To run MetaTrader 5 for clients you need either your own MT5 server license (a 'main label') from MetaQuotes, or access through an existing license holder that offers white label or sub-licensed set-ups. MetaQuotes stopped processing new MT4/MT5 white labels in late 2022, and according to licensing consultants a new full MT5 license now generally requires a regulated entity with a financial services licence, a registered company, its own corporate domain and email, a corporate bank account and suitable server hosting. MetaQuotes does not publish its criteria or prices, so confirm current terms directly or through an experienced partner.
- An MT5 license is a software licence from MetaQuotes; it is not a regulatory licence and does not authorise you to take client funds.
- MetaQuotes stopped processing new MT4/MT5 white labels in late 2022.
- New brokers either obtain their own MT5 server license or use an existing license holder's white label or sub-licensed set-up.
- Consultants report that a full MT5 license generally requires a financial services licence, company, corporate domain and email, bank account and hosting.
- MetaQuotes does not publish prices or onboarding criteria; get current terms in writing before you budget.
Looking for MT5 licensing and hosting support? Server installation, hosting, configuration and maintenance for your MT5 license, or a white label to start faster.
“How do I get an MT5 license?” is one of the first questions new brokers ask, and the answer changed significantly in recent years. This guide explains what an MT5 license is, what changed, what you reportedly need today and how to decide between your own license and a white label.
MT5 license vs brokerage licence: two different things
| MT5 license | Brokerage licence | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | MetaQuotes, the software developer | A financial regulator (for example FSC, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA) |
| What it allows | Running the MetaTrader 5 server software for your clients | Offering investment services, holding client funds, marketing to clients |
| Regulatory status | None | Yes, with capital, compliance and reporting obligations |
You need the right brokerage licence for your clients whichever platform route you take. Compare jurisdictions in our licence cost comparison.
What changed in 2022
In late 2022 MetaQuotes told brokers and technology partners that it would no longer process new MT4/MT5 white labels (FX News Group, October 2022). New full MT4 server licences had already stopped. Since then, the market has worked in two ways:
- Your own MT5 server license (often called a “main label”), obtained directly from MetaQuotes.
- Access through an existing license holder that provides branded white label or sub-licensed set-ups on its own MT5 servers.
Option 1: your own MT5 server license
MetaQuotes does not publish its onboarding criteria. Licensing consultants and providers report that applicants generally need (WSA, 2026; Atomiq Consulting):
- A financial services licence from a recognised regulator, in the name of the applying company.
- A registered company with its incorporation documents.
- A corporate website and email on a domain registered to the company.
- A corporate bank account in the name of the licensed entity.
- Server hosting arranged for the MT5 platform.
Best for: licensed brokers that want full control of servers, groups, plugins and data, and plan to scale. You will need a technical team or a partner to install, host and maintain the MT5 server.
Option 2: a white label from an existing license holder
A provider that holds an MT5 main label runs the server and gives you a branded environment. You pay the provider rather than MetaQuotes. This is faster and cheaper to start, but control and some data depend on the provider.
Before you sign, ask any provider, including us, to:
- show documentation that it holds a valid MetaQuotes MT5 license,
- explain exactly which server, brand and app options you get,
- confirm what regulatory status it requires from you, and
- set out data ownership, migration rights and exit terms in the contract.
Read more in MT5 white label vs full license and how to choose a white label provider.
Full license or white label: how to decide
| Question | Leans to full license | Leans to white label |
|---|---|---|
| Do you already hold a financial licence? | Yes | Not yet, or in progress |
| Budget | Can fund higher upfront and running costs | Need low upfront cost |
| Control | Need your own plugins, data and server settings | Standard configuration is enough |
| Team | In-house or partner technical team | Prefer the provider to manage servers |
| Timeline | Can wait for approvals | Need to launch quickly |
Many brokers start on a white label and move to their own license later. Plan the migration path from day one.
The process, step by step
- Secure your brokerage licence: usually the longest step.
- Prepare the company basics: incorporation documents, corporate domain, website, email and bank account.
- Choose your route: apply for your own MT5 license, or select a licensed white label provider.
- Arrange infrastructure: hosting, data feeds and liquidity bridge.
- Configure MT5: symbols, groups, leverage, swaps and plugins.
- Connect the business stack: forex CRM, trader's room, payments and KYC, risk tools.
- Test and go live.
What does an MT5 license cost?
MetaQuotes does not publish prices, and quotes vary with your set-up. As a rule, your own server license costs considerably more upfront and per month than a white label, before hosting, staff and integrations. Ask for written quotes covering licence fees, hosting, data, support and any per-account charges, and compare total cost over at least 12 months. For white label budgets, see MT5 white label cost.
A note for prop firms
MetaQuotes has tightened access for prop trading firms in recent years. If you run or plan a prop firm, confirm current MT5 terms before you build on it, and consider alternative platforms such as Match-Trader or cTrader.
MetaTrader, MT4 and MT5 are trademarks of MetaQuotes Ltd, named for identification only. We are an independent technology provider. Requirements described here are reported by industry sources and may change; confirm current terms with MetaQuotes or your provider. Not legal advice.