Forex license in Georgia
Last Update: 11.03.2026
Georgia has quickly become a competitive jurisdiction for fintech and forex businesses thanks to its tax regime, simple registration procedure, and clear legal framework. The National Bank of Georgia accepts and evaluates applications for a Forex License in Georgia. Gofaizen & Sherle offers legal assistance in opening a forex company, submitting an application, and fulfilling regulatory obligations.
The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) supervises the activities of all financial market entities. According to NBG reports, the jurisdiction has seen steady growth in trading volume and demand for foreign currency among both individuals and legal entities. A distinctive feature is that Islamic trading (swap-free) is available here. Several brokers, such as IC Markets, XM, and TRIO Market, offer traders in Georgia the opportunity to open Islamic accounts.
Why Choose Georgia for Forex Business?
A Forex broker license in Georgia is a fast and cost-effective way to start a financial business in a promising region with advantages such as:
Accelerated licensing procedure.
The NBG reviews a standard set of documents fairly quickly, within 2-4 weeks. In comparison, in the EU, decisions from regulators can take 6 to 12 months.
Preferential taxation for IFC.
In order to attract and develop new IT companies, the fintech sector, and international financial services, the authorities have introduced tax rates (subject to certain conditions) of 0% for the first few years of operation.
The ability to work with local and foreign clients.
The convenient location allows forex companies to offer their services not only in the local market, but also to cooperate with Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Flexibility in management and interaction with government agencies.
Companies can submit all reports and financial statements for review remotely. To work with clients, a broker does not need to have a physical office; they can use a virtual one and manage their business offline.
Legal Framework and Regulatory Authority
The Georgian National Bank’s forex regulation is aimed at maintaining the stability and transparency of the entire financial system. The main goal of the NBG is to identify current and foreseeable risks (market fraud) and minimize them. In this regard, the following regulatory acts have been introduced:
Essential Criteria for Applying for a Forex License in Georgia
Applying to the NBG for a financial license in Georgia is becoming an increasingly popular option among entrepreneurs who have decided to work in the field of currency trading.
Despite the objective advantages of the licensing system, companies are still required to comply with certain legal, operational, and financial requirements:
Complete forex company registration in Georgia.
Most often, investors choose to register an LLC or JSC, with the main requirement being not to use the words “bank,” “insurance,” etc. in the name if the business does not plan to obtain the appropriate license.
A reliable reputation of the founders and directors.
It is important for the regulator that all data on the ultimate beneficiaries and managers be fully disclosed. The manager may be a non-resident, but proof of work experience (minimum 4 years) and no criminal record for economic crimes is required. The company must have a local representative.
Implementation of internal control mechanisms and AML/CFT systems.
When working with currency transactions, companies must adhere to FATF international standards, conduct KYC, monitor transactions, and promptly report suspicious transactions.
Data security and trading platform reliability.
Documents must be submitted to the NBG with a technical description of the trading platform, confirmation of data transfer security, compliance with accepted cybersecurity protocols, and the ability to monitor all transactions.
Local bank account.
In order to conduct business, a corporate account with a Georgian bank is required, and the company must also confirm the source of funds/initial capital (from $200,000, but there are free economic zones where the start-up capital requirement is from $40,000). A number of banks are willing to cooperate with forex businesses and open accounts after passing the necessary checks, including TBC Bank, Liberty Bank, Basis Bank, Bank Cartu, etc.
The Procedure for Obtaining a Forex License in Georgia
The process of obtaining a forex business license in Georgia is simplified and quick compared to the strictly regulated markets of the US and EU. When starting this type of activity, you need to go through several stages:
Stage 1: Preparing the business structure.
At the initial stage, it is important to decide on:
- The organizational and legal form – LLC or JSC.
- Appoint a manager (may be a non-resident).
- The local representative/AML manager must be a resident.
- Prepare the charter and business plan.
- Decide on an office.
Stage 2: Completing the company registration procedure.
The National Agency for Public Registry (NAPR) accepts applications from companies for entry into the state register. The company must also obtain an individual taxpayer number from the Tax Service. Within 1-2 days, you can obtain a certificate of incorporation.
Stage 3: Prepare AML/KYC procedures.
Before applying, it is necessary to develop AML/CFT policies, internal risk management regulations, and appoint an MLRO manager.
When choosing a trading platform, it is also necessary to consider the possibility of monitoring data and compiling reports, while ensuring the protection of customer data transmission.
Stage 4: Application for registration of financial activities.
The NBG reviews documents such as the following within 1-2 months:
- Articles of Association, Memorandum, Certificate of Registration.
- Business plan.
- Information about managers and shareholders, with proof of work experience and impeccable business reputation.
- Corporate account statement confirming the initial capital contribution, indicating the source of funds.
Stage 5: Forex broker setup in Georgia.
After the NBG approves the application, the company must comply with AML/KYC requirements, maintain financial records, and store customer transaction data for at least 5 years.
When is a Forex license required in Georgia?
According to Article 6 of the Law on Licenses and Permits, certain types of financial activities carried out in the country are subject to mandatory licensing, in particular:
- banking activities;
- depository services;
- brokerage activities;
- stock exchange activities;
- asset management.
According to Article 23 of the Georgian Law “On the Securities Market,” a brokerage license grants a brokerage company the right to conduct transactions and provide services related to shares in authorized capital, stocks, bonds, certificates, promissory notes, checks, and other types of securities.
Thus, this license is necessary for companies that plan to provide various types of financial services, such as:
- providing direct advice to investors on investment issues, including securities prices, currency transactions, and the purchase and sale of securities;
- researching financial instruments and their issuers, as well as providing recommendations and investment strategies based on this research;
- advising issuers on the issuance of securities and attracting investments;
- preparing and executing transactions with the issuer’s securities on a non-guaranteed basis;
- accepting and transmitting orders for securities from clients on their behalf, as well as managing clients, including managing pension funds and investment portfolios;
- accounting for and placing clients’ investment funds and/or securities;
- conducting securities transactions on its own behalf;
- preparing and executing transactions with the issuer’s securities on a guaranteed basis;
- providing loans to clients and borrowing securities, as well as using its own funds to purchase securities for clients, participating in “short sales” in accordance with the established standards of the National Bank of Georgia;
- carrying out transactions for the purchase of currency and other financial instruments in accordance with applicable law.
Revocation of a forex license in Georgia
A license to operate in the Forex market may be revoked on the following grounds:
- Submission of a written application by the company for its cancellation.
- Submission of false, incomplete, or non-compliant documents when obtaining a license.
- Carrying out brokerage activities that do not comply with Georgian law.
- Liquidation of the brokerage company.
The decision to revoke a license is made by the National Bank of Georgia within 30 days.
Taxation for Forex Companies in Georgia
In Georgia, companies that have obtained a forex trading license can take advantage of tax benefits (especially beneficial when obtaining the status of an international financial company – IFC).
The main tax advantages for IFCs:
- 5% income tax.
- No property tax or tax on dividends.
For a standard company – LLC:
- 15% income tax.
- 18% VAT.
- 5% on dividends.
In the free trade zone, companies are:
- Exempt from income tax (20% for service companies).
- No VAT.
- No export taxes.
Conclusion
Georgia, seeking to attract as many new international fintech and brokerage companies as possible, has reduced the tax burden for IFCs and offered favorable conditions for business development. Licensing is relatively quick, and a company can start its business within 1-2 months. At the same time, the NBG requires fairly standard conditions to be met, such as the implementation of AML/CFT procedures, data protection, and disclosure of information about beneficiaries. Companies that take advantage of this jurisdiction can not only ensure the legality of their activities and expand their customer base, but also leverage business opportunities within the established free economic zones.
FAQ about Forex license in Georgia
Is a forex license available in Georgia?
Yes, forex trading is legal, and to provide currency pair trading services, you must obtain approval from the local regulator, the National Bank of Georgia.
How long does it take to obtain a forex license in Georgia?
The NBG reviews documents quickly, and approval to conduct business can be obtained within 1-2 months, but if there are any shortcomings or specific issues with the business that need to be addressed, the process can take up to 3-6 months.
What tax benefits are available for IFCs?
The country’s authorities have reduced the tax burden for IFCs by lowering income tax and exempting dividends, property, etc., from tax.
What are the advantages of obtaining a forex license in Georgia?
This jurisdiction is beneficial for business because it offers low tax rates, transparent regulation, simple rules for obtaining a license, the ability to work with international clients, and assistance from the authorities in developing business (free economic zones).
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