Seychelles offers a fast, affordable, and flexible licensing option for forex brokers. With low capital requirements, simplified compliance, and global client access, it’s an ideal choice for startups and growing brokerages.
Seychelles License
Seychelles offers a strategic blend of cost-effectiveness, regulatory flexibility, and ease of incorporation, making it ideal for startups and mid-scale brokers looking to operate in multiple geographies.
Introduction of Securities Dealer License
At SetupFX, we specialize in providing end-to-end solutions for obtaining your Seychelles Forex License. From preparing legal documentation and business plans to handling FSA filings and setting up your local office, we streamline the entire process so you can focus on building your brokerage.
The Seychelles license is particularly well-suited for brokers who:
Want quicker market entry without the exhaustive scrutiny of Tier-1 regulators
Are targeting international clients outside of high-regulation zones (EU/UK/US)
Need credibility to open business bank accounts and access payment gateways
With our guidance and experience, your brokerage can be operational in as little as 8 to 12 weeks.
Advantages of a Seychelles Forex License
✅ Fast Approval Timeline
Licensing typically takes 8–12 weeks, faster than in most regulated jurisdictions.
✅ Low Capital Requirements
Minimum paid-up capital required is just USD 50,000, significantly lower than in Europe or Australia.
✅ Global Reach
No international client restrictions ideal for Africa, Asia, and Middle East markets.
✅ Light Regulatory Oversight
FSA’s lighter compliance framework offers brokers more flexibility and faster operations.
✅ Tax Efficiency
Seychelles offers a low 1.5% corporate tax, ideal for
international brokers.
✅ Business Banking Access
Licensed entities can access SWIFT/IBAN bank accounts and partner with PSPs and EMIs.
✅ Low Setup & Maintenance
Lower government fees, audit costs, and annual obligations make this a cost-efficient licensing route.
Requirements for Obtaining a Seychelles Forex License
To qualify for a Securities Dealer License in Seychelles, you must fulfill the following:
Corporate Structure
• Incorporate a Seychelles International Business Company (IBC)
• Appoint at least two individual directors (can be foreigners)
• Minimum one shareholder (can be an individual or corporate)
Capital Requirement
• Minimum USD 50,000 as paid-up share capital
• Must be held in a corporate bank account
Local Presence
• Registered office address in Seychelles
• Appoint a local compliance officer
• Maintain a physical presence or use an approved management company
Documentation
• Business plan and financial projections
• Internal manuals (AML/CFT policy, compliance manual)
• Professional indemnity insurance (recommended)
• Due diligence documents (passports, proof of address, CVs) for UBOs and directors
Compliance Setup
• Onboarding and KYC/AML procedures
• Internal control systems for risk monitoring and audit
• Appointment of MLRO and Compliance Officer (can be outsourced)
Licensing Process with SetupFX
Our licensing process is handled by a dedicated compliance team and local legal partners to ensure accuracy, speed, and full FSA alignment.
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
• Evaluate your business model, goals, and structure
• Recommend best practices for documentation and structure
2. Incorporation of Seychelles IBC
• Name reservation and company registration
• Opening of local or international business bank account
3. Documentation Preparation
• Drafting & notarizing business plan, AML/KYC manuals, financial projections
• Collecting due diligence documents for all stakeholders
4. License Application Filing with FSA
• Submission of completed application
• Coordination with the FSA for queries, clarifications, or additional documents
• Professional indemnity insurance (recommended)
• Due diligence documents (passports, proof of address, CVs) for UBOs and directors
5. Compliance Setup & Finalization
• Support with setting up a local office or management company
• Appointing required personnel (compliance officer, MLRO)
• Ensuring capital funding into corporate account
6. License Issuance
• Upon FSA approval, the Securities Dealer License is granted
• Your company is now a fully regulated entity, authorized to operate as a forex and CFD broker
• Ensuring capital funding into corporate account
7. Post-Licensing Support
• Ongoing compliance advisory
• Assistance with audit, bank relations, and regulatory updates
• Tech infrastructure setup, including trading platform, CRM, client portal, and integrations
Yes, forex trading is legal in Seychelles, provided you obtain the proper license.
To register a company and secure a forex license in Seychelles, you need a minimum share capital of $50,000.
With our assistance, the cost for obtaining a Seychelles forex license—including all government charges and professional services—can be around $27K – $30K, depending on your specific requirements.
Obtaining a Seychelles brokerage license generally takes less time compared to other jurisdictions, typically up to 12-21 weeks.
Seychelles is a favorable destination for forex licensing due to its transparent regulatory framework and foreign-friendly policies. The streamlined application process, low corporate tax rate of 1.5%, and minimal setup costs contribute to its appeal.
A Seychelles Forex Brokerage License is an official permit granted by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles, allowing companies to offer forex trading services legally.
Individual traders operating on their own accounts do not need a license. However, companies offering brokerage services must obtain a forex license to operate legally in Seychelles.