Costa Rica Licence: The Premier Solution for iGaming & Crypto Businesses in 2026

Choosing the right jurisdiction is the cornerstone of a successful iGaming or cryptocurrency project. While Malta, Anjouan and Curacao have traditionally dominated the conversation, regulatory tightening and rising costs in those regions have shifted the spotlight.

Costa Rica has emerged as the superior alternative for startups and established operators seeking agility, fiscal efficiency, and a crypto-friendly environment.

Here is why Costa Rica is currently the most strategic and interesting location for establishing your iGaming or Crypto corporate structure.

Advantages of Costa Rica for Gaming and Crypto Businesses

A True Crypto-Friendly Ecosystem

Costa Rica is not just “tolerant” of crypto; it is virtually a haven for it. In an industry where traditional banking is a hurdle, Costa Rica’s legal neutrality towards digital assets is a game-changer.

• Payment Freedom: Costa Rica provides total freedom of payments. It means that companies can legally accept cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum) as a form of payment from users without special permits.
• Employee Salaries: Costa Rica laws allows for salaries to be paid in goods or other mediums agreed upon by parties, facilitating crypto-payroll structures.
• Asset Protection: Since cryptocurrencies are not regulated by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, they are free from many of the traditional banking restrictions that stifle innovation in other countries.

The Financial Edge: 0% Tax on Foreign Income

Perhaps the most compelling argument for Costa Rica is its Territorial Tax System.

Competitor jurisdictions often impose a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax or corporate income tax. In Costa Rica, corporations are only taxed on income generated locally within the country.

• The Result: If your iGaming platform or crypto exchange serves users located outside of Costa Rica (which is the standard model), your corporate income tax is effectively 0%, as for International Business Company (IBC).
• No Gaming Tax: Since there is no specific “gambling license”, there is no gambling tax to pay.

Cost-Efficiency: Low Barriers to Entry

Launching in Malta can cost upwards of €300,000 just for the B2C license including all corporate, compliance and regulatory fees. Curacao is also raising its prices and tightening substance requirements.

Costa Rica remains the most affordable credible option:

• Lower Setup Costs: Formation fees are significantly lower than European counterparts and no license or regulatory fees applicable.
• Minimal Maintenance: No need for expensive local directors or physical offices with multiple employees just to satisfy “substance” rules.
• Renewals: Annual maintenance fees are predictable and budget-friendly.

Global Reach and Banking

A common misconception is that a Costa Rican entity limits your reach. On the contrary, a Costa Rican unregulated company allows you to operate globally in any jurisdiction where online gambling is not explicitly prohibited or where a local license is not mandatory.

While traditional Tier-1 banks can be hesitant, the jurisdiction is widely accepted by:

• Crypto-friendly fintechs.
• High-risk merchant account providers.
• Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs).

Is Costa Rica Right for Your Business?

If your goal is to launch quickly, minimize initial burn rate, and operate with maximum flexibility using cryptocurrency, Costa Rica is unrivaled. It is the ideal “sandbox” for startups to test their product and build a user base before potentially expanding to stricter jurisdictions later.

Why Choose SBSB Fintech Lawyers?

Navigating the nuances of the Costa Rican legal system requires local expertise. At SBSB Fintech Lawyers, we don’t just register companies; we build legal fortresses for your business. From launching your unregulated, but legal iGaming business to structuring your crypto-compliance and opening corporate accounts, we handle the complexity so you can focus on growth.

💬 Have questions about your Costa Rica gaming or crypto license? Write to us at yuliya_barabash@sb-sb.com — our team will be happy to guide you through the process.