Apex Trader Funding Restricted Countries 2026: Who Can and Can't Trade

Apex Trader Funding restricts access based on US sanctions compliance (OFAC). Most countries worldwide are accepted. If you're in Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, or the majority of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, you can trade with Apex.

I've fielded questions from readers in 30+ countries about Apex eligibility. This guide covers who's blocked, why, and what the instrument restrictions mean regardless of where you're located.

Learned the hard way: I've breached Apex accounts, passed Apex accounts, and spent months figuring out which rules actually matter versus which ones are marketing noise. This comes from live trading with their capital—including the payout denial I got on an old legacy account.

The trailing drawdown mechanics at Apex are the #1 account killer—EOD and Intraday behave completely differently. I broke it down in my complete Apex rules guide, including real math scenarios and position sizing rules. For the absolute latest, check Apex's website or their help center.

Which Countries Are Restricted at Apex?

As of March 2026, Apex Trader Funding follows US OFAC sanctions. The following countries and regions are restricted:

• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Syria
• Crimea (Ukraine)
• Donetsk People's Republic (Ukraine)
• Luhansk People's Republic (Ukraine)
• Russia (restricted for new accounts; some grandfathered accounts may exist)

Traders from these countries or regions cannot create Apex accounts, purchase evaluations, or receive payouts. This is a hard restriction with no exceptions.

The list follows US federal sanctions. If additional countries get sanctioned, Apex will add them. If sanctions are lifted, restrictions may be removed. Always verify directly with Apex support if your country's status is unclear.

Which Countries Are Accepted?

Apex Trader Funding accepts traders from most countries. Notable accepted regions include:

• North America: United States, Canada, Mexico
• Europe: All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia
• Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Turkey
• Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru

The KYC (Know Your Customer) process requires a valid government ID and proof of address from an accepted country. Dual citizens can use either nationality as long as one is from an accepted country.

Can I Use a VPN to Access Apex From a Restricted Country?

No. Apex Trader Funding explicitly prohibits VPN use to circumvent country restrictions. Their terms of service state that accounts discovered using VPNs for this purpose will be terminated. Any balance in the account will be forfeited.

KYC verification, IP monitoring, and payment processor checks make it difficult to maintain access from a restricted country long-term even with a VPN. The payout stage through Deel requires banking details that must match the registered country.

This isn't unique to Apex. Every major prop firm enforces OFAC compliance.

What Instruments Are Currently Restricted?

Regardless of your country, Apex Trader Funding has suspended all metals futures as of March 2026:

• GC (Gold)
• SI (Silver)
• MGC (Micro Gold)
• HG (Copper)
• PL (Platinum)
• PA (Palladium)

The suspension was implemented due to extreme volatility in metals markets. No return date has been announced.

All other futures categories remain available: equity indices, currencies, energy, agriculture, crypto, and EUREX.

How Do Payouts Work for International Traders?

Apex Trader Funding processes all payouts through Deel, a global payroll platform. Deel supports bank transfers to most countries worldwide.

The payout process for international traders:

1. Complete KYC with Apex (government ID + proof of address)
2. Set up your Deel account with matching identification
3. Link a bank account in your name
4. Receive payouts via international bank transfer

Deel converts payouts to your local currency at their exchange rate. Transfer times vary by country: US and EU bank transfers typically arrive in 1-3 business days after Deel processes the payment. Some countries may take 3-5 business days.

Fees: Apex does not charge withdrawal fees. Deel may apply transfer fees depending on your country and bank. Your bank may also charge incoming international transfer fees. Check both before your first payout to avoid surprises.

What Documents Do I Need for KYC?

Apex Trader Funding requires KYC verification before you can access a Performance Account. The required documents:

Government-issued photo ID: Passport (preferred for international traders), national ID card, or driver's license. Must be valid and not expired.

Proof of address: Utility bill, bank statement, or government letter dated within the last 3 months. Must show your full name and residential address.

The documents must match the name and country on your Apex account. Processing typically takes 24-48 hours. If your documents are in a non-Latin script, you may need notarized translations.

Tax Implications for International Traders

Apex Trader Funding payouts are income. Tax treatment varies by country. Common scenarios:

US residents: Reported as self-employment income on Schedule C. Subject to income tax and self-employment tax. No 1099 issued by Apex (you're not an employee). Track your own income and expenses.

EU residents: Generally classified as trading income or miscellaneous income depending on your country's tax code. Some countries treat prop firm payouts differently than personal trading gains.

Other countries: Consult a local tax professional. The payment comes from a US company (Apex) through an international platform (Deel). Cross-border income taxation can be complex.

I'm not a tax professional and this isn't tax advice. Get proper guidance for your specific jurisdiction.

The bottom line: Apex Trader Funding accepts traders from most countries worldwide. The restrictions follow US OFAC sanctions and are non-negotiable. If you're from an accepted country, the signup process is straightforward with standard KYC documentation. International payouts work through Deel with reasonable transfer times. The metals suspension affects everyone equally and has nothing to do with geography. Verify your country's status before purchasing an evaluation, and confirm Deel supports bank transfers to your specific bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are banned from Apex Trader Funding?

Apex Trader Funding restricts access from OFAC-sanctioned countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Russia is also restricted for new accounts. These restrictions are based on US federal sanctions compliance.

Can I trade with Apex Trader Funding from Europe?

Yes. Apex Trader Funding accepts traders from all EU countries, the UK, Switzerland, and Norway. European traders complete KYC with a passport or national ID and receive payouts through Deel via international bank transfer.

Does Apex Trader Funding accept traders from India?

Yes. Apex Trader Funding accepts traders from India. Indian traders need to complete KYC with a valid passport or Aadhaar card and proof of address. Payouts process through Deel to Indian bank accounts.

Can I use a VPN to sign up for Apex from a restricted country?

No. Apex Trader Funding prohibits VPN use to circumvent country restrictions. Accounts found violating this policy are terminated with forfeiture of any balance. KYC verification, IP monitoring, and Deel banking requirements make evasion impractical long-term.

What instruments are restricted at Apex Trader Funding?

Apex Trader Funding has suspended all metals futures as of March 2026: gold (GC), silver (SI), micro gold (MGC), copper (HG), platinum (PL), and palladium (PA). All other categories remain available. The suspension is due to market volatility, not geography.

How do international traders receive payouts from Apex?

Apex Trader Funding international traders receive payouts through Deel via bank transfer. Deel converts USD to local currency at their exchange rate. Transfer times vary from 1-5 business days depending on country and bank. Apex charges no withdrawal fees; Deel and your bank may apply transfer charges.

What documents does Apex require for KYC?

Apex Trader Funding requires a valid government-issued photo ID (passport preferred for international traders) and proof of address dated within the last 3 months (utility bill, bank statement, or government letter). Documents must match your account name and registered country.

Are there tax obligations for Apex Trader Funding payouts?

Yes. Apex Trader Funding payouts are taxable income in most countries. US residents report it as self-employment income. Tax treatment varies internationally based on local tax codes. Consult a tax professional in your jurisdiction for guidance on cross-border trading income.

Can dual citizens trade with Apex Trader Funding?

Yes. Apex Trader Funding allows dual citizens to register using either nationality, provided at least one is from an accepted country. KYC documentation must match the nationality used for registration. Use the passport from the accepted country for verification.

Does Apex Trader Funding work with Deel in all countries?

Deel supports bank transfers to most countries where Apex Trader Funding operates. Some countries may have limited transfer options or longer processing times. Verify that Deel can transfer to your specific bank before completing your first payout cycle at Apex.