Cost-effective and streamlined licensing ideal for startups and growing brokerages.
Regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) under a well-defined framework.
Allows for global online trading services, including forex, CFDs, commodities, and securities.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Entity | Vanuatu International Company (IC) |
| Capital Requirement | Minimum USD 50,000 paid-up capital (to be deposited in a local bank) |
| Directors & Shareholders | At least 1 director (can be non-resident); transparent ownership required |
| Physical Presence | Local agent and registered office mandatory |
| Key Personnel | Compliance officer recommended (can be outsourced or part-time) |
| AML/CFT Compliance | Full AML manual, internal controls, and KYC procedures required |
| Business Plan | Clear operational and financial plan required |
| Regulatory Reporting | Annual returns, audits, and compliance reviews required |
We offer comprehensive support for obtaining financial licenses across multiple regulatory categories, including asset management, fintech and payment institutions, securities dealing (forex brokerage), VASP/MiCA compliance, and fund administration. Our team assists with jurisdiction strategy, entity setup, regulatory documentation, and end-to-end compliance.
Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding globally, we ensure a smooth and fully compliant licensing process. From initial planning to regulator engagement and post-license implementation, our expertise helps you navigate complex requirements with clarity and confidence.
Incorporate a local legal entity through an approved company service provider.
A minimum of USD 50,000 must be deposited and held in the company’s Vanuatu account.
Prepare business plan, AML/CFT manual, organizational chart, and company policies.
Ensure key individuals meet VFSC’s fit and proper criteria, with background checks.
Designate a VFSC-licensed agent to handle regulatory correspondence and filings.
Include all corporate, compliance, and identity documents with the official forms.
The VFSC may request clarifications before issuing the license.
| Estimated Timeline | Fees |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks, depending on application completeness and VFSC response times | Application fee: USD 2,000 |
| Annual license fee: USD 5,000 | |
| Legal & consulting: USD 10,000–15,000 |
Contact our experts for a free consultation