Investment Incentives
Invest With Confidence
Mauritania's 2024 Investment Code offers one of Africa's most competitive frameworks for foreign direct investment.
General Investment Code
Full exemption from corporate income tax for 5 to 8 years depending on sector and project location
0% import duty on capital equipment, machinery, and raw materials during the project setup phase
100% profit repatriation guaranteed by law with no capital controls on remittances
ICSID arbitration clause for international dispute resolution under World Bank rules
Equal treatment clause: foreign investors receive the same rights as domestic operators
Nouadhibou Free Zone
0% corporate tax, 0% VAT, and 0% import duties in perpetuity within the Free Zone perimeter
Simplified customs: single-window processing with 48-hour clearance guarantee
100% foreign ownership with zero local equity requirement
Dedicated zones for fisheries processing, logistics, energy, and manufacturing
Fast-track business registration: 72-hour incorporation guaranteed
Sectoral Incentives
Fisheries: 10-year full tax exemption plus subsidised berth access at Nouadhibou port
Mining: stabilisation clause locks in applicable tax rates for the full project lifetime
Renewable energy: feed-in tariff agreements and land concession support for IPPs
Agribusiness: free zone status available for agro-industrial parks in the Senegal River Valley
Infrastructure PPPs: government co-investment mechanisms and revenue guarantees available
Regional Context
How Mauritania Compares
A direct comparison of the investment climate across key metrics with comparable West African economies.
| Metric | Mauritania | Senegal | Morocco | Côte d'Ivoire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% | Up to 100% | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Corporate tax rate | 25% (5-8yr holiday) | 30% | 20% | 25% |
| Import duty on equipment | 0% during setup | Partial exemptions | Partial exemptions | Partial exemptions |
| Profit repatriation | Fully guaranteed | Fully guaranteed | Fully guaranteed | Restricted in some cases |
| International arbitration | ICSID + ICC | ICSID + OHADA | ICSID + ICC | ICSID + OHADA |
| Free zone | Nouadhibou (0% tax) | Dakar Industrial FZ | Tanger MED FZ | Grand Bassam FZ |
Application Process
Five Steps to Operating in Mauritania
Assess Your Opportunity
Submit Expression of Interest
Due Diligence and Structuring
Regulatory Approvals
Operational Launch
Business Setup
Setting Up in Mauritania
Through APIM's One-Stop Shop, company registration takes as little as 1 to 2 business days. The Nouadhibou Free Zone offers guaranteed 72-hour incorporation.
Legal Entity Types
SARL (LLC)
Most common for foreign investors
The société à responsabilité limitée is the most flexible structure. No minimum capital requirement, limited liability, and simplified governance. Suitable for most investment projects.
SA (PLC)
For larger operations
The société anonyme requires a minimum 500,000 MRU capital. Suitable for large-scale projects, joint ventures, or companies planning to raise equity financing.
Branch Office
Simplest for short-term projects
A branch of a foreign parent company. No capital requirement, simpler administration, and ideal for exploration or pilot-phase operations before full establishment.
Registration Steps
- 1
Prepare shareholder documents and company statutes
- 2
Register with RCCM (Commercial Register) — 1 to 2 days
- 3
Obtain NIF (Tax Identification Number) from tax authority
- 4
Register with CNSS (National Social Security Fund)
- 5
Register with CNAM (National Health Insurance Fund)
- 6
Open corporate bank account and deposit capital (SA only)
Documents Required
Certified copy of passport or national ID for all shareholders and directors
Company statutes (articles of association) — notarised
Declaration of non-conviction for all directors
Proof of registered office address in Mauritania
Bank confirmation of capital deposit (SA only)
FAQ
Common Questions
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Mauritania?
Yes. The Investment Code permits full foreign ownership across all sectors with no mandatory local equity requirement.
How long does business registration take?
Standard registration via the RCCM takes 5 to 7 business days. Nouadhibou Free Zone incorporation is guaranteed within 72 hours.
Are profits freely repatriable?
Yes. Mauritanian law guarantees full repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital with no restrictions or prior authorisation required.
Which international arbitration bodies are recognised?
The Investment Code explicitly provides for ICSID (World Bank) arbitration as well as ICC and OHADA arbitration, giving international investors full dispute resolution protection.
What is the corporate tax rate in Mauritania?
The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%. However, companies operating under the Investment Code benefit from a full exemption for 5 to 8 years depending on the sector, project size, and location. Companies in the Nouadhibou Free Zone pay 0% corporate tax for the first seven years.
Is there a minimum investment amount required to access investment incentives?
The Investment Code does not impose a universal minimum. However, individual incentive frameworks have thresholds: Priority A investments (large projects) require at least 500 million MRU; Priority B investments (smaller projects in rural or priority sectors) require 100 million MRU. Many sector-specific regimes have their own criteria.
Can I hire foreign staff for my Mauritanian company?
Yes. Foreign workers can be hired on standard employment contracts. Mauritanian law does not impose a mandatory local staffing ratio for executive positions, though companies are encouraged to prioritise local training and employment. Work permits are processed by the Ministry of Labour within 30 to 45 days.
Does Mauritania have double taxation treaties?
Yes. Mauritania has signed double taxation agreements with France, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, and several Gulf and Arab League member states. These agreements prevent investors from being taxed twice on the same income in both their home country and Mauritania.
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