Launch your iGaming business: a foreign gaming licence + a Cyprus EU base
We structure online gaming operators end-to-end — a gaming licence in a suitable foreign jurisdiction, a Cyprus company for EU tax and IP, plus banking, payments and AML compliance.
30 minutes · no obligation · talk to a qualified Cyprus advocate.
We reply personally — usually within one business day.
- Regulated Cyprus advisors
- Multi-jurisdiction expertise
- End-to-end & compliance-first
We structure your gaming business end-to-end
iGaming Cyprus designs and builds the complete structure: a Cyprus company as your EU corporate, tax and IP base, combined with a gaming licence held in a suitable foreign jurisdiction, plus the banking, payments and AML/compliance setup that makes it operate. We provide advisory only — we do not operate gambling.
Cyprus corporate vehicle
An EU company — holding, IP and/or back-office — as your tax-efficient, substance-backed base.
Foreign gaming licence
The right licence for your product and markets: Malta, Curaçao, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Anjouan and more.
Banking & payments
Introductions and onboarding support with banks, EMIs and high-risk payment processors that serve licensed gaming.
AML & compliance
KYC/AML frameworks, responsible-gaming tooling, player-fund segregation, GDPR and geo-restriction.
Cyprus is the corporate base — not the licence
Cyprus can provide the corporate, tax and IP base for an iGaming group. Company incorporation does not authorise gambling or grant EU-wide market access. Licence eligibility, the operating entity and permission in each player market must be checked separately.
15% headline corporate tax from 2026
Cyprus corporate income tax is 15% from 1 January 2026. The domestic headline rate and the Pillar Two minimum-tax rules are separate issues; assess whether the group falls within the latter.
~3% effective on qualifying software IP
An 80% deduction can apply to qualifying IP profits, subject to eligible assets, the R&D nexus and other conditions. At a 15% headline rate, full relief gives a simplified 3% effective rate on those qualifying profits, not on all gaming revenue.
EU member & eurozone
Cyprus is an EU member and uses the euro. Access to corporate directives depends on their conditions. EU membership does not provide a gambling-licence passport.
Cross-border tax planning
Treaty benefits, withholding treatment, beneficial ownership and anti-abuse conditions require analysis of the actual entities and payments.
Banking, EMI & PSP ecosystem
Cyprus hosts established payment institutions, EMIs and (under MiCA) crypto-asset providers — useful supporting infrastructure for a licensed gaming group, alongside specialist high-risk acquirers.
Talent & professional-services hub
Limassol is an established forex, fintech and iGaming hub with a deep, multilingual professional-services layer across corporate, legal, audit, tax and AML/compliance.
What the IP Box does to your tax rate
Qualifying IP profits only; nexus and transfer pricing apply
Read the IP Box & tax guide →Accurate by design: Cyprus does not licence online casinos. Under the Betting Law of 2019, the National Betting Authority licenses sports betting only (Class A land-based, Class B online). For casino, slots or poker, the licence is obtained abroad — and we tell you exactly how the two fit together.
Why the structure is tax-efficient
Cyprus IP Box relief depends on eligible IP, qualifying profits and the R&D nexus. An indicative 3% effective rate is not a tax rate on all gaming revenue. Withholding exemptions are subject to recipient, payment, treaty and anti-abuse rules; confirm the treatment for the actual structure.
Illustration only: with full qualifying relief, 20% of qualifying IP profit is taxed at 15%, giving 3%. Nexus limitations and other tax rules can change the result.
Compare the leading gaming-licence jurisdictions
Compare the regulator, licence scope and full cost of operating before choosing a jurisdiction. None of these licences automatically authorises access to every player market or guarantees banking approval.
| Jurisdiction | Indicative cost | Timeline | Gaming tax | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta (MGA) | €5,000 application + €25,000 annual feeB2C Types 1–3; compliance contributions and other costs are additional. Type 4 differs. | Application-specific; no guaranteed approval date | Assess gaming duty and corporate tax separately | MGA-regulated activity with separate target-country checks |
| Isle of Man (GSC) | Current regulator fee scheduleApplication, annual and activity-related fees may be separate. | Application-specific; no guaranteed approval date | Assess gaming duty and corporate tax separately | Subject to product, entity and target-market eligibility |
| Gibraltar | Current regulator fee scheduleApplication, annual and activity-related fees may be separate. | Application-specific; no guaranteed approval date | Assess gaming duty and corporate tax separately | Activities within the scope of Gibraltar’s current gambling framework |
| Curaçao (CGA) | Current regulator fee scheduleApplication, annual and activity-related fees may be separate. | Application-specific; no guaranteed approval date | Assess gaming duty and corporate tax separately | Subject to product, entity and target-market eligibility |
| Kahnawake (KGC) | Current regulator fee scheduleApplication, annual and activity-related fees may be separate. | Application-specific; no guaranteed approval date | Assess gaming duty and corporate tax separately | Subject to product, entity and target-market eligibility |
| Tobique (TGC) | Current regulator fee scheduleApplication, annual and activity-related fees may be separate. | Application-specific; no guaranteed approval date | Assess gaming duty and corporate tax separately | Subject to product, entity and target-market eligibility |
| Anjouan | €17,828 issuance; €17,828 annual renewalPublished B2C/B2B fees; additional B2C domains and other charges may apply. | Application-specific; no guaranteed approval date | Assess gaming duty and corporate tax separately | Applicants whose planned activity and markets meet the licence conditions |
Consult the linked primary regulator sources for current rules and fees. Timelines depend on a complete application, due diligence, testing and the regulator. Tax requires a separate assessment of the actual activity and structure.
Running a sportsbook? Cyprus has its own (sports-betting-only) licence
For sports betting specifically, Cyprus offers a Class B online betting licence through the National Betting Authority — it does not cover casino, slots or poker.
- Scope
- Online sports betting only — NOT casino, slots or poker
- Cost
- Confirm the current application and licence fee schedule with the NBA.
- Requirements
- Capital, bank guarantees, suitability and operating controls must meet current NBA requirements.
- Tax
- Betting tax and contributions are assessed under the applicable Cyprus rules.
How the pieces fit together
MGA applications are open to companies established in the EU/EEA, including Cyprus, subject to the applicable licensing requirements. A separate Maltese company is not universally required. Other regulators have their own incorporation and substance rules; the operating, holding and IP structure must be assessed for each case.
- ✓Revenue books in the OpCoThe regulated, player-facing entity in the licence jurisdiction books gaming revenue and pays the local gaming tax or duty.
- ✓Royalties flow to Cyprus IP-CoQualifying IP profits only; nexus and transfer pricing apply
- ✓Arm’s-length service agreementsManagement, development and marketing services are charged intercompany at arm’s length, transfer-pricing compliant.
- ✓Dividends to Cyprus HoldCoDividend exemptions and withholding treatment depend on the entities, recipient, payment and applicable anti-abuse rules. Assess the actual distribution chain.
- ✓Substance on both endsSubject to regulator and operating model
From first call to go-live
We run the setup in six clear steps: structure design, Cyprus company formation, the gaming-licence application, banking and payment onboarding, AML and responsible-gaming setup, and go-live with ongoing support.
Consultation & structure design
We map your product, target markets, budget and timeline, then design the right combined structure — which foreign licence, and how the Cyprus holding/IP company sits above it.
Cyprus company formation
We incorporate the Cyprus vehicle (holding, IP and/or back-office), set up real management and substance, and prepare for tax residency and treaty benefits.
Gaming-licence application
We prepare and submit the licence application in the chosen jurisdiction — corporate documents, fit-and-proper checks, business plan, AML and responsible-gaming policies, and system/RNG testing coordination.
Banking & PSP onboarding
We introduce and support onboarding with banks, EMIs and high-risk payment processors that serve licensed gaming, with the documentation they require.
AML & responsible-gaming setup
We implement KYC/AML frameworks, player-fund segregation, responsible-gaming tooling, GDPR controls and geo-blocking of restricted and prohibited markets.
Go live & ongoing support
We support launch and provide ongoing renewal, reporting and compliance support as your operation and target markets evolve.
Go live
Find your next licensing guide
Choose your product and intended market to find a starting point for research. A final licensing plan needs a country-by-country assessment.
Built for legitimate, licensed operators
We structure businesses for compliant, licensed operation only. Every engagement embeds AML/KYC, responsible gaming, player-fund segregation, data protection and geo-restriction of prohibited markets — the controls regulators, banks and payment providers expect.
AML / KYC
Risk-based AML and KYC aligned with applicable law and regulator requirements. The EU AML Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 generally applies from 10 July 2027; existing AML obligations continue to apply before then.
Responsible gaming
Deposit and affordability limits, self-exclusion and player-protection tooling, built to the standards of the chosen licence jurisdiction.
Player-fund segregation
Customer balances held in separate, reconciled accounts — with regulator viewing rights or creditor protection depending on jurisdiction.
Data protection (GDPR)
Data mapping, lawful purposes, access controls, retention, breach response and international-transfer safeguards for the actual processing arrangements.
Geo-restriction
Assess each target country and configure geographic access restrictions for prohibited activity. Test location signals and evasion controls against the applicable rules.
Testing & certification
Independent RNG, game-math and source-code certification via accredited labs (GLI, eCOGRA, BMM) where the licence requires it.
Indicative costs and timelines
Build a budget around the actual licence and operating model. Separate one-off fees, annual obligations, staff, testing, payment reserves and runway. A published licence fee is not the total cost of launching.
| Component | Indicative range | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus company — setup | from €749 + VAT | Subject to documents and registry processing | Professional fee; third-party and annual costs are separate. |
| Cyprus company — annual running | Scope-based quotation | Ongoing | Budget for actual management, accounting, audit and office needs. |
| Anjouan licence | €17,828 issuance / annual renewal | Subject to regulatory assessment | Published licence fee, not a complete operating budget. |
| Curaçao licence | Current CGA fee schedule | Subject to regulatory assessment | Include local entity, substance, testing and ongoing compliance. |
| Malta licence — B2C Types 1–3 | €5,000 application + €25,000 annual | Subject to regulatory assessment | Compliance contributions and other applicable costs are additional. |
| System testing and security | Scope-based quotation | Depends on system readiness | Confirm approved laboratories, audit scope and retesting. |
| Payments and compliance | Provider-specific costs | Separate provider onboarding | Include reserves, chargebacks, monitoring and staff. |
Budget estimates are illustrative, not regulator quotes. Confirm current licence fees, application fees, compliance contributions, capital, local substance and professional fees separately. No licence guarantees access to every market or acceptance by a bank.
Transparent, fixed-fee services
Piecing this together across a separate corporate lawyer, a licensing consultant and a local agent usually runs on open-ended hourly billing. We quote a fixed fee up front, agreed in writing before we start — plus VAT and any pass-through government, regulator and third-party costs. Cyprus company formation starts from €749 + VAT; the IP Box application is a fixed advisory fee; and the foreign gaming licence is quoted per case after a free consultation.
Cyprus company formation
Incorporation of your Cyprus company — the EU corporate, tax and IP base — including documentation and setup. Plus actual / third-party costs (government & filing fees).
+ actual costs
IP Box eligibility and ruling support
Assessment of eligible software, qualifying profit and R&D nexus, with ruling preparation where appropriate. A simplified 3% result requires full qualifying relief; neither eligibility nor a tax outcome is guaranteed.
Plus actual costs and the government fee shown opposite.
- IP structuring — Correct structuring of the IP within your company to maximise compliance and tax efficiency.
- Detailed analysis & strategy — Full review of how your IP qualifies, with tailored guidance based on your business activities.
- Meetings & consultations — Ongoing discussions to align the application with your objectives and address concerns.
- Preparation & submission — Comprehensive drafting and timely submission of the IP Box application.
Confirm the current government charge and processing conditions before submission. Our professional fee is separate.
Get a fixed quote → book a callForeign gaming licence
Cost is case-by-case — it depends on the jurisdiction, your product and target markets (see the licence comparison above). We give you exact figures after a free consultation.
All professional fees are exclusive of VAT and of third-party / regulator and government fees. Final figures depend on your specific business, product and target markets.
Specialist, accurate, independent
iGaming Cyprus combines Cyprus corporate and tax expertise with multi-jurisdiction gaming-licensing experience — giving you accurate, independent advice on the right structure, not a one-size-fits-all package.
- ✓Accuracy firstWe state the law as it is — including that Cyprus issues no online casino licence — so you build on solid ground.
- ✓Jurisdiction-neutralWe recommend the licence that fits your product and markets, not the one that is easiest for us.
- ✓Compliance-ledWe structure for legitimate, licensed operators with AML, responsible gaming and player protection built in.
Meet Sergios Charalambous
Cyprus & Athens Bar-admitted lawyer specialising in corporate and tax law.
Sergios Charalambous founded iGaming Cyprus to give international gaming founders and operators a single, coordinated path — Cyprus company formation, the right foreign gaming licence, banking and payments, and ongoing compliance. He is a member of both the Cyprus Bar Association and the Athens Bar Association.
He holds an LL.B. from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and two LL.M. degrees — Financial Regulation and Public Law — both with Distinction from the same university. He also holds a Professional Diploma in Tax Law (Distinction) and a Certificate in Accounting (LCCI Level 3 — Distinction) from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Before founding iGaming Cyprus, Sergios worked at one of the largest law firms in Athens, handling complex corporate matters and advising high-profile clients on cross-border structuring and regulatory compliance. He pairs that legal foundation with a practitioner’s grasp of Cyprus tax and accounting to deliver structured, fixed-fee engagements coordinated end-to-end.
He is known for a meticulous approach to regulatory compliance and for simplifying complex legal processes — making sure clients reach their business goals smoothly and without surprises in either jurisdiction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions iGaming founders ask most.
Cyprus does not offer a domestic online casino licence. The National Betting Authority’s Class B regime concerns online betting. A Cyprus company combined with a foreign gaming licence is a different structuring question and does not automatically authorise casino services in Cyprus.
A Cyprus company can perform corporate, development, IP or support functions within an iGaming group. The appropriate structure depends on the actual activities and target markets. Incorporation is not a gambling licence, and a foreign licence does not automatically authorise gambling activity in Cyprus or every player market.
The cheapest quoted licence is not necessarily an affordable route to the intended business. First establish the required markets and products, then assess the full cost and operational feasibility. No single jurisdiction can be labelled the cheapest suitable choice for every operator.
There is no reliable universal fastest licence. Completion of the application, ownership checks, product testing, questions from the regulator and payment onboarding determine the actual launch date.
The best licensing jurisdiction is the one that fits the intended products, markets and operating model. Compare feasible routes after establishing market-access requirements. A reputation label or low fee does not establish that a licence is suitable for a particular business.
Compare eligible products, applicant entities, player markets, ongoing controls and the current fee schedules. An MGA or CGA licence does not replace required national permissions. Banking acceptance must be confirmed separately.
A Cyprus company can perform corporate, development, IP or support functions within an iGaming group. The appropriate structure depends on the actual activities and target markets. Incorporation is not a gambling licence, and a foreign licence does not automatically authorise gambling activity in Cyprus or every player market.
It depends on the licence. The MGA accepts eligible EU/EEA applicants, while Curaçao requires a locally established entity. A Cyprus company can serve different group roles; do not assume it can hold every licence or that an extra operating company is always required.
The schedule depends on corporate documents, licensing checks, system readiness and independent payment-provider approval. Agree milestones and dependencies for the actual project; incorporation alone does not make an operator ready to launch.
The price of a gaming licence is only one part of launching and operating the business. Build a budget that separates official charges, professional work, technology, staff and restricted cash. Compare equivalent scopes and dates rather than headline package prices.
Assess corporate income tax, gaming duty, VAT, withholding and transfer pricing for each entity and supply. Cyprus has a 15% headline corporate rate from 2026; a simplified 3% IP Box result applies only to fully qualifying profits and conditions.
An iGaming payment structure needs more than a business account. Distinguish operating cash, merchant processing, settlement, withdrawals and customer-fund protection. Provider acceptance depends on the actual entity, licences, owners, markets and flows; it cannot be guaranteed by incorporation alone.
Providers assess permitted activity, player countries, ownership, source of funds, compliance controls and transaction flows. A licence does not guarantee acceptance. Prepare a consistent onboarding file and confirm whether each provider supports the intended gambling activity.
Substance must reflect the company’s real functions and decisions. Tax residence, treaty eligibility and transfer pricing require their own analysis; a registered address or nominal director does not establish the whole case.
Curaçao’s LOK framework is administered by the Curaçao Gaming Authority. Use the current CGA application and licence documents, not historic master/sub-licence descriptions. The official portal states that eligible applicants must be Curaçao legal entities with their statutory seat there.
Cyprus Class B concerns online betting regulated by the NBA, not online casino, slots or poker. Check the current application forms, fees, financial requirements and operating conditions before preparing the submission.
Cyprus’s corporate income-tax rate is 15% from 1 January 2026. The IP Box can deduct 80% of qualifying IP profit under its conditions and nexus calculation. A 3% illustration assumes full qualifying relief on the relevant profit; it is not a guaranteed tax rate for an entire gaming business.
Create a country-by-country access matrix using the licence conditions, local gambling law and applicable sanctions. Configure and test access controls for prohibited activity. Neither a foreign licence nor a generic country blocklist replaces that assessment.
No. iGaming Cyprus provides professional legal and corporate advisory only. We do not operate gambling, run any platform, or hold gaming licences ourselves. We structure and support compliant, licensed operators.
VAT depends on the jurisdiction and the particular supply. Gambling exemptions do not automatically cover software, management, advertising or other B2B services. Review the service, customer and place-of-supply rules.
Honest about fit
We work best with operators building a legitimate, licensed business — and we’ll tell you plainly if Cyprus isn’t the right answer for your case. Choosing the wrong jurisdiction or structure can mean rejected payment processors, frozen accounts or re-applying from scratch; the point of getting advice first is to get it right the first time.
This is for you if…
- You’re an iGaming operator — casino, sportsbook or B2B platform — entering or scaling into regulated markets.
- You want one team coordinating company, licence, banking and compliance, not five separate vendors.
- You prefer a fixed fee agreed up front over open-ended hourly billing.
- You’re committed to licensed, compliant operation.
Probably not the right fit if…
- You only need a one-off contract or document review.
- You want to operate without a licence, or target prohibited markets.
- You’re after the cheapest offshore shell with no substance or compliance.
Let’s design your structure
Book a free, no-obligation consultation, or send your details and we’ll come back to you with the right Cyprus-company-plus-licence structure for your business.
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- Multi-jurisdiction licensing experience
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