Comoros Gambling License
Looking for a jurisdiction that allows you to provide the largest variety of gaming services under a single license? Comoros – and, in particular, its island Anjouan – is a premier option. Casino, poker, bingo, and lotto – these are just a few types of gambling your company can serve with the right licensing in this destination. Favorably located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, Comoros attracts not only ambitious startups but also experienced investors and corporations.
With a reputation as an innovative and business-friendly jurisdiction, this island nation provides you with a streamlined application process, advantageous regulatory regime, and unlocks new opportunities for your company to expand and thrive from day one of your registration journey. Moreover, with our end-to-end legal assistance along the way, you will secure your venture with the proper licensing and legally operate in today’s constantly growing and changing gambling landscape.
Why Choose Comoros for Your Gambling License
Strategically located in the Indian Ocean, the Comoros Islands have emerged in the global gambling industry as a promising destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and experienced business operators who value flexibility, attractive tax policies, and innovation. Consisting of the three autonomous islands, the Comoros offers a wide range of opportunities for your company to thrive and reach more clients worldwide.
The key jurisdiction within the Comoros Islands is Anjouan, a sovereign nation that is renowned for its dynamic gambling marketplace and the variety of benefits it offers. Here are just a few of the key advantages you can expect from securing your venture with a gaming license in Anjouan:
Legal operation in a reputable jurisdiction
The Comoros legislation pays close attention to the development of its offshore activities. In particular, the Comoros Union is known for its clear and easy-to-understand gaming regulations with a strong emphasis on creating advantageous conditions for licensed operators. The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) aims to enhance player protection and is committed to integrity in the market. For instance, the license you obtain here applies to all kinds of permitted gaming services. With such an effective customer-oriented financial framework, the region attracts foreign experts in the industry who improve the gambling sector even further.
Clear and strict regulatory standards
Are you looking to launch your gambling operations with maximum regulatory clarity and hassle-free? Look no further than Comoros, where the regulatory standards are both strict and transparent. It balances the abovementioned flexibility and license’s universality by rigorous compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies, anti-terrorism financing obligations, and mandatory responsible gaming initiatives.
Favorable company registration conditions
Business-friendly taxation regime, including no income tax? No need for locally registering your company in Anjouan? A variety of payment solutions? These are just a few benefits you get by launching your project in the Comoros Islands. Indeed, compared to other jurisdictions, Anjouan applies no gaming tax to the operators’ gross gaming revenue (GGR), which is a significant advantage. Besides, your servers don’t have to be located in your target location within the Comoros Islands in order to get a Comoros gambling license for your venture.
Streamlined license application process
The overall licensing process in Comoros is remarkably quicker and simpler than in other popular jurisdictions. Namely, the estimated timeframe for getting your license is up to three months. The process includes the preparation of documents, application submission, and license issuance. Moreover, by contacting our experienced lawyers, you’ll exclude any possible delays on the registration and revision stages.
Costs and Fees for Obtaining a Comoros Gaming License
When it comes to calculating the cost of the gambling license in Comoros, there are a few factors that shape the final price. Those mainly include the jurisdiction where you plan to register your venture and the business type you select. In particular, based on the region where you plan to operate your company, annual fees, commissions, and taxes imposed by the legislature vary. For instance, the most prominent and cost-friendly destination for launching your project in the Comoros Islands is Anjouan, an emerging gambling hub with favorable business conditions. Its estimated price starts from 24,500 EUR, excluding the ongoing maintenance and renewal fees.
The great news is, you’re not meant to handle all the financial complexities alone. Our team of lawyers is here to help you select the best jurisdiction and company type that perfectly aligns with your goals. From the initial business setup and application to the annual maintenance, we’ll keep your best interests in mind and calculate the most accurate costs with no hidden or unexpected fees. We’ll take care of the expenses related to launching your venture, securing it with the right license, and keeping it compliant in the future.
Here is the general overview of expenses associated with obtaining the gambling license in Comoros:
- License costs: Establishing your company in Comoros and paying the first-year fee, as well as fees associated with the application and legal assistance;
- Support structure for Payment Service Providers (PSPs): Registering the company in Cyprus and opening two bank accounts for receiving payments;
- License renewal: The license is valid for one year and must be regularly renewed starting from the second year;
- Company maintenance: Keep your company fully compliant with the regulatory obligations in Comoros.
Setup and first-year fees
| Included services & features | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual gaming license fees including initial setup fees and required ISP service for compliance backups. | From 17,000 EUR |
| Annual compliance officer / key person authorization fee | From 2,500 EUR |
| Legal fees for assistance with licensing | From 2,000 EUR |
| Initial annual compliance and due diligence fees up to 4 directors/shareholders/UBOs | From 3,000 EUR |
| Total: | From 24,500 EUR |
Wondering how to calculate the annual fees and expenses for additional services? Make sure to contact our legal experts. We’ll guide you through every step of planning yoru license budget.
Process of Obtaining a Comoros Gambling License
Navigating your gaming business requires strategic choices, and obtaining the right license in Comoros is a key step. Renowned for its efficient application process, the Comoros Islands – especially Anjouan – offer a straightforward pathway to industry entry with a single license covering all kinds of permitted gambling activities. From initial company registration to getting your application approved and keeping your venture compliant, the process is designed for clarity as you proceed with each step.
Cooperating with legal experts will ensure your swift business launch and set your project up for success from day one. Our team of lawyers, in turn, is here to guide you through the entire procedure, keeping your best interests in mind. Just contact us and secure your gaming authorization quickly and hassle-free. Here is what your licensing journey will look like:
1. Company incorporation
The first step is establishing your corporate entity in the Comoros Islands. Upon signing a service agreement, you’ll proceed with your company registration in your selected jurisdiction. This stage requires meticulous attention to detail and complete documentation. We’ll help you choose the right company type and prepare the complete set of documents so that you meet all of the eligibility requirements for your business registration. Keep in mind that Anjouan, for instance, requires a local address of your company only for contact and accountability purposes and allows you to manage your venture remotely.
2. Document preparation
Once your company is successfully incorporated, it’s time to compile the comprehensive documentation that is required for your gaming license application. Be informed that the specifics of this step in the licensing process differ among the business types (B2C and B2B). Given the strict regulatory standards in Comoros, it’s significant to ensure that all your documents are as accurate, compliant, and complete as possible. Such precision is the best way to prevent any delays in your further application’s revision process.
3. Application submission and revision
With all your documentation prepared, the next step is to submit your application to the relevant authority. For example, in case you proceed with your licensing in Anjouan, the regulatory body you’ll need to submit your documents to is AOFA. It’s also important that you maintain open and responsive communication with the authority, as they can request additional information if needed for clarification. On our end, we’ll actively manage communication with the regulator and keep you updated on your progress as well as promptly address any questions.
4. Gaming license issuance and maintenance
Upon successful review and the final approval of your application, your gambling license will be issued. In addition to the permit itself, you will also receive the following:
- Certificate of incorporation and incumbency;
- Tax exemption certificate;
- Appointment of directors;
- T&Cs and KYC policies;
- Certificate of good standing and share certificate;
- Memorandum and articles of association;
- Government notice.
Depending on the business type you chose in the first stages of the process, you may also need to establish a payment agent in Cyprus, as well as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) connection, and open a bank account for this agent. Given the ongoing specifics of maintaining your license, we strongly recommend that you consult with our legal professional to clarify these requirements for your project.
Also, keep in mind that the gaming licenses in Comoros are valid for one year and necessitate annual renewal at an additional cost.
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Requirements for Obtaining a Comoros Gaming License
Decided to secure your project with a proper gaming license in Comoros? Great choice! Here are the regulatory details you need to know before you proceed with your licensing journey:
Eligibility criteria for company incorporation
Gaming licenses in Comoros, issued by the local authorities in each jurisdiction of the region, require applicants to follow the strict regulatory obligations to secure their lawful operations.
The key requirements include the following:
- Company registration:
You need to locally incorporate your venture if you plan to operate in Mwali (Moheli). Anjouan, though, allows for the remote business management and does not require a local registration;
- Company type:
The most widely chosen option is the International Business Company (IBC). One of the main benefits of the IBCs is their tax-exempt status on foreign income and international transactions. Besides, this company type allows your business to offer a wide range of gaming services under just one license.
- UBO and directors:
Requires at least one director or the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) without particular residency requirements.
Required documentation
First of all, the regulation in Comoros requires due diligence on all directors, shareholders, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) of your company. For that purpose, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Certified passport copy;
- Proof of residential address;
- The recent bank letter of reference;
- Updated resume;
- Intake form.
Besides the documents above, there is additional documentation required for all corporate legal entities seeking to obtain a gambling license in Comoros:
- Certificate of registration;
- Detailed business plan;
- Memorandum and articles of association (or other equivalent document);
- Recent registers of shareholders and directors;
- Certificates of Good Standing and Incumbency.
It’s important to note that all of these must be certified true copies dated within the past 90 days. Also, if any of your documents are written in languages other than English, certified translations are required.
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Regulation of Gambling in the Comoros Islands
To legally provide your gambling services in Comoros, it’s mandatory to secure your operations with the proper gaming license. Under AOFA’s credible oversight, licensed companies are allowed to provide a large scope of gambling activities in full ongoing compliance with strict local regulatory standards.
Types of gaming licenses
Before you dive into the details of the licensing process in Comoros, it’s essential to know what licenses are there in the first place. Indeed, the permits differ depending on the type of services you plan to provide and the clients you aim to cooperate with. Besides, the compliance obligations and regulatory burdens are also different among various permit types. Wondering how to handle all those nuances? Don’t worry – you’re not meant to navigate the entire licensing process alone. We’re here to guarantee that you choose the kind of license that suits your project best. Overall, Anjouan, the most popular jurisdiction within the Comoros Islands, offers two kinds of gaming licenses you can choose from:
1. Business-to-Consumer (B2C) license
The B2C license is a top-tier option for operators seeking to offer their services directly to players. The B2C permit authorizes your business to engage with its clients in a variety of eligible jurisdictions. To put it simply, this license allows your company to offer gambling activities to customers for their own use. Specifically, B2C applies to projects that provide the following services:
- online casinos;
- poker rooms;
- sports betting;
- live dealer games.
What distinguishes B2C from other types of license? Most importantly, its regulatory requirements are higher as this licensing prioritizes your company’s long-term good standing and full ongoing compliance. What it means is better data protection and robust internal policies to ensure safety for both your company and clients. Unlike the B2B permits, B2C has remarkably comprehensive regulatory standards, including these:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies.
- Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols;
- Responsible gambling;
- Player fund protection.
Now, you might wonder, how to know whether B2C is the right license for your project? To begin with, it authorizes you to legally operate various online gambling platforms worldwide and with complete regulatory approval. Besides, one of the major principles and benefits of B2C is that it allows your venture to engage with your clients directly and meet their needs efficiently. Therefore, this permit is your perfect solution if you aim to build a loyal customer base, effectively cultivate your brand, and navigate the player’s entire journey from registration to payout. Taken altogether, this permit is a great way to secure your company’s long-term business-client relationships now and in the years to come.
2. Business-to-Business (B2B) license
B2B is a perfect choice for companies that aim to provide services to other licensed businesses. In other words, this type of licensing authorizes your venture to cooperate with other operators worldwide and grow your venture into a reliable business partner in the gaming industry, which is now highly demanding and constantly changing. By choosing the B2B model, you can provide your services to other licensed businesses, including:
- other casino software providers;
- payment gateway services;
- gaming infrastructure companies.
As well, in contrast to the B2C license, the B2B permit provides a generally less burdensome regulatory oversight. This B2B’s feature stems from the fact that the owners of this permit do not directly deal with the players’ funds. Rather, the key focus of this licensing type is on the fairness of the gaming market, your venture’s compliance with the strict technical standards, and the software integrity overall.
So, how will the B2B license model ensure your business’s growth in practice? The key answer is that this document helps your company remain dedicated to the ongoing technological innovation and avoid the possible complexities related to your player acquisition. In particular, the holders of the B2B license succeed in reducing the potential regulatory risks and benefit from the flexible approach of this permit. The latter implies that those ventures often begin with the B2B license and then expand into the B2C operations, which aids their long-term relationships with clients and secures their spot in today’s competitive gaming ecosystem.
Permitted activities
You might wonder, what legal opportunities does the gaming license give your company? You’ll be surprised by the large scope of service you get to provide once you secure your business with the right license.
The list of permitted gambling operations your venture can offer includes, but isn’t limited to, the following:
- Casino games;
- Sports and esports betting;
- Poker and card games;
- Lotteries and raffles;
- Bingo.
Restricted jurisdictions
As you launch your company in Comoros, make sure you are familiar with the local policies related to offering services in global jurisdictions. There are particular regions where you cannot provide your services if you choose to operate in Anjouan, for instance. This island’s legislation prohibits gaming activities without the respective local licenses in the following locations:
- Australia
- Austria
- Comoros
- France
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
- All countries blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
- Other jurisdictions that are prohibited by the AOFA.
