Mauritania
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Mauritania.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Mauritania welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Civil Law (French and Islamic tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Agence de Promotion des Investissements en Mauritanie (APIM)
- Registry website: https://www.apim.mr
- Tax authority: Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Mauritania)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 25% - Source: CIT: 25% (Mauritania DGI). VAT: 16%.
- VAT / sales tax: 16%
- Estimated formation timeline: 5-10 days - Via APIM. Source: APIM Mauritania
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Mauritania Tax Overview
25%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 25% (Mauritania DGI). VAT: 16%.
16%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 25% (Mauritania DGI). VAT: 16%.
Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Mauritania)
Tax Authority
https://www.finances.gov.mr
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law (French and Islamic tradition)
Primary registry: Agence de Promotion des Investissements en Mauritanie (APIM)
Tax rate: 25% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Mauritania market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: MRU fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.apim.mr before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Mauritania setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Mauritania. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banque Mauritanienne pour le Commerce International (BMCI) | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Attijari Mauritania | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| BNP Paribas Mauritanie | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Agence de Promotion des Investissements en Mauritanie (APIM) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Mauritania). Rate: 25%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 16%. Verify threshold with Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Mauritania). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law (French and Islamic tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Mauritania. |
Frequently Asked
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