Business entities in Mauritania in 2024
Healy Consultants will assist our Clients with incorporating the optimal corporate structure in Mauritania. There are several ways of doing business in Mauritania, the most common being the setting up of a limited liability company. Foreign entrepreneurs may also opt to set up a public limited company or a branch office.
The Mauritania limited liability company (SARL)
- The Mauritania limited liability company (LLC, locally known as SARL) must appoint at least 1 director and 1 shareholder who can be of any nationality. The minimum paid-up share capital required to complete the incorporation process is US$3,500;
- Mauritania LLCs are required to appoint a statutory auditor and to submit annual audited financial statements.
The Mauritania public limited company (Société anonyme – SA)
- This Mauritania business setup is locally referred to as the SA. This entity requires a minimum capital of US$17,000 for incorporation. At least 1 shareholder and 1 director must be appointed, who can be of any nationality;
- Similar to the LLCs, the Mauritania PLC’s books of accounts must be maintained in French at its registered office in Mauritania. Annual financial statements must be prepared and an audit must be submitted every year. A Mauritania PLC must also appoint an approved auditor.
The Mauritania branch (Succursale)
This Mauritania business setup is deemed as a part of the parent company; as a result, the scope of operations for this entity will be defined by the parent company. Also, the branch office must have a registered office in Mauritania as well as a resident agent appointed by the company to receive summons, notices etc. on behalf of the company.
Table of comparison between Mauritania entities
| LLC | PLC | Limited Partnership | Branch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Also known as: | SARL | SA | Société en commandite | Succursale |
| How long to set the company up? | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| How long to open company bank account? | 2 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Legal liability? | Limited | Limited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Wholly foreign owned? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum paid - up share capital? | US$3,500 | US$17,000 | US$1 | US$1 |
| File annual tax return? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tax registration certificate required? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recommended corporate bank account? | BNP Paribas | Société Générale | Banque Nationale de Mauritanie | Mauritanian Bank for International Trade |
| Does our Client need to travel? | No | No | No | No |
| Resident director or representative required? | No | No | NA | Yes |
| Resident shareholder required? | No | No | NA | No |
| Minimum directors allowed? | 1 | 1 | NA | 1 |
| Minimum shareholders? | 1 | 5 | NA | 1 |
| Tax identification code needed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mauritania resident corporate agent required? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate shareholders allowed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate director(s) allowed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Statutory audit required? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mauritania corporate tax rate? | 25% | 25% | NA | 25% |
| Annual financial statements required? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulated by? | Ministry of Finance | Ministry of Finance | Ministry of Finance | Ministry of Finance |
| Allowed to issue sales invoices? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Allowed to sign contracts? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Allowed to import and export goods? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can rent an office space in Mauritania? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can buy Mauritania property? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total Mauritania business setup costs in yr. 1? | US$15,400 | US$17,400 | US$17,800 | US$16,400 |
| Subsequent annual costs (incl. accounting and tax fee)? | US$8,020 | US$9,020 | US$9,420 | US$8,020 |
| Sample engagement invoice? | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF |
