Moroni: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Moroni in 2026

Moroni is the capital of the Comoros on Ngazidja island at the foot of the active Karthala volcano. It is a small, calm city of mosques, a port and markets, where Comorian, French and Arabic are spoken. People rarely move here, usually for work: staff of international organisations, embassies and development projects, and entrepreneurs in trade. There are no special long-stay programmes, and infrastructure and healthcare are limited.

What it costs to live in Moroni

Rents were compared across two independent 2026 price databases; the spread is wide because the supply for foreigners is small. Many goods are imported, so food and household items cost more than low local salaries suggest. The Comorian franc is firmly pegged to the euro at 491.96775 francs per euro, so prices are easy to calculate in euros.

Where to live

• Central Moroni - the old town, port, Volo Volo market and government offices.
• Hamramba and the seafront - residential quarters with walled houses and ocean views.
• Itsandra and the north coast - quieter and closer to beaches, but further from offices.
• Mbeni and the east of the island - for those working on projects outside the capital.

When choosing housing, check the generator, water storage and road access in the rainy season.

Entry, work and residence

Foreigners of any nationality can get a visa on arrival for up to 45 days for a fee of about €30, about $34. Work requires a work permit and residence, arranged through an employer or your own company. The economic citizenship programme that ran in 2008-2018 is closed, and there are no separate residence programmes for investors, pensioners or remote workers.

Taxes

Income tax is progressive: up to 500,000 Comorian francs a year 0%, up to 1 million 10%, up to 3 million 20%, and 30% above. 500,000 francs is about €1,016, about $1,140, and 3 million francs about €6,098, about $6,840. Salary tax is withheld by the employer. Company taxes and imports should be calculated in advance with a local accountant: customs duties are a noticeable share of business costs.

Climate and everyday life

The climate is tropical: the hot, humid rainy season runs from November to April, with possible cyclones, while May to October is drier and cooler, around 24-28 degrees. Power and water supplies are intermittent, so homes with a generator and water tank are valued more. The islands are Muslim, alcohol is sold in limited places and dress is modest. Local airlines and boats connect the islands, and international flights go via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam or Mayotte.

Healthcare, connectivity and money

Healthcare is limited, and for serious care people fly to Réunion, Mauritius or Nairobi, so international insurance with evacuation is needed. Mobile coverage works in the city, and internet is slower and more expensive than in neighbouring countries. Bank cards are rarely accepted; cash in Comorian francs and euros is used. Check vaccinations and malaria prevention before travel.

The islands of the archipelago

The Union of the Comoros comprises three islands: Ngazidja with the capital Moroni, Anjouan and Mohéli. The fourth island of the archipelago, Mayotte, is an overseas department of France with its own entry rules and the euro. Ngazidja is the largest and volcanic, Anjouan is green and densely populated, and Mohéli is the quietest, with a marine park where turtles nest and whales visit. Small planes and boats link the islands.

Work, business and economy

The economy rests on agriculture, remittances and aid from international partners. The islands are among the world's largest producers of ylang-ylang for perfumery, and vanilla and cloves are grown here. Foreigners work in international organisations, embassies and development projects, in trade and construction. To run a business they register a company and obtain a work permit, budgeting in advance for import duties.

Customs

Society is traditional and Muslim: on Fridays life pauses for the midday prayer, and during Ramadan people do not eat or drink in public during the day. The main family event is the grand wedding, saved for over years, and in wedding season the city is full of celebrations. Women wear bright shawls and often apply a protective sandalwood face mask. Visitors should dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos.

Getting there and where to stay at first

Moroni's international airport is in the north of the island, about 20 km from the centre. There are no direct flights from Russia or Europe; people connect in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam or via Mayotte. At first newcomers usually stay in a hotel or guesthouse and find a flat through contacts, the employer or local agents, as online listings are scarce. The lease should be in writing, with the generator, water and repairs agreed up front.

Pitfalls

• No residence programmes without a job or business.
• Power and water interruptions.
• Limited healthcare and the need for insurance with evacuation.
• Few flights and expensive tickets.
• Cyclone season from November to April.

Murblz specialists check work documents and, for life on Indian Ocean islands, suggest more convenient options such as Mauritius.