Since launching its international business sector in 1992, Mauritius has signed 43 tax agreements (non – double taxation agreements as well as Double Taxation Agreements – DTAs) with various countries and others are in the process of being negotiated. The island is definitely a commercially attractive destination for investors.
Since then, the country has developed its expertise in the field of taxation, becoming one of the local, regional and international leaders in business and trade.
What is the purpose of the tax treaty?
The tax treaty is not only used to negate double taxation for individuals and businesses alike. In addition to covering income taxes, VAT or other taxes, it also serves the purpose of:
- Reducing taxes for residents of one of the two signatory countries
- Eliminating double taxation in favour of a tax credit equivalent to Mauritian tax,
- Reducing the withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties,
- Exempting capital gains,
- Conditionally exempting interest payments on loans,
- Removing exchange controls
In addition, non-double taxation agreements (DTAs) provide tax planning opportunities, thus strengthening the image of the jurisdiction as a tax planning centre, allowing control over tax evasion as well as improving the efficiency of cross-border trade.
List of Mauritius’ non-double taxation agreements
- Africa
Agreements signed
Botswana, Egypt, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Pending ratification
Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria
To be signed by the country
Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire
Under negotiation
Algeria, Malawi, North Sudan, Tanzania
- Asia
Agreements signed
Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Pending ratification
Russia
Under negotiation
Hong Kong, Vietnam
- Europe
Agreements signed
Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Sweden, United Kingdom
Under negotiation
Czech Republic, Greece, Montenegro, Portugal, Spain
- Middle East
Agreements signed
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
Under negotiation
Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen
- North America
Under negotiation
Canada
- West Indies
Agreements signed
Barbados
Under negotiation
Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Other
Agreements signed
Australia (partial), Guernsey, Monaco
To be signed by the country
Jersey
Under negotiation
Gibraltar
