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MAURITIUS
Geographical Location
Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean approximately 500
miles off the east coast of Madagascar. The Island, which
is of volcanic origin, covers an area of 720 square miles.
Coral reefs surround most of the coast of the coast except
the south. The plateau is bordered by the mountain ranges
giving rise to a landscape of amazing beauty.
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Population
The population of the island is approximately 1.2 million
made-up principally by people of European, African, Madagascan,
Indian and Chinese origin. This has resulted in a unique
blend of races, cultures and religions. Mauritius takes
pride in the fact that these different cultures co-exist
in peace and succeed in creating a cultural entity that
is distinctly Mauritian. The workforce is adaptable, well
educated and has achieved Literacy rate of 90%.
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Language
The Mauritian population is largely bilingual, being equally
fluent in English and French. However, everyone understands
'Creole' and many speak a third Asian Language. English
is the official Language.
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Political
Structure
Mauritius was uninhabited until the Dutch arrived in 1598.
Before the Dutch, it is thought that Arab and Malay sailors
visited the Island.
Dutch settlers named the Island Mauritius after the Prince
of Nassau. The Dutch left Mauritius in 1710 and were the first
to have introduced sugar cane, which covers 90% of the Arable
Land. The French subsequently occupied the Island and named
it 'Ile de France'. The French made a considerable contribution
to the development of the harbour, the sugar industry and
the capital city of Port Louis.
Their century-long rule ended in 1810 when the British captured
the island and the name 'Mauritius ' was re-instated. British
rule lasted for 158 years until 12 March 1968 when it became
an independent country within the British Commonwealth.
The Republic of Mauritius is a Westminster-style democracy.
The President is the Head of State and Commander-in Chief
of the Armed Forces. Full Executive Power rests with the Prime
Minister who is Head of the Government. The Members of Parliament
are elected every five years by popular vote and a number
of political parties contest the elections, reflecting the
country's firm commitment to a Multi-Party political system.
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Legal
System
Mauritius is a Hybrid Legal System based on English and
French Law. The Procedural Law, both in criminal and civil
litigation, is mainly English whilst substantive law is
largely based on the French Napoleonic Code.
The Company Law is modelled on the English Company Law.
The Courts administer the laws of Mauritius, which consist
of Acts, Rules and Regulations passed by the Island's Nation
Assembly. The Highest Court of Appeals is the Privy Council
in London.
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Communications
Mauritius has state - of - the - Art Telecommunication Facilities
that include IDD, to the majority of International Destinations,
telex and facsimile links world - wide. Cellular and paging
service networks are in place. Its strategic location facilitates
communication with the Far East, Europe and North America.
International Courier Companies operate in Mauritius and
provide prompt delivery services to most parts of the world.
Mauritius has regular and direct airlines with Europe and
the Far East and Modern Port facilities. The infrastructure
is also well developed.
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Taxation
Treaties
Mauritius offers the benefit of a number of favourable taxation
treaties, namely, Germany, France, United Kingdom, India,
Zimbabwe, Sweden, Malaysia, Swaziland, Italy, China, Pakistan,
South Africa, Madagascar, Luxembourg, Namibia, Belgium,
Singapore and Russia. Those Treaties awaiting signature
in late 2001 are Kuwait, Lesotho, Oman, Vietnam and Sri
Lanka whilst the Treaties with Canada and Botswana are currently
being negotiated.
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Nominee
Directors
Whilst the company itself may be incorporated in an appropriate
jurisdiction (and will itself be exempt from tax on foreign
earnings), it is important that the directors and shareholders
of the company are similarly protected. This is because many
tax authorities have powers to 'deem' that the directors or
shareholders are receiving an income from the company. It
is normal therefore to appoint nominee directors who themselves
have the correct tax status, this may or may not be in the
same jurisdiction as the company the cost of two nominee directors
per annum is £300, $525, or €425 if a nominee shareholder
is also required the cost is increased by £100, $175, or €140
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Fees
| Cost
of setting up company |
£550 |
$970 |
€790 |
| Registered agent and office |
£340 |
$595 |
€485 |
| Total inital cost |
£890 |
$1550 |
€1270 |
| Annual
Fees |
£475 |
$830 |
€680 |
Due
1st May for companies incorporated between 1st January
and 30 June.
Due 1st November for companies incorporated between 1st
July and 31st December |
| If
you require an internet domain registration to accompany
the formation click
here |
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Our
services
We
usually have shelf companies immediately availalbe. All companies
are provided with a complete kit including -
- Statutory
registers
- Share
certificates
- 10
copies of the M & A
- Common
seal
- Company
Chop
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