Does Mauritius have capital gains tax?
No. Mauritius doesn’t have a capital gains tax (CGT). In general, profits from selling shares, securities, or other capital assets aren’t taxed as income.
However, if your activity is considered trading or business activity rather than long-term investing, profits can be taxed as income (up to 15%).
What is capital gains tax?
Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax charged on the profit that you make when you sell an asset for more than you paid for it. In many countries, capital gains are taxed separately from income (sometimes at high rates).
In Mauritius, the Income Tax Act 1995 doesn’t include a capital gains tax. Most genuine investment gains are treated as capital in nature, not income. So, that means that they’re not taxed.
What kinds of gains are generally not taxed in Mauritius?
Examples often include:
gains on shares or securities (local or foreign)
gains on certain precious metals held for investment
gains realised through global business companies (subject to structure and compliance)
For many investors, this makes Mauritius an attractive place to build long-term portfolios.
Why this appeals to Mauritians
No capital gains tax means:
no tax on long-term investment gains
easier portfolio growth over time
strong incentives to invest in stocks, funds, and international markets
For younger investors especially, this can make global investing feel more accessible.
Not every gain is automatically tax-free
This is where many people get confused.
Mauritius doesn’t have CGT… but gains can still be taxed if they are considered income.
For example:
if you’re actively day-trading and operating like a business, profits may be treated as taxable income (up to 15%)
property sales don’t trigger capital gains tax, but they can involve other transfer-related taxes
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) looks at the facts to decide whether an activity is investing or trading. Their goal is to figure out: was this a genuine long-term investment, or was it a business activity? That distinction matters.
What surprises beginners
People often assume:
zero tax on every type of profit
no reporting responsibilities
no compliance risks
In reality:
the investing vs trading distinction is important
you are responsible for keeping records
foreign taxes may still apply (depending on where the asset is located)
Mauritius may not tax the gain, but other countries might.
Pou résumé
Mauritius doesn’t have a capital gains tax. Most genuine investment gains (especially from shares and securities) aren’t taxed.
However:
trading profits can be treated as income
property transactions can involve other taxes
classification matters
Mauritius is investor-friendly, but understanding the rules still matters... Even without a capital gains tax, how your activity is classified makes a difference.