FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers about Saint Lucia companies, MetaQuotes licensing and launching a trading business. Can’t find yours? Just ask us.
Answers to the most common questions about Saint Lucia companies, MetaQuotes MT5 license requirements, timelines, banking, taxation and compliance for forex brokers and prop firms.
MT5 & MetaQuotes
What is an MT5 license?
An MT5 license is an agreement with MetaQuotes Ltd, the developer of MetaTrader 5, that allows a company to run the MT5 platform for its own clients. MetaQuotes now sells MetaTrader 5 licenses only, in tiers by number of real accounts: Entry (up to 1,000), Standard (up to 25,000) and Enterprise (up to 200,000). The first payment covers three months of license fees.
Do you sell MT5 licenses?
No. MT5 licenses are granted only by MetaQuotes, directly to your company. We are an independent corporate services provider: we set up the company and prepare the documents that support your application.
What documents does MetaQuotes ask for?
Ten items: Certificate of Incorporation; Certificate of Good Standing or Incumbency; Register of Directors; Register of Shareholders (UBOs); proof of registered address; proof of physical address; domain ownership proof and an operational website; a document confirming the company’s trading activities (Memorandum or legal opinion); a corporate bank reference letter; and SumSub verification of the signatory and UBO. See our full MetaQuotes requirements checklist.
What business activity must my company have?
MetaQuotes requires the company to operate in trading of financial instruments, online forex services/trading, or brokerage and financial services, and recommends a legal opinion for the jurisdiction. We incorporate Saint Lucia companies with these objects and arrange the legal opinion.
How long does MetaQuotes take to decide?
It varies with the completeness of your file and the number of follow-up questions. MetaQuotes controls its own timeline. A complete, consistent application is the best way to avoid delays.
Why did prop firms lose MT5 in 2024?
In early 2024 MetaQuotes cut off platform access for firms operating MetaTrader without a direct agreement, and in particular for firms serving US traders. Many have since regained access by forming their own entities, often in Saint Lucia, and applying directly.
Should I choose a white label or my own license?
A white label is faster to start but leaves your platform access dependent on your provider. Your own license gives you control, the ability to create sub-white labels, and a direct relationship with MetaQuotes. Read our comparison guide.
Saint Lucia companies
What type of company do I get?
Usually a Saint Lucia International Business Company (IBC), the standard vehicle for international trading and holding activities.
Can foreigners own 100% of the company?
Yes. There are no nationality or residency restrictions on directors or shareholders.
How many directors and shareholders do I need?
A minimum of one director and one shareholder, which can be the same person. Corporate directors and shareholders are also possible.
Do I need to visit Saint Lucia?
No. The entire process is handled remotely.
How are Saint Lucia IBCs taxed?
Income earned outside Saint Lucia is generally treated in a tax-efficient way, but the IBC regime has been reformed in line with international standards and economic substance rules apply. Your personal tax position also depends on where you live. We confirm the current position with local advisers, and you should take advice in your home country.
Is my ownership public?
Beneficial ownership is recorded by the registered agent and available to authorities where the law requires, but it is not published on a public register.
Brokers, compliance & banking
Do I need an FSRA licence to run a forex broker?
Not for FX/CFD activity with clients outside Saint Lucia and CARICOM, based on the current framework. Money services business is licensed separately. You must not solicit local residents, and your website should state that the company is not licensed by the FSRA.
Which countries can I accept clients from?
That depends on each target country’s own rules. The US is effectively excluded, and many regulated markets (EU, UK, Australia and others) restrict unlicensed CFD offerings. We recommend local legal advice for each key market.
Can you help open a bank account?
Yes. We offer corporate bank account opening assistance, which gives you the bank reference letter MetaQuotes asks for. If you operate through a payment service provider, we can provide a certified PSP confirmation letter. Account approval is always at the bank’s discretion.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
There is no statutory minimum capital for a Saint Lucia IBC. Partners may still expect adequate funding for your business plan.
Working with us
How much does it cost?
We quote a fixed, itemised fee for each project because the cost depends on your structure. Send us your details and you will have a quote within one business day.
Who actually incorporates the company?
Companies are incorporated by our partner registered agents, who are licensed in Saint Lucia. Legal opinions are issued by independent Saint Lucia counsel. We coordinate everything, so you have one point of contact.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Your documents are shared only with the parties needed to deliver the service, and we are happy to sign an NDA.
How long does the whole process take?
Once we have all due diligence documents, incorporation typically takes 3–5 business days. The legal opinion, updated corporate documents, nominee appointments, bank assistance and PSP letter are generally completed within about one more week.
Which languages do you work in?
Our working language is English. This website is available in ten languages, and we can arrange support in other languages on request.
Ready to launch your brokerage on MT5?
Tell us about your project. You will receive a clear scope, timeline and fixed quote within one business day — no obligation.