Vanuatu gambling license

Vanuatu positions itself as an affordable solution. Under updated instruments in 2024, fees and taxes for interactive operators were refreshed, with a single regulation consolidating the application fee, annual license fee, and tax mechanics. Market guidance commonly quotes an application fee in the low four figures and an annual fee around the low five figures, alongside a light tax on Gross Gaming Revenue. Many advisors reference circa €5,000 to apply, €10,000 annually, and a 1% GGR levy, but you should always check the current fee schedule and tax orders in force when you file.

Timelines are friendly by industry standards. A well-prepared applicant can move from incorporation to licence in roughly 6–12 weeks. If your file is complex or if background checks kick up follow‑ups, expect 2–4 months. Budget separately for ongoing audit work, compliance tooling, and data security—these are not mere “nice to haves” in a regulated interactive environment.

Let’s address the million‑dollar question: can you actually bank and process under a Vanuatu license? The short answer is yes, with nuance. Some PSPs and acquirers now accept Vanuatu-licensed entities directly. Others may onboard you through a group structure or payment arms based in Cyprus, the Isle of Man, or similar hubs. If you’ve navigated Curacao in the past, the playbook will feel familiar.

Games and platform suppliers increasingly recognize the re‑launched regime, and the list is growing. Because this is a refreshed, not brand‑new, license line, acceptance is trending better than in fringe jurisdictions. Your own credibility—team track record, clean ownership, solid AML posture—still determines how fast doors open.

A license is not a trophy; it’s a covenant. You will file regular returns and pay tax on time, maintain accurate records, and keep your AML program alive with training, QA, and suspicious activity reporting. Expect periodic audits, change‑management notifications for material events, and proactive incident reporting around data breaches or platform outages.

Responsible gambling is a standing requirement, not a landing page badge. Bake in age verification, self‑exclusion, affordability checks where appropriate, and transparent T&Cs. Finally, keep your markets list clean: respect blocked territories and sanctions, and document your geoblocking logic so you can prove it works.

Week 1–2: Incorporate with VFSC, file VIPA if needed, obtain TIN, appoint your local director and responsible person. Lock down a bank relationship in Vanuatu and open your operational account. In parallel, finalize supplier term sheets and start RNG/game certification.

Week 3–6: Assemble the dossier. Tighten your AML/CTF policies, responsible gambling framework, and platform security narrative. Ensure domain ownership and hosting proofs are tidy. Run an internal mock review to catch gaps before the regulator does.

Week 6–10: File through the communication portal. Respond quickly to clarifications. Many delays are self‑inflicted by slow document turnaround. Prepare for conditional approval items like final bank confirmations or updated supplier schedules.

Post‑licence: Complete go‑live testing scripts, confirm tax registration settings, and stand up monthly reporting templates. Train customer support on responsible gambling flows and KYC edge cases. Do a “soft open” before turning on full paid traffic.

No, this is not a “rubber stamp” license. The VGA expects substance: real control over your platform, real AML, and real accountability. Do not assume you can route all payments offshore and keep Vanuatu as window dressing. The regulator expects visibility on flows tied to interactive activity.

Another frequent misstep is confusing a land‑based club licence with the interactive framework. Hotel and club fees and gaming duty under CAP 172 do not apply to your online model. Conversely, the interactive tax and reporting rules are not a workaround for on‑island machines. Get the scope right and you’ll sleep better.

Vanuatu shines for operators aiming at grey or open markets where a recognized but cost‑effective online license unlocks suppliers, PSPs, and ad platforms. It’s startup‑friendly but sturdy enough for mid‑tier brands consolidating multiple domains under a single supervisory relationship. The lack of corporate income tax and VAT on gambling revenue is a genuine boost to unit economics.

If your business plan revolves around tightly ring‑fenced markets that demand domestic licences—think the UK, Spain, or certain US states—Vanuatu is a foundation, not a finish line. It can power your global book and B2B relationships, but you will still need local approvals where mandated, plus careful geoblocking and marketing discipline.