What Is VASP Registration in Mozambique?
Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration in Mozambique is governed by Aviso n.º 4/GBM/2023, issued by the Bank of Mozambique under Law no. 14/2023 (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism). Companies providing virtual asset services — including cryptocurrency exchange, transfer, custody, and participation in issuance — must register. Operating without registration carries penalties of MZN 300,000 to MZN 10,000,000 (~$4,700 to $157,000).
What Activities Require Registration?
| Activity | Description | |----------|-------------| | Exchange (virtual → fiat) | Converting cryptocurrency to MZN or other fiat | | Exchange (virtual → virtual) | Trading one cryptocurrency for another | | Transfer | Sending/receiving virtual assets on behalf of clients | | Custody | Holding virtual assets for clients | | Participation in issuance | ICOs, token sales |
Required Documents (13 Items)
All documents must be in Portuguese, 2 copies. Foreign documents must be legalized and translated.
- Articles of incorporation
- Shareholder/beneficial owner identification
- Capital information
- Representative in Mozambique
- Proof of source of funds
- Court certificate (no insolvency)
- Declaration of legal origin of funds
- Academic/professional certificates of shareholders
- Criminal records of shareholders
- Business plan (including virtual asset activities)
- Business continuity plan
- Incident recovery plan
- Governance and risk management documentation
Key Requirements After Registration
- Activity must begin within 90 days of favorable BdM notification
- Ongoing AML/CFT compliance including KYC procedures
- Regular reporting to Banco de Moçambique
- Compliance officer must be designated
The Regulatory Sandbox (Parallel Path)
The Bank of Moçambique operates a regulatory sandbox (7th edition as of 2025) allowing fintechs to test innovations under central bank supervision with regulatory forbearance during testing.
Comparison: VASP Frameworks in Southern Africa
| Country | VASP Law | Year | Sandbox | Penalty | |---------|---------|------|---------|---------| | Mozambique | Aviso 4/GBM/2023 | 2023 | ✅ (7th ed.) | MZN 300K-10M | | South Africa | CAR Guidance | 2022 | ✅ | Varies | | Tanzania | Draft | 2024 | ❌ | TBD | | Zambia | Draft | 2024 | ❌ | TBD | | Zimbabwe | None | — | ❌ | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VASP registration required in Mozambique? Yes. Under Aviso n.º 4/GBM/2023 (Law 14/2023), any entity providing virtual asset services must register with the Bank of Mozambique. Penalties: MZN 300,000 to MZN 10,000,000.
What documents are needed for VASP registration? 13 documents including articles of incorporation, shareholder ID, proof of source of funds, court certificate, criminal records, business plan, business continuity plan, incident recovery plan, and governance documentation. All in Portuguese, 2 copies.
Does Mozambique have a crypto sandbox? Yes. The Bank of Mozambique operates a regulatory sandbox (7th edition as of 2025) in partnership with FSD Mozambique.
For broader context, read our complete guide to blockchain in Mozambique. Learn how smart contract escrow operates within this framework. See how Mozambique's informal economy drives the need for blockchain solutions.