What is Anjouan license?
The Anjouan gaming license, issued by the autonomous island of Anjouan (Comoros), is the fastest and cheapest recognised route to launching an online casino or sportsbook - typically 2–5 weeks and a fraction of Curaçao's post-reform cost. It has become the default startup license as Curaçao's regime tightened.
Why Anjouan rose after the Curaçao reform
When Curaçao's LOK reform raised prices and scrutiny, operators seeking the old 'fast and cheap' profile moved to Anjouan. The license covers B2C casino and betting globally (where not locally prohibited), accepts crypto operations, and imposes light ongoing obligations. Game providers and aggregators increasingly accept Anjouan-licensed operators, and gaming-friendly EMIs onboard them - though with more friction than Curaçao and far more than MGA. It is the pragmatic MVP license: validate the product, then upgrade flags as revenue justifies.
What it costs and how fast it moves
The package: an International Business Company in Anjouan (or another accepted offshore entity), key-person KYC (passports, proofs of address, clean criminal record declarations), basic AML and responsible-gaming policies, and platform details. Costs typically land in the low five figures all-in for the first year - license, company, and agent fees - with modest renewals. Timeline: 2–5 weeks from complete KYC. The practical constraints are downstream: some tier-one providers and PSPs decline Anjouan, so check your must-have game studios and payment rails accept the flag before committing.
Limits and upgrade paths
Anjouan carries the weakest reputation of the recognised licenses: no access to regulated markets, thinner banking options, and some B2B partners' compliance teams reject it. Treat it as a stage, not a destination - the common ladder is Anjouan → Curaçao (better provider and PSP coverage) → MGA or national licenses (Europe at scale). Structure with the ladder in mind: keep the brand, player database, and contracts in entities that can migrate licenses without rebuilding the business.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Anjouan license legitimate?
Yes - it is a real license from a recognised authority, accepted by a growing set of game providers and payment processors. It sits at the entry level of the reputation ladder: workable for launch, insufficient for regulated markets or tier-one payment rails.
How fast can I launch with an Anjouan license?
License issuance takes 2–5 weeks with complete KYC. End-to-end launch - company, license, platform contract, PSP onboarding - is realistic in 6–10 weeks, with payment onboarding usually the long pole.