Forex licence in SeychellesOverview
Under the Securities Act 2007, a person carrying on the business of dealing in securities in or from Seychelles must hold a Securities Dealer licence. The definition of securities is broad enough to capture the derivatives and contracts for difference typically offered by forex brokers, which is why the licence is the standard route for international FX and CFD brokerage in Seychelles. The FSA's application guidelines were updated most recently in March 2026.
The minimum paid-up capital is USD 100,000. The FSA charges a USD 3,000 application fee, USD 500 for each representative application and an annual licence fee of USD 2,500; late renewal adds one-twelfth of the annual fee for each month or part month the fee remains unpaid. The FSA's service standard is 30 working days from receipt of a complete application; incomplete applications are returned, and the applicant has three months to resubmit before the application lapses.
Substance is now central to the regime. The applicant must have a physical place of business in Seychelles, evidenced by a title deed or lease, and meeting minimum standards such as furnishings, a local phone line, internet access and record storage. The company needs at least two fit and proper natural-person directors, at least one licensed representative and a compliance officer appointed under the Financial Services Authority Act 2013. An auditor must be appointed within 30 days of licensing.
Seychelles also offers a concessionary tax rate of 1.5% on assessable gross income for securities dealers that carry out substantial activity in Seychelles, meaning core income-generating activities conducted from a local office with adequate staff and expenditure. Front-office functions may be located abroad where middle and back-office functions are performed in Seychelles.
Key benefits
- Moderate capital requirement of USD 100,000
- Published fees and a 30 working day service standard from a complete file
- Broad definition of securities covering FX derivatives and CFDs
- Concessionary 1.5% tax on assessable gross income for qualifying substance
- Established ecosystem of brokers, auditors and service providers
- Front-office functions can be located outside Seychelles if middle and back office are local
- Licence can sit alongside an EU or Asian licence in a multi-entity group
Requirements
- Seychelles company with paid-up capital of at least USD 100,000
- Physical office in Seychelles meeting the FSA's minimum office standards
- At least two fit and proper natural-person directors
- At least one individual licensed as a representative under the Securities Act
- A compliance officer under section 23 of the Financial Services Authority Act 2013
- Professional indemnity insurance (quotation required with the application)
- Full suite of operating policies: compliance, AML, conflicts of interest, complaints and business continuity
- Proof of source of funds and wealth for shareholders and beneficial owners
- Approved auditor appointed within 30 days of licensing and annual IFRS accounts
Licence options & capital
Securities Dealer licence
USD 100,000 paid-up capital
The main licence for forex and CFD brokers, permitting dealing as principal or agent in securities, including derivatives.
Securities Dealer's Representative licence
USD 500 application fee
Required for each individual who deals on behalf of the licensed dealer; at least one is mandatory.
Investment Adviser licence
Lower capital
For firms that advise on securities without dealing. Not suitable as a standalone broker licence.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Structure and business plan
Define instruments, execution model and the split of front, middle and back office between Seychelles and abroad.
- 2
Incorporation and office
Incorporate the Seychelles company and secure a compliant office lease.
- 3
Directors and officers
Appoint two natural-person directors, a compliance officer and at least one representative.
- 4
File with the FSA
Submit the cover letter, application form, fee, constitutional documents, personal questionnaires, manuals and business plan.
- 5
Review and licensing
Address FSA queries; the service standard is 30 working days from a complete file.
- 6
Post-licensing
Appoint the auditor within 30 days, finalise insurance and maintain the securities register.
Typical documents
- Signed cover letter and completed application form with fee
- Certified constitutional documents
- Personal questionnaires and due diligence for directors, representatives and compliance officer
- Questionnaires for shareholders and beneficial owners, with source of funds and wealth
- Proof of physical office in Seychelles
- Business plan and insurance quotation
- Internal operations manual, client agreement and conflicts of interest policy
- Compliance manual, AML manual, complaints manual and business continuity plan
- Notice of where the securities register will be kept
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth prepares Seychelles applications to the standard the FSA now expects, with a realistic substance plan rather than a nominal presence. We draft the policies and manuals, coordinate office and staffing arrangements, and manage communications with the FSA, while keeping owners' personal information strictly controlled. Where Seychelles forms part of a wider group, we align it with your other licences and with your family's long-term wealth structure. Email info@legalwealthglobal.com to start.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
How much capital is required?
A minimum paid-up capital of USD 100,000. The FSA may expect more depending on the risk profile and scale of the business.
How long does the FSA take?
The FSA's service standard is 30 working days from receipt of a complete application. Preparation, incorporation and office set-up typically add two to three months.
Do I need staff in Seychelles?
Yes. A physical office is mandatory, and to benefit from the 1.5% tax rate, core income-generating activities must be performed locally with adequate staff. Front-office functions may be abroad if middle and back office are in Seychelles.
What are the annual costs to the FSA?
The annual licence fee is USD 2,500. Late payment adds one-twelfth of the annual fee for each month or part month outstanding.
What happens if I operate without a licence?
Unlicensed dealing is an offence punishable by a fine of up to USD 100,000 or two years' imprisonment for individuals, and up to USD 200,000 for companies.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
