Anjouan 101: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Jurisdiction
The current global regulatory framework is shifting towards a more stringent approach across various industries, from Fintech and Crypto — highlighted by comprehensive regulations like the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) — to evolving compliance standards, new guidelines, and tighter operational controls. In this rapidly changing regulatory landscape, founders operating within innovative industries often encounter significant challenges in identifying jurisdictions that offer regulatory suitability and operational flexibility. Amid these global developments, Anjouan is a uniquely positioned jurisdiction.
Anjouan is an autonomous island within the Union of Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean, which has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for setting up iGaming and Fintech ventures. Its favorable business and regulatory environment makes it a perfect location for launching new ventures and expanding existing projects. Learn how your project can leverage the opportunities, which Anjouan provides, in our 101 Guide.
Setting up in Anjouan
The best vehicle for setting up your international business hub in Anjouan is an International Business Company (IBC). IBC is a foreign-owned company which does not:
- Conduct business with residents of Anjouan (apart from other IBCs);
- Own real estate in Anjouan.
An IBC is managed by a board, which can consist of a single person (either an individual or a legal entity). Incorporation of an IBC usually takes up to a week and is done via a registered agent fully remotely. There are no minimum capital requirements for an IBC. The following minimum document pack will be needed to incorporate an IBC:
- Articles of Incorporation of a future IBC;
- Copy of a passport or an ID card of shareholders and directors;
- Proof of Address (not older than 3 months) for every shareholder and director;
- Company name reservation certificate.
Anjouan maintains a corporate privacy regime and does not disclose information on ownership to the wider public. When compared to more sought-after offshore jurisdictions, the Anjouan IBC setup is more time- and resource-efficient, offering comparable benefits to entrepreneurs.
Taxation
An Anjouan IBC is exempt from the following taxes:
- Corporate tax;
- Income tax;
- Withholding tax;
- Dividend tax;
- Capital gains tax.
In addition, Anjouan does not impose a Value-Added Tax (VAT) on corporations, including an IBC.
Anjouan authorities issue a tax exemption certificate for 25 years upon the incorporation of an IBC.
Anjouan Licenses
Anjouan offers licenses tailored specifically for businesses in the financial services and iGaming sector, administered by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA). Each license requires establishing an IBC in Anjouan and complying with specific criteria.
Brokerage License
The license is tailored to foreign exchange (Forex) trading platforms and brokerage services for contract for differences (CFDs), commodities, and regulated securities.
Crypto License
The Anjouan crypto license allows offering cryptocurrency-related services including exchanges, trading, token issuance, liquidity management, and crypto storage, as well as traditional financial services. It should be noted that Anjouan does not have a coherent set of regulations for crypto assets and every Crypto License is issued in a “tailor-made” regime.
Banking License
This license allows offering traditional banking services to corporate and private clients, including loans and deposits.
Finance License
The Anjouan financial services license allows businesses to provide financial services to non-residents, including currency exchange, loans, asset holding, and management, as well as investment advisory services.
Gaming / Betting License
The Anjouan gambling license is an international gaming license. Historically lesser-known, this license has recently gained attention due to changes in other popular destinations like Curacao and Malta. This license offers broad international coverage (with the exception of the US, UK, and EU) and pertains to gaming activities, including sports betting, casino games, and even crypto gaming, under a single regulatory umbrella.
Apart from incorporating an IBC in Anjouan, the general licensing requirements include:
- Filing the Articles of Incorporation through a registered agent;
- Providing the necessary documents, including completion and submission of required application forms;
- Undergoing a compliance/KYB check conducted by the AOFA;
- Adhering to the Anjouan and international KYC/AML standards;
- Compiling and drafting a comprehensive business plan;
- Ensuring timely payment of annual renewal fees to maintain continued license validity.
Each type of license has its unique criteria and application process. The timeframe of license approval varies from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the complexity of the license, completeness of the documents and timely fee payments.
While the cost of obtaining each license varies, Anjouan is extremely competitive in terms of pricing with popular offshore destinations such as the BVI and Cayman.
Who Should Consider Anjouan?
Anjouan is among the best options for new businesses seeking regulatory flexibility, efficient legal processes, and attractive tax policy.
This jurisdiction is particularly interesting for:
- Startups and Early-Stage Projects, entrepreneurs launching new ventures or innovative projects requiring adaptability to test new concepts on a budget.
- Fintech Companies, including payment processors, online banking platforms, currency exchange, and investment platforms.
- iGaming Operators, exploring new markets or diversifying their offerings to a wide set of GEOs.
- Digital Commerce Enterprises, looking for a tax-efficient and cost-effective regulatory environment, suited for their operations.
- International Financial Services Providers, aiming to increase their operational freedom and ensure corporate privacy.
- Businesses Prioritizing Confidentiality, which place emphasis on the protection of their assets.
- Any business looking to set up its corporate and legal structure in an anti-agile manner, taking advantage of efficient regulations and operational freedom.
So Why Anjouan?
Anjouan is among the best options for setting up an innovative project in a dynamically changing world. The island merges a pragmatic and efficient approach to regulatory oversight with exceptional operational freedom, creating a robust yet highly flexible legal environment. With strategic foresight, entrepreneurs and businesses choosing Anjouan are positioning themselves to capitalize on tomorrow’s global business opportunities and grow their ventures in a comfortable business environment.
How Can PPA Help?
Prometheus Partners provides advisory for fintech, iGaming, and startup projects seeking Anjouan licenses and IBC formation. Our team will manage licensing applications, corporate structuring, compliance guidance, and operational setup — accelerating your venture’s launch timeline.
Contact us at support@prometheus.partners for a free consultation.
