Tuvalu Gaming License
A Tuvalu gaming license is an online gambling permit issued by the Tuvalu Gaming Authority (TGA) and administered through Tuvalu Gaming Licensing Inc. The TGA issues two separate types: B2C (operator) for player-facing sites, and B2B (supplier) for platforms and studios. A combined B2C+B2B instrument does not exist. No local company or director is required.
What are the gambling regulations in Tuvalu?
Per TGA documentation, the Tuvalu Gaming Authority (TGA) was established under the Tuvalu Online Gaming Act 2023 to oversee online gaming licensing for international operators. The TGA has delegated application processing, operator onboarding, and renewals to Tuvalu Gaming Licensing Inc., which is the primary contact for all license applicants.
Note: independent third-party verification of the full regulatory framework is limited. All regulatory claims on this page are attributed to TGA and its authorized representative, Tuvalu Gaming Licensing Inc.
Who is the Tuvalu license suitable for?
The Tuvalu gaming license suits operators who need an affordable, fast offshore permit without complex local requirements. It is a strong fit for:
iGaming startups entering the market with limited capital
Established operators adding a secondary or backup license
B2B game studios and aggregators serving international markets
Asian and emerging market operators who need a quick-launch jurisdiction
Operators who want crypto-payment capabilities from day one
What activities does the Tuvalu license cover?
The Tuvalu gaming license covers all major iGaming verticals. At application, operators nominate one type: B2C (player-facing operations) or B2B (technology and platform supply). B2C and B2B are separate licenses. B2C activities covered:
Online casino: slots, table games, live dealer, RNG games
Sports betting and esports
Poker
Lottery and sweepstakes
Bingo and horse racing
No separate license is needed for different game types within the same category. A B2B license covers: casino software platforms, sportsbook engines, game studios, aggregation platforms, and white-label technology providers. B2C and B2B are separate licenses at the same price.
What are the requirements for a Tuvalu gaming license?
To qualify, applicants must submit personal KYC documents for all UBOs, directors, and shareholders, plus corporate and technical documents. You need a compliance officer, but they do not need to be based in Tuvalu. MGL can arrange an outsourced MLRO/compliance officer for your project.
Personal documents (per UBO, director, shareholder)
- Passport
- Proof of address (utility bill, dated within 3 months)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Clear criminal record
- Source of Funds and Source of Wealth declaration
- Bank reference letter
- Professional reference letter
Corporate and technical documents
Company incorporation documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, List of Directors and Secretary, Certificate of Good Standing (if the company has existed for more than one year)
Business plan
Compliance policies: AML, KYC, Responsible Gaming
Software platform description
Random Number Generator (RNG) certificate
Proof of domain ownership
Security and hosting arrangements
Software and payment provider agreements
All documents must be certified by a qualified professional — lawyer, notary, or licensed accountant.
How it works
How do you get a Tuvalu gaming license?
Navigating the gaming license process can be complex. Here's a streamlined guide to each step.
Getting a Tuvalu gaming license takes 6–10 weeks for a typical operator. Operators with prepared compliance documentation close in 4–6 weeks. The formal regulator review runs 3–4 weeks after a complete file is submitted.
The process runs in three stages: pre-approval (free, ~4 working days), full application (+ $1,200 fee), and review and issuance ($15,850 on approval). MGL prepares all compliance policies, KYC/AML forms, and corporate documents. Applicants provide only personal identification.
How much does a Tuvalu gaming license cost?
A Tuvalu gaming license costs $15,850 per year for renewal. Year 1 is higher: $17,050 total ($15,850 issuance fee + $1,200 one-time application fee paid at pre-approval).
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $1,200 | One-time; paid after free pre-approval |
| Issuance fee (Year 1) | $15,850 | Paid on approval |
| Annual renewal (Year 2+) | $15,850 | Same amount each year |
| Additional domain | $500 each | Up to 5 beyond the 2 included |
| Year 1 total | $17,050 | Application + issuance |
The initial fee covers a single license for one type — B2C or B2B. It includes up to two domains. Additional domains cost $500 each (up to five extra). An entity needing both B2C and B2B rights pays two full sets of fees: $34,100 in Year 1 ($17,050 × 2). Year 2+: $15,850/year per license type.
How do you renew a Tuvalu gaming license?
The Tuvalu gaming license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires paying $15,850 and confirming ongoing compliance with all TGA conditions: AML/KYC, Responsible Gaming policy, annual financial reports, mandatory audits, and notification of any material corporate changes (ownership, structure, key personnel). Start renewal at least 30 days before the license expiry date.
What taxes apply to a Tuvalu gaming license?
According to TGA documentation, operators licensed in Tuvalu pay no tax on income generated outside the island: 0% GGR tax, 0% corporate tax, 0% income tax for offshore-licensed operators. For context, Tuvalu’s standard corporate tax rate for local businesses is 30%; the zero-tax treatment applies specifically to offshore operators under the iGaming licensing framework. This information is sourced from TGA and Tuvalu Gaming Licensing Inc.; operators should seek independent legal advice on their specific tax position.
Are crypto payments allowed under the Tuvalu license?
Yes. The Tuvalu gaming license permits operators to accept cryptocurrencies for player deposits and withdrawals. Supported instruments include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDT, and other major digital assets. Operators can also integrate traditional payment methods: cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Tuvalu is a crypto-friendly iGaming jurisdiction.
How does Tuvalu compare to other offshore licenses?
Tuvalu is the cheapest and fastest of the major offshore licenses, with 0% gaming tax (per TGA) and no local company. Anjouan is the closest alternative on price and tax, with wider payment acceptance today. Curaçao and Malta have stronger reputation and easier PSP access, but cost more and take months rather than weeks.
Malta (MGA) is a regulated EU license, not an offshore license, and is not directly comparable in market-access scope.
| Parameter | Tuvalu | Anjouan | Curaçao | Malta (MGA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory fees | $15,850 | €17,828 | $50,000 | €45,000 |
| Processing time | 6–10 weeks (4–6 with docs) | 5–7 weeks | 3–6 months | 6–12 months |
| GGR / gaming tax | 0% (per TGA) | 0% | Varies | ~5% GGR |
| Local company required | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto-friendly | Yes | Yes | Varies | No |
| Reputation / PSP access | Growing | Growing | High | High |
| Regulatory complexity | Easy-Moderate | Easy-Moderate | Moderate | Strict |
FAQ
any questions you have
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A Tuvalu gaming license takes 6–10 weeks for a typical operator. The regulator’s formal review period is 3–4 weeks after a complete file is submitted. Operators with pre-prepared compliance documentation (AML/KYC policies, corporate documents) can close in 4–6 weeks. Delays occur when documents are missing or require re-certification.
Yes. The Tuvalu licensing framework is designed for international operators. Foreign nationals can apply without setting up a local company, appointing a local director, or meeting minimum capital requirements in Tuvalu.
No. The Tuvalu Gaming Authority does not require operators to establish a local company, appoint a local director, or maintain a physical office in Tuvalu. A legal corporate structure in any jurisdiction is sufficient.
Per TGA documentation, operators pay no tax on income earned outside Tuvalu — 0% GGR, 0% corporate, 0% income tax. This applies to offshore-licensed operators only. It is not codified in publicly available Tuvalu tax legislation; operators should seek independent legal advice.
Yes. An MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) is mandatory. The MLRO can be remote or outsourced — no Tuvalu presence required. Name the MLRO in the AML/CTF policy at application. MGL can arrange an outsourced MLRO.
Operators with a Tuvalu gaming license cannot offer services to players in: Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, and all FATF blacklisted jurisdictions. Geo-IP blocking is required for all restricted territories.
Each Tuvalu gaming license includes two domains. Up to five additional domains can be added at $500 each.
Yes, but the renewal process must be initiated at least 30 days before the expiry date. Renewal requires payment of the $15,850 annual fee and confirmation of ongoing compliance with all TGA conditions.
No. A Tuvalu gaming license is issued by the TGA under Tuvalu law and cannot be transferred. It does not grant legal authority to operate in any other jurisdiction.
A Tuvalu gaming license is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.
Navigating the gaming license process can be complex. Here's a streamlined guide to each step