What are the proper ways to get MT4 licensed?

<p id="isPasted"><strong>To get MT4 licensed:</strong></p><p><strong>As an individual trader:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Easiest:&nbsp;Open a forex/CFD broker account with MT4 access (free).</p></li><li><p>Limitations:&nbsp;Broker-specific features and restrictions.</p></li></ul><p><strong>As a developer/business:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Directly from MetaQuotes:&nbsp;Contact them for license options (server, platform, API).</p></li><li><p>Costly:&nbsp;Thousands to tens of thousands of Euros.</p></li><li><p>Technical:&nbsp;Set up and maintain your server.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Additional options:</strong></p><ul><li><p>White-label MT4 (own branding).</p></li><li><p>VPS for EAs and low latency trading.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources:</strong></p><ul><li><p>MetaQuotes website.</p></li><li><p>MT4 documentation.</p></li><li><p>Forex Factory forum.</p></li></ul><p>Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.</p>

<p id="isPasted">The term "MT4 license" can refer to two very different things: a license for an individual trader to use the free software, or a commercial license for a brokerage firm to offer the platform to its clients.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>For Individual Traders: The Software is Free </strong></p><p>Individual traders do not need to "license" the MT4 software. The platform is free to download and use. The software is provided by the broker you choose to trade with.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>To properly access MT4 for real trading:</strong></p><ul><li>Choose a Regulated Broker: Select a trustworthy brokerage firm that is regulated by a reputable financial authority (e.g., SEBI, FCA, CySEC) and offers the MT4 platform.</li><li>Open an Account: Complete the broker's registration process on their official website. This involves providing personal details and completing a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by submitting proof of identity and address documents.</li><li>Select MT4: During account setup within the broker's client portal, choose MetaTrader 4 as your desired trading platform.</li><li>Download and Log In: Download the specific, branded version of the MT4 platform from your broker's website. Use the login credentials (account number, password, and server name) provided by the broker to access your live account. </li></ul><p><strong>For Brokerage Firms: A Commercial License</strong></p><p>For businesses wanting to offer the MT4 platform to their clients, a commercial license is required from MetaQuotes Software Corp., the developer of MT4. This is a complex and costly process.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Cost: A full MT4 license typically has an upfront cost of around $100,000 USD or more, plus ongoing monthly support and hosting fees that can run into thousands of dollars.</li><li>Process: The firm must meet stringent requirements from MetaQuotes, including demonstrating credibility, having a registered company in a trustworthy jurisdiction, and verifying an active corporate bank account.</li><li>White Label Option: Many startups or smaller firms opt for an "MT4 White Label" solution, which involves leasing a branded version of the platform from an existing licensed broker or service provider at a lower entry cost ($10,000 - $50,000 setup fee). </li></ul><p>In either case, businesses must contact MetaQuotes or a white label provider directly and go through an extensive application and due diligence process.&nbsp;</p>