The Mwali (Moheli) Online Gambling Licence

The Mwali (Moheli) International Gaming Licence is issued under the laws of the Autonomous Island of Mwali, part of the Union of the Comoros. The issuing body is the Mwali International Services Authority (MISA), which has gained popularity for offering rapid licensing, low entry barriers, and tax efficiency for online gaming operators targeting international markets.

The Mwali (Moheli) International Gaming Licence

1. Jurisdiction & Regulatory Authority

The gaming licence is granted exclusively under the laws of Mwali (formerly Moheli), one of the three islands forming the Union of the Comoros. The issuing authority is the Mwali International Services Authority (MISA), constituted under the Mwali Services Act 1998 (amended 2001), supplemented by Comorian statutes such as the Banking Act 2013, the AML Act 2014, and IBC Regulations 2014

2. Eligible Entities & Corporate Formation

Applicants must be incorporated as an International Business Company (IBC) under Mwali law. If no existing IBC exists, incorporation may occur concurrently with the licence application through a local registered agent

  • A minimum of one director (any nationality, no local residency requirement) and one shareholder (individual or corporate) is mandatory.
  • The IBC must maintain a local registered office and agent throughout the licence period.
  • There is no statutory requirement for paid-up capital, though service providers commonly recommend demonstrating financial capacity via bank references or escrow to satisfy prudential expectations

3. Licence Scope & Permitted Activities

The licence authorises operators to manage multiple websites and brands, including online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, poker, bingo, and skill‑based games under a single regulatory framework.

Each platform must display:

  1. The full legal name of the licence‑holding IBC, and
  2. The official MISA electronic trust seal.
    This unified approach allows operators to launch new verticals or sub-brands without re-applying.

4. Application Process & Timelines

The regulatory process is relatively fast and straightforward:

  • Preliminary corporate setup: Incorporate IBC if needed.
  • Document submission: Submit governing documents (certificate, MOA/AOA), personal due diligence files (passports, CVs, bank references, utility bills), domain registration evidence, business plan, financial projections, and internal compliance policies (AML/KYC, data protection, responsible gaming)
  • Due diligence review: MISA performs background checks on directors, shareholders, and key officers in line with FATF standards.
  • Fee payment: Upon satisfaction of requirements, applicants pay initial licensing and agent fees.
  • Issuance: Licences are typically issued within seven working days, with a legal allowance of up to three months.

5. Financial & Compliance Obligations

Applicants are expected to demonstrate ongoing financial integrity:

  • Bank statements and references, escrow or capital holding measures are common requirements.
  • Annual financial reporting is required to monitor solvency and operational viability.
  • Audited RNG and fairness testing ensure integrity and player protection.
  • Robust compliance systems, including KYC, AML/CFT, responsible gambling safeguards (deposit/self-exclusion limits), and data protection frameworks must be implemented and updated regularly.

6. Fees, Taxes & Fiscal Incentives

Key Advantages of the Mwali International Gaming License:

  • The License is a comprehensive type of license, which can be used in various online gaming operations such as casino, poker, betting, lottery and even the provision of software and White-Labeling services
  • Use unlimited websites – each must display owner info and M.I.S.A. trust seal
  • Fast setup:
  • Company registration (IBC): up to 4 business days
  • License issuance: within 2 weeks

Easy Application Process:

  1. Apply with a one-time application fee of €1,600.00 (company 400.00 EUR & license 1,200.00 EUR).
  2. Company name reserved after fee payment.
  3. License Fee: €15,000.00.
  4. Annual fees from year 2.
  • License:
    2nd year – €13,500.00
    3rd year – €12,000.00
  • IBC:
    2nd year – €810.00
    3rd year – €720.00

7. Suitability & Strategic Insights

This licence is best suited to operators seeking:

  • Expedited launch with minimal overhead and rapid IBC formation;
  • Multi-brand flexibility under a consolidated license;
  • Tax-efficient offshore structuring with substantial relief for initial years;
  • A strategic entry into African, Middle Eastern, or European markets at lower cost.

The Mwali International Gaming Licence offers a low-cost and relatively fast route to market for international gaming operators. It remains a flexible tool for launching new brands and expanding digital operations where legal risk can be effectively managed.

At Chambers & Co, we offer a complete suite of legal and corporate services tailored to gaming operators seeking to obtain a Mwali International Gaming Licence. Our services include company formation, regulatory compliance advisory, preparation and submission of the licence application, drafting of AML/CFT and responsible gaming policies, and ongoing legal support post-licensing. We also assist with banking and payment gateway introductions, software agreements, and the development of robust governance frameworks to meet international best practices. With deep expertise in online gaming law and international regulatory regimes, we ensure our clients navigate the licensing process smoothly and operate with confidence in global markets.