Anjouan and Curaçao are two of the most widespread offshore licenses, which offer legal means to operate, but they have been based on different business objectives and strategies. Their differences are crucial to understand how to prevent errors and create a sustainable and fully licensed business. Both licenses offer international operations, however, they differ in their requirements, costs, and timespan, and each of them is more suited to particular types of operators.
Why Anjouan is the Best Option for Startups
Anjouan (Comoros Islands) is quickly gaining popularity with iGaming operators who are interested in operating with fewer initial capital requirements and within a shorter timeframe. It also has a simpler licensing process than Curaçao, which is why it is more affordable for startups, crypto casinos, and smaller operators.
Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) is a regulatory body that offers a legal framework that enables operators to start international gambling business with fewer obstacles yet fully compliant.
Obtaining an Anjouan License
At first, operators prepare significant documents, such as notarized versions of passports, evidence of address, a police clearance certificate, directors and owners resume, bank references and a simple business plan.
Upon the file being submitted to AOFA or Anjouan Licensing Services Inc., the application is reviewed and due diligence is conducted and the license is usually issued in 4-6 weeks provided that all the requirements are met.
Anjouan Operator Compliance Requirements
While Anjouan compliance is less stringent than Curaçao’s, operators are still required to implement the AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) policies, a Responsible Gaming policy, and basic internal controls. Critical infrastructural facilities, including at least one approved server, must comply with AOFA standards to ensure security and regulatory oversight.
With these measures, Anjouan has become a secure place where operators can establish legal standing without navigating overly complicated policies.
Expenses and Recurring Costs in Anjouan
The Anjouan license is one of the most affordable in the market. The annual regulatory fee amounting to €17,828 includes the official annual license fee, produced from the regulatory fee, the approval of the compliance officer, and remote monitoring of the server.
Anjouan License in Practice
Anjouan is best suited to startups, small operators, and crypto casinos that do not need to spend a lot of money to launch fast. Its rapid licensing process, reduced costs, and 0% tax rate enable operators to invest more in platform development, marketing, and customer acquisition.
While it remains a well-accepted license in the iGaming market, it may not be the best option if you need a highly-reputable license. In such cases, a Curaçao license is a popular alternative.
What Makes a Curaçao License a Reliable International Standard
Curaçao is now seen as a much more credible jurisdiction. It covers the licensing of many iGaming products, such as sports betting, lotteries, casino games, virtual sports, and esports. Its crypto-friendly policy promotes operators utilizing cryptocurrency.
As of 2024, the LOK regulations took effect in Curaçao. Introduced to replace the master license system, they mandate a level of compliance more in line with European standards. Since then, the Curaçao license’s credibility has skyrocketed. It’s now a much more attractive option for players and banks alike, helping businesses stay stable and grow for the long haul.
Stricter Application to Obtain a Curaçao License
The first step operators take is to select the type of license. Like Anjouan, Curaçao offers both B2B and B2C licenses.
Secondly, operators form a local entity, draw up a business plan, appoint at least one resident director, and finally open a physical office. There must be full, valid and verified essential personal and corporate documents such as passports, proof of address, clean criminal record, bank references, and UBO disclosure. The infrastructure must satisfy requirements such as having at least one local server.
Review Process Submission
Applications are also submitted via the official portal using gaming operations forms, corporate information forms, and personal history forms.
The application fee according to the LOK rules is approximately €4,600, and the due diligence fees are €140-€270 per person.
Alterations to UBOs need the approval of the CGA at a fee of €150. This is done through an integrity and full compliance review by the CGA, which normally lasts no more than 8 weeks.
The full operational arrangement can take 3-6 months, but there may be delays if documents are not ready or due diligence is prolonged.
Tightened New LOK System to Protect Players
In 2024, the LOK system obligated operators to set up an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) mechanism of disputes, including at least three independent experts and no less than three free reviews within 90 days.
Examples of player protections include self-exclusion, limited credit provision, and tighter advertising policies. Operators must be registered under goAML and implement KYC procedures and responsible gambling policies. Lack of compliance can lead to fines or the termination of the license.
Curaçao License in Use
Curaçao offers premium global positioning and ensures trust on the market. It has zero tax on GGR and supports all business types for your project. Also, it demands higher player protection measures; and under new compliance restrictions, the popularity of this license has slightly decreased. This now appeals that operators fail to comply with all of the new rules alone without support from experts.
At MGL we can make your iGaming business more reputable by obtaining this license. We complete all forms with the higher level of accuracy and can assist in obtaining the license in 3-4 months.
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Comparative Approach of Key Factors to Choose the Best Option
Both licenses have their benefits and drawbacks. As it was shown, obtaining an Anjouan license is easy and fast, but it does not yet have the level of reputation that Curaçao has.
We have provided a brief overview highlighting the main differences and comparisons between these licenses in order to save your time when making your final decision.
Main Requirements of Curaçao and Anjouan Licenses
As for Curaçao, under the new LOK system, operators must be incorporated in Curaçao and have a local office, a resident managing director, a local employee, and at least one server on the island.
Meanwhile, Anjouan licenses do not require a local entity, a local director and representative, or physical office.
The policies on AML/KYC, financial health, and responsible gambling are obligatory for Curaçao. Anjouan has basic requirements, such as company incorporation, essential business and personal documents (ID, proof of address, etc.,), compliance with basic AML, and the maintenance of an operational gaming website.
In addition, both licenses have 0% gaming taxes and no mandatory minimum capital requirements.
Limited Markets for Both Licenses
Anjouan and Curaçao both need to geo-block the USA, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and other FATF-blacklisted countries. Restricted markets under an Anjouan license are Spain, Austria, Australia, and the Comoros Islands itself. As for Curaçao, it remains impossible to launch in Australia, and Curaçao itself.
Company Incorporation
For Anjouan it is recommended to choose a company in Belize, Costa Rica or the Marshall Islands to keep the licensing process as quick as possible. Speaking of Curaçao, it is mandatory to have a company incorporated in Curaçao.
The fees also vary: the company cost under an Anjouan license starts from €1,700, while Curaçao requires higher fees starting from €6,000. Timeframes for company incorporation are also different; for Anjouan, it takes 2-3 months, while in Curaçao, it takes a minimum of 3 months.
Costs and Time to Obtain a License
Compare the Anjouan gambling license with the Curaçao license in terms of cost, additional fees, and processing time.
Main Obstacles of Both Licenses
Many operators fail to double-check these approaches before applying. For an Anjouan license, you must ensure you have a reliable payment system, transparent banking history, and a proven track record of integrity. Neglecting these steps can lead to heavy fines or the total revocation of your license.
Under the Curaçao license, every detail of your paperwork must be flawless. The new LOK system rejects incomplete applications. A failure here doesn’t just cost you time and money; it damages your regulatory standing, making future applications in any jurisdiction harder.
Final Overview of Anjouan and Curaçao
Anjouan provides the ideal entry option: a low-cost and fast entry option highly suitable for startups and crypto platforms. Curaçao offers a highly-regulated and globally-respected license, best suited to long-term expansion and institutional credibility.
Planning your licensing process accurately and utilizing professional guidance are the key factors for success. This enables the operators to obtain a license in shorter timeframes and avoid costly mistakes, such as license rejections and refusals from the regulator.
Professional Assistance for Obtaining a License Faster
MGL experts have a ready answer to getting a license with full-time support and no trouble.
We are fully aware of the type of documents you require, how to prepare them, and how to file them properly. We have a team that goes through every piece of paperwork and submits it to regulators, so the possibility of rejection or audits is minimized.
We will take you through the full licensing procedure, from a brief consultation to a full scale and legal iGaming enterprise.
You might choose Anjouan for a quick entry into global iGaming, or Curaçao if you’re looking for institutional prestige. In either case, we will make sure that your operations comply with all the regulations.
Each step is clarified; it has a roadmap, updates on the progress, and a set cost. Our individual approach assists in saving money while remaining perfectly legal.
The MGL team will keep your business ahead of challenging regulations, including the tougher LOK rules in Curaçao. We update you daily to ensure that there are no errors or setbacks to your licensing process.
Contact our licensing expert to discuss which license suits you best and go worldwide with your legal iGaming project.
Navigating the gaming license process can be complex. Here’s a streamlined guide to each step
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