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Setting Up a Trust or Foundation in Mauritius (2025 Guide)
Mauritius offers both common-law Trusts and civil-law Foundations. Here's how to choose, tax treatment, and the licensed trustee/administrator requirements.
Anexa Biz Sep 5, 2025 8 min read
Trust vs Foundation
| Feature | Trust | Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Legal nature | Equitable — settlor/trustee/beneficiary | Separate legal person |
| Suitable for | Common-law heirs, dynastic planning | Civil-law heirs, family governance |
| Tax if non-resident status elected | Non-resident: exempt in Mauritius | Non-resident: exempt in Mauritius |
| Regulator | FSC via licensed trustee | FSC |
Set-up steps for a Trust
- Draft trust deed (Mauritius law).
- Appoint a Mauritius-licensed qualified trustee (Management Company).
- Fund the trust and register the settlor's declaration.
- File beneficial ownership disclosure with the FSC where required.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can a Mauritius Trust hold Indian assets?
Yes, subject to FEMA rules on the Indian side. Careful with treaty entitlement — beneficial ownership must be substantiated.