ExpatTray Services Marketplace Platform
Last Updated: August 7, 2025 · Applies to all ExpatTray service listings
How this guide works: Services listed in Section 1 are permanently prohibited on ExpatTray regardless of local legality or licensing status. Services listed in Sections 2–6 are prohibited only where the provider does not hold valid, current, and applicable licensing or regulatory authorisation in the relevant jurisdiction — licensed providers in good standing may offer these services. A provider is considered licensed for these purposes only where their licence is currently active and not suspended, specifically covers the service being offered, and covers the jurisdiction in which the service will be delivered.
Payment processing: ExpatTray's payment partners — currently including Wise, Tide, and Revolut — independently maintain their own restricted categories which may go beyond this guide. ExpatTray has no control over payment partner decisions to decline, hold, or restrict funds. Any hold or restriction of funds by a payment partner is governed solely by that partner's own terms and conditions. ExpatTray is not a party to those agreements and accepts no liability for payment partner decisions. Compliance with this guide does not guarantee that a payment partner will process a given transaction.
If you are unsure whether your service is permitted, contact [email protected] before listing.
Licensed provider in good standing (as used in Sections 2–6): A provider meets this standard only where all of the following conditions are satisfied at the time the service is offered on ExpatTray:
ExpatTray may request evidence of licensing status at any time. It is the provider's responsibility to ensure their licence remains current and that their ExpatTray listings accurately reflect the scope of their authorisation.
The following services are prohibited across all jurisdictions regardless of local laws or licensing status.
All forms of sexual and adult services are prohibited, including: escort services, companionship services, or girlfriend/boyfriend experience; prostitution or intimate services of any kind; adult content creation, webcam services, OnlyFans management, or cam services; strip services, lap dance services, or adult party entertainment; sexually oriented massage, tantric services, or erotic services; bachelor/bachelorette party adult entertainment; sugar daddy/mommy arrangement services; and dating services with sexual intent.
Services related to illegal drug production, distribution, or consumption are prohibited, including: drug delivery, narcotics supply, or drug sourcing assistance; drug manufacturing consultation or drug lab setup; drug trafficking assistance or distribution services; drug detection avoidance or clean urine services; unlicensed detox consultation or substance abuse counseling; and drug paraphernalia sales or smoking accessory supply.
The following are prohibited regardless of local legality: cannabis and CBD products (unless ExpatTray has explicitly authorized in writing); tobacco and nicotine products without proper retail licensing and age-verification infrastructure; anabolic steroids, peptides, or performance-enhancing drugs without valid medical authorization; smart drugs and nootropics (including kratom and khat) and similar unregulated substances; online pharmacy services without full regulatory licensing in all applicable jurisdictions; prescription-only pharmaceutical drugs sold without a valid prescription; and products making unverified health or medical claims.
Retail alcohol sales are prohibited without proper licensing, age-verification controls, and compliance with the rules of all applicable jurisdictions, including alcohol delivery without appropriate permits.
Services related to weapons manufacturing, modification, or illegal acquisition are prohibited, including: weapon manufacturing, modification, or illegal acquisition; gun modification, silencer installation, or illegal firearm sales; ammunition production or explosive device creation; bomb-making consultation or weapon smuggling assistance; unlicensed firearm, tactical, or self-defense training; unlicensed bodyguard or armed protection services; and military goods, weaponry, or dual-use equipment supply.
Services facilitating fraud, identity theft, or financial crimes are prohibited, including: identity theft services, credit card fraud, or social security fraud; fake document creation — counterfeit IDs, passports, diplomas, or degrees; diploma mills or fake degree and certificate services; academic fraud — essay writing, exam cheating, plagiarism, or ghost writing for academic submission; fake references or employment verification fraud; tax evasion assistance or facilitation; counterfeit or unauthorized goods of any kind; IPTV piracy, unauthorized streaming services, or distribution of copyrighted content without license; and resale of game keys obtained through fraudulent means.
Services facilitating unauthorized computer access, data theft, or cybercrime are prohibited, including: unauthorized computer access, password cracking, or account hacking; social media, email, or phone hacking services; computer virus, malware, or ransomware creation or distribution; DDoS attack services or phishing services; corporate espionage or insider trading assistance; market manipulation services; and data breach services or unauthorized data collection.
The following are prohibited: spy software, spyware, or stalkerware installation and management; IMSI catchers or mobile interception equipment; signal jamming devices or GPS blocker services; electronic surveillance equipment sold or installed for unauthorized monitoring; DRM circumvention services, jailbreaking, or rooting services designed to bypass security controls; cyberlocker and unauthorized file-sharing services; and traffic analysis or de-anonymization services.
All services facilitating human trafficking or exploitation are prohibited, including: human trafficking or forced labor recruitment; organ trafficking or exploitation services; child exploitation or child labor recruitment; forced marriage arrangements or debt bondage services; sex trafficking, labor trafficking, or domestic servitude; forced begging or coercion services; and underage employment facilitation.
Services designed to conceal the origin of funds or circumvent sanctions are prohibited, including: money laundering, cash structuring, or smurfing services; shell company creation for concealment purposes; cryptocurrency mixing, tumbling, or obfuscation services; hawala or informal money transfer services; dirty money cleaning or transaction obfuscation; offshore banking assistance for tax evasion purposes; and services offered to or for individuals, entities, or countries subject to international sanctions.
The following are prohibited: trade in endangered or protected animal species (CITES-listed); ivory, rhino horn, or other banned wildlife products; illegal wildlife import/export facilitation; and exotic pet services involving protected species.
The following are prohibited: payday loan services without proper regulatory authorization; aggressive or unlicensed debt collection services; credit repair scams or misleading debt consolidation services; and loan sharking or unlicensed lending at exploitative rates.
Commercial surrogacy arrangement services in jurisdictions where prohibited, and surrogacy brokerage without a proper legal framework, are not permitted.
The following are prohibited across all jurisdictions: pyramid schemes or Ponzi schemes of any kind; multi-level marketing (MLM) recruitment services; get-rich-quick scheme promotion or consultancy; binary options trading services; and illegal direct selling model facilitation.
The following apply specifically to services offered to or by users in the United States, in addition to all universal prohibitions above.
Investment advice or financial planning without SEC/FINRA registration; tax preparation without IRS authorization where required; accounting and bookkeeping without CPA licensing where required; loan or mortgage brokering without state licensing; securities trading without proper broker-dealer registration; forex trading advice without NFA registration; cryptocurrency investment advice without proper registration; and insurance sales without a state insurance license.
Medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment without a state medical license; dental services without a state dental license; prescription issuance without licensed physician authorization; therapy, counseling, or psychiatric services without state licensure; pharmacy services without DEA and state pharmacy license; medical marijuana recommendations without proper state authorization; and naturopathy, chiropractic, or alternative medicine without a state license.
Legal advice or representation without state bar admission; immigration services without accreditation by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA); divorce, bankruptcy, or estate planning assistance without an attorney license; and patent, trademark, or copyright services without USPTO registration.
Real estate sales, brokerage, or appraisal without a state real estate license; property management without required state licensing; and mortgage brokering without NMLS licensing.
Security guard services without a state guard card or equivalent; private investigation without a state PI license; background check services without FCRA compliance; and alarm installation without a required state contractor license.
Taxi, rideshare, or for-hire transportation without applicable TNC permits; commercial trucking without FMCSA operating authority; moving services without FMCSA household goods authority; and limousine services without applicable state or local licensing.
General contracting, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work without a state contractor license; roofing, home renovation, or remodeling without required licensing and insurance; and commercial painting or flooring without applicable contractor registration.
Online gambling, sports betting, or casino services without a valid state license; lottery services, poker rooms, or slot machine operations without state authorization; and gambling systems, card counting services, or casino strategy services for hire.
Insurance sales or brokering without a state insurance producer license; claims adjustment without an adjuster license; and risk assessment for insurance purposes without proper credentials.
Degree or certification programs without proper accreditation; commercial tutoring or test preparation requiring state authorization; and vocational or professional development programs without required credentials.
The following apply specifically to services offered to or by users in Nigeria, in addition to all universal prohibitions above.
Forex trading, bureau de change, or money transfer services without a CBN license; investment clubs or cooperative societies without SEC Nigeria registration; microfinance services without a CBN microfinance license; mobile money or digital banking services without CBN authorization; and fintech services without applicable CBN or NDIC approvals.
All advance fee fraud (419) and internet scam services are prohibited, including: advance fee fraud assistance, yahoo-yahoo services, romance scams, lottery scams, inheritance scam services, business email compromise facilitation, wire fraud or check fraud assistance, and fake lottery or fake inheritance claim services.
Cryptocurrency exchange or wallet services without SEC Nigeria authorization; ICO or token creation services without regulatory approval; and DeFi or NFT services without an applicable compliance framework.
Fraudulent JAMB, WAEC, or NECO assistance or impersonation; certificate forgery, degree mills, or fake transcript services; academic fraud or examination malpractice services; and fraudulent university admission assistance.
Medical practice without MDCN registration; pharmaceutical sales or drug importation without NAFDAC authorization; medical equipment sales without appropriate approvals; telemedicine services without licensing; and unregulated traditional or herbal medicine sales.
Visa or passport services without proper authorization; immigration consultation without accredited status; student visa, work permit, or asylum assistance without licensing; and fraudulent citizenship or travel document services.
Real estate brokerage without ESVARBON registration; property management or investment advice without proper authorization; and fraudulent land documentation or property valuation services.
Private security services without Private Guard Companies Act compliance; and investigation or surveillance services without proper licensing.
Legal representation or advice without Nigerian Bar Association membership; and arbitration or mediation services without proper authorization.
The following apply specifically to services offered to or by users in the United Kingdom, in addition to all universal prohibitions above.
Financial advice, investment services, or insurance brokerage without FCA authorization; mortgage, pension, or debt management services without FCA authorization; and credit brokering, payment, or e-money services without FCA registration.
Online gambling, sports betting, casino, bingo, or lottery services without a UKGC license; and gaming machines or gambling software services without UKGC authorization.
Medical practice without GMC registration; dental, pharmacy, nursing, or physiotherapy services without the relevant professional body registration; and psychology or counseling services without HCPC or equivalent registration.
Legal representation without SRA authorization; immigration advice without OISC registration; claims management without FCA authorization; and will writing, conveyancing, or notary services without proper authorization.
Security guard, door supervision, CCTV operation, or close protection services without an SIA license; and key holding services without proper authorization.
Taxi or private hire vehicle services without a TfL or local authority license; and bus, coach, or freight services without the relevant operator license.
Gas work without Gas Safe registration; electrical work without Part P or equivalent certification; building work without required building control approval; and heating installation without appropriate certification.
Recruitment agencies or temporary staffing without Employment Agencies Act compliance; and executive search without appropriate authorization.
Personal data processing without UK GDPR compliance and ICO registration; unauthorized data brokerage or background check services; and credit reference services without FCA authorization.
The following apply specifically to services offered to or by users in Estonia, in addition to all universal and EU prohibitions below.
Cryptocurrency exchange or wallet services without an Estonian FIU license; and ICO, DeFi, or token services without regulatory approval.
Investment, payment, lending, or insurance services without Finantsinspektsioon authorization; and crowdfunding services without an applicable Estonian license.
Fake e-residency applications or digital identity fraud; Estonian digital ID fraud or fraudulent e-residency consultation; and fraudulent digital nomad services using Estonian identity systems.
Online gambling, sports betting, casino, or lottery services without an Estonian Gambling Authority license.
Legal representation without Estonian Bar Association membership; notary services without state appointment; and uncertified legal document translation services.
Medical practice, telemedicine, or pharmaceutical services without Health Board authorization.
Recruitment or staffing services without Employment Register compliance.
The following apply to services offered across EU/EEA member states, in addition to all universal prohibitions above. Member state-specific rules may impose additional requirements.
Investment, payment, insurance, or banking services without applicable national regulator authorization; electronic money services without national authority approval; and crowdfunding services without ECSPR compliance.
Unauthorized personal data collection or processing; personal data brokerage without GDPR-compliant consent mechanisms; illegal surveillance, tracking, or profiling services; and data scraping services without a lawful basis.
Digital platforms or content moderation services non-compliant with DSA obligations; algorithmic services without required transparency; and digital advertising targeting minors or using prohibited data.
Telemedicine or medical consultation without recognition of professional qualifications under EU directives; and pharmaceutical or medical device services without CE marking and applicable approvals.
Cross-border passenger or freight transport without an applicable EU operator license; and logistics services non-compliant with EU transport regulations.
Cross-border legal representation without proper professional recognition under EU directives; and immigration or EU law consultation without proper authorization.
Waste management, environmental impact assessment, or carbon credit services without proper certification; and unlicensed renewable energy or utility services.
Construction, engineering, or architectural services without professional qualifications recognized under EU directives.
ExpatTray applies enforcement action proportionate to the nature, severity, and recurrence of a violation. Enforcement is not arbitrary — actions are taken at the tier appropriate to the conduct identified.
Tier 1 — Minor or first-time violations: Formal written notice specifying the violation, with a defined period to remedy; and/or temporary suspension of the specific listing pending review.
Tier 2 — Repeated violations, material violations, or failure to remedy a Tier 1 finding: Temporary restriction of account privileges for a defined period; and/or removal of all active listings pending a compliance review.
Tier 3 — Severe violations, conduct involving fraud, harm to users, or suspected criminal activity: Permanent account suspension; and/or referral to law enforcement or regulatory authorities in accordance with section 7.1(b) below.
ExpatTray reserves the right to escalate directly to Tier 3 where the severity of the violation warrants it, including where immediate action is necessary to prevent ongoing harm to users or the platform. In all cases, ExpatTray will notify the affected user of the action taken and the reason for it, and the right to appeal under section 7.2 applies.
7.1(a) Payment Partner Actions
ExpatTray is not responsible for any hold, restriction, or forfeiture of funds imposed by payment partners (currently Wise, Tide, Revolut, or others) in connection with their own Acceptable Use Policies. Such actions are governed solely by the payment partner's agreement with you, to which ExpatTray is not a party. Where a payment partner flags or declines a transaction, ExpatTray may conduct its own independent assessment of whether the underlying listing violates ExpatTray's policies. A payment partner flag alone does not automatically constitute a violation of ExpatTray's policies.
7.1(b) Law Enforcement and Regulatory Cooperation
Where a violation involves activity for which ExpatTray has a mandatory reporting obligation under applicable law — including anti-money laundering legislation, counter-terrorist financing law, trafficking offences, or child exploitation — ExpatTray is legally required to report the matter to the relevant authority and will do so regardless of whether an enforcement action has been taken against the account. For other suspected criminal activity, ExpatTray reserves the right to cooperate with or refer matters to relevant law enforcement or regulatory authorities (including but not limited to the FCA, Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit, SEC Nigeria, and NDPC) where ExpatTray considers it appropriate and proportionate to do so. These referrals constitute processing of personal data; the applicable legal basis is Legal Obligation (GDPR Article 6(1)(c)) where reporting is required by law, and Legitimate Interests (GDPR Article 6(1)(f)) where reporting is made on a voluntary basis. Further detail is available in ExpatTray's Privacy Policy.
7.1(c) Reservation of Legal Rights
Nothing in this section limits ExpatTray's right to pursue civil remedies for loss or damage arising from violations of this policy or applicable law.
Right to appeal: If you believe that an enforcement action has been taken against your account or listings in error, you have the right to appeal. You may submit an appeal within 14 calendar days of the date of receipt of ExpatTray's enforcement notification. Where no notification was received, the 14-day period runs from the date you became aware of the enforcement action.
Stated reasons: ExpatTray will provide you with a written statement of the specific reason for the enforcement action at the time of the action, or within 24 hours of your appeal submission, whichever is earlier.
How to appeal: Submit your appeal to [email protected] or through the in-platform appeals function, including: the specific listing or account action being challenged; the date of the enforcement action; the grounds on which you believe the action was taken in error; and any supporting documentation relevant to your grounds of appeal.
Review timelines:
Outcome: You will be notified in writing of the outcome and the reasons for the decision. If your appeal is upheld, the enforcement action will be reversed without penalty. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may seek further redress through the options below.
External redress: EU/EEA users may refer disputes to the competent national Digital Services Coordinator. UK users may refer disputes to the relevant ombudsman or applicable regulator. This appeals process does not affect any statutory rights you may have under applicable consumer protection law.
If you encounter a listing that you believe violates this policy, please report it using the "Report Listing" feature within the platform or by contacting [email protected]. All reports are reviewed by ExpatTray's Trust and Safety team. The identity of reporters is kept confidential to the extent permitted by law; however, ExpatTray cannot guarantee confidentiality where disclosure is required by a court order, regulatory authority, or applicable law. ExpatTray reserves the right to take appropriate action against users who submit reports in bad faith or for an improper purpose.
Updates to this guide are categorised as follows:
Material updates — including any expansion of Section 1 Universal Prohibitions, any addition of a new service category to any section, or any change that would prevent a currently listed service from being offered on the platform. Material updates will be communicated to registered users by: (a) email notification; (b) in-app notification; and (c) prominent notice on the Platform, at least 30 days before taking effect. Users transacting as guests (without a registered account) will be notified by prominent notice on the Platform. Existing listings made non-compliant by a material update will have a 30-day grace period to be updated or removed before enforcement action may be taken.
Non-material updates — including clarifications, corrections, or additions to the commentary accompanying existing prohibitions. Non-material updates may take effect immediately upon publication and will be noted in the document revision history.
Continued use of the platform after an update takes effect constitutes acceptance of the updated guide. If you do not accept a material update, you may terminate your account in accordance with Section 17 of the Terms of Service without penalty. This policy does not affect any statutory rights you may have under applicable consumer protection law.
Certain preliminary platform functions — including automated flagging of listings for policy review and initial content filtering — may be carried out by automated systems without human intervention. These systems assess listing content against this Prohibited Services guide and ExpatTray's platform policies.
Human review requirement: Where a listing is flagged by an automated system, it is subject to human review before any Tier 2 or Tier 3 enforcement action is taken. Automated systems alone do not result in permanent listing removal or permanent account suspension.
Your rights under GDPR Article 22: Where an automated decision produces a legal or similarly significant effect on you — including an automatic temporary listing suspension pending human review — you have the right (where GDPR applies) to:
To exercise these rights, contact [email protected] with the subject line "Article 22 — Automated Decision Review", identifying the listing or account action in question. ExpatTray will respond within 5 business days. Exercising this right does not affect your right to appeal under section 7.2, and both processes may run in parallel.
For questions about prohibited services, contact [email protected]