HOW EM GROUP
SUPPORTS YOUR BUSINESS:
Curaçao – part of the ABC islands - is the largest island of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located at the southern edge of the Caribbean. Known for its modern infrastructure, year round warm climate, multilingual workforce, and strategic position connecting the Western World with Latin America. Curaçao offers an ideal environment for online businesses or research and development (R&D) activities.
With a population of approx. 150.000 people, finding qualified staff to facilitate the statutory requirements of the gaming industry can be complicated. Recent fiscal legislation demands that companies with foreign sourced profits establish a physical presence in Curaçao. To comply, businesses must meet various obligations depending on the nature of their activities—including appointing suitably qualified individuals to carry out independent functions and serve as Key Persons under local expectations.
A core requirement is the employment of competent staff who can facilitate proper transaction execution, reporting, and administrative oversight. Many companies must demonstrate that these Key Persons—whether related to compliance, operations, finance, or control functions—are genuinely active in Curaçao and able to meet ongoing regulatory criteria.
This is where we can help. Our expert employment services provide tailored solutions to ensure your company remains fully compliant. We assist businesses in recruiting, appointing, or hosting qualified local professionals who can fulfill mandated Key Persons roles and independent functions, helping you avoid the administrative & legal risks associated with noncompliance.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help your company stay compliant.
With constant legislation and corporate setup changes, staying informed and making the right decisions for your firm is essential. We help you navigate the latest updates and provide expert advice on the best structure for your (intended) venture in Curaçao.
We have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and our focus on client relationships means that you can trust us to provide personalized and reliable guidance. Whether you are just starting or need to adapt to new legislation, we can help!
Curaçao has earned a strong reputation as one of the world’s most established and accessible jurisdictions for online gaming operators. Businesses choose Curaçao because the island offers a combination of regulatory stability, cost‑effective licensing, and a supportive corporate environment that is ideal for both new and established iGaming companies.
From an operational perspective, Curaçao provides a modern digital infrastructure, reliable connectivity, and a highly skilled multilingual workforce experienced in gaming, IT, finance, AML, and compliance. Its mature ecosystem means operators have access to knowledgeable local service providers, payment processing specialists, and technical infrastructure tailored to the industry.
Curaçao’s geographic location—connecting North America, South America, and Europe—also gives operators strategic access to multiple markets, broadening global reach while maintaining a centralized operational base. Combined with competitive tax policies and a business‑friendly environment, Curaçao remains one of the world’s most attractive hubs for online gaming companies seeking long‑term growth
EM Group provides a complete turnkey solution for establishing and operating an online gaming company in Curaçao. Our end‑to‑end services are designed to reduce complexity and ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
We assist with:
- Company formation and corporate structuring, tailored specifically for Curaçao’s evolving gaming regulations
- License application support, including documentation preparation, policy drafting, and regulatory submissions
- Local substance solutions, such as office space, hosting, phone lines, and physical presence requirements
- Employment and HR administration, ensuring your business meets mandatory staffing expectations
- Ongoing compliance and regulatory guidance, so your company stays aligned with CGA regulations
By partnering with EM Group, you gain access to a knowledgeable team deeply familiar with Curaçao’s regulatory environment, allowing you to launch quickly, operate compliantly, and scale efficiently.
A Curaçao online gaming license offers several highly attractive benefits for operators entering global markets:
Key advantages include:
- International credibility: A licensed status increases player trust and enhances your brand’s legitimacy.
- Global market access: Curaçao‑licensed operators may legally target most jurisdictions that permit offshore gaming (always subject to local laws).
- Operational flexibility: The license permits a broad range of activities, including casino games, sports betting, RNG games, and skill‑based games.
- Favorable regulatory framework: Curaçao is known for straightforward licensing processes compared to stricter jurisdictions.
- Cost‑efficient entry: Licensing fees and operational expenses are generally lower, making the jurisdiction attractive for startups and established brands.
This combination of credibility, global reach, and affordability makes Curaçao a preferred jurisdiction for many operators.
Beyond its gaming license ecosystem, Curaçao provides a stable environment for international business due to:
- A modern financial and legal system supported by Dutch‑influenced governance
- Reliable infrastructure, including power, fiber‑optic internet, and world‑class data centers
- Favorable tax conditions for international operations
- A multilingual professional community, fluent in English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamentu
- Access to experienced legal, financial, and compliance service providers
Curaçao’s pro‑business environment and international connectivity make it a practical headquarters for companies serving global audiences.
Online gaming operators face ongoing responsibilities, particularly as Curaçao transitions to a modernized regulatory model under the CGA. EM Group provides continuous support to ensure your operations remain compliant, efficient, and scalable.
Our long‑term services include:
- Regulatory compliance management, including filings, policy maintenance, and renewal documentation
- AML/CFT advisory and monitoring
- HR and employment administration, including payroll and contract management
- Corporate governance and board support
- Substance and operational infrastructure to support legitimacy and licensing requirements
This ongoing support allows your team to focus on expanding into markets, improving player experience, and enhancing product offerings while we handle your compliance framework.
Curaçao’s evolving regulatory framework places strong emphasis on real operational presence and the availability of Key Persons within the jurisdiction. For many online gaming operators, maintaining local employees directly can be challenging — which is why the outsourced employment model, supported by Curaçao’s double employment ruling, has become an efficient and compliant solution for operators looking to meet minimum requirements.
Historically, Curaçao used a Master License framework where sublicensees operated under a master license holder. These entities were responsible for:
- Ensuring all sublicensee domains were registered with the GCB
- Monitoring compliance of sublicensees
- Maintaining regulatory data accuracy
Under the new CGA model, this structure is being phased out, with all operators transitioning toward direct licensing, which provides clearer regulatory oversight.
Our team has extensive experience working with the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) and the transitioning Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). We advise on:
- License applications
- Domain registrations
- Compliance structuring
- Corporate and operational requirements
We offer practical, hands‑on support grounded in current regulatory expectations.
Simply contact EM Group for advisory support, regulatory updates, or tailored guidance. Whether you need clarification on licensing changes, compliance matters, or ongoing obligations, our specialists are available to assist.
You can start by submitting the contact form or requesting a consultation with our team. We will review your objectives, answer your questions, and outline the steps required to establish or expand your gaming operation in Curaçao.
A Curaçao gaming license is issued by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB)—transitioning to the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)—and authorizes operators to provide games of chance online. This includes activities where outcomes are determined by chance or a combination of chance and player skill, such as online casinos and sports betting.
Licensed operators must meet the regulatory standards established by the GCB/CGA to ensure fair play, player protection, and responsible operation.
The licensing process generally includes the following steps:
- Prepare application documents, including business plans, policies, and financial information.
- Incorporate a Curaçao company or structure a local legal entity.
- Submit the application to the CGA.
- Undergo due diligence, including background and financial checks.
- Demonstrate regulatory compliance, including operational and technical standards.
- Pay the applicable licensing fees.
- Receive license approval after successful review.
Exact requirements vary—EM Group can guide you through each stage.
The CGA is the regulatory authority responsible for:
- Issuing and supervising online gaming licenses
- Enforcing regulatory compliance
- Overseeing AML, player‑protection, and technical standards
- Investigating violations
Its mandate is to ensure Curaçao’s gaming sector operates transparently, responsibly, and in accordance with updated legislation.
Costs include application fees, annual regulatory fees, and due diligence or technical fees depending on your business model. Fees vary based on license type and regulatory scope.
CGA B2C (Operator) government license is EUR 50,000 (Approx)
CGA B2B (Supplier) gvernment license is EUR 25,000 (Approx)
EM Group can provide a detailed cost overview tailored to your specific structure and operational plans.
Operators licensed in Curaçao can offer online gaming services internationally from within the jurisdiction. However, they must also comply with the laws of each country where players are located.
Some jurisdictions impose restrictions or require additional approvals, so understanding your target markets is essential.
Typical requirements include:
Corporate & Legal
- A Curaçao‑registered legal entity
- Good legal standing of owners and directors
- No relevant criminal or regulatory history
Financial
- Proof of financial stability
- Clear operational funding
Operational & Technical
- A detailed business plan
- Adequate security, hosting, and player‑protection measures
- Technical compliance with platform and monitoring standards
Compliance
- Full AML/CFT adherence
- Background checks (due diligence)
- Payment of application and annual fees
EM Group manages the full preparation process to ensure compliance.
Under Curaçao’s former gaming framework, Master License holders were responsible for supervising their sublicensees and ensuring all associated domains were properly registered with the Gaming Control Board (GCB). Only domains registered through a Census Account or direct application were recognized as legally operating under a Master License. Any unregistered domain fell outside the scope of the license.
This system has now been replaced.
With the enactment of the LOK on 24 December 2025, the traditional Master License regime is being phased out and replaced by a modern, centralized licensing system under the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). New sublicense arrangements have not been permitted since 31 March 2024, and existing sublicensees must transition to direct CGA licensing under the LOK.
For guidance on transitioning and meeting the new LOK requirements, EM Group can provide full regulatory support.
