Is crypto legal in Mauritius? Rules & regulation (2026)

The VAITOS Act 2021 came into force on 7 February 2022 and is the primary law regulating virtual assets, VASPs and initial token offerings in or from Mauritius, administered by the FSC.

The FSC licenses VASPs in five classes (M Broker-Dealer, O Wallet, R Custodian, I Advisory, S Marketplace/Exchange), each with minimum capital (MUR 2m–6.5m), local physical presence, resident directors, and fit-and-proper controls.

Under Part IV of the VAITOS Act, only Mauritius-incorporated issuers may run Initial Token Offerings; issuers must register with the FSC and file a white paper with information on the issuer, business plan, technology, beneficial owners and CDD before offering tokens to the public.

The Bank of Mauritius has issued a Public Notice confirming that cryptocurrencies do not have legal tender status in Mauritius; there is no obligation to accept them as a means of payment, though they are recognised as having value.

Virtual assets are defined separately from securities under the VAITOS Act, but the FSC has clarified that fractionalised NFTs and NFTs with investment characteristics are regulated as securities under the Securities Act 2005, and platforms dealing in them need securities licences.

Carrying on VASP business in or from Mauritius without a valid FSC licence is an offence carrying fines of up to MUR 5 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years.