Anjouan crypto license

The Anjouan crypto license is issued by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) under the Offshore Finance Authority Act of 2005. It can be granted to an Anjouan IBC or, in some cases, to a foreign company, and typically covers operating a crypto exchange, trading, custody, and liquidity for non-residents, while banking, FX brokerage, insurance, and gaming require separate licenses. Incorporation and licensing usually take about 6–7 weeks end to end, with AOFA’s review occurring 1–2 months after a complete submission. Applicants must implement AML/KYC policies and provide fit-and-proper documents (CVs, police clearances, references), but there is no minimum capital, local office, or local director requirement. The government license fee is reported at 5,000 EUR, and the total license cost varies by provider packages (often starting around €10,300) plus annual renewal and maintenance. Anjouan’s tax regime for IBCs is commonly described as 0% corporate, income, and withholding tax, yet many firms pair the license with a non‑blacklisted payment agent entity in the EU to improve banking and gateway access.

Anjouan crypto license at a glance

If you’re looking to launch a crypto business without drowning in red tape, the Anjouan crypto license is one of the fastest ways in. It is issued by the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) in the Union of the Comoros. The headline draws founders for three reasons: speed, flexibility, and cost. Turnaround typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the quality of your application, and there is no statutory requirement for minimum paid-in capital, no obligation to lease a local office, and no requirement to appoint a local director.

The license is attractive for startups and lean teams because it focuses on AML/KYC readiness rather than heavy prudential rules. Do note, however, that “light-touch” at the licensing stage does not mean light responsibilities once you go live. Banks, payment processors, and counterparties will still expect a robust compliance stack, clear governance, and clean principals. Get those wrong and speed becomes a trap.

What the license lets you do

The scope is broad. Anjouan frames the crypto license within a wider offshore financial framework, which means your authorization can cover digital asset activities alongside certain financial services. That flexibility is powerful but must be exercised carefully across borders.

• Crypto exchange and brokerage (fiat ↔ crypto, crypto ↔ crypto)
• Crypto trading, market making, and liquidity provision
• Custody/wallet services and safekeeping of digital assets
• Issuance of tokens (utility or security), ICO/ITO/STO support
• CFD and other trading operations linked to digital assets
• E-commerce and payment facilitation for clients
• Opening accounts for legal entities and individuals (subject to onboarding and AML)
• Currency exchange
• Lending and deposit-taking, securities intermediation, and related financial services, as permitted by AOFA

Because some of these items overlap with banking, securities, or payments regulation elsewhere, you must map each activity to destination market rules. A license in Anjouan is not a passport into the EU, UK, or US. It gives you a lawful base and narrative, but local laws still apply wherever your clients sit.

Who should consider it and who should not

Early-stage exchanges, wallet providers, OTC desks, token issuance projects, and crypto-native fintechs often choose Anjouan to get live, test product–market fit, and build traction. The jurisdiction works best for B2B flows, global client bases, and projects that can operate with a distributed team.

It is less ideal for teams seeking big-bank rails from day one, retail-heavy operations in strictly regulated markets, or those needing passporting into major economies. If your core revenue depends on processing card payments at scale in the EU or US, you will likely pair the license with an onshore payments entity or choose a more demanding but bank-friendly jurisdiction.

The regulator, the rulebook, and the fine print

AOFA is the sole authority under the Offshore Finance Authority Act of 2005. Procedures are straightforward: incorporate (or use an existing) International Business Company (IBC), submit your fit-and-proper documents, file AML/KYC policies, and pay the fees. Approval windows of 1–2 months are common for complete files.

There are guardrails worth noting. Failure to renew on time can suspend both your license and IBC status. If the license is cancelled, individuals running the business can be personally liable for post-cancellation activity. You must notify and obtain approval for changes to directors, shareholders, or share capital. Each anniversary, key persons typically provide a police clearance from their place of business. And as an IBC, you cannot conduct domestic business in Anjouan except as allowed (e.g., leasing premises or receiving professional services).

Company setup and the “offshore plus” structure

A neat feature is that the Anjouan license can be issued to a company incorporated outside the Comoros. This lets you design hybrid structures: for example, hold the license in an offshore IBC while operating payment collection through an onshore or low-tax EU entity.

Banks are cautious with offshore crypto. A common workaround is to set up a “payment agent” company in a mainland jurisdiction with moderate tax and good banking access. That entity opens the bank and gateway accounts, invoices clients for processing, and settles with the licensed crypto company. It is legal, auditable, and often the only practical bridge between high-risk activity and conservative banking.

Timelines that actually hold

Expect two parallel tracks: corporate setup and licensing. If you choose an Anjouan IBC, incorporation can be done within days when documents are clean. If you license an external company, factor extra time for apostilles and notarizations.

• Minimum package: on request from 2 weeks for straightforward incorporations and a simple application file.
• Most popular structures: on request from 4 weeks; this assumes mature AML docs and fast KYC responses from principals.
• Plus or “belt-and-braces” builds: on request from 6 weeks; add time for policy tailoring, website legal pack reviews, and recruiting an AML officer.

Delays usually come from slow police clearances, incomplete source-of-funds evidence, or websites that don’t reflect the policies you filed.

Cost: government fees versus professional work

When founders ask “What does it cost in Anjouan?” they really mean two things: the state fees and the professional build.

• Government license fee: often cited around 5,000 EUR.
• IBC annual government fee: often quoted near 300 USD after formation.
• Professional packages: market offers commonly range from about 10,300 EUR to 19,500 EUR for the initial build, with annual maintenance from about 5,700 EUR to 9,500 EUR depending on scope.
• Optional extras: AML officer recruitment, EU AML training, website legal documents, and banking introductions are typically bundled or priced separately.

Your total first-year outlay will depend on how much you outsource. If you bring your own tested AML stack and in-house counsel, you’ll spend less. If you want a turnkey, expect a higher but predictable ticket.

What good applications look like

A strong file is simple, complete, and defensible. It reads like you already run a clean shop. Assemble these pieces before you even ask for a quote:

• Corporate documents with apostille for the applicant entity
• UBO, director, and key personnel KYC, CVs, and police clearances
• Detailed business plan, including client profiles, geographies, and revenue lines
• End-to-end AML/CFT and KYC program: policies, procedures, and risk scoring
• Compliance governance: who is MLRO/AML officer, reporting lines, and training plan
• Website legal pack aligned with your actual services (ToS, Privacy, Risk warnings)
• Proof of domain control, platform architecture notes, and security overview
• Banking and payments roadmap (even if staged), including a payment agent plan

Treat your AML officer as a real function, not a checkbox. Regulators and banks can tell the difference.

Blacklists, perception, and how to navigate them

Anjouan appears on various institutional “high-risk” or blacklist dashboards. That affects perception more than legality but matters for banking and vendor onboarding. Counter this by leveling up your governance, using an onshore payment entity, and publishing credible disclosures on risk management. Many service providers will still say no. You only need a few that say yes—and they will expect immaculate KYC and transaction monitoring.

Do not advertise deposit-taking or securities activities unless you truly need them and have cross-border legal analysis. Over-claiming capabilities is the fastest way to trigger enhanced due diligence and refusals.

Renewal, variations, and life after approval

Licenses renew annually. Budget the government fee and your maintenance service. Calendar your police clearances a month early. If you change shareholding, directors, or capital, pre-clear with the registrar. If you pivot product lines—say, from simple exchange to token issuance—update your policies, website, and client disclosures first, then file the variation.

If you miss a renewal payment, the license can be suspended or revoked, and your IBC can be affected. Keep a compliance calendar and assign someone to own it.

Taxes, bookkeeping, and substance

The jurisdiction is marketed for tax efficiency: no corporate income tax, no withholding tax, and minimal government fees for IBCs. That is compelling, but remember you are taxed where you create value and where you are managed and controlled. If your founders sit in Paris, Berlin, or Dubai, consult on permanent establishment and CFC rules. Keep clean books, even if no local audit is required. Investors and banks will ask for them.

Substance is not mandated for the license, yet demonstrating operational substance—defined roles, documented controls, and decision records—helps with counterparties and with your home-country tax position.

Packaging the journey without the fluff

Service bundles exist for a reason: most teams want speed with fewer moving parts. Typical tiers include:

• Minimum/basic: company registration (Anjouan IBC if needed), legal address, apostilled set, license application support, AML policy drafting, website legal pack, optional AML officer recruitment, AML training.
• Popular/standard: all of the above with heavier hand-holding and realistic banking introductions.
• Plus/full: adds governance workshops, custom risk modeling, policy implementation, staff training, and ongoing compliance reporting setup.

Pick what fits your maturity. Paying for what you do not need is waste; under-spending on AML is worse.

Banking realities and the payment agent play

“Offshore plus payments agent” is not a loophole; it’s a compliance-forward architecture. The onshore agent contracts with your clients for fiat processing, holds bank and gateway accounts, and settles net proceeds to the licensed crypto entity. KYC responsibilities are shared or allocated by contract and policy. Done properly, this reduces risk for banks while preserving your licensed crypto operations.

If you try to open a bank account directly under an offshore crypto company, be ready for rejections. When a bank does engage, it will be niche, expensive, and policy-heavy. Model your unit economics accordingly.

Common mistakes that cost time and money

Founders often trip on three things. First, misalignment between the website and the filed policies. Regulators and banks review your live site—make it match your file. Second, thin documentation for UBO source of funds. Crypto-native wealth is fine; evidence it. Third, promising services that require additional licenses in target countries. When in doubt, soft-launch with a narrow scope and expand as your legal map clears.

Another avoidable issue is leaving AML officer hiring to the last minute. Start early. Even if outsourced, you need a named person with time and authority.

A realistic budget and operating plan

Plan year one with a conservative envelope: government license fee, IBC fees, professional services, AML officer costs, training, and legal updates. Many teams land between 10,300 EUR and 19,500 EUR for setup, plus 5,700–9,500 EUR for annual maintenance, before headcount. Add your tech, security, and cloud spend. If your model depends on card payments, include payment agent incorporation and banking setup in a low-tax European jurisdiction.

Put simply: the license cost is visible and finite; operational compliance is the ongoing spend. Budget both, or the math will surprise you.

Final thought on strategy and scale

Anjouan is a sharp tool: quick to acquire, flexible in scope, and friendly on cost. Use it to validate your product, refine controls, and build a track record. Pair it with a clean corporate structure and a sensible payments setup. As you scale into regulated markets, expect to add more licenses. That is not a failure of the Anjouan route; it’s the natural path of a crypto company growing up.

Topic	Details	Cost	Typical timeline	Notes
Jurisdiction and regulator	Anjouan (Union of Comoros). The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) is the sole regulator under the Offshore Finance Authority Act, 2005. AOFA oversees banking, insurance, e‑commerce, securities/NFTs, and crypto.	—	AOFA review often 1–2 months	Some marketing materials reference a “Financial Services Authority”; the competent authority for the anjouan crypto license is AOFA.
What the anjouan crypto license covers	Legal permission to provide crypto services internationally. Core scope includes: crypto exchange (fiat↔crypto, crypto↔crypto), crypto trading, custody/storage, liquidity provision, issuance of tokens (utility/security), and CFDs linked to digital assets.	Government fees apply (see below)	End‑to‑end usually 6–7 weeks once documents are ready	Gaming, brokerage/FX, insurance, and banking need separate licenses.
Who can apply	An Anjouan IBC or a non‑Anjouan company. Foreign companies can hold the license.	—	Company setup can be parallel with licensing	Useful when building offshore corporate structures while avoiding blacklisted entities at the operating level.
Corporate form	International Business Company (IBC) in Anjouan is standard, though the license may be issued to a company registered elsewhere.	IBC upkeep commonly USD 300/year (after initial setup)	IBC incorporation ~2 weeks	If you already have a company, you can apply without re‑incorporating in Anjouan.
Substance/minimums	No statutory minimum capital. No mandatory local office. No requirement for a local director.	—	—	AOFA expects clear AML/KYC policies and a responsible AML function; many providers help recruit an AML officer.
Core compliance	AML/KYC framework, risk assessment, business plan and 12‑month projections, fit‑and‑proper for controllers.	—	—	Keep procedures proportionate to your product set (exchange, custody, brokerage‑style crypto, etc.).
Documents typically required	For directors/shareholders/UBOs: CVs; police clearance; bank and business references; KYC set (ID, proof of address). For the company: constitutional docs, website T&Cs, AML/KYC policies, financial forecasts.	—	Prepare pack in 1–2 weeks with advisor	Police clearance must be kept current.
Government fees (indicative)	One‑time license fee to AOFA. Annual renewals thereafter.	License: about EUR 5,000; IBC annual: about USD 300	Pay on filing; renew annually	Exact fee codes and payment instructions are issued by AOFA/registered agent.
Service packages (examples)	Three transparent options often offered by advisors.	—	—	Choose by depth of support you need.
• Crypto license with nominee structure	Includes all “Extended” services plus a Nominee Director for 1 year.	Setup: EUR 19,500; Maintenance: EUR 9,500/year	Delivery aligned to licensing timeline	For added privacy and separation of roles.
• Crypto license with AML/KYC docs and bank	Includes all “Basic” services, AML/KYC policy drafting or review, and help opening a corporate account.	Setup: EUR 13,600; Maintenance: EUR 7,500/year	Delivery aligned to licensing timeline	Good fit when you need banking plus compliance documentation.
• Local substance creation with license	Dedicated consultant; turnkey company formation; corporate docs; name check; license filing.	Setup: EUR 10,300; Maintenance: EUR 5,700/year	Delivery aligned to licensing timeline	For teams wanting light local presence without heavy overhead.
Alternative “on‑request” bundles	Minimum Package; Most Popular; Plus Package.	Pricing on request	From 2, 4, and 6 weeks respectively	Content typically mirrors the items above; timelines reflect complexity.
Timeline overview	Incorporation first, then license review. Many providers run both in parallel.	—	IBC ~2 weeks; License review ~4–5 weeks; Total ~6–7 weeks	AOFA states reviews are generally completed within 1–2 months.
Banking strategy	Banks can be cautious with offshore/crypto. Common workaround: a payment agent company in a mainland/low‑tax EU jurisdiction to handle fiat collections and payouts for the licensed crypto entity.	Extra entity and account costs vary	3–8 weeks to stand up a payment agent with accounts	Improves access to banking and gateways while the licensed company runs the core crypto operation.
Validity and renewal	License is valid until the stated expiry or if the company ceases to exist in Anjouan; annual renewal with AOFA required.	Renewal fees apply	Renew annually before due date	Late or non‑payment can suspend or revoke both license and IBC status.
Cancellation grounds	Breach of law; engaging in prohibited/local‑only activities without permission; fewer than one director or member; public solicitation of share/debenture subscriptions.	—	—	After cancellation, persons conducting business may be personally liable for post‑cancellation actions.
What is and isn’t “doing business in Anjouan”	Not “local business” merely because you: lease premises; hold meetings; keep records; receive services from local agents/lawyers/accountants; hold/issue securities in IBCs; transact with other IBCs; maintain deposits with licensed banks.	—	—	Day‑to‑day client servicing is expected to be cross‑border, not directed at Anjouan residents.
Ongoing obligations	Annual police clearance for persons conducting business; notify and obtain AOFA/Registrar approval for changes to directors, shareholders, or share capital; maintain AML/KYC and records.	Admin/agent fees apply	Annual and event‑driven	Keep website legal docs current (T&Cs, privacy, risk, AML notice).
Taxes	No corporate income tax, no withholding tax, and minimal government fees in Anjouan.	—	—	Tax residence and reporting of owners/clients in their home countries still apply.
Market positioning and perception	The anjouan crypto license is valued for speed, flexibility, and cost. Some institutions flag Comoros/Anjouan in risk policies.	—	—	Use clear compliance and a payment‑agent model to improve banking success.
Verification	Check license status through AOFA/your registered agent. Keep the license certificate and authorized activities handy on your website.	—	—	Gaming has a public register; crypto verification is typically done via AOFA or the agent.
Common use cases	Centralized exchange, OTC desk, brokerage of digital assets, custody/wallet provider, token issuance (utility/security), market making/liquidity, CFD on digital assets (where permitted).	—	—	Always map activities to your exact license permissions.
Important accuracy note	Some third‑party write‑ups mistakenly mention Anguilla in incorporation steps. The license discussed here is issued in Anjouan, Union of Comoros.	—	—	When in doubt, rely on AOFA documents and your registered agent.
Bottom‑line cost in practice	Budget for: government fee (≈ EUR 5,000); IBC annual (≈ USD 300); advisory/package fee (EUR 10,300–19,500 setup + EUR 5,700–9,500/year); compliance tooling and banking setup.	Total first‑year outlay often mid–five figures in EUR	6–7 weeks to go live after filings	Exact cost depends on structure, number of controllers, and banking scope.