Short answer
Cyprus licenses online betting through the National Betting Authority (NBA) under the Betting Law of 2019. Class A covers betting shops; Class B covers online betting, but not online casino or poker. Class B costs €30,000 for one year or €45,000 for two, with €500,000 issued and paid-up share capital and a bank guarantee of at least €550,000, which the NBA may raise; neither is a fee. Per NBA Directive 14.2025.v2, betting tax and contributions total 15% of net betting revenue. Operators need a .com.cy domain, a backup server in Cyprus synchronized with the main server, and self-exclusion integration. Plan 3–6 months. The license does not let you operate in other markets and does not guarantee bank or payment-provider acceptance.
Cyprus at a glance
- Regulator
- National Betting Authority (NBA)
- Primary law
- Betting Law of 2019 (L. 37(I)/2019), as amended
- Online scope
- Online betting can be licensed; online casino and online poker are not permitted. Land-based casinos fall under a separate law.
- Classes
- Class A — land-based betting shops · Class B — online betting
- Term
- 1 or 2 years, renewable
- Technical
- .com.cy domain; backup server in Cyprus synchronized with the main server; National Self-Exclusion Platform (NSEP) integration
- Payments
- Payment instruments and providers accepted under the law and NBA requirements; cash is not compatible with online betting and crypto must be assessed separately
- Licensed operators
- The number varies (13 Class B licensees in Q1 2026, per the NBA); check the NBA register for the current list
Is Cyprus the right license for you?
A good fit when
- You are a sports betting operator planning to serve players in Cyprus
- You can post the bank guarantee and meet the Cyprus infrastructure requirements
Look elsewhere when
- You run an online casino or poker product — it cannot be licensed
- You want a license to operate across several international markets
Cyprus license types
| License | Who needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class B (online betting) | Online sports betting operators | Excludes casino-style games and poker |
| Class A (land-based betting) | Betting shops | Not for online operation |
Cyprus license costs and tax
| Charge | Amount | When | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| License fee, one year | €30,000 | On grant | NBA fee regulations |
| License fee, two years | €45,000 | On grant | NBA fee regulations |
| Bank guarantee (not a fee) | at least €550,000 | With the application; valid 6 months past license expiry | NBA FAQ; may be increased under the law |
| Minimum issued and paid-up share capital (not a license cost) | €500,000 | At application | Betting Law |
Share capital of €500,000 and a bank guarantee of at least €550,000 total €1,050,000 of financial resources that are not sunk fees. The NBA can require a higher guarantee under the law.
Tax
- Betting tax and contributions
- Per NBA Directive 14.2025.v2, 15% of net betting revenue as calculated under NBA rules: 10% betting tax, 4% first contribution component and 1% second component (art. 71)
- Corporate tax
- 15% Cyprus corporate income tax (from 1 January 2026)
Legal framework
| Instrument | What it does for you |
|---|---|
| Betting Law of 2019 (L. 37(I)/2019) | Online and land-based betting licenses; NBA powers |
| Casino Operations and Control Law 2015 | Single integrated casino resort license — not online |
| 2025 amendment proposal (TRIS 2025/0094/CY) | Private bill on certain games of chance — not enacted |
Local substance and eligibility
- Cyprus company, or a foreign company registered in Cyprus (overseas company), with betting as its main activity — see Cyprus company formation
- Minimum issued and paid-up share capital of €500,000
- Bank guarantee of at least €550,000 from an eligible institution, which the NBA may increase under the law
- Class B applicants must install a backup server in Cyprus, synchronized with the main server, and meet NBA data-access and technical integration requirements
- Bank account as required, a contract with a financial services provider for player accounts, and balance checks before accepting bets
Entity types, capital, local agents, tax and timing: Cyprus company formation.
How to get a Cyprus license
- Weeks 1–4
Eligibility and company
Review ownership, UBOs and legal form; incorporate in Cyprus or register an eligible foreign company.
- Weeks 2–6
Financial requirements
€500,000 issued and paid-up share capital; prepare the €550,000 bank guarantee.
- Weeks 2–8
Technical infrastructure
.com.cy domain, backup server in Cyprus, NBA integration, NSEP integration and player-protection controls.
- Weeks 4–8
License file
Corporate documents, financial statements, key-person information, supplier contracts, compliance policies and technical documentation.
- Months 2–5
Filing and review
File with the NBA with supporting documents and fees; the NBA may request more information.
- Months 3–6
License issue and launch preparation
Class B license issued once conditions are met; finish technical and operational readiness. 3–6 months is indicative, not guaranteed.
Document checklist
Corporate and financial
- Company or registered foreign company documents
- Evidence of issued and paid-up share capital
- Bank guarantee
- Financial statements
- Contract with a financial services provider for player accounts and payouts
Key persons
- Integrity, reputation and competence documentation
- Criminal-record certificates
Technical
- Technical infrastructure, Cyprus backup server and NBA connection
- System certification
- .com.cy domain registration
- Technology supplier contracts
Compliance
- Responsible gambling policy and NSEP integration
- Data protection policies
- AML procedures
Not exhaustive; the official NBA Class B application form sets the documents required.
After the license
Taxes and contributions
Monthly payments on net betting revenue as defined by NBA rules.
Self-exclusion
Integration with the National Self-Exclusion Platform (NSEP).
Renewal
When the one- or two-year term expires.
Guarantee
Keep the bank guarantee valid for the license term and six months after expiry.
Promotions
Promotional offers and bonus terms must follow NBA rules on transparency, player protection and betting advertising.
Cyprus compared
| Cyprus | Malta | Bulgaria | Estonia | Romania | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual license fees | €30,000 (1-year license) | €25,000 + contribution (min €15,000) | €25,565 RG contribution + 20% GGR (betting) | No annual license fee; €51,140 initial fees | €1,280,000 B2C · €35,000 B2B |
| Tax on GGR | 15% of net betting revenue | 15% / 10% on players in Malta | 20% GGR betting · 10% CIT casino | 5.5% GGR (2026) | 30% GGR, min €480,000 |
| Time to license | 3–6 months | 4–6 months | 2–3 months | 6–12 months | 6–9 months B2C · 2–3 months B2B |
| Local substance | CY or registered foreign company, CY backup server, €550,000 guarantee | MT company, key functions, system audit | EU company, BG representative, BG data | EE or EU company, €1m capital (games of chance) | B2C: RO entity or PE, mirror server · B2B: RO entity, or EU/EEA entity with local representative |
| Status | EU regulator, betting only | EU regulator | EU regulator | EU regulator | EU regulator |
All jurisdictions side by side, with filters: compare gambling license jurisdictions. In Romania, operators need a Class 1 (B2C) license and suppliers a Class 2 (B2B) license. How we run an application: gambling consulting services.
Cyprus gambling license — FAQs
Can I get an online casino license in Cyprus?
No. The NBA regime allows online betting but not online casino or online poker. Land-based casinos fall under a separate law.
Who regulates betting in Cyprus?
The National Betting Authority (NBA), under the Betting Law of 2019.
What taxes apply?
The license fee is €30,000 for one year or €45,000 for two. Per NBA Directive 14.2025.v2, betting tax and contributions total 15% of net betting revenue, plus corporate tax. Share capital (€500,000) and the bank guarantee (at least €550,000) are not fees.
Do I need a Cyprus domain?
Yes, Class B operators use a .com.cy domain under the applicable requirements.
How many operators are licensed?
It varies (13 Class B licensees in Q1 2026). Check the NBA public register for the current list.
Sources
Figures were checked against the regulator and legislation listed below on 13 October 2026. Fees, tax rates and restricted-market lists change; confirm with us before you commit capital.
Find out if Cyprus fits before you pay a fee
We screen the ownership chain, check banking and payment fit for your markets, and price the full year-1 cost before anything is filed. Then we incorporate, prepare the dossier and handle the regulator through to go-live.
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