Finjuris establishes and structures Antigua and Barbuda forex and CFD companies, with a precise account of the jurisdiction’s regulatory perimeter and what registration provides.
Two authorities are relevant, and the distinction between them is the key to understanding this jurisdiction.
Supervises offshore banking, insurance, money services and mutual funds. Does not regulate forex or CFD broker-dealer activity. A forex company directed outside the region registers with the FSRC, indicates its activity, and operates — without a forex licence being issued.
Regulates securities activity conducted within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Only where a company serves clients within the region does ECSRC authorisation become relevant — changing the requirements and timeline materially.
Where a company conducts FX or CFD broker-dealer activity outside the Eastern Caribbean region and does not serve clients within it, no forex licence is required. The company registers with the FSRC, indicates its activity and operates. There is, in that case, no forex authorisation issued and no prudential supervision of the brokerage. Any reference to an “FSRC forex license” for an offshore brokerage should be understood as company registration within this perimeter, not regulatory authorisation, and described to clients accordingly.
The structure is suited to specific objectives rather than to every operator:
Where the aim is to serve regulated retail markets or to present a supervised status, Antigua alone does not provide it, and Finjuris will advise on a licensed jurisdiction.
International firms are not subject to local tax on foreign-source income, subject to the conditions below. Locally sourced income is taxable at 25%.
Where no license is required, registration can be completed quickly — often within one to two weeks — with a government fee in the region of US$300.
For an offshore company outside the regulated perimeter, documented share capital is not required at registration.
A government registration fee of around US$300 and limited ongoing requirements — one of the lowest entry-cost offshore structures.
An English-language, common-law system and an established international business sector.
The company must be correctly formed within the perimeter described, and must be capable of obtaining banking and payment services.
| Requirement | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Entity | An Antigua and Barbuda IBC, LLC or international company registered with the FSRC. | The corporate vehicle for the activity. |
| Activity Indication | Registration of the company with its activity indicated to the FSRC. | Establishes the company within the offshore perimeter. |
| Director & Shareholder | At least one director and one shareholder; non-resident parties permitted. | Standard corporate composition. |
| Registered Office | A registered office in Antigua and Barbuda. | A requirement of registration. |
| Out-of-Region Operation | Operations directed outside the Eastern Caribbean region, not serving regional residents. | Keeps the company outside the licensed forex perimeter. |
| Accurate Client Disclosure | Clear statements that the company is registered, not regulated for forex, and the markets it does not serve. | Necessary to represent status accurately and to support banking. |
| AML/CFT Framework | Customer due diligence, monitoring and reporting policies. | Essential for banking and responsible operation. |
| Government Fee | A government registration fee in the region of US$300. | Payable on registration. |
| Due-Diligence Pack | Identity and address verification for directors, shareholders and beneficial owners. | Required for registration and banking. |
Where no license is required, formation is quick; banking and payment onboarding determine the realistic overall timeline. If activity is directed within the currency union, ECSRC authorisation is required and the timeline changes materially.
| Tax / Item | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-Source Income (International Company) | 0% | Not taxed locally for an international company operating outside the jurisdiction. |
| Local-Source Income | 25% | Applicable to locally sourced income of a tax-resident company. |
| Exchange Controls | Minimal | Limited restrictions on cross-border transactions for international companies. |
International companies in Antigua and Barbuda are not subject to local tax on foreign-source income. As with any offshore structure, the effective position depends on management and on the residence of the owners. Tax neutrality at the level of the company does not settle the position of its owners, which is governed by controlled-foreign-company and management-and-control rules in their countries of residence.
This is general information, not tax advice. Outcomes depend on source, management, residence and the rules in force at the time; obtain tailored advice before relying on any figure.
Antigua’s perimeter is frequently misdescribed, and the difference between registration and authorisation is material. Finjuris approaches it with precision.
We confirm the applicable perimeter and ensure your communications describe the company’s status correctly — protecting you from regulatory exposure.
We prepare the compliance framework and documentation that support banking for an offshore brokerage operating within this perimeter.
We monitor whether your activity remains outside the licensed perimeter and advise immediately if ECSRC authorisation becomes relevant.
We position Antigua within a wider plan and recommend a supervised jurisdiction where regulatory standing is required for your target markets.
Tell us about your project and our team will confirm the applicable perimeter, register and structure the company correctly, prepare the framework that supports banking, and recommend a supervised jurisdiction where your objectives require one. A single point of contact from first discussion to commencement.
