To start an online store in Mauritius: register your business (BRN), choose Shopify or WooCommerce, add your products, set up MCB Juice, card and cash-on-delivery payments, define delivery zones, add policy pages, and promote the store on Facebook and Instagram. A professional store can be live in about 10–21 days.
1. Step 1: Get your business ready
Register your business and get your Business Registration Number (BRN) – payment providers require it. Check whether you need to register for VAT (15% in Mauritius) with the MRA.
2. Step 2: Choose your platform
Shopify is the easiest to run; WooCommerce gives more control with no platform fee. Read our Shopify vs WooCommerce comparison to decide.
3. Step 3: Prepare products and photos
- Clear photos on a clean background (phone photos in daylight can work).
- Short, honest descriptions with sizes, materials and care.
- Prices in rupees, including VAT where required.
4. Step 4: Set up payments
Offer MCB Juice, card and cash on delivery. See our guide to online payments in Mauritius for Peach Payments and MIPS.
Want us to build it for you?
Mauritius-ready stores with Juice, card and COD – from $790, live in 10–21 days.
5. Step 5: Plan island-wide delivery
| Option | Good for |
|---|---|
| Own delivery | Small catalogues, Port Louis and Plaines Wilhems |
| Local couriers | Island-wide coverage |
| Mauritius Post | Low-cost parcels |
| Store pickup | Customers near your shop |
6. Step 6: Add trust and legal pages
Add privacy, returns, delivery and terms pages. Mauritius has a Data Protection Act (2017), so explain how you use customer data.
7. Step 7: Make it bilingual
English works for business, but French is widely used in media and retail. An English + French store reaches more customers.
8. Step 8: Launch and promote
- Announce on your Facebook and Instagram pages.
- Run small Meta ads targeting Mauritius.
- Reply fast on WhatsApp and Messenger.
- Ask first customers for reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a registered business to sell online in Mauritius?
To use card and Juice payment gateways you normally need a registered business with a BRN.
Which platform is best for an online store in Mauritius?
Shopify is easiest for most new stores; WooCommerce suits businesses that want more control or already use WordPress.
How do I deliver orders across Mauritius?
Use your own delivery, a local courier, Mauritius Post or store pickup, with delivery zones and rates shown at checkout.
How much does it cost to start an online store in Mauritius?
A professional store typically costs Rs 35,000–115,000+ to build, plus monthly platform or hosting fees.
How long does it take to launch?
Around 10–21 days for a professional store, depending on products and features.
Ready to launch your store in Mauritius?
MCB Juice, card & COD ready – from $790, live in 10–21 days.
Anees has spent 10+ years building online stores. His team of 16 has delivered 3,400+ Shopify, WooCommerce and business websites for brands in Mauritius, the Gulf, Europe, Canada and South Asia.