The Corporate and Business Registration Integrated System (CBRIS) has revolutionized business registration in Mauritius, making it possible to register your business entirely online in as little as 3 working days—without ever visiting a government office.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the CBRIS registration process, from creating your account to downloading your Business Registration Number (BRN) certificate. Whether you're registering as a sole trader, partnership, or incorporating a company, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Business registration process

What is CBRIS?

CBRIS (Corporate and Business Registration Integrated System) is Mauritius's online portal for all business registrations, managed by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Launched as part of Mauritius's digital transformation initiative, CBRIS allows entrepreneurs to:

  • Register individual businesses (sole traders and partnerships)
  • Incorporate companies (private and public limited companies)
  • Reserve business and company names
  • File annual returns and amendments
  • Update business information
  • Download certificates and documents
  • Search business registries
  • Pay registration fees online

Official CBRIS Portal: cbris.intnet.mu

Operating hours: 24/7 online access
Support hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Processing time: 3 working days (individual BRN), 3-5 working days (corporate BRN)

Before You Start: Prerequisites and Requirements

System Requirements

Supported browsers:

  • Google Chrome (recommended)
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari

Device compatibility:

  • Desktop or laptop computer (recommended)
  • Tablet (possible but less convenient)
  • Smartphone (possible for viewing, difficult for registration)

Internet connection:

  • Stable broadband connection recommended
  • Mobile data acceptable (ensure strong signal)

Technical requirements:

  • PDF reader installed (for viewing documents)
  • Scanner or smartphone camera (for document uploads)
  • Email address (for notifications)
  • Valid payment method (credit/debit card or internet banking)

Documents You'll Need

For Individual BRN (Sole Trader/Partnership)

Essential documents:

  1. National Identity Card (both sides)
  • Must be valid
  • Clear, readable scan or photo
  • PDF or JPEG format
  • Maximum file size: 2MB per document
  1. Tax Account Number (TAN) Certificate
  • Obtain from MRA if you don't have one
  • Visit mra.mu to apply
  • Processing: 2-3 working days
  1. Proof of Business Address
  • Recent utility bill (water, electricity, telephone)
  • OR lease agreement with landlord's consent
  • OR property ownership deed
  • Must show physical address in Mauritius
  • Dated within last 3 months
  1. Business Name Certificate (if using trade name)
  • Only if not trading under your personal name
  • Obtain from District Court
  • Fee: Rs 210
  • Valid indefinitely

For Partnerships (additional documents):
5. Partnership Agreement

  • Signed by all partners
  • Clearly defines profit sharing
  • Specifies roles and responsibilities
  1. National ID and TAN for each partner
  • All partners must provide documentation
  • Each partner's residential address proof

For Corporate BRN (Company Incorporation)

Essential documents:

  1. Constitution (formerly Memorandum & Articles of Association)
  • Company rules and regulations
  • Share capital structure
  • Shareholder rights
  • Can use standard template or customize
  1. For each Director and Shareholder:
  • National Identity Card or Passport (scanned copy)
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill within 3 months)
  • Tax Account Number (TAN) certificate
  • Consent to act as director (for directors)
  • Certificate of solvency (if required)
  1. Registered Office Documents:
  • Proof of registered office address in Mauritius
  • Consent from property owner (if not owned by company)
  • Lease agreement or ownership deed
  1. Company Secretary Appointment:
  • Licensed company secretary details
  • Consent to act as company secretary
  • Secretary's business license number

Important: All documents must be:

  • Clear and legible
  • In PDF or JPEG format
  • Maximum 2MB per file
  • In English or French (translations required for other languages)
  • Original colors (not black and white if ID or official document)

Costs to Budget For

Individual BRN Registration Costs

Item Cost
BRN Registration (0 employees) Rs 125
BRN Registration (1-2 employees) Rs 300
BRN Registration (3-5 employees) Rs 600
BRN Registration (6-10 employees) Rs 1,000
BRN Registration (11-20 employees) Rs 1,500
Business Name Certificate (optional) Rs 210
Copy of BRN Certificate Rs 50
Name Reservation (optional) Rs 400

Corporate BRN Registration Costs

Item Cost
Company Name Reservation Rs 400
Company Incorporation FREE (Rs 0)
Copy of Certificate of Incorporation Rs 50
Certified True Copy Rs 50
Company Constitution filing FREE
Annual Return filing (first year free) FREE first year

Professional fees (if using service providers):

  • Lawyer for incorporation: Rs 15,000 - Rs 40,000
  • Company secretary (annual): Rs 10,000 - Rs 30,000
  • Accountant consultation: Rs 5,000 - Rs 15,000
  • Registered office (annual): Rs 5,000 - Rs 20,000

Step-by-Step: Individual BRN Registration on CBRIS

Step 1: Create Your CBRIS Account

  1. Visit the CBRIS portal
  • Go to cbris.intnet.mu
  • Click "Register" or "Create New Account" on homepage
  • You'll see the user registration form
  1. Fill in personal details
  • Full name (as per ID)
  • National Identity Card number
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Email address (use a secure, professional email)
  • Mobile phone number (for OTP verification)
  • Create a strong password (min 8 characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols)
  • Confirm password
  1. Verify your email
  • Check your inbox for verification email
  • Click verification link
  • Email verification usually instant
  • Check spam folder if not received within 5 minutes
  1. Verify your mobile number
  • Enter OTP (One-Time Password) sent via SMS
  • OTP valid for 10 minutes
  • Request new OTP if expired
  1. Complete security questions
  • Choose 2-3 security questions
  • Provide answers you'll remember
  • These are used for account recovery
  1. Account created successfully
  • You'll receive confirmation message
  • Can now log in to CBRIS portal

Troubleshooting account creation:

  • "Email already exists": You may have registered before. Use "Forgot Password" to recover.
  • "OTP not received": Check SMS inbox, wait 2 minutes, or click "Resend OTP"
  • "Invalid NIC number": Ensure you're entering your 14-character NIC correctly
  • "Password too weak": Must include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols

Step 2: Log In to Your CBRIS Account

  1. Navigate to login page
  • Go to cbris.intnet.mu
  • Click "Login" at top right
  • Enter your registered email
  • Enter your password
  • Complete CAPTCHA if shown
  • Click "Sign In"
  1. Navigate to your dashboard
  • You'll see the main CBRIS dashboard
  • Menu options on left sidebar
  • Your profile information at top right
  • Notification center for system messages

Dashboard sections:

  • "My Applications": Track your submissions
  • "Registry Search": Look up existing businesses
  • "Payments": View payment history
  • "Downloads": Access your certificates
  • "Help": FAQs and support contacts

Step 3: Start Individual Business Registration

  1. Select registration type
  • From left menu, click "Business Registration"
  • Select "New Individual Business Registration"
  • You'll see the registration form
  1. Choose business structure
  • Select "Sole Proprietorship" (one owner)
  • OR select "Partnership" (2-20 partners)
  • Click "Next"

Step 4: Enter Business Details

Section A: Business Name

  1. Choose how you'll trade
  • Option 1: "Under my own name" (e.g., "John Smith")
  • Option 2: "Under a business name" (e.g., "Creative Solutions")
  • Option 3: "Under my own name and business name" (e.g., "John Smith trading as Creative Solutions")
  1. Enter business name (if applicable)
  • Type your desired business name
  • Click "Check Availability"
  • System searches existing registrations
  • Green checkmark = name available
  • Red X = name taken, choose different name
  1. Upload Business Name Certificate (if required)
  • If using a trade name, upload certificate from District Court
  • Click "Choose File"
  • Select PDF or JPEG
  • File must be under 2MB
  • Click "Upload"

Section B: Business Activity

  1. Select nature of business
  • Choose primary business category from dropdown
  • Options include: Retail, Services, Manufacturing, Construction, etc.
  • Select most relevant category
  1. Describe business activities
  • Enter detailed description (max 500 characters)
  • Be specific about products or services
  • Example: "Graphic design services for corporate clients, including logo design, branding, and marketing materials"
  1. Select business sector
  • Choose from ISIC (International Standard Industrial Classification) codes
  • Type keywords to search
  • Select most appropriate code
  • This helps with statistical classification

Section C: Business Address

  1. Enter physical business address
  • Street name and number
  • Town or village
  • District
  • Postal code
  • Must be a Mauritius address
  • Cannot be a P.O. Box (must be physical location)
  1. Upload proof of address
  • Click "Choose File"
  • Upload utility bill, lease agreement, or property deed
  • Must be dated within last 3 months
  • Clearly shows the address entered
  • PDF or JPEG, max 2MB
  1. Enter contact details
  • Business phone number (landline or mobile)
  • Business email address (if different from personal)
  • Website URL (optional)
  • Social media handles (optional)

Section D: Owner Information

  1. Personal details auto-filled
  • Your name, NIC, and contact from account
  • Review for accuracy
  • Update if needed
  1. Upload Tax Account Number (TAN)
  • Click "Choose File"
  • Upload your TAN certificate from MRA
  • PDF or JPEG, max 2MB
  1. Upload National Identity Card
  • Upload front of NIC
  • Upload back of NIC
  • Ensure both sides are clear and readable
  • Must be valid (not expired)

Section E: Employment Information

  1. Specify number of employees
  • Select from dropdown:
  • 0 employees (self-employed only) → Rs 125 fee
  • 1-2 employees → Rs 300 fee
  • 3-5 employees → Rs 600 fee
  • 6-10 employees → Rs 1,000 fee
  • 11-20 employees → Rs 1,500 fee
  1. This determines your registration fee
  • Fee shown immediately
  • Can change employee number if you made an error

For Partnerships Only:

Section F: Partner Information

  1. Click "Add Partner"
  • Enter each partner's details
  • Full name
  • National ID number
  • Contact information
  • Residential address
  1. Upload partner documents
  • National ID (both sides)
  • TAN certificate
  • Proof of address
  • For each partner
  1. Upload Partnership Agreement
  • Signed partnership deed
  • Showing profit-sharing arrangement
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • PDF format, max 5MB
  1. Specify profit distribution
  • Percentage share for each partner
  • Must total 100%
  • Example: Partner A 60%, Partner B 40%

Step 5: Review and Declaration

  1. Review all information carefully
  • Check for spelling errors
  • Verify all details are accurate
  • Ensure addresses match documents
  • Confirm employee count is correct
  1. Declaration section
  • Read the declaration statement
  • Checkbox: "I declare that all information provided is true and correct"
  • Checkbox: "I understand that providing false information is an offense"
  • Enter your full name
  • Enter date
  1. Click "Submit Application"
  • System validates all fields
  • Red error messages if anything missing
  • Fix errors and resubmit
  • Green success message when accepted

Step 6: Make Payment

  1. Payment summary screen
  • Application reference number displayed
  • WRITE DOWN THIS NUMBER (important for tracking)
  • Registration fee shown
  • Additional fees (if any)
  • Total amount due
  1. Choose payment method
  • Credit card (Visa, MasterCard)
  • Debit card
  • Internet banking (MCB, SBM, ABC, MauBank, MTML)
  • Select your preferred method
  1. Enter payment details
  • Card number (for card payments)
  • Expiry date
  • CVV code
  • Cardholder name
  • OR log in to internet banking
  1. Complete payment
  • Click "Pay Now"
  • Redirected to secure payment gateway
  • Complete authentication (OTP, 3D Secure)
  • Payment processed
  1. Payment confirmation
  • Success message displayed
  • Receipt generated
  • Receipt number provided
  • Download and save receipt (PDF)
  • Email confirmation sent

Payment troubleshooting:

  • "Payment failed": Check card balance, ensure sufficient funds, verify card is enabled for online payments
  • "Transaction timeout": Internet connection issue. Check if payment was deducted before trying again
  • "Card declined": Contact your bank to enable online/international transactions
  • "Receipt not generated": Check your email, or download from "Payments" section later

Step 7: Track Your Application

  1. Navigate to "My Applications"
  • Click "My Applications" in left menu
  • See list of all your applications
  • Find your recent submission by reference number
  1. Application status indicators
  • "Submitted": Received by ROC, pending review
  • "Under Processing": Being reviewed by officer
  • "Query Raised": Additional information needed (check notifications)
  • "Approved": Registration successful
  • "Rejected": Application denied (see reason)
  1. Processing timeline
  • Day 1: Application submitted and payment confirmed
  • Day 2-3: Under review by ROC officer
  • Day 3: Approval (if no issues)
  • Total: 3 working days
  1. Email notifications
  • Application received confirmation
  • Payment successful notification
  • Status updates
  • Approval notification
  • Certificate ready for download

If query is raised:

  • Check "Notifications" in your dashboard
  • Read the query carefully
  • Provide requested information/documents
  • Upload via "Respond to Query" button
  • Submit response
  • Processing continues (may add 1-2 days)

Step 8: Download Your BRN Certificate

  1. Wait for approval notification
  • Email: "Your business registration has been approved"
  • SMS notification (if you opted in)
  • Certificate ready to download
  1. Access your certificate
  • Log in to CBRIS
  • Go to "My Applications"
  • Find your approved application
  • Click "View" or "Download Certificate"
  1. Download the BRN certificate
  • Certificate in PDF format
  • Contains:
  • Your Business Registration Number (BRN)
  • Business name
  • Business address
  • Owner name(s)
  • Nature of business
  • Date of registration
  • Validity period (1 year)
  • ROC seal and signature
  1. Save and print
  • Download to secure location
  • Print multiple copies (you'll need them)
  • Keep digital backup in cloud storage
  • Print on quality paper for official use
  1. Verify certificate details
  • Check all information is correct
  • Ensure BRN number is clearly visible
  • Verify expiry date (1 year from registration)

If you find errors on certificate:

  • Contact ROC immediately
  • Email: roc@govmu.org
  • Phone: +230 201 4800
  • Request amendment with evidence
  • May require new application

Step 9: Post-Registration Requirements

Your BRN registration is complete, but you have additional obligations:

  1. Register for Tax
  • Visit MRA office or portal (mra.mu)
  • Register for income tax
  • If turnover > Rs 6 million: Register for VAT
  • Obtain tax clearance certificate
  1. Apply for Trade License (if required)
  • Check if your business activity is a "classified trade"
  • Apply at your local District Council
  • Submit BRN certificate
  • Pay trade license fee (typically Rs 5,000)
  • Processing: 2-4 weeks
  1. Register Employees (if applicable)
  • Register with National Pensions Fund (NPF)
  • Register with National Savings Fund (NSF)
  • Set up PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) tax deductions
  • Obtain employers' registration numbers
  1. Open Business Bank Account
  • Visit bank with BRN certificate
  • Provide ID, proof of address, business documents
  • Choose business account package
  • Processing: 1-2 weeks
  1. Get Business Insurance
  • Professional indemnity (for service providers)
  • Public liability
  • Property insurance (if premises/equipment)
  • Key person insurance (optional)

Step-by-Step: Corporate BRN Registration (Company Incorporation)

Step 1: Reserve Your Company Name

Before incorporating, you must reserve your company name.

  1. Log in to CBRIS
  • Access your account
  • Navigate to "Company Registration"
  • Select "Name Reservation"
  1. Search name availability
  • Enter desired company name (must end with "Ltd" or "Limited")
  • Click "Check Availability"
  • System searches registered companies
  • Green = available, Red = taken
  1. Submit name reservation
  • If available, click "Reserve This Name"
  • Provide reason for reservation
  • Specify company type (private/public)
  • Submit application
  1. Pay reservation fee
  • Fee: Rs 400
  • Valid for 90 days
  • Pay via credit/debit card or internet banking
  • Download receipt
  1. Receive name reservation approval
  • Processing: 1-2 working days
  • Approval notification via email
  • Download Name Reservation Certificate
  • You have 90 days to incorporate

Name rules:

  • Must end with "Limited" or "Ltd" for private companies
  • Cannot be identical to existing registered companies
  • Cannot include restricted words (Bank, Insurance, Trust) without license
  • Cannot be offensive or misleading
  • Must be in English or French

Step 2: Prepare Your Company Constitution

The Constitution (formerly Memorandum and Articles of Association) is your company's rulebook.

What to include:

  1. Company Details
  • Company name (as reserved)
  • Registered office address in Mauritius
  • Objects and purposes of the company
  1. Share Capital Structure
  • Number of authorized shares
  • Classes of shares (ordinary, preference)
  • Par value per share (or no par value)
  • Rights attached to each share class
  1. Shareholder Rights
  • Voting rights
  • Dividend rights
  • Transfer restrictions
  • Pre-emption rights
  1. Director Provisions
  • Number of directors (minimum 1 for private company)
  • Powers and duties
  • Appointment and removal procedures
  • Remuneration
  1. Meeting Procedures
  • Notice periods
  • Quorum requirements
  • Voting procedures
  • Record keeping

Options:

  • Use standard template: CBRIS provides default Constitution (suitable for simple companies)
  • Customize: Hire lawyer to draft custom Constitution (recommended for complex structures)

Cost:

  • Standard template: FREE
  • Custom drafting: Rs 10,000 - Rs 30,000 (lawyer fees)

Step 3: Complete Incorporation Application

  1. Navigate to incorporation section
  • Log in to CBRIS
  • Click "Company Registration"
  • Select "New Company Incorporation"
  • Choose "Private Company Limited by Shares" (most common)
  1. Enter company name
  • Enter your reserved company name exactly
  • Provide name reservation reference number
  • System verifies reservation

Section A: Company Details

  1. Registered office address
  • Full physical address in Mauritius
  • Cannot be P.O. Box
  • Must be available for official correspondence
  • Upload proof (lease, consent letter, ownership deed)
  1. Principal business address (if different)
  • Where business operations occur
  • Can be same as registered office
  1. Nature of business
  • Select business category
  • Enter detailed description
  • Choose ISIC code
  1. Financial year end
  • Choose your accounting year end date
  • Most common: June 30 or December 31
  • Consider tax planning implications

Section B: Share Capital

  1. Authorized share capital
  • Number of shares the company can issue
  • Example: 100,000 ordinary shares
  • No minimum required by law
  1. Share classes
  • Ordinary shares (most common)
  • Preference shares (optional)
  • Define rights for each class
  1. Par value (if applicable)
  • Nominal value per share
  • Example: Rs 1 per share
  • Can have no par value shares
  1. Initial share allotment
  • Number of shares to issue at incorporation
  • Who receives shares
  • Amount paid (issued and paid-up capital)

Example structure:

  • Authorized capital: 100,000 ordinary shares of Rs 1 each
  • Issued capital: 10,000 shares
  • Paid-up capital: Rs 10,000
  • Shareholder A: 6,000 shares (60%)
  • Shareholder B: 4,000 shares (40%)

Section C: Shareholders

  1. Add each shareholder
  • Click "Add Shareholder"
  • Enter full name
  • National ID or passport number
  • Residential address
  • Email and phone
  • Number of shares allocated
  • Percentage ownership
  1. Upload shareholder documents
  • National ID or passport (certified copy)
  • Proof of residential address
  • TAN certificate (if Mauritian resident)
  1. Shareholding summary
  • System calculates percentages
  • Must total 100%
  • Verify allocation is correct

Section D: Directors

  1. Add each director
  • Click "Add Director"
  • Enter full name
  • National ID or passport
  • Residential address
  • Contact details
  • Occupation
  1. Upload director documents
  • National ID or passport (certified copy)
  • Proof of address (utility bill within 3 months)
  • TAN certificate
  • Consent to act as director (signed declaration)
  • Certificate of solvency (declaration that not bankrupt)
  1. Designate positions
  • Chairperson (optional)
  • Managing Director (optional)
  • Executive vs non-executive

Director requirements:

  • Minimum 1 director for private company
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Cannot be undischarged bankrupt
  • Can be non-Mauritian (no nationality restriction)
  • Should not be disqualified under Companies Act

Section E: Company Secretary

  1. Appoint licensed company secretary
  • Enter secretary's name
  • Company secretary license number
  • Business address
  • Contact details
  1. Upload secretary's consent
  • Signed consent to act as company secretary
  • Copy of license
  • Proof of registered office (if secretary provides)

Important: Company secretary must be licensed by ROC. Cannot be sole director if only one director.

Finding a company secretary:

  • Search ROC registry of licensed secretaries
  • Typical fee: Rs 10,000 - Rs 30,000 annually
  • Provides registered office address usually

Section F: Constitution

  1. Upload Company Constitution
  • Select "Use Standard Constitution" (template)
  • OR "Upload Custom Constitution"
  • If custom: upload PDF, max 10MB
  • Ensure all pages included
  1. Declaration of compliance
  • Constitution complies with Companies Act 2001
  • All details in Constitution are accurate

Step 4: Review and Submit

  1. Review comprehensive summary
  • All company details
  • All shareholders and percentages
  • All directors
  • Company secretary
  • Registered office
  • Constitution details
  1. Make corrections if needed
  • Click "Edit" on any section
  • Update information
  • Re-upload documents if necessary
  1. Declarations
  • Check: "All information is true and correct"
  • Check: "I have authority to submit this application"
  • Check: "Constitution complies with Companies Act 2001"
  • Enter your name and date
  1. Submit application
  • Click "Submit Incorporation Application"
  • System validates all information
  • Fix any errors shown in red
  • Successful submission message
  • Note your application reference number

Step 5: Pay Incorporation Fee

Good news: Company incorporation is FREE in Mauritius!

However, you may have optional costs:

  1. Certificate copies
  • Copy of Certificate of Incorporation: Rs 50
  • Certified true copy: Rs 50
  • Select how many copies needed
  1. Make payment (if applicable)
  • Credit/debit card
  • Internet banking
  • Confirm payment
  • Download receipt
  1. If no payment required
  • Application proceeds to processing
  • No payment step needed

Step 6: Application Processing

  1. Processing timeline
  • Day 1: Application submitted
  • Day 1-3: Document verification
  • Day 2-4: Legal compliance review
  • Day 3-5: Approval and certificate generation
  • Total: 3-5 working days
  1. Track application status
  • Log in to CBRIS
  • Navigate to "My Applications"
  • View status updates
  • "Submitted" → "Processing" → "Approved"
  1. Respond to queries promptly
  • If ROC raises any questions
  • Check notifications daily
  • Upload additional documents if requested
  • Respond within 7 days to avoid rejection

Step 7: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

  1. Approval notification
  • Email: "Your company incorporation is approved"
  • SMS notification
  • Available for download
  1. Download your certificates
  • Log in to CBRIS
  • Go to "My Applications"
  • Find approved application
  • Download documents:
  • Certificate of Incorporation (company birth certificate)
  • Corporate BRN Certificate (business registration number)
  • Company Constitution (stamped and filed)
  1. Verify certificate details
  • Company name (exactly as applied)
  • Company number (unique identifier)
  • BRN number
  • Date of incorporation
  • Registered office address
  • ROC seal and signature
  1. Print and store securely
  • Print multiple certified copies
  • Keep originals in safe place
  • Digital backups in secure cloud storage

Your company now legally exists!

Step 8: Post-Incorporation Requirements

  1. Statutory registers
  • Maintain register of shareholders
  • Maintain register of directors
  • Maintain register of charges (if applicable)
  • Keep at registered office
  1. Open corporate bank account
  • Visit bank with incorporation documents
  • Board resolution authorizing account opening
  • ID and proof of address for all directors
  • Processing: 2-4 weeks
  1. Tax registrations
  • Register for corporate tax with MRA
  • Tax Account Number (TAN) for company
  • VAT registration (if applicable)
  • PAYE registration (if hiring employees)
  1. Trade license (if required)
  • Apply at District Council
  • Submit incorporation documents
  • Pay license fee (typically Rs 5,000)
  1. Hold first board meeting
  • Appoint officers
  • Authorize bank account
  • Approve company seal (optional)
  • Issue share certificates to shareholders
  • Approve registered office address
  • Record minutes
  1. Issue share certificates
  • Prepare share certificates for each shareholder
  • Showing number and class of shares
  • Signed by director and secretary
  • Distribute to shareholders
  1. Plan first Annual General Meeting
  • Must be within 18 months of incorporation
  • Then annually within 15 months of previous AGM

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

During Account Creation

Error: "Email already registered"
Solution: Use "Forgot Password" to recover your account, or use a different email address.

Error: "Invalid NIC number"
Solution: Enter your 14-character NIC exactly as on your ID card, including letter at end.

Error: "OTP not received"
Solution: Wait 2 minutes, check SMS spam, ensure mobile number is correct, click "Resend OTP."

During Registration

Error: "Business name not available"
Solution: Choose a different name. Try variations, add descriptive words, or use your personal name.

Error: "File upload failed"
Solution:

  • Ensure file is under 2MB (compress if needed)
  • Use PDF or JPEG format only
  • Check filename has no special characters
  • Try different browser

Error: "Invalid document uploaded"
Solution:

  • Ensure document is clear and legible
  • Upload correct document type
  • Ensure all pages included
  • Save scanned documents properly before uploading

Error: "Address proof not accepted"
Solution:

  • Ensure document dated within last 3 months
  • Address must match exactly what you entered
  • Use utility bill, lease agreement, or property deed only
  • Ensure document shows physical address (not P.O. Box)

During Payment

Error: "Payment failed"
Solution:

  • Check card balance/available limit
  • Enable online transactions with your bank
  • Try different payment method
  • Wait 1 hour before retrying to avoid duplicate charges

Error: "Transaction timeout"
Solution:

  • Check if amount was deducted from account
  • If deducted, don't pay again—contact ROC
  • If not deducted, retry with stable internet connection

Error: "Receipt not generated"
Solution:

  • Check your email inbox and spam
  • Wait 10 minutes, then check "Payments" section in dashboard
  • Contact ROC if still unavailable after 24 hours

After Submission

Query: "Proof of address not clear"
Solution: Re-scan document in higher resolution, ensure all text readable, upload again.

Query: "Business name certificate required"
Solution: You must obtain business name certificate from District Court (Rs 210), then upload to CBRIS.

Query: "Partnership agreement missing signatures"
Solution: Ensure all partners have signed the agreement, scan signature pages clearly, re-upload.

Query: "Constitution not compliant"
Solution: Review Companies Act requirements, amend Constitution as per ROC comments, seek lawyer help if needed.

Query: "Director consent not uploaded"
Solution: Each director must sign and date "Consent to Act as Director" form, upload for each director.

CBRIS Features: Beyond Registration

Search for existing businesses:

  • Search by business name
  • Search by BRN number
  • Search by owner name
  • Verify competitor registrations
  • Check name availability

How to search:

  1. Log in to CBRIS
  2. Click "Registry Search"
  3. Enter search criteria
  4. View public information
  5. Download extracts (small fee)

What you can see:

  • Business/company name
  • BRN/company number
  • Registration date
  • Business address
  • Nature of business
  • Status (active/ceased)

Privacy note: Full details of owners/directors not publicly visible for privacy protection.

2. Annual Return Filing

For companies:

  • File annual return within 28 days of AGM
  • Submit via CBRIS
  • Update any changes in directors/shareholders
  • Fee: Rs 500 (reduced from previous rates)

How to file:

  1. Log in to CBRIS
  2. Select "Annual Return Filing"
  3. Choose your company
  4. Update information (directors, shareholders, address)
  5. Upload AGM minutes
  6. Submit and pay fee
  7. Download stamped return

3. Amendment Applications

Change business details:

  • Business address
  • Nature of business
  • Add/remove partners
  • Change number of employees (affects fees)

For companies:

  • Change registered office address
  • Add/remove directors or shareholders
  • Change company secretary
  • Amend Constitution

How to amend:

  1. Log in to CBRIS
  2. Select "Amendment Application"
  3. Choose what to amend
  4. Provide updated information
  5. Upload supporting documents
  6. Pay amendment fee (if applicable)
  7. Processing: 3-5 working days

4. Certificate Renewals

Individual BRN renewal:

  • Due annually
  • Renew 30 days before expiry
  • Pay renewal fee (based on employees)
  • Download new certificate
  • Late renewal: 50% surcharge

How to renew:

  1. Log in to CBRIS
  2. CBRIS will show renewal reminder
  3. Click "Renew BRN"
  4. Update employee number if changed
  5. Pay renewal fee
  6. Download renewed certificate immediately

5. Document Downloads

Access anytime:

  • Original registration certificates
  • Renewal certificates
  • Annual returns (filed history)
  • Payment receipts
  • Constitution (for companies)

Download options:

  • PDF format
  • Certified true copies (fee applies)
  • Print or save to device

Tips for Successful CBRIS Registration

Before You Start

Gather all documents first

  • Don't start application until you have everything
  • Scan all documents clearly
  • Save in correct format and size
  • Test uploads before beginning

Choose business name carefully

  • Check availability first
  • Consider future growth and branding
  • Ensure it reflects your business
  • Avoid names that limit expansion

Have payment method ready

  • Ensure sufficient funds/credit
  • Enable online transactions
  • Have backup payment method
  • Note that processing may take few minutes

During Registration

Use strong internet connection

  • Stable broadband or strong mobile signal
  • Avoid public WiFi
  • Don't let session timeout (complete in one sitting)

Save your application reference number

  • Write it down immediately
  • Take screenshot
  • Save email confirmation
  • You'll need it for tracking

Double-check all information

  • Spelling of names
  • ID numbers
  • Addresses exactly as on documents
  • Email addresses (no typos)

Use recommended browsers

  • Chrome works best
  • Firefox is good alternative
  • Update browser to latest version

After Submission

Track your application

  • Check status daily
  • Respond to queries immediately
  • Don't wait until last day of deadline

Keep email notifications

  • Create folder for CBRIS emails
  • Keep all receipts and confirmations
  • Save certificate downloads immediately

Complete post-registration steps

  • Don't stop at BRN registration
  • Follow through with tax, licenses, bank account
  • Set reminders for renewals and deadlines

Getting Help with CBRIS

ROC Contact Information

Registrar of Companies
Address: ROC Building, Corner Barracks & St George Streets, Port Louis, Mauritius

Phone:

  • General Inquiries: +230 201 4800
  • Technical Support: +230 201 4850

Email:

Office Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays

Walk-in Help Desk:

  • Available during office hours
  • Bring ID and application reference number
  • Queue system in place

Online Resources

CBRIS Help Center:

Government Portal:

  • govmu.org
  • Business section
  • Downloadable guides
  • Legal frameworks

Professional Help

When to hire a professional:

  • Complex corporate structures
  • Multiple shareholders with agreements needed
  • Customized company Constitution
  • International shareholders/directors
  • Special licenses required
  • You're unsure about any step

Finding help:

  • Lawyers for legal structure and contracts
  • Company secretaries for incorporation and ongoing compliance
  • Accountants for tax implications and planning

Troubleshooting Checklist

If your application is delayed or rejected, check:

Common issues:

  • All documents uploaded clearly and legibly
  • File sizes under 2MB each
  • Correct file formats (PDF/JPEG)
  • All required documents provided
  • Address on proof matches what you entered
  • Proof of address dated within 3 months
  • National ID is valid (not expired)
  • TAN certificate uploaded
  • Business name available (if checked)
  • Business name certificate obtained (if using trade name)
  • Payment successful (check bank statement)
  • No special characters in business name
  • "Limited" or "Ltd" included for company name
  • All partners/directors have submitted documents
  • Constitution uploaded (for companies)
  • Company secretary appointed and consented (for companies)
  • Declaration checkboxes ticked
  • Application submitted (not just saved as draft)

Conclusion: Your Business Starts Here

CBRIS has made business registration in Mauritius faster, easier, and more accessible than ever before. With this guide, you have everything you need to successfully register your business online—from creating your account to downloading your certificate.

Remember:

  • Individual BRN: 3 working days, Rs 125-1,500, suitable for sole traders
  • Corporate BRN: 3-5 working days, FREE incorporation, suitable for companies
  • All done online, 24/7 access
  • Professional help available if needed

The hardest part is often just getting started. Don't let analysis paralysis stop you. Follow this guide, gather your documents, and take the first step toward making your business official.

Ready to Register Your Business?

If you need professional assistance with CBRIS registration, company incorporation, or understanding which structure is right for you, connect with experienced lawyers and company secretaries who can guide you through the process.

Find Business Registration Professionals →

Last updated: January 2026. CBRIS interface and processes verified as of January 2026. Always check the official CBRIS portal for the most current information and procedures.