This blog was last updated on March 11th, 2026.

In this tutorial, we will share the step-by-step process of how to open a Trading API account as a non-US resident. If you are a US resident, you can visit our guide on how to open a live Alpaca Trading API account as a US resident.

Step 1: Open a Paper Account

First, sign up for an Alpaca Trading API account. In this example, we use “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” as the country of residence. We support the services to 195+ countries. If you don’t see your country in the list, please reach out to support for further details.

After signing up, please enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), as this is a security requirement.

Note: By signing up and activating MFA, you have only created a paper account. To create a live account, please follow the following steps below.

Step 2: Select Your Account Type

After creating your paper account, you can select from the different live account types: individual account or business account. 

For an individual account application, you will need:

  • A valid, government-issued ID (e.g., passport)
  • Personal identification details
  • A document confirming your address, if requested (e.g., recent utility bill or bank statement)

For a business account application, you will need:

  • Business Registration Documents
  • Company Formation Documents
  • Business Operating Documents (e.g. Bylaws, Operating Agreement, Charter)
  • Tax ID information for the business, Authorized Individuals, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners
  • Valid, government-issued ID for all Authorized Individuals
  • Valid, government-issued ID for every Ultimate Beneficial Owner holding 10% or more ownership of the business

Step 3: Basic Info

In this example, we are opening an individual account. After selecting this option, you will be asked to provide basic information and your country of tax residence.

If you are a citizen of the selected country, choose “Yes” and enter your current home address and Tax ID. If not, select your country of citizenship and provide your current home address.

You can then choose the appropriate Tax ID type for your application. For example, when selecting “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” as your country of residence, you may provide either a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or a National Insurance Number (NINO).

After filling out the form, read and agree to the “custom_agreement.pdf” and “crypto_agreement.pdf” documents. You can also download these documents.

Step 4: Employment

Next, select your employment status. 

If you select “Employed,” provide your employer’s information, including your current position and function. If you select anything else, just click “Continue.”

Step 5: Financial Profile

Next, provide your financial information, including:

  • Annual Income
  • Estimated Net Worth
  • Investible / Liquid Assets
  • Account Funding Source

Step 6: Disclosures

After completing steps 1 through 5, the W 8BEN form is generated, and you can review it yourself.

Next, select the option that applies to you and fill out the necessary information:

  • None of the below applies to my family or myself
  • Affiliated or work with a US-registered broker-dealer or FINRA.
  • Senior executive at or 10% shareholder of a publicly traded company.
  • I am a senior political figure.
  • I am a family member or relative of a senior political figure.

If you select an affiliation option, additional information is required. At this time, Alpaca cannot send duplicate statements to employers. Accounts for affiliated persons cannot be opened without a letter from the employer’s Compliance Officer confirming that duplicate statements are not required. You will also need to provide your employer’s name, address, compliance email, and ticker symbol if the company is publicly traded.

If you select a political exposure option, applications involving politically exposed persons are reviewed by Alpaca’s AML committee before approval. Additional documentation may be requested.

Step 7: KYC

Finally, complete identity verification by consenting to the biometric and personal data processing terms. Select “Accept” to proceed with the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, where you will be prompted to take a live selfie to confirm your identity.

Our team may require additional information or documentation during the process. Your dashboard will show your application status and any further items needed. After completing KYC and being approved by Alpaca, you will receive an email confirming your registration along with a prompt to fund your live account. You can read our guide on how to fund your Alpaca Trading API account for next steps.

Conclusion

With your funded Trading API account, you can start trading US stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options. In the Alpaca dashboard, you can also participate in our High-Yield Cash offering* to earn passive income on uninvested cash.

You may also qualify for the Elite Program based on your net deposits:

If you would like to learn more about trading algorithmically with Alpaca’s Trading API, explore the resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non US residents open a live Alpaca brokerage account?

Yes. Alpaca supports live brokerage accounts for many non US residents, depending on country of residence. Non US users can fund their accounts with as little as $1 after approval.

Examples:

  • A UK resident who is an Indian citizen may open a live account while residing in the UK.
  • A Portuguese tax resident may open a live account as a resident of Portugal.
  • A resident of Trinidad and Tobago may open an account as a Trinidad resident. Canadian residents are not currently supported.

Are all countries supported?

No. Alpaca does not support every jurisdiction. For example, residents of Canada are not currently eligible to open an account.

To check if your country is supported, please contact our team at [email protected].

Alpaca is a U.S.-based broker, and services are only available in jurisdictions where it is legally permitted to operate.

What are the basic requirements for non US residents?

If you are a non US resident, you must complete identity verification through Alpaca’s international verification providers.

Verification generally requires:

  • A valid Tax ID from your country of tax residence
  • A document containing your photo and residential address
  • A selfie for identity verification

Your proof of residency and Tax ID must match your declared country of tax residence. Document requirements may vary by country.

How do I open a live account as a non US resident?

The onboarding process includes:

  1. Sign up or log in to the Alpaca web app.
  2. Select whether you are applying as an individual or a business entity.
  3. When asked, “Are you a U.S. tax resident?”, select “No.”
  4. Choose your country of tax residence.
  5. Complete the application by:
    • Entering your personal details with your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format
    • Completing your financial and employment profile
    • Reviewing and agreeing to the W 8BEN form

After submission, your documents are reviewed before approval.

Which tax form applies: W 8BEN or W 9?

If you are a non US tax resident, you will complete a W 8BEN form during onboarding.

If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. tax resident, even if you live abroad, a W 9 form is generally required.

Your tax form is determined by your country of tax residence and citizenship as declared during onboarding.

How are dual citizenship or dual residency situations handled?

Eligibility is determined primarily by your country of tax residence and physical residence. Your documentation must align with your declared country of tax residence.

Examples:

  • A Brazilian citizen who is a tax resident of Portugal may apply as a resident of Portugal.
  • A dual citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and Canada may apply as a Trinidad resident, but not as a Canadian resident, since Canada is not supported.

More complex situations may require additional review during the application process.

What documents will I need to upload?

Most applicants will need:

  • A Tax ID from their country of tax residence
  • A government issued ID or passport
  • A selfie for identity verification
  • Proof of residential address, if required

In some countries, a passport number or residence ID may serve as the Tax ID. Final document acceptance is determined during the application review process.

Is there a minimum deposit?

There is no high minimum deposit requirement. Non US users can fund their accounts with as little as $1.

How do I fund my account?

Once your account is approved, you can fund it from the dashboard.

Navigate to the Funds or Banking section and select Deposit Funds to view available funding methods. Funding options may vary depending on your country of residence.

Does the Pattern Day Trader rule apply to non US residents?

Yes, the Pattern Day Trader rule applies to accounts at Alpaca, regardless of whether the account holder is a non US resident.

Where can I find additional resources on opening a live Alpaca Trading API account as a non US resident?

You can review:

  • How to Open a Live Trading Account as a Non US Resident: https://alpaca.markets/learn/live-trading-account-non-us
  • Who can apply for an Alpaca brokerage account?: https://alpaca.markets/support/requirements-alpaca-brokerage-account

Please note that this article is for educational and informational purposes only. All screenshots are for illustrative purposes only. Alpaca does not recommend any specific securities or investment strategies. Alpaca does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made herein.

Alpaca Securities offers a cash management program pursuant to the FDIC Bank Sweep. Customer funds are treated differently and are subject to separate regulatory regimes depending on whether customer funds are held in their brokerage account or within the FDIC Bank Sweep. Alpaca Securities is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash). The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures up to $250,000 per deposit against the failure of an FDIC member bank. Customer funds held in brokerage accounts are SIPC insured, but are not eligible for FDIC insurance coverage. Funds maintained in the FDIC Bank Sweep are intended to be eligible for pass-through FDIC insurance coverage but are not covered by SIPC. FDIC insurance does not protect against the failure of Alpaca, Alpaca Securities, or their affiliates, nor against malfeasance by their employees. Program banks that participate in the FDIC Bank Sweep are not members of SIPC, and therefore, funds held in the Program are not SIPC protected. Please see alpaca.markets/disclosures for important additional disclosures regarding Alpaca Securities brokerage offering, as well as FDIC Bank Sweep terms and conditions.

This Alpaca Elite Agreement (the “Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions for a customer (“You”) to participate in the Alpaca Elite plan (“Alpaca Elite”), as described herein. Alpaca Elite is offered by Alpaca Securities LLC (“Alpaca”). Alpaca Elite is a plan through which you can receive access to certain premium account features and/or products based on certain eligibility criteria. You understand such eligibility criteria is subject to change. You understand that Alpaca may at any time and in its sole discretion, alter any fees or preferred rates and add or remove features from Alpaca Elite. You understand that Alpaca may at any time, in its sole discretion and without notice, remove your Alpaca Elite access, including if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the Alpaca Elite plan. You understand that this Agreement is not a recommendation to make a specific investment or to use any specific investment strategy.

Margin trading involves significant risk and is not suitable for all investors. Before considering a margin loan, it is crucial that you carefully consider how borrowing fits with your investment objectives and risk tolerance.

When trading on margin, you assume higher market risk, and potential losses can exceed the collateral value in your account. Alpaca may sell any securities in your account, without prior notice, to satisfy a margin call. Alpaca may also change its “house” maintenance margin requirements at any time without advance written notice. You are not entitled to an extension of time on a margin call. Please review the Firm’s Margin Disclosure Statement before investing.

The Paper Trading API is offered by AlpacaDB, Inc. and does not require real money or permit a user to transact in real securities in the market. Providing use of the Paper Trading API is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, securities derivative or futures products of any kind, or any type of trading or investment advice, recommendation or strategy, given or in any manner endorsed by AlpacaDB, Inc. or any AlpacaDB, Inc. affiliate and the information made available through the Paper Trading API is not an offer or solicitation of any kind in any jurisdiction where AlpacaDB, Inc. or any AlpacaDB, Inc. affiliate (collectively, “Alpaca”) is not authorized to do business.

Commission free trading is available to Alpaca's retail customers. Commission free trading means that there are no commission charges for Alpaca self-directed individual cash brokerage accounts that trade U.S.-listed securities and options through an API. However, certain arrangements with authorized business partners or the use of the Elite Smart Router as part of the Alpaca Elite offering may preclude commission free trades by Alpaca Securities. Please refer to the Brokerage Fee Schedule for more information. Relevant regulatory fees may apply. Alpaca reserves the right to charge additional fees if it is determined that order flow is non-retail in nature.

Past hypothetical backtest results do not guarantee future returns, and actual results may vary from the analysis.

All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives. Please note that diversification does not ensure a profit, or protect against loss. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities, or other financial products. Investors should consider their investment objectives and risks carefully before investing.

Options trading is not suitable for all investors due to its inherent high risk, which can potentially result in significant losses. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before investing in options.

Securities brokerage services are provided by Alpaca Securities LLC (dba "Alpaca Clearing"), member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AlpacaDB, Inc. Technology and services are offered by AlpacaDB, Inc.

Cryptocurrency is highly speculative in nature, involves a high degree of risks, such as volatile market price swings, market manipulation, flash crashes, and cybersecurity risks. Cryptocurrency regulations are continuously evolving, and it is your responsibility to understand and abide by them. Cryptocurrency trading can lead to large, immediate and permanent loss of financial value. You should have appropriate knowledge and experience before engaging in cryptocurrency trading. For additional information, please click here.

Cryptocurrency services are made available by Alpaca Crypto LLC ("Alpaca Crypto"), a FinCEN registered money services business (NMLS # 2160858), and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AlpacaDB, Inc. Alpaca Crypto is not a member of SIPC or FINRA. Cryptocurrencies are not stocks and your cryptocurrency investments are not protected by either FDIC or SIPC. Please see the Disclosure Library for more information.

This is not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities or cryptocurrencies or open a brokerage account or cryptocurrency account in any jurisdiction where Alpaca Securities or Alpaca Crypto, respectively, are not registered or licensed, as applicable.