Curacao to Require Licensees to Have Local Offices and Staff Starting 2026
The Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) has published a draft of economic substance requirements for all licensees for public consultation.
Main Requirements for Licensees
Starting January 1, 2026, operators in Curacao will be required to:
- Employ at least one key staff member full-time (minimum 30 hours per week), registered in the island’s civil registry.
- Lease a dedicated office for company operations.
From December 2028, the requirements will be tightened to three full-time key staff members.
Key Staff
Key staff positions include:
- IT specialists
- Marketing professionals
- Developers
- Analysts
- Compliance managers
Exemptions
Exemptions may apply if all of the following conditions are met:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual turnover | Less than €10 million per year |
| Ownership in other companies | No ownership in other gaming companies for two years prior to application |
| Additional requirements | Compliance with all CGA local presence rules |
| Verification | Regular reporting to confirm compliance |
Consultation Period and Feedback
CGA is collecting industry feedback at onlinegaming@cga.cw until September 24, 2025. The transition period for meeting the requirements will last until the end of 2025.
All LOK license holders must have a local presence in Curacao. CGA has published a consultation document for the industry.
Benefits of the New Approach
- Strengthening the legal and transparent presence of gaming companies in Curacao.
- Enhancing oversight of operators’ activities.
- Creating jobs for local professionals.
- Stimulating the island’s economic growth.