Business licences and permits in Mauritius
Beyond registering and paying tax, many businesses in Mauritius need sector-specific licences — construction, private security, financial services, food and health, alcohol, transport and others each have their own regulator — plus a municipal trading licence for your premises. Get them before you operate, as trading without one risks fines or closure.
Common licence triggers
- 1 A regulated activity (finance, security, health, alcohol, transport).
- 2 Physical premises (municipal trading licence + zoning).
- 3 Import/export or manufacturing (standards and environmental approvals).
Frequently asked questions
What licences does a business need in Mauritius?
It depends on your sector and premises: a municipal trading licence plus any sector-specific licence (e.g. construction, security, finance, food, alcohol, transport). Confirm with the relevant regulator.
More on Mauritius
- Register a company — Mauritius
- Company tax — Mauritius
- VAT / sales tax — Mauritius
- Hiring staff — Mauritius
- Start a business — Mauritius
- Data protection — Mauritius
- Tax clearance — Mauritius
- Empowerment / B-BBEE — Mauritius
- Payroll & employee tax — Mauritius
- Importing & customs — Mauritius
- Annual returns — Mauritius
- Full Mauritius compliance guide
Licences & permits elsewhere in SADC
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Reviewed June 2026 from official sources. General information only — confirm with Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) or a registered professional.