Obtain a Crypto License in the Comoros: Opening the Door to Borderless Crypto Operations

Any company working with cryptocurrencies is required to obtain a crypto license in the Comoros. This requirement is not decorative. The license confirms that the business has implemented measures to protect client crypto assets and operates within the boundaries of the applicable legal framework. At the same time, it allows crypto businesses to function internationally without drowning in administrative friction.

The Comoros is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, made up of three autonomous islands: Grand Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli. Despite its size, the jurisdiction has quietly become a point of interest for entrepreneurs in digital finance.

The appeal lies in a rare balance. The Comoros combines a formally liberal attitude toward virtual assets with minimal public regulatory pressure. In real terms, it remains one of the few jurisdictions where crypto licensing is still financially accessible compared to most offshore alternatives. A low entry threshold, simplified procedures, and a flexible stance toward foreign-owned companies make the Comoros a practical choice for launching and expanding crypto ventures.

Crypto Regulation in the Comoros: Understanding the Rules Before Obtaining a Comoros Crypto License

The Comoros does not have a dedicated legal framework governing virtual assets. There is no explicit ban on the use or circulation of digital assets, which means a crypto business may be registered in the Comoros without formally obtaining a Comoros crypto license in the classical sense. The current legal system does not define the concept of a VASP, nor does it impose mandatory requirements on share capital, compliance procedures, or reporting standards for participants in the crypto market. In practical terms, there is no formal regulatory regime that allows for the issuance of a crypto license in the Comoros. Still, for clarity and convenience, this article uses the term “Comoros crypto license” as a working concept.

To understand the regulatory landscape, reports issued by international bodies play a key role, particularly those from Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). Their assessments note that the Comoros has not implemented a supervisory framework for virtual asset service providers and has not introduced mandatory licensing at the legislative level. As a result, crypto-related activity in the Comoros is governed mainly by general rules applicable to corporate law, taxation, and banking, rather than by crypto-specific regulation.

If you are planning to obtain a crypto license in the Comoros, the key question is whether your business activity could be classified as a financial service. If so, it may fall under the oversight of the Central Bank of the Comoros. Projects focused on software development, creation and administration of digital platforms, or consulting and marketing services that do not involve receiving, holding, or managing client funds are generally outside the scope of financial supervision.

Advantages of Obtaining a Crypto License in the Comoros: Why Founders Choose This Route

Companies and entrepreneurs from across the globe increasingly decide to obtain a crypto license in the Comoros because the financial entry requirements are noticeably lighter than in most alternative jurisdictions. The relatively low cost of crypto licensing, combined with moderate administrative expenses—office rent, staffing, and general operating costs—makes it possible to cut initial outlays significantly. That frees up capital for what actually matters: product development, marketing, and scaling the business.

Companies registered in the Comoros gain the ability to move funds freely without facing additional restrictions on cross-border transfers. This simplifies day-to-day operations, makes cooperation with international partners smoother, and allows for more flexible liquidity management. At the same time, existing data protection mechanisms help safeguard client information and assets, which remains a critical factor for any crypto-facing business.

That said, digital assets remain one of the most volatile and difficult-to-predict segments of the global financial system. Banks and payment providers tend to approach this sector with caution by default. Even though the Comoros does not operate a classic VASP licensing regime, obtaining a crypto license in the Comoros can still serve as a signal of transparency. It demonstrates that the business follows regulatory principles and governance standards, which may positively influence trust levels among partners, investors, and financial institutions.

The islands are also actively discussing and exploring the future of digital financial services. This creates room for gradual integration of cryptocurrencies and broader access to modern financial tools. The existing use of mobile payment services already provides a basic infrastructure for digital transactions, making a transition toward crypto-based payments more realistic over time.

From a tax perspective, the Comoros applies a territorial taxation model. Only profits generated within the country are subject to taxation. Income earned abroad is not taxed at the corporate level and is not subject to capital gains tax or dividend taxation. A Comoros crypto license allows its holder to operate internationally, serving clients worldwide and creating real opportunities for global expansion rather than remaining locked into a local market.

Requirements for Obtaining a Crypto License in the Comoros: What the Regulator Actually Looks At

The absence of a standalone legal regime for virtual assets in the Comoros reshapes the entire idea of a “crypto license.” In practice, obtaining a crypto license in the Comoros means securing permission to carry out financial activities under general banking law. Local legislation does not distinguish between classic financial services and projects built on digital or blockchain technologies. As a result, any crypto-related initiative that shows signs of handling money or acting in the financial interests of clients automatically falls under the standard licensing framework applied to financial institutions.

When a company obtains a crypto license in the Comoros, it is effectively recognised as a lawful participant in the financial market and comes under the supervision of the Banque Centrale des Comores (BCC). In concrete terms, this is a financial institution licence issued after a detailed review of the submitted documentation and formal approval by the Central Bank. There is no alternative legal shortcut: this is the only legitimate route to legalising activities that involve financial operations in a broad sense.

An application to obtain a crypto license in the Comoros may be reviewed by the Central Bank for up to six months. If no positive decision is issued within this period, the application is deemed rejected automatically. Once granted, the licence is not perpetual. It must be renewed annually, with payment of the applicable fee and submission of compliance review results confirming that the company continues to meet regulatory expectations.

Approval of the licence is treated by the regulator as a general authorisation to conduct financial activities within the islands. As a consequence, the company becomes subject to a standard set of regulatory requirements, including:

• maintaining a minimum capital level sufficient to ensure financial stability and the ability to meet obligations to clients and counterparties;
• implementing a sound corporate governance framework, including internal control functions, as well as demonstrating the integrity, reputation, and professional competence of directors and key decision-makers;
• ensuring full transparency regarding the origin of funds used in the business.

In short, obtaining a crypto license in the Comoros is less about crypto-specific rules and more about proving that the business can operate responsibly within a traditional financial supervision model—one that still governs digital finance by default rather than by design.

How to Obtain a Crypto License in the Comoros: Navigating Central Bank Approval Without Illusions

As already noted, virtual asset service providers in the Comoros are not regulated through a standalone crypto framework. Instead, they enter the market through the general financial authorisation mechanism known as agrément, which sits squarely under the authority of the Central Bank. From a legal perspective, obtaining a crypto license in the Comoros starts with submitting an application to the Banque Centrale des Comores (BCC) on behalf of a locally registered company. The regulator focuses less on buzzwords and more on fundamentals: how the business operates, where the money comes from, how client funds are handled, and how risks are controlled.

In practical terms, the route to obtaining a crypto license in the Comoros unfolds through several clear steps:

• incorporation of the company and formal filing of the application with the Central Bank;
• verification that the document package is complete, coherent, and internally consistent;
• substantive review of the business model and the structure of corporate control;
• assessment of management, including professional background checks and analysis of capital sources;
• adoption of a final decision at the level of the governing bodies of the BCC.

The documentation required to obtain a VASP-style licence in the Comoros is rooted in banking legislation and regulatory acts issued by the Central Bank. Beyond standard KYC and enhanced due diligence, applicants must typically provide:

• a comprehensive business plan explaining operations, revenue flows, and risk management logic;
• CVs of all directors;
• identification documents and full contact details for directors and all beneficial owners.

The regulator pays close attention to the reputation and suitability of the management team. The law requires evidence of competence, integrity, and relevant experience from individuals in key decision-making roles. At least two senior managers must be formally appointed and approved by the Central Bank. The BCC also reserves the right to request additional explanations, particularly regarding the origin of shareholder funds, internal group transactions, and financial relationships with affiliated entities. Any refusal to disclose requested information—or attempts to narrow transparency—are treated as legitimate grounds for denial.

In reality, obtaining a crypto license in the Comoros is an exercise in financial credibility. The Central Bank expects crypto businesses to behave like regulated financial institutions first and innovative tech ventures second. Those who understand this logic tend to move forward; those who don’t usually stall at the application stage.

Obtaining a Crypto License in the Comoros: Taxes Without Illusions, Numbers Without Romance

Once you move to obtain a crypto license in the Comoros, taxation stops being a background detail and becomes a core operational issue. The jurisdiction does not offer a special tax regime for crypto businesses. Virtual assets have no standalone legal status, so crypto-related income is taxed under the same corporate rules that apply to any other business. In practical terms, this means a 35% corporate income tax on taxable profits.

Tax authorities in the Comoros are not interested in whether revenue was generated through tokens, platforms, or smart contracts. Their focus is purely economic: what the company does, where income originates, and whether profit is realised. As a result, crypto businesses are treated like standard commercial entities registered in the jurisdiction. In addition to corporate tax, companies may face local levies if they have economic presence or a permanent establishment, as well as withholding tax on cross-border payments. Depending on the nature of the income, withholding rates can reach 10–15%.

One of the most sensitive aspects of crypto taxation in the Comoros is proving that operations make economic sense and that capital sources are legitimate. Where financial reporting lacks clarity, or where a licence exists only on paper, companies often encounter resistance outside the jurisdiction. Banking relationships may be denied, payment flows interrupted, and counterparties become cautious. The risk escalates further if documents presented to third parties are not recognised by the official regulator. In such cases, tax authorities may reassess the company’s position, recalculate corporate tax, and apply penalties.

Obtaining a crypto license in the Comoros does not mean escaping taxes. It means operating within a traditional tax framework where substance matters more than labels. Clean accounting, transparent capital flows, and defensible business logic are what keep the structure standing—everything else is just decoration.

Key Risk Factors for Crypto Projects in the Comoros

Without a comprehensive legal analysis of the business model, revenue sources, and compliance with financial legislation, a crypto license in the Comoros may become a trigger for heightened scrutiny from foreign counterparties rather than a mark of credibility.

Understanding the Real Cost of Operating Crypto in the Comoros

There is no separate VASP licence regime in the Comoros. Any business dealing with financial flows is assessed through the general financial supervision framework. That reality leaves no room for improvisation. A viable legal approach must rest on a thorough understanding of the company’s business mechanics, tax positioning, and exposure to international compliance standards.

For digital asset projects, the key question is not where the company is registered, but how its activities will be interpreted by regulators, banks, and partners outside the jurisdiction. This matters most for Comoros-based crypto companies targeting foreign markets, where informal structures and weak compliance quickly become deal-breakers.

In practical terms, operating legally means securing authorisation for financial activity—the functional equivalent of licensing applied to banks and investment firms. The approval process demands substance: a defensible corporate setup, documented risk management, and compliance procedures that go beyond paper formalities. Without this groundwork, the structure remains fragile.

With experience across crypto and fintech projects, I provide end-to-end legal support for structuring and securing a crypto licence in the Comoros, focused on durability, regulatory acceptance, and real-world usability rather than theoretical compliance.