Business
Mohéli welcomes entrepreneurs, investors, and returning citizens to participate in its growing economy. The Business section provides valuable information and guidance for anyone looking to do business in or with Mohéli. Below, we break down key topics of interest:
Information for Returning Nationals
Mohéli has a large diaspora community abroad – many Mohélians have ventured to other countries for education or work. The government actively encourages and facilitates the return of these nationals to invest their skills and resources back home. Returning Nationals (those of Mohéli/Comorian origin coming back after years abroad) will find a supportive environment. Through the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and the Ministry of Economic Development, special services are offered: simplified processes to regain resident status, assistance in clearing personal belongings through customs (with duty concessions on household goods and vehicles as per policy), and recognition of foreign qualifications. We understand that moving back can be challenging, so a dedicated Diaspora Affairs desk provides information on property purchase, starting a business, and even job opportunities in the public or private sector.
Mohéli values the global exposure and talent of its diaspora – many returnees have become successful local business owners, civil servants, and community leaders. The government periodically hosts a “Diaspora Forum,” often during the December holiday season when many visit, to engage with overseas Mohélians. Initiatives and investment funds are being developed to channel diaspora remittances into development projects (for example, a group of doctors in the diaspora helped fund upgrades to Fomboni Hospital). If you are a Mohélian abroad considering a return (permanent or temporary), this portal’s Returning Nationals page will guide you on everything from obtaining required documents to tapping into networks of fellow returnees who can share experiences. We warmly welcome our brothers and sisters back to partake in Mohéli’s renaissance.
Citizenship by Investment Program
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program was an initiative of the Union of Comoros that allowed foreign investors to obtain Comorian citizenship in exchange for a substantial economic contribution. While the program was operational in the past – helping to raise funds for national development – it has currently been suspended and is under review . Mohéli, as part of the Union, abides by the Union government’s decision regarding this program. At present, there is no active citizenship-by-investment scheme in Comoros, meaning one cannot obtain Comorian (and thus Mohéli) citizenship purely through investment.
Mohéli has a large diaspora community abroad – many Mohélians have ventured to other countries for education or work. The government actively encourages and facilitates the return of these nationals to invest their skills and resources back home. Returning Nationals (those of Mohéli/Comorian origin coming back after years abroad) will find a supportive environment. Through the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and the Ministry of Economic Development, special services are offered: simplified processes to regain resident status, assistance in clearing personal belongings through customs (with duty concessions on household goods and vehicles as per policy), and recognition of foreign qualifications. We understand that moving back can be challenging, so a dedicated Diaspora Affairs desk provides information on property purchase, starting a business, and even job opportunities in the public or private sector.
For those interested in Comorian citizenship, the conventional routes remain marriage to a Comorian, descent (if you have Comorian parents/ancestry), or naturalization through long-term legal residency and integration. Mohéli’s local administration cannot grant citizenship independently – it’s handled by Union authorities – but our Ministry of Citizenship can guide eligible individuals on the process and requirements for naturalization under the current law. Should the Union government relaunch a reformed citizenship by investment scheme in the future, details would be communicated officially, and Mohéli would facilitate legitimate applicants accordingly. Until then, any offers claiming “economic citizenship of Mohéli/Comoros” should be treated with caution as potentially fraudulent. We advise interested investors to instead explore standard investment opportunities detailed on this site, which do not automatically confer citizenship but can be very rewarding in their own right.
Visas and Work Permit Requirements
Visiting or working in Mohéli requires adherence to Comoros’ immigration regulations. The Union of Comoros controls visas and work permits, but Mohéli provides local support and information to make the process smooth.
Mohéli has a large diaspora community abroad – many Mohélians have ventured to other countries for education or work. The government actively encourages and facilitates the return of these nationals to invest their skills and resources back home. Returning Nationals (those of Mohéli/Comorian origin coming back after years abroad) will find a supportive environment. Through the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and the Ministry of Economic Development, special services are offered: simplified processes to regain resident status, assistance in clearing personal belongings through customs (with duty concessions on household goods and vehicles as per policy), and recognition of foreign qualifications. We understand that moving back can be challenging, so a dedicated Diaspora Affairs desk provides information on property purchase, starting a business, and even job opportunities in the public or private sector.
For those looking to work or do business in Mohéli, a work permit (Permis de Travail) or residence permit is required for non-citizens. The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration in Mohéli can assist in the application, but final approval comes from Union immigration authorities. To obtain a work permit, you’ll typically need a job offer or contract from an employer in Mohéli, or proof of business ownership/investment. Documents like a passport copy, medical clearance, police clearance from your home country, and proof of qualifications may be required. Employers often sponsor the work permit application on behalf of foreign employees. Work permits are usually issued for one year and renewable.
If you plan to start a business and reside in Mohéli, you would apply for an investor residence permit. The process is similar but will focus on your investment credentials – you may need to show a business license, evidence of funds, and a clear plan of your business activity. Entrepreneurs find Mohéli welcoming, and local officials do their best to expedite legitimate cases because foreign expertise and capital are valued.
There are also special considerations: citizens of certain countries in the region may have simplified procedures or exemptions under bilateral agreements (if any exist). Additionally, Comorian diaspora who hold foreign passports might be eligible for easier residency status on Mohéli given their heritage – our immigration office can advise in such cases.
Always ensure that your visa or permit is up-to-date. Overstaying a visa or working without authorization can lead to fines or other penalties. The Mohéli immigration office (in Fomboni) is open weekdays to help with extensions or any questions. On this website’s Visa & Permit page, you’ll find downloadable application forms, fee schedules, and contact info for immigration authorities. By following the guidelines and preparing necessary documents, you will find that living, working, or simply holidaying on Mohéli is a straightforward and pleasant experience.
Embassies, Statutory Bodies, and Financial Services
Since Mohéli is part of the Union of Comoros, foreign embassies are not located on the island (they are generally in Moroni on Grande Comore). However, residents of Mohéli and foreign visitors can access consular services through honorary consuls or liaison offices if any are appointed on Mohéli, or by contacting the main embassies on Grande Comore. For convenience, our Business section provides contact information of key Comoros diplomatic missions (for example, the French Embassy, U.S. Embassy liaison office, etc.) and guidance on how Mohéli residents can obtain services like visas for travel abroad or document legalization. We also list the contact for the Comorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case foreign nationals in Mohéli require diplomatic assistance from their home country via the Union government.
Statutory Bodies on Mohéli play important roles in regulating and facilitating business. One major body is the Mwali International Services Authority (M.I.S.A.), the official registrar and regulator of international business companies and financial licenses on Mohéli . MISA is a statutory authority that upholds compliance standards for offshore companies, issues international banking and financial services licenses, and maintains the official registry of those entities. (Note: Be cautious of fraudulent websites – the legitimate MISA operates through mwaliregistrar.com and not through any .org or social media sites, as it warns users .)
Other statutory or semi-autonomous agencies include the Mohéli Tourism Board, which works under the Ministry of Tourism to promote travel and ensure quality standards in the hospitality sector, and the Mohéli Fisheries Agency, which helps manage fishing permits and marine resources in line with national policy. Additionally, a Chamber of Commerce is present, representing the interests of businesses on Mohéli and serving as a bridge between the private sector and government.
