Can You Join a Prop Firm From Your Country?
Prop firms restrict different countries for different reasons. How the lists compare, when they're checked and where to find them.
By Prop Firm Duel · · updated Sep 27, 2026
Most prop firms don't accept traders from every country, and each firm publishes its own restricted list. The list is checked again before your first payout, when the firm verifies your identity. Passing an evaluation doesn't guarantee a payout if your country isn't eligible, so check before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Restricted lists vary a lot. When we checked, Topstep listed 32 restricted countries and Apex Trader Funding listed 85.
- Firms follow sanctions, payment rules and their own risk policies.
- Your country is checked at sign-up and again before the first payout.
- Using a VPN to get around a restriction usually breaks the terms and blocks payouts.
Why do prop firms restrict countries?
Firms restrict countries for three main reasons: international sanctions, limits on where they can send payments, and their own risk policies. Because those change, the lists change too. A country that's accepted today can be added later, so check again before each new purchase.
How different are the lists?
Very different. When we checked on September 26 and 27, 2026, Topstep's list covered 32 countries, and it states that citizens of those countries can't trade, earn funding or take payouts. Apex Trader Funding's covered 85, though it says a trader from a restricted country may still qualify if their ID, residence, mailing address and bank account are all in an eligible country. Two firms, two very different rules, which is why you should read each firm's exact wording.
Where do you find a firm's list?
On the firm's help center or terms, usually under "eligibility" or "restricted countries". Each firm page on Prop Firm Duel shows who can sign up when we've confirmed it, with a link to the firm's source.
A worked example
Say you're a citizen of one country but live and bank in another. At a firm that restricts by citizenship, you may not qualify. At a firm that looks at residence, address and bank account, you might. Same trader, different answer. Read whether the firm checks citizenship, residence or both before you pay.
When is your country checked?
Often at sign-up, and almost always before your first payout, when the firm verifies your identity with a government photo ID and often proof of address. See payout methods for what that check involves.
Common questions
Can I use a VPN to sign up from a restricted country?
No. Firms verify identity before payouts, and signing up from a restricted country usually breaks the terms.
What documents are usually needed?
A government photo ID, and often proof of address. Firms list their requirements in the help center.
Can a firm change its list later?
Yes. Lists change with sanctions and payment rules. Check again before each new purchase, and read how to choose a prop firm and how to check a prop firm before you buy.
Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Prop firm evaluations and most funded accounts trade in a simulated environment, and payouts depend on meeting each firm's rules. Everything on this site is general education, not financial advice. Rules and prices change: always read the firm's current terms before you buy. We have no affiliate or paid relationship with any firm listed. Our disclosure.