Offshore · FSA Seychelles · VASP Act 2024 · Low-tax
Seychelles Crypto Licence
A credible, low-tax offshore VASP licence — now with real teeth. Since the VASP Act 2024, Seychelles requires a proper FSA licence (four types by activity, USD 25k–150k capital), and the regulator now expects genuine substance and live system walk-throughs. The payoff: 0% capital gains, 0% VAT and just 1.5% income tax, in a recognised offshore centre. Vantegris runs the FSA file and the substance.
overview
What is the Seychelles crypto licence?
Seychelles was long a favourite offshore crypto base, and the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2024 — in force since 1 September 2024 — turned that into a proper, supervised regime. Operating virtual-asset services in or from Seychelles without an FSA licence is now a criminal offence carrying fines up to USD 350,000, so the days of an unlicensed Seychelles shell are over. What remains is a credible, low-tax offshore credential from a recognised jurisdiction.
The regime is tiered by activity: a Virtual Asset Exchange requires USD 150,000 paid-up capital, a Broker USD 75,000, an Investment Provider USD 50,000 and a Wallet/Custody provider USD 25,000. The FSA now expects genuine operational substance — a local office, at least one resident director, regular local meetings and, notably, live system walk-throughs — and a new Code of Corporate Governance took effect in January 2026. The tax position is a major draw: zero capital-gains tax, zero VAT on crypto exchange and trading, and a low 1.5% tax on assessable income. It does not passport into the EU, but for globally-facing exchanges, brokers, OTC desks and custodians that want a legitimate, tax-efficient offshore home, Seychelles is a strong choice. We build the file to the FSA's current, more demanding standard.
advantages
Why operators pick Seychelles
A recognised FSA licence carries more weight than an unregulated offshore setup.
0% capital gains, 0% VAT on crypto trading, and a low 1.5% income tax.
License exactly the model you run — exchange, broker, investment or custody.
The FSA reviews efficiently, often within a few months of a complete file.
A base for worldwide operations outside the EU's capital-heavy regimes.
head to head
Seychelles vs. St. Vincent (VASP)
| Criteria | Seychelles | St. Vincent |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | FSA (VASP Act 2024) | FSA SVG (VABA 2025) |
| Financial floor | Paid-up capital $25k–150k by type | Statutory deposit + USD 1M PII |
| Tax | 0% CGT/VAT; 1.5% income | Offshore-efficient |
| Substance | Office + resident director + walk-throughs | Office + resident director |
| EU passport | No | No |
| Best suited to | Established offshore, low tax | Newly-regulated, lean offshore |
who it's for
Who the Seychelles crypto licence suits
requirements
Seychelles crypto licence requirements
step by step
How to get a Seychelles crypto licence
- Type & capital Select the licence type (exchange/broker/investment/wallet) and the matching capital. 1–2 weeks
- Company & substance Incorporate the Seychelles company, secure the office and resident director. 2–4 weeks
- Build the file Prepare AML/CFT, risk, IT and governance policies and ready the systems for walk-through. 4–8 weeks
- FSA application File with the FSA and manage the review, Q&A and live system walk-through. ~3–6 months
- Launch On licensing, operate under the VASP Act obligations and ongoing reporting. On approval
Not sure Seychelles is the right fit?
Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether Seychelles or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.
pricing
How much does a Seychelles crypto licence cost?
- Seychelles company incorporation
- VASP application (by type) to the FSA
- AML/CFT & governance policies
- Regulator liaison to licence
- Everything in Licence
- Office, resident director & substance
- Compliance officer & MLRO
- Paid-up capital arrangement
- Everything in Turnkey
- Crypto-friendly banking introductions
- System walk-through readiness
- Ongoing compliance & reporting support
Budget the type-based paid-up capital (USD 25k–150k), FSA fees, local office, resident director and the compliance build — plus readiness for the FSA's live system walk-through. Tax is light (0% CGT/VAT, 1.5% income), and there is no EU passport. We model the full setup before you commit.
obligations
Compliance obligations in Seychelles
technical standards
Technical & IT standards in Seychelles
after launch
After you go live in Seychelles
market access
Which markets a Seychelles licence reaches
A Seychelles VASP licence supports global business but does not passport into the EU — to serve EU users you need an EU CASP licence. You still follow local rules in each market and geo-block the United States, sanctioned and FATF-listed territories.
Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
Seychelles crypto licence FAQ
Do I need a licence for crypto in Seychelles now?
Yes. Since the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2024 came into force on 1 September 2024, operating virtual-asset services in or from Seychelles without an FSA licence is a criminal offence carrying fines up to USD 350,000. The previous unregulated setup is no longer lawful.
What are the licence types and capital?
Four types by activity: Virtual Asset Exchange (USD 150,000 paid-up capital), Broker (USD 75,000), Investment Provider (USD 50,000) and Wallet/Custody provider (USD 25,000). We match the type to your model.
How is crypto taxed in Seychelles?
Favourably: zero capital-gains tax, zero VAT on crypto exchange and trading, and a low 1.5% tax on assessable income — a key reason operators choose it. We confirm the position for your structure.
What does the FSA expect on substance?
Genuine operations — a local office, at least one resident director, regular meetings in Seychelles and a live system walk-through — plus adherence to the Code of Corporate Governance that took effect in January 2026.
Does a Seychelles VASP work in the EU?
No. It supports global business but does not passport into the EU. To serve EU users you would need an EU CASP licence — the two are often paired.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team · Last updated July 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
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