How to Register a Forex, CFD, or Prop Trading Company in St. Lucia (2025 Guide)

Why St. Lucia Is Ideal for Forex, CFD, and Prop Trading Firms

St. Lucia has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for forex brokers, CFD firms, and proprietary trading companies. Following the 2023 regulatory tightening in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia became the new go-to jurisdiction for those seeking a flexible, cost-efficient, and tax-free offshore base.

Unlike St. Vincent - where brokers must now prove foreign regulation to trade currency pairs - St. Lucia imposes no such requirement. Its open regulatory framework allows global brokers and prop-trading firms to operate freely, provided they do not solicit local clients.

Key Benefits of Registering a Company in St. Lucia

• 0% Tax on Foreign Revenue: Offshore income is fully exempt from local tax.

• No Mandatory Audits or AML Reviews: Companies must keep records but are not required to file yearly audits.

• No Reporting Obligations: No periodic submissions to regulators or the government.

• Open Market for Unregulated Forex & CFD Brokers: Firms may operate internationally without obtaining a specific license.

• Low Setup and Maintenance Costs: Incorporation and annual renewal fees are highly competitive compared to other jurisdictions.

This makes St. Lucia an excellent choice for:

• Start-ups launching forex or CFD brokerages.

• Prop trading firms using internal capital allocation models.

• Established brokers seeking cost-effective corporate restructuring.

Securities Brokerage Under ECSRC License

If your goal is to deal in deliverable securities (e.g., listed stocks), you must obtain authorization from the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC).

ECSRC Licensing Requirements

• Capital: Minimum XCD 250,000 (≈ USD 93,000) in unimpaired capital.

• Scope: Authorized to serve only within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

• Products: Deliverable stocks and securities only (no CFDs or forex).

• Due-diligence Fee: USD 8,300 for key officers.

Because of these geographic and product restrictions, most forex, CFD, and prop trading companies prefer the International Business Company (IBC) structure instead of applying for an ECSRC license.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Forex or Prop Firm in St. Lucia

Step 1 - Choose Your Company Structure

The most popular option is the International Business Company (IBC), which offers:

• 0% tax on non-local revenue.

• Minimal accounting and compliance obligations.

• Full foreign ownership and flexibility in share capital.

Step 2 - Prepare and Submit Documentation

To incorporate your IBC, you must provide:

• Company details: three preferred names, projected turnover, and share structure.

• Directors, shareholders, and UBOs: names, nationalities, tax residencies, and source of funds.

• KYC documents: certified passport copy, proof of address (within 3 months), and a recent bank statement.

Zitadelle AG will prepare and file all incorporation forms, ensuring a smooth and compliant setup.

Step 3 - Maintain Accounting and Record-Keeping

Although no audits are required, companies must retain accounting records that reflect financial transactions.
Zitadelle AG provides:

• Bookkeeping and compliance support.

• Guidance on potential economic-substance obligations should St. Lucia adopt similar rules to other offshore jurisdictions.

Why Partner with Zitadelle AG for St. Lucia Incorporation

Since 2018, Zitadelle AG has helped numerous clients register forex, CFD, and prop trading companies in top offshore financial centres, including St. Lucia.

Our turnkey service covers every stage of your setup:

• Company Registration & Nominee Services.

• Trading Platform Setup – MT4, MT5, cTrader, Condor.

• KYC & Compliance Support for payment processors and banks.

• Banking & Payment Solutions Guidance.

• Legal Opinions from St. Lucia and EU attorneys.

• Expansion Planning for Mauritius, Seychelles, Labuan, Curaçao, or the EU.

• Administrative Assistance – office rental, utilities, and secretarial services.

Contact Zitadelle AG today to register your forex, CFD, or prop trading company in St. Lucia. We ensure fast incorporation, 0% tax, and full compliance from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does St. Lucia regulate forex and CFD brokers?

No. St. Lucia does not impose specific licensing requirements on forex, CFD, or prop trading firms that operate internationally.

How much does it cost to register a company in St. Lucia?

Costs depend on the selected structure, nominee needs, and compliance level. Zitadelle AG provides a detailed, transparent quotation based on your requirements.

Can I register a proprietary trading firm in St. Lucia?

Yes. Many prop trading companies use St. Lucia IBCs because they provide legal flexibility and zero tax on foreign income.

How long does incorporation take?

Typically, registration can be completed within 1–2 weeks, depending on document preparation and name approval.

Is St. Lucia better than St. Vincent for forex brokers?

Yes - St. Lucia remains more flexible. Unlike St. Vincent, St. Lucia allows unregulated forex trading structures without requiring proof of foreign regulation.