How to obtain the Anjouan iGaming licence in just 4 weeks

Located in the Indian ocean is a small island named Anjouan which have been issuing eGaming licences since 2005. However, until just a few years ago, it was a hardly known in the iGaming sector. In 2025, it reached an incredible milestone of 825 active licences, marking its substantial success in such a short timeframe, but how exactly did it establish itself in the global industry?

About Anjouan

To back-track on how Anjouan formed its new reputation, the jurisdiction streamlined its regulatory framework and focused on improving transparency, adaptability and efficiency to create an attractive, business-friendly landscape. They introduced innovative policies and engaged with the global iGaming sector, and in 2025, Anjouan has become a globally recognised licence.

In 2023 the jurisdiction introduced the Anjouan Licensing Services Inc. (ALSI), responsible for processing the licence applications. The body focused on improving the licensing process, legal compliance and support available for operators. By streamlining legal requirements, operators can now establish in Anjouan without the high costs often associated with running an iGaming operation and obtain a licence within as little as 4 weeks.

Positioning itself as the ‘Curacao’ alternative, Anjouan offers operators a licence with wide market access, ideal for targeting the global grey/pre-regulated markets, and a cost-effective and efficient licensing process that has been highly sought after.

Here we break down the licence types, application process, requirements, and key benefits to provide you with everything you need to know to licence in Anjouan.

Key benefits

Low Cost of Entry

The Anjouan license is known for being highly affordable compared to more established jurisdictions like Malta or the UK. Licensing fees, setup costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses are minimal, making it a practical option for small to mid-sized operators or startups with limited budgets.

Fast Approval Process

Unlike many traditional regulators that take months to process applications, Anjouan typically issues licenses within a few weeks. This quick turnaround is attractive for operators looking to go live without long delays.

Crypto-Friendly Framework

Anjouan is appealing to blockchain and crypto gambling platforms because it does not impose strict restrictions on crypto transactions. The regulatory environment is permissive toward crypto deposits, withdrawals, and token-based economies.

Single License Coverage

The Anjouan license can cover multiple forms of gaming under a single license—such as sports betting, casino games, live dealer operations, and more—streamlining compliance and administration.

Minimal Bureaucracy

Operators benefit from a simplified licensing process with less red tape. The ongoing compliance requirements are relatively light, offering more operational flexibility than jurisdictions with heavier reporting and auditing obligations. Operators aren’t required to have local servers, office space or staff, which provides operators with higher flexibility and lower operational costs.

Competitive fiscal environment

Anjouan offers a tax-friendly landscape, including 0% corporate tax and gaming taxes. This is ideal for start-ups trying to minimise costs.

Licences available

Anjouan offers a unified gaming license, which can cover multiple verticals under one license. Some providers may list them individually, but the authority typically permits multiple activities with a single approval. These include a wide variety of games, including

• Online Casino: slot games, table games, RNG-based games

• Sports Betting: pre-match and in-play betting, virtual sports

• Live Dealer Gaming: live-streamed table games hosted by real dealers

• Lottery and Bingo: number-based games and keno-style draws

• Poker Rooms & Network-Based Gaming: peer-to-peer games, poker tournaments

• Crypto Casinos / Tokenized Gaming: acceptance of cryptocurrencies and/or token-based ecosystems (often handled more flexibly than other jurisdictions)

A key update in 2025 for B2B Operators

In April 2025, Anjouan introduced a Recognition Certification for B2B operators. This requires all foreign-licenced B2B operators that supply software or other critical supplies to licenced B2C operators in Anjouan.

This is a positive step for B2B providers in Anjouan as it strengthens their regulatory status and builds trust for partnerships with other operators, payment providers and partners, by signalling clearer transparency and stronger compliance measures.

To obtain the recognition notice, a B2B operator must hold a valid licence in a foreign jurisdiction, proof of partnerships with Anjouan B2C operators, such as service agreements and AML/KYC documentation. B2B providers in qualifying jurisdictions can now apply for the recognition and the processing time to obtain the licence is currently 3-6 weeks.

Key Requirements

To apply for a licence, all licence holders must fulfil several legal, operational and technical requirements including establishing an Anjouan company and completing the due-diligence process. The licence application involves a thorough business plan including operational and financial details, and compliance policies and game certificates.

We break down the requirements in further detail below:

Corporate Formation

• Register a company in Anjouan (Union of the Comoros) or through an authorised provider.

• Appoint a local representative or agent is usually required.

Due Diligence (KYC/AML)

• Passport and proof of address for all directors/shareholders

• Professional references or CVs for management team members

• Certificate of good standing (if part of an existing corporate group)

Business Plan

• Description of gaming activities

• Details on target markets, software platforms, and risk management strategy

Software Requirements

• You must have access to a certified gaming platform, or commit to using one

• Software compliance is less stringent than in MGA/UKGC but still needs to meet basic fairness/security standards

Compliance Policies

• Basic documentation on responsible gambling, anti-money laundering (AML), and data protection

• Some service providers help create these for you

Financial Requirements

• License Fee: Varies, but typically $10,000–$20,000 annually, depending on the provider and services

• No need for large upfront capital deposits or player fund segregation in most cases

Licence application process

Initial Consultation & Eligibility Review

Speak with our team at Gaming Gateway to discuss your business model, we can help you determine if Anjouan is a good fit for your operation. We can also answer all of your questions and run through the licence process.

Company Incorporation in Anjouan

Prior to submitting a licence application, all applicants are required to set up a company in Anjouan. The company must include a registered local agent, a registered address and at least one local director or representative (in some cases, a nominee is used)

Preparation of Application Documents

Our experienced team will work closely with you to form a comprehensive licence application. Our teams’ years of practice means we know exactly what they are looking and can provide you with all the guidance you need. The application will involve a detailed business plan, KYC documentation, CVs for key personnel, compliance policies, platform details, and domain ownership. It covers all the technical, legal and compliance aspects of the eGaming operation, which we can guide you through.

Due Diligence and Screening

Basic due diligence is required on all key personnel in the iGaming entity, this includes criminal background checks, financial transparency and technical capacity and software reliability.

Application Submission

Submit the complete application to the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) and pay the required application and license fees. Typical license fee varies between $10,000–$20,000/year and business set up is around $5,000–$10,000.

Approval and Issuance

If approved, your license is typically issued within 2 to 6 weeks. Once approved, you will receive an official license certificate, unique license number, and rights to operate under Anjouan’s jurisdiction.

Ongoing Compliance & Renewal

The operator is subject to on-going compliance monitoring to ensure it meets regulatory standards. The licence must also be renewed annually by paying the renewal fee.

Licence timeframe

• Initial Approval: As fast as 2 to 3 weeks after submitting a complete application.

• Full Licensing Process: Typically, 3 to 6 weeks total.

• Renewal Timeframe: Licenses are generally valid for 1 year, with a straightforward renewal process.

This speed makes Anjouan one of the quickest jurisdictions for launching an eGaming business.

What types of businesses suit Anjouan?

Anjouan is a favourable environment for many different types of iGaming businesses, including start-ups looking for rapid market entry, crypto casinos and non-traditional gambling formats, operators targeting emerging or grey markets, and companies planning a step-up strategy (start in Tier 3, migrate to Tier 1 later).

How can we help

If you are interested in the Anjouan licence, contact our friendly team for a consultation today. We can discuss your iGaming operation, the Anjouan licence, and your unique goals. We provide dedicated assistance with iGaming licensing in Anjouan and support with establishing your iGaming operation, banking, compliance and more.