Lowest entry cost
Estimated entry around €17,000 makes Anjouan one of the most accessible regulated routes for early-stage operators.
LICENSING
Anjouan
A cost-efficient offshore iGaming licence with a practical application route, zero tax and coverage for both B2B and B2C operations: suited to operators who need speed and flexibility without an EU-level timeline.
8-12 weeksEstimated timeline
0%Tax
€17,000Estimated entry cost
B2B & B2CLicence scope
Why Anjouan
Anjouan is a practical offshore route for operators who need a licence without the cost or timeline of a fully regulated European jurisdiction. Zero tax, B2B and B2C coverage, and a comparatively flexible framework: useful when speed and operational room matter more than a top-tier regulatory brand.
Legal footing
Provides a regulated base for iGaming activity and reduces the exposure that comes with operating without a licence.
Broader market access
Supports international operations where some markets expect a licence before partners, platforms or payment providers will engage.
Operational credibility
Improves standing with players, suppliers and service providers compared with an unlicensed setup.
What’s required
- Company formation in Anjouan
- Ownership and key-personnel background checks
- Technical readiness and software standards review
- Clear financial documentation
- AML controls and compliance framework
- Application fees (typically non-refundable)
What you get
- B2B and B2C licence coverage
- 0% tax environment
- Faster route than EU licensing
- Greater operational flexibility
- Lower overall licensing cost
- Practical privacy for the corporate structure
Worth knowing
Anjouan works well as a cost-efficient entry point, but it is not interchangeable with higher-substance licences. We assess fit against your markets, banking route and long-term plans before recommending it.
Market perception
Some partners treat Anjouan as a lighter regulatory brand than Malta, Isle of Man or similar jurisdictions.
Banking scrutiny
Banks and PSPs may apply tighter onboarding. Structure and documentation need to be prepared carefully.
Market restrictions
Certain countries limit engagement with Anjouan-licensed operators. Target markets should be checked early.
OVERVIEW
Overview.
Anjouan is a cost-efficient offshore iGaming licence with a practical application route, zero tax and coverage for both B2B and B2C operations. It suits operators who need speed and flexibility without an EU-level timeline or budget.
The licence provides a regulated base for iGaming activity, which reduces the exposure that comes with operating without authorisation. For many international markets, some partners, platforms and payment providers expect a licence before they will engage.
At around €17,000 estimated entry cost and eight to twelve weeks processing, Anjouan is among the fastest and cheapest regulated routes available. That advantage comes with trade-offs: lighter regulatory brand, tighter banking scrutiny and market restrictions in certain territories.
Application requirements include company formation in Anjouan, ownership and key-personnel background checks, technical readiness review, financial documentation, AML controls and application fees that are typically non-refundable.
Anjouan works well as a cost-efficient entry point. It is not interchangeable with higher-substance licences. We assess fit against target markets, banking route and long-term plans before recommending it.
BENEFITS
Benefits.
Zero gaming tax
No GGR tax. Commercial planning is driven by fixed fees rather than revenue share.
Fast processing
Applications typically complete in eight to twelve weeks with clean documentation, faster than any EU-tier jurisdiction.
B2B and B2C coverage
One licence covers operator brands and supply-side activity including platform and white-label models.
LIMITATIONS
Limitations.
Lighter regulatory brand
Partners, affiliates and some PSPs treat Anjouan as a lighter jurisdiction than Malta, the Isle of Man, Curaçao or Nevis.
Banking scrutiny
Banks and payment providers often apply tighter onboarding for Anjouan-licensed structures. Documentation and flow of funds must be prepared carefully.
Market restrictions
Certain countries limit or block engagement with Anjouan-licensed operators. Target markets must be checked before committing.
Non-refundable fees
Application fees are typically non-refundable. A refused application still consumes corporate and professional costs.
FIT
Who should choose this licence.
- Early-stage operators needing a regulated licence quickly without EU budget or timeline
- B2C or B2B businesses targeting international markets where Anjouan-licensed status is accepted
- Founders validating product-market fit who need legal cover without premium licensing investment
- Operators with realistic banking plans who understand Anjouan requires stronger payment preparation
- Groups treating the licence as a stepping stone with a defined upgrade path to Nevis, Curaçao or Malta
NOT A FIT
Who should not.
- Operators whose commercial success depends on Tier-1 partner or banking relationships
- Businesses targeting markets that block or restrict Anjouan-licensed operators
- Groups expecting premium regulatory brand recognition without upgrading later
- Operators unwilling to invest in careful banking and compliance preparation
- Businesses that can afford Nevis and would benefit from its stronger partner recognition at modest additional cost
PROCESS
Application process.
Market and banking fit check
We confirm target markets accept Anjouan-licensed operators and assess whether your banking route is viable before filing.
Company formation in Anjouan
We coordinate incorporation, shareholder and director documentation, and corporate records required for the licence application.
Compliance and technical preparation
We prepare AML controls, financial documentation, ownership background checks and technical readiness materials.
Application submission
The complete application pack is submitted for regulator review. We manage queries and any additional documentation requests.
Licence issue and launch support
On approval, we support licence activation, renewal calendar setup and banking preparation for payment infrastructure.
TIMELINE
Timeline.
Anjouan applications typically complete in eight to twelve weeks with complete documentation. Incomplete financial or ownership materials extend the timeline.
Company formation can run in parallel with compliance preparation. Both should be complete before submission to avoid delays.
Banking and PSP onboarding typically takes longer than the licence. Begin payment provider conversations during application, not after issue.
BANKING
Banking.
Banking is the primary challenge for Anjouan-licensed operators. PSPs and EMIs with iGaming programmes are more accessible than traditional banks, but diligence is thorough.
Structure, AML framework, source of funds and commercial narrative must be prepared to a higher standard than the licence cost might suggest. A cheap licence does not mean easy banking.
We map flow of funds and prepare application packs for gaming-focused payment providers. Expect multiple approaches and longer onboarding timelines than higher-tier jurisdictions.
TAXATION
Taxation.
Anjouan applies 0% gaming tax on licensed activity. Fixed fees drive recurring regulatory cost rather than GGR levies.
Corporate tax treatment depends on structure. Take proper advice on withholding, transfer pricing and player-market obligations separately from the licence.
Do not assume zero tax in Anjouan eliminates all tax obligations in markets where players are located.
COMPLIANCE
Compliance.
AML controls and compliance framework are required at application. Template policies without operational backing create problems at banking and renewal stages.
Ownership and key-personnel background checks are part of the application. Undisclosed issues discovered later affect licence standing.
Renewals and filings must be maintained on schedule. Licence lapses immediately affect PSP relationships and commercial contracts.
PROFILE
Typical operator profile.
A typical Anjouan applicant is an early-stage operator or small B2B supplier with international market focus, tight budget and a defined plan for banking preparation.
Teams often treat Anjouan as a launch licence with an upgrade path once revenue justifies Nevis, Curaçao or a premium jurisdiction.
Founders usually understand the regulatory brand limitation and have checked target markets for Anjouan acceptance before applying.
COMPARE
Compare with similar jurisdictions.
Anjouan is the budget entry point against Tobique and Nevis. Tobique costs more in year one but offers a newer multi-vertical framework. Nevis costs more again but delivers stronger banking and partner recognition. Neither replaces a premium licence when Tier-1 credibility is required.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Applications typically complete in eight to twelve weeks with complete documentation.
Estimated entry cost is around €17,000 including licence fees and typical first-year corporate setup.
Banking is challenging. Gaming-focused PSPs and EMIs are more accessible than traditional banks, but preparation must be thorough.
Yes. Certain countries limit engagement with Anjouan-licensed operators. Target markets should be checked before applying.
Yes. Many operators start with Anjouan and move to Nevis, Curaçao or Malta as revenue and partner requirements grow.
Anjouan is cheaper at entry. Tobique is faster with a front-loaded €36,000 year-one fee and lower renewals from year two. Both are newer-market licences with building partner familiarity.