Curaçao is one of the well-known jurisdictions that offer profitable conditions for online gambling companies. There are a bunch of reasons why this country is so popular among entrepreneurs. For many years, the Curaçao gaming license has been a symbol of stability and solidity for gambling businesses. Plus, there are no VAT obligations and requirements for local office presence. In this article, the Legal Pilot team describes all the features and benefits of this license, its costs, and the requirements to get the permit from the Curaçao authority.
The Curaçao Gambling License Should Be a Priority If
You aim for rapid market entry.Processing time is only around 4-6 weeks. Plus, the initial setup costs $20,000-35,000 without minimum capital requirements.
You want to become a crypto gambling operator.Curaçao e-gaming license is suitable for both fiat and crypto payments, guaranteeing flexible transaction processing methods.
You plan to target an audience in grey markets.A license from the Curaçao authority has wide international recognition, allowing you to operate globally (except in several restricted jurisdictions).
You aim to minimize operational costs.Curaçao has no VAT obligations and no requirement for local office presence. You need to pay only 2% net gaming revenue tax and 0% on foreign source income.
You want to provide different services.A license from Curaçao covers all sports betting types, online casino games, poker rooms, and live shows with dealers.
Your goal is technical flexibility.A Curaçao license enables global server hosting and has no local server requirements. Moreover, you need to integrate only basic KYC methods compared to other EU regulators.
You should also know about small minuses of this gaming license. It is not suitable for provision of gambling services in regions like the Netherlands, Germany, France, the USA, the UK, Australia, and some others.
Why Choose a Legal Pilot for Your Tobique License?
3 Years in the BusinessOur agency has been operating for over three years, helping more than 100 clients get licenses for gambling activities across multiple jurisdictions.
Expert TeamLegal Pilot employees are highly skilled in law and finance and ready to help you at each stage of the license-obtaining process.
Affordable PriceOur company provides flexible prices for the provided services. Check out the basic pricing for a Curaçao license below or contact our managers directly.
Essential PartnershipsWe have a bunch of partners in the Curaçao jurisdiction to make the licensing process for our clients as easy as possible.
Simplified Application ProcessJust give us the required documents, like a short business plan, passport, and RNG certificates. Our experts will prepare and submit your application.
Fast License ReceivingThanks to our qualified team, you may obtain a gaming license in Curaçao within 3-4 weeks. Sometimes, this process may take up to 6 weeks. However, we will make every effort to speed up this procedure.
Curaçao Gambling License Requirements
As we mentioned, applying for a Curaçao gambling license requires submitting additional information about your company structure, business plan, and other details. You can familiarize yourself with the essential requirements in the article below.
Company Requirements
Although opening a local office in Curaçao is not required, you should still register a company in Curaçao. This is a mandatory requirement before getting a license. You may pick from two variants: N.V. (Public Limited Liability Company) and B.V. (Private Limited Liability Company). Whatever company type you choose, our experts will be glad to help you with the registration. Here are some requirements for your future company before applying for a Curaçao online casino license:
- Minimum one director who is a resident of Curaçao (it can be a nominal one).
- At least one shareholder (without residency restrictions).
- An annual shareholders’ meeting should be held in Curaçao.
Once you have a Curaçao company, you need to be ready for GCB representatives to inspect your business’s background and check the company’s information. Here is a list of the information you need to provide:
- Business plan. You must create a complete business plan highlighting the company’s operations, income model, and compliance methods.
- Game descriptions and software agreements. You should provide detailed descriptions of the gambling services you plan to offer. Plus, prepare information about the integrated software providers.
- Memorandum of association. This is a formal statement signed by all founding shareholders to establish the company.
- Bank statement. You need to prepare a bank statement for a minimum of three months. It is essential to prove your financial capabilities.
- Proof of domain ownership. You need to provide documents that prove that you are an owner of your company website’s domain.
Please remember that you do not need to open a local representation office or hire resident employees for your company.
Technical Requirements
You need to get approval for technical compliance to obtain a Curaçao gaming license, such as RNG certificates, software fairness certification, and more. Here is a list of necessary documents:
- A Random Number Generator certificate, ensuring the integrity of provided games.
- Certificates that prove cybersecurity and data protection (it may be a firewall, SSCP, SSL, and DDoS).
- Documents that prove AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CFT (Countering the Financing of Terrorism) policies.
- Confirmation of cooperation with solid software providers and regular technical audits.
- Information about age verification on the site, self-exclusion tools, and KYC verification.
Ensure your website has clear information about the bonus and privacy policy, terms of use, and the “About Us” section.
Personnel Requirements
Directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners should provide some documents to obtain the Curaçao betting license:
- Verification documents: photocopies of passports.
- Documents that provide proof of address: utility bill, for example.
- Confirmation that personnel and directors have no criminal past: criminal record certificate copies will do.
- Job qualifications: top employees must prove their qualifications and experience. They should provide CVs or education degrees.
- Bank and professional reference letters.
Documents Required
So, what documents should you prepare to get the Curaçao gaming license? Here is a profound list:
- company’s business plan;
- RNG certificates;
- memorandum of association;
- documents that prove domain ownership;
- bank statement for a minimum last three months;
- photocopies of personnel’ passports and utility bills;
- criminal record certificates;
- CVs of top managers;
- professional and reference letters;
- certificates that prove cybersecurity.
Start application process with our team
How to Get a Curaçao Gambling License
You need to go through several steps to obtain the Curaçao license. This process includes company registration, online platform setup, and collection of the necessary documents. Let’s unveil a step-by-step guide below.
Preparation Phase
Stage 1
Duration: 1 week
Register a company in the Curaçao jurisdiction. You can go through this stage with our help. Additionally, prepare 3,500 EUR to pay for the application. In the future, this amount will be deducted from the total license cost.
Collection Of Documents
Stage 2
Duration: 1 week
Preparing the required documents is the next stage in receiving the Curaçao casino license. Here is the list of primary documents:
- Application form for the desired license.
- Photocopies of passports, CVs, and utility bills of the company’s directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners.
- Detailed business plan.
- Bank statement for a minimum of the last 3 months.
- Profound descriptions of provided services and games.
- Memorandum of association.
- Characteristics of the technical side of the website (proof of domain ownership, RNG certificates, documents that prove cybersecurity).
After you prepare the documentation list, you may apply to the Curaçao Gambling Control Board. You should also pay the licensing fees.
Review Process
Stage 3
Duration: 10 days
At this phase, the Curaçao Gambling Control Board starts a due diligence process to verify your personnel and available documents. It is all about security, financial stability, and reputation. Be ready for the regulator to check security standards on the website to prevent money laundering. Here is the list of the necessary documents:
- bank statements;
- loan agreements;
- documents that confirm the property sale.
You should know that the review procedure takes up to 4-6 weeks, but our team may shorten the waiting time substantially.
Approval Phase
Stage 4
Duration: 1 week
At this phase, the Curaçao regulator summarizes all information, reviews results, and decides whether the Curaçao gaming license can be issued. If all documents comply with the established standards and go through verification, applicants get a license for gambling activities.
License Issuance
Stage 5
Duration: 2-5 days
Finally, you only need to wait for the license. Your gambling company will be signed up in the official license register, and you will obtain the Curaçao gaming license. This stage takes only up to 5 days.
SUCCESS!
If you comply with all regulations, your license will be issued, allowing you to begin operations
Curaçao Gaming License Cost Calculation
Since the Curaçao gaming license costs less than permits from the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner or the UK Gambling Commission, it is a top-rated choice among business owners. However, you need to know which sum to prepare before applying for the license.
First of all, we describe mandatory services. If you do not have an official company in Curaçao, you should open it and pay around 9,000 EUR. After that, you must pay a pre-application fee, which costs around 3,500 EUR. This sum will be deducted from the total cost of the Curaçao gaming license. When all your documents are ready, and the Curaçao Gambling Control Board gives you the green light for the license, you need to pay the balance of 58,200 EUR. If you need to renew the license, you’ll pay a 61,700 EUR fee as well.
| Mandatory Services | Price |
Incorporation of a holding company for the license | 9,000 EUR |
| Pre-application fee | 3,500 EUR |
| License fee | Approximately 61,700 EUR (or 58, 200 EUR after deduction of the pre-application fee) |
| Annual renewal license fee | 61,700 EUR |
| Optional Services | Price |
| Nominee shareholder | 4,000 EUR |
| Nominee director | 6,000 EUR |
| Corporate account opening | 3,500 EUR |
| Local Curaçao director | 12,000 EUR |
Control and Regulation of Gambling in Curacao
Curaçao is a Caribbean island, part of the Netherlands kingdom. In addition to tourism, shipping, and finance, this area is also known for e-commerce and iGaming business areas. All these spheres are essential to the country’s economy, so the region offers flexible business conditions.
Curaçao has the most considerable history among all jurisdictions in the gambling sector. In 1993, an official regulator – Curaçao Gambling Control – controlled the land-based casino industry. Still, in 2013, the Curaçao government decided that the authority would become the official regulator of the whole online gambling industry. Since February 2019, the GCB has been responsible for AML/CFT supervision across the entire gaming industry in and from Curaçao.
At the end of 2024, the regulation of Curaçao’s online gaming sector experienced some more changes. In particular, the new Landsverordening op de kansspelen (LOK), translated as the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, officially came into effect. This law aims to tackle persistent issues and challenges in the gambling industry, promoting a safer, more transparent, and properly regulated environment for all parties involved.
Possible License Types
The Curaçao Gambling Control Board provides two business license types – B2C and B2B. Here are explanations of when each type of license is used:
- B2C. This license type is for those who plan to provide gambling services directly to players. So, if you plan to offer casino games, sports betting, lotteries, etc., this is your choice.
- B2B. This Curaçao gaming license is suitable for companies that provide technologies and software for B2C operators. The list includes game developers, software providers, etc.
Jurisdictional Coverage: Allowed & Restricted Countries
As we mentioned, the Curaçao casino license allows you to operate in various regions, including grey markets. Still, there are a few countries where this license will not empower you to provide gambling services legally. In this case, you should get a necessary permit from other regulators. The license from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board is valid in a bunch of regions, except for those listed below.
| Restricted Countries | Reason for Restriction |
| Netherlands | A need to have a license from the local authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) to operate legally in the Netherlands. |
| Germany | Companies are required to obtain a license from local authorities for legal gambling activities (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder – GGL) |
| United States | Each state has its own laws regarding gambling activities. |
| Australia | The country strictly regulates gambling, restricting foreign companies unless they have a local license from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). |
| France | The gambling company needs to receive a license from Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) to provide its services legally. |
| UK | Operators must receive a separate UK license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). |
| The FATF black-listed countries (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Myanmar, etc.) | Regions that are black-listed by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) have risks of money laundering. |
Renewal of a Curaçao Gambling License
The Curaçao gaming license is valid for one year. To continue legal operations, you should renew your permit. Here is a detailed guide to what you should do:
- Verify your existing license.
Ensure your current authorization is still legit, and check its expiration date.
- Put together all the necessary documents.
You need to prepare financial records, security protocols, and proof of responsible gambling measures.
- Go through the validation process to check that your company has financial stability.
This procedure lets the regulator know that your gambling company is capable of making payouts to players.
- Hold off until the regulator assesses gambling integrity.
Oversight authorities verify whether your gambling platform has maintained fair play standards, implemented responsible gaming measures, and ensured transparency in its operations.
- Your next step is paying the renewal fee indicated by the CGB regulator.
If you have no issues with your business activity, you will receive an updated Curaçao gaming license for one more year.
Suspension or Revocation of a Curaçao Gaming License
If you want to suspend your Curaçao gaming license, you can follow several steps:
- Check your license agreement and find any clauses related to the official permit’s termination or voluntary surrender.
- Contact representatives of the Curaçao Gambling Control Board and notify them that you want to cease your license. In most cases, license holders submit a formal request or prepare a notification letter.
- If you have outstanding obligations, you need to cover all of them. It may include any taxes, fees, or fines. Regulator representatives will require proof that you do not have outstanding debts.
- You should close all player’s accounts and pay them all in cash. Be ready for the regulator representatives to ask you for confirmation that no gambler funds remain in the system.
- If you plan to revoke your license, you should return all documents and materials associated with the permit.
- Submit a formal request to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board saying that you want to terminate the license. Add the necessary documents (the regulator representatives will send the list).
After that, the Curaçao Gaming Control Board will review your request and, if everything is fine, officially end the available license. Keep in mind that you may receive confirmation in writing form. Once your license is surrendered, it can be publicly disclosed by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board to guarantee transparency within the online gambling industry. Remember that although you revoke your license, you should retain all records and documentation for an indicated period according to Curaçao law.
How Legal Pilot Can Help With Obtaining a Curaçao License
So, if you want to get a Curaçao gaming license, we can help you with this issue. Sure, you can go through all routine processes on your own, spending precious time and money. Still, with the Legal Pilot team, all actions will be faster and hassle-free. Our professionals have over three years of valuable experience, and we know how to receive a license from the Curaçao Gambling Control Board as fast as possible. With our help, you’ll be able to start a gambling business almost immediately.
Our team assists you at any stage, from company creation to collecting the necessary document package. It does not matter whether you are a newbie in the online gambling world or want to expand your existing business to operate in more jurisdictions. Legal Pilot managers give comprehensive help according to your goals and needs.
By using our services, you can forget about any legal issues. We explain how to set up the bank account (or we may handle all the steps for you) and find a nominee shareholder or nominal director (if you are looking for one). Plus, our team helps you to deal with tax payments, their schedule, etc.
Remember that our company is not a government one. Legal Pilot is a private legal company that can help you become a Curaçao casino license holder in the shortest term. Contact us to cooperate!
FAQ
This is an official permit from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board to provide gambling services in allowed regions.
Yes, it is legal to gamble in the region. Still, we speak about sports betting and land-based casinos. Online gambling services are prohibited in Curaçao.
Yes, the Curaçao gaming license is a good call for gambling services in various jurisdictions.
You need between 3 and 6 weeks to obtain a license from the Curaçao Gambling Control Board.
Yes, the Curaçao casino license is relevant for sports betting as well.
Providing gambling services without an official permit may provoke legal challenges, like penalties, fines, and possible gambling business cessation.
