financial projections and evidence of minimum capital (MUR 1,000,000 or equivalent)
- Appointment and approval of an auditor who is registered with the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants.
Step 4: Fit and proper test for key personnel
- Tetra Consultants undertakes extensive due diligence and vetting of directors’, officers’, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) qualifications and backgrounds to ascertain that they are fit and proper according to the FSC’s requirements. We draft all the required questionnaires and supporting documentation to meet regulatory examination.
Step 5: Writing legal contracts and client agreements
- Our legal department prepares and vets client agreements and service contracts for compliance with Mauritius laws and FSC regulations. A legal certificate to the effect that the agreements are regulatory compliant is also issued, which is one of the required documents accompanying the Mauritius Investment Advisor License application.
Step 6: Application submission and liaising with FSC
- Tetra Consultants makes the full application package submission to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius on your behalf. We serve as the point of contact with the regulator, immediately reacting to any questions or requests for further information within the specified time frames to avoid application delay or rejection.
- Tetra Consultants’ legal team and licensing specialists will liaise directly with the FSC to address queries and expedite approval.
Step 7: Corporate bank account opening
- Once the Mauritius Investment Advisor License has been approved, Tetra Consultants helps with corporate bank account opening, such as segregated client accounts for dealing with client money independently of operational funds. We help you navigate the banking process so that you are onboarded successfully and in line with banking requirements.
Cost for obtaining Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
- Tetra Consultants provides a smooth and transparent process of getting your Investment Advisor License. We boast of having clear, upfront pricing with a full breakdown of all the related fees and costs at each step. Our team will walk you through the government-recommended application and annual fees imposed by the Financial Services Commission and any other costs involved in company incorporation, compliance documentation, and professional services. Furthermore, government licensing and annual fees are determined in accordance with the Financial Services (Licensing and Fees) Rules, which may vary depending on the type of investment Advisor license.
- You will get a detailed quotation that specifies regulatory fees, professional advisory fees, and third-party expenses, so you do not have to worry about surprise expenses. This strategy enables you to prepare your finances with confidence so that you know exactly what you are paying for.
Advantages of Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
Alluring tax regime
- Your business benefits from a partial exemption regime where 80% of gross revenue is exempt from tax and the remaining 20% is taxed at 15% with an effective tax rate of only 3%. This makes a huge difference to profitability for investment advisory firms operating within the Global Business License (GBL) regime.
Contemporary and adaptive regulatory framework
- Mauritius provides an up-to-date securities regime by the Securities Act 2005 and Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007, which is responsive to different business models and investor demands. This regime promotes innovation and maintains investor protection and compliance.
Reasonable capital and licensing requirements
- The minimum unimpaired stated capital is comparatively low at MUR 1 million, making it feasible for startups and well-established companies as well. Also, the process of licensing is effective, with moderate fees and time frames, enabling faster market entry.
Increased credibility and market trust
- Possessing an FSC-issued license in Mauritius is a mark of professionalism and compliance with high regulatory standards, thus enhancing client confidence and drawing in institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.
Aids in business setup and company registration
- The Mauritius Investment Advisor License is issued to organizations that are normally organized as Global Business Companies (GBCs), and thus it is easy to register company in Mauritius with Tetra Consultants and take advantage of the jurisdiction’s corporate and tax benefits.
Looking to obtain a Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026
- Tetra Consultants works as your advisor and trusted partner in your business expansion and offshore banking license application. With our own team of lawyers, licensing specialists, compliance team, and accountants, we tell you what you need to know, instead of what you want to hear. Most importantly, we are known for being a one-stop solution for our valued clients.
- Contact us to know more about Mauritius Investment Advisor License and our team will revert to you in 24 hours.
FAQs
Who needs to apply for Mauritius Investment Advisor License?
Can a foreign company apply for the license?
What are the fit and proper criteria?
Is a local Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) required?
Are there ongoing compliance requirements?
Can the license holder manage client funds?
What are the documents required for Mauritius Investment Advisor License in 2026?
Author
Sharma Prabakaran
Sharma Prabakaran is the Head of International Business Advisory at Tetra Consultants. With over 15 years of professional experience, he specialises in international business setup, accounting and tax advisory, and cross-industry SME engagements. His expertise encompasses end-to-end project management, ranging from company incorporation and corporate bank account establishment to ongoing annual accounting and tax compliance.