Crypto License in Saint Lucia

Crypto-Authorization Process in the Saint Lucia Virtual Currency Registry

The process to be entered into the Registry involves multiple steps, as per the Government of Saint Lucia. Here’s a breakdown:

Additional requirements are:

• The minimum age to apply is 18 years old;
• Pay the application fee of 125 XCD and submit a stamp valued at 2.50 XCD;
• Present the Registry with certified copies of your identity papers, evidence of your company's address, and any other paperwork they may want;
• Maintain conformity with Saint Lucia's regulatory framework's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

Registration of Saint Lucia Company in the Register of Crypto Currency Companies

The process of acquiring a license usually takes up to 6 weeks. You then will be entered into the Registry within a week if there are no major issues.

Governmental Statements on Crypto in Saint Lucia

As of now, the government of Saint Lucia has not published any specific laws or guidelines related to cryptocurrencies. Important government officials also haven’t made any concrete statement on the matter.

A major step towards digital currency innovation, nevertheless, is Saint Lucia's participation in the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) pilot program. The government seems accepting but, at the same time, it is taking things slow, perhaps waiting for the ECCB pilot to provide results and insights.

Requirements for Companies Engaged in Crypto Activities in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia's legislative framework stipulates stringent standards for security, transparency, and regulatory compliance, all of which businesses involved in cryptocurrency must meet. Outlined below are the primary criteria:

• Financial Safeguards – For example, companies may keep with a licensed custodian or trust business escrow assets equal to fifteen percent of client money.
• Reporting and Notification – If your company's structure, scope of operations, or contact information is going to change, you need to get the FSRA's OK beforehand. You must also keep the FSRA updated on all escrowed assets, account numbers, and values via quarterly reports.
• Accounting and Record-Keeping – Businesses are asked to keep records in accordance with IFRS and compile good-quality financial statements. Document all financial transactions and keep all accounting
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection – Companies must put measures in place to meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
• Yearly Review – As per the current cryptocurrency regulation Saint Lucia, you must nominate a certified auditor to review the company's financial accounts and risk management procedures once a year.

Additional requirements include maintaining transparency, preventing all illicit activities, and more.

Process of Setting Up a Company for a Cryptocurrency Business in Saint Lucia

Before applying for a crypto license, there are a number of important steps to take when setting up a legitimate business:

1. Choose a business structure. Qualified support is especially pivotal during this step, so feel free to book a free consultation with LegalBison;
2. Reserve a name. Think of a catchy, original name for your business. To make sure the name isn't already in use, it's a good idea to check with the ROCIP;
3. Create the articles of incorporation. Write them up and send them for approval;
4. Nominate directors and officers. Choose the people to run the day-to-day business of the corporation and make their appointments known;
5. Pick an agent or set up a local office. Choose someone to act as the company's representative in receiving legal paperwork or, alternatively, establish a local presence;
6. Get a license. The specific requirements for obtaining an appropriate license in Saint Lucia might vary a lot;
7. Ensure continued compliance. This includes sufficient financial and operational protections, compliance with AML/CFT regulations, and more.

Taxation for Cryptocurrency Companies in Saint Lucia

St Lucia crypto tax policy on crypto businesses is both advantageous and transparent: the Corporate Income Tax is territorial. This means that profits made by Saint Lucian crypto companies are liable to corporate income tax only on their income derived from business conducted within the borders of Saint Lucia, at a rate of 33.3%.

All profits generated outside of the country are then not liable to corporate income taxation.

• Value Added Tax (VAT): The country may impose a 15% value-added tax on services connected to virtual currencies.
• Dividend Tax: In most cases, dividends paid out do not incur taxes. Companies that pay out dividends to their shareholders may really benefit from this.
• Capital Gains Tax and Transfer Price Tax: Transactions using virtual currencies are not subject to capital gains or transfer price taxes.
• Real Estate Tax: The property tax rate varies from 0.25 to 5 % based on the property's assessed value. Only crypto businesses having real estate holdings are subject to this tax.

Obligations for Crypto Companies in Saint Lucia

Companies must adhere to the know-your-customer (KYC), anti-terrorism financing (CFT), and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations even after acquiring a license. In order to achieve sustainable development, it is necessary to regularly assess the dynamic legislation. In general, one must notify any and all changes to the authorities in a timely manner and uphold high standards of security and transparency.

Sanctions for Violating Saint Lucia Crypto-Business Obligations

There might be criminal and civil consequences for failing to comply with the requirements. As per the 2022 Virtual Asset Business Act, non-compliant businesses may be hit with:

General Penalty (Criminal):

• A fine of up to $10.000;
• Possible two-year jail sentence for willful disobedience or providing false information.

Civil Penalty:

• The FSRA may collect a recoverable civil debt.