Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the Caribbean north of Venezuela, with its capital in Willemstad. Since 2010 it has enjoyed wide internal autonomy, while the Netherlands retains responsibility for defense and foreign policy.

The economy is classified as high-income and is mainly service-based: tourism, oil refining, financial services, and port logistics in Willemstad. Curaçao has built a reputation as a business-friendly jurisdiction, with solid telecom and internet infrastructure, relatively low corporate tax, and a regulatory framework that attracts international entrepreneurs.

Advantages

Cost-Effectiveness

• Curacao licences are known for relatively low application and maintenance costs compared to many Tier-1 jurisdictions.
• While gaming revenue is taxed, Curacao’s tax regime remains favorable, with corporate tax rates around 2% under its e-zone framework.

Modern Regulatory Approach

• Since the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) came into effect on December 24, 2024, Curacao has strengthened its framework to align with global AML and responsible gaming standards.
• The system is more rigorous than before but still allows operators flexibility in structuring their operations.

Streamlined Licensing Process

• Curacao now issues direct B2C and B2B licenses under the sole supervision of the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA).
• Transitional “Green Seal” licences give compliant operators a pathway to full approval by December 24, 2025, offering stability during the shift from the old master/sub-license regime.

Important Considerations

• The regulator has begun active enforcement, including cease-and-desist notices for non-compliant operators.
• New requirements include local presence obligations (offices and staff over time), which increase costs compared to the previous regime.