Crypto license

A crypto license is an official permit that allows businesses to legally operate in the cryptocurrency industry.

AdamSmith law office provides full-scale legal support for crypto licensing:
• Setting up a company and obtaining a crypto license
• Buying a ready-made authorized VASP/CASP company

1000+ crypto licenses successfully obtained with our legal guidance in Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries.

Get a free consultation Get a free consultation
Highlights Your Credibility

A crypto license shows clients and investors that your business is legitimate and trustworthy.

personal maneger
Protects Your Business

Licensing ensures you meet legal standards and protect your business from fines or shutdowns.

icon world
Gives Access to New Markets

With a license, you can operate in more markets and form better partnerships.

Crypto License

We are among the first international experts to have begun securing crypto licenses for clients back when this field was just emerging in Estonia — the pioneering country in establishing a legal framework for cryptocurrency businesses. It was here that we commenced our practice and became one of the most experienced players in this niche.

Since then, we have successfully obtained over 1,000 licenses for crypto companies worldwide. Our expertise spans dozens of jurisdictions across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and offshore regions. We do more than provide consultation — we build comprehensive legal infrastructures for businesses, including the establishment of local offices, on-the-ground legal representation, continuous legislative monitoring, and active engagement with regulatory authorities.

Our team is more than just legal professionals. We are industry pioneers who have won cases in court, developed end-to-end legal strategies, and established working relationships with regulators in numerous countries. We are committed to the principles of decentralization and the long-term legal development of the crypto market.

If you are seeking a foundation rather than a temporary fix, partners rather than intermediaries — you’ve come to the right place. Our mission is to create legal resilience for crypto companies and to support the sustainable growth of the industry.

Crypto Licenses in Europe

European regulation is characterized by rigor, transparency, and long-term stability. We have successfully obtained crypto licenses in jurisdictions with well-developed legal systems and strong support for innovation, including:

Estonia (FIU) – our point of departure and the foundation of our accumulated expertise.

Lithuania (FCIS) – a fast-evolving jurisdiction with a flexible regulatory approach.

Czech Republic (CNB) – a blend of local specificity and EU standards.

Poland (KNF) – a focus on consumer protection and regulatory oversight.

Latvia, the Netherlands, Germany – project-based licensing aligned with the specific needs of each client.

 
In each of these countries, we maintain local representatives and dedicated legal teams who ensure direct communication with regulators, track legislative developments, and support clients throughout both the licensing process and subsequent operations.

We do not merely facilitate licensing — we advocate for the interests of the crypto business. Our team has a proven track record of successful litigation in Estonia, Lithuania, and other EU jurisdictions, demonstrating our ability to defend clients in complex legal contexts.

At present, we are actively assisting crypto projects in adapting to the requirements of MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets), preparing our clients for the new pan-European digital asset regulatory regime. This enables our partners to operate within the EU’s legal framework while building on long-term strategic foundations.

Global Crypto Licensing

Beyond Europe, we also assist clients in obtaining crypto licenses in flexible, business-friendly jurisdictions that offer rapid deployment, minimal bureaucracy, and cost-effective solutions. These include:

Panama (SECP)
Seychelles (FSC)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
Canada (MSB FINTrac)
Kazakhstan (AFSA)
El Salvador
Dubai (VARA) and others

 
 
For each jurisdiction, we provide tailored solutions aligned with the client’s goals — whether for a cryptocurrency exchange, trading platform, custodial service, DeFi product, asset tokenization project, or international payment system. We support the entire process: from company formation and license acquisition to bank account opening, documentation, and ongoing compliance supervision.

With the implementation of MiCA and increased regulatory oversight across the EU, many clients are now considering alternative jurisdictions outside Europe. We actively recommend and implement streamlined, yet legally sound licensing models in jurisdictions such as Seychelles, SVG, Kazakhstan, and Panama. These structures enable businesses to launch quickly and affordably without compromising on legality or long-term stability.

If you are looking for flexibility, cost-efficiency, and strategic reliability — we will help you select and execute the most suitable licensing strategy for your global ambitions.

Europe

  • MiCA Documents

    A trusted partner in EU crypto compliance, our firm helps crypto companies align with the latest Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. We deliver a ready-to-submit documentation package tailored to CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) licensing in the EU, including AML, IT, governance, and adaptation frameworks for both new and existing providers.

    Timeframe: 1–2 weeks
    Price: from 4 000 EUR

    Read more
  • MiCA License

    Expand your crypto business across Europe with a MiCA license that unlocks cross-border opportunities.

    Timeframe: from 4 months
    Price: from 19 900 EUR

    Read more
  • Lithuania

    A European Economic Area jurisdiction that is very supportive of cryptocurrency and has a large number of registered EMIs and operating within its borders. It also has stable legislation close to upcoming amendments to MiCA regulations.

    Timeframe: from 2 month
    Price: from 8 500 EUR

    Read more
  • Czech Republic

    Ideal for European market-oriented crypto startups, supporting experimental projects; very low requirements, pretty simple and straightforward process of obtaining a cryptolicense.

    Timeframe: from 2 month
    Price: from 4 900 EUR

    Read more
  • Estonia

    A global leader in digital innovation, Estonia was the first country that introduced crypto licensing. Nowadays the Estonian crypto license requires a live structure in the country with several requirements, such as a physical office and an AML specialist.

    Timeframe: 8 weeks
    Price: from 15 000 EUR

    Read more
  • Poland

    Located at the heart of Europe, Poland provides a well-regulated crypto industry, additionally having quite low requirements for obtaining the license.

    Timeframe: 4 - 6 weeks
    Price: from 3 000 EUR

    Read more
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina

    A license in Bosnia and Herzegovina allows cryptocurrency companies to operate worldwide, except for countries on the sanctions list (such as North Korea, Iran, etc.).

    Timeframe: 2-3 weeks
    Price: from 4 000 EUR

    Read more
  • Slovakia

    Slovakia offers a favorable legal framework and a stable business environment, making it an ideal choice for cryptocurrency companies looking for a reliable base in Europe.

    Timeframe: 4 weeks
    Price: from 3 000 EUR

    Read more

World

  •  Panama

    Timeframe: from 2 weeks
    Price: from 4 500 EUR

    Read more
  • SVG

    Ideal for global crypto businesses looking for tax efficiency and regulatory freedom; SVG offers complete privacy, no corporate taxes, and zero reporting obligations, making it a top choice for agile operations.

    Timeframe: 7 business days
    Price: from 2 900 EUR

    Read more
  • Seychelles Crypto License (VASP)

    Seychelles is a global leader in financial innovation and has a simple licensing regime for cryptocurrency companies.

    Timeframe: from 5 months
    Price: from 8 000 EUR

    Read more
  • Crypto  Canada 2025

    A European Economic Area jurisdiction that is very supportive of cryptocurrency and has a large number of registered EMIs and operating within its borders. It also has stable legislation close to upcoming amendments to MiCA regulations.

    Timeframe: 1-6 weeks
    Price: from 12 500 USD

    Read more
  • UK

    The United Kingdom is a globally respected jurisdiction with a strong regulatory framework for cryptocurrency businesses. It offers credibility, access to banking, and a clear licensing process under the supervision of the FCA. Ideal for exchanges, wallet providers, and crypto platforms targeting the UK and international markets.

    Timeframe: 2–4 weeks
    Price: from 6 000 EUR

    Read more
  • Costa Rica

    Costa Rica is an entrepreneur-friendly jurisdiction in Latin America with a favorable environment for cryptocurrency businesses. It offers regulatory flexibility, no formal licensing barriers, and low operational costs under a stable commercial law system. Ideal for blockchain startups, crypto service providers, and fintech companies seeking fast market entry and regional expansion.

    Timeframe: 2–3 weeks
    Price: from 3 900 EUR

    Read more
  • El Salvador

    Obtain your crypto license in El Salvador and attract global clients by operating from the world’s first Bitcoin-legalized jurisdiction.

    Timeframe: 12 weeks
    Price: from 19 900

    Read more
  • Georgia

    Unlike many jurisdictions, Georgia does not impose a minimum capital requirement, making it accessible for startups and smaller businesses.

    Timeframe: 8 - 12 weeks
    Price: from 14900 EUR

    Read more
  • Hong Kong

    Ideal for globally-focused crypto startups, especially those targeting the Asian market; supports innovative projects with a relatively hassle-free and clear-cut process for obtaining a crypto license.

    Timeframe: 5 weeks
    Price: from 5000 EUR

    Read more

Need help?

Connect with our licensing experts to discuss tailored solutions designed specifically for your business. We’ll get back to you with a personalized offer within 1 hour on work days.

Request an offer Request an offer

Experts in the field

 
 

Dmitry M. Head of Sales Department Contact
Mark M. Sales Representative Contact

Why choose us?



We help businesses navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence. With us, you can focus on what matters most—growing your business—while we take care of the legal details.

7+ Years of Experience

Since 2017, we have been guiding businesses in obtaining cryptocurrency licenses, ensuring smooth, compliant setups

1000+ Successful Crypto Licenses

From innovative startups to established enterprises, we have helped secure ove 1000 crypto licenses worldwide

Direct service provider

We provide crypto licensing with local legal offices and in-house lawyers in every jurisdiction we operate.

News & Articles
News & Articles
30.10.2025
Adam Smith at Blockchain Life 2025 in Dubai: Patrik Discusses the Future of Crypto Licensing

A legal expert from Adam Smith shares insights on the latest trends and strategies for obtaining crypto licenses — from CASP in Europe to MSB in Canada and Montana (USA).
Recorded at Blockchain Life 2025, this interview covers key updates on regulation, MiCA compliance, and global crypto licensing practices.

26.06.2024
Unlocking the Potential of Crypto Licensing in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), a southern European gem, is emerging as a promising destination for cryptocurrency businesses. The country’s favorable business environment, streamlined procedures, and…

22.09.2025
MiCA Regulation: 2026 Guide for Licensing & Compliance

Under Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, a single authorization in any one EU Member State gives CASPs EU-wide “passporting” rights — get authorised once and operate across all 27 countries.

MiCA Regulation: 2026 Guide for Licensing & Compliance

Under Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, a single authorization in any one EU Member State gives CASPs EU-wide “passporting” rights — get authorised once and operate across all 27 countries.

MiCA Regulation: 2026 Guide for Licensing & Compliance

This article is brought to you by the team at AdamSmith. AdamSmith is a team that helps crypto companies establish and maintain legal structures in 20+ countries.

Please note: none of this information should be considered as legal, tax, or investment advice. While we’ve done our best to make sure this information is accurate at the time of publishing, laws and practices may change. For help with the legal structuring of your project, speak to us.

What is MiCA: New Regulatory Rules for Crypto Companies in the EU

What is MiCA?

MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1114) is the European Union’s new legal framework that harmonises rules for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and issuers across all 27 member states. Existing virtual asset service providers may benefit from national transitional regimes until 1 July 2026, after which MiCA authorisation will be required to operate in the EU. Under MiCA, CASPs such as exchanges, custodians, and crypto-brokers must meet strict requirements on governance, safeguarding of client assets, IT security, and disclosure. Authorisation in one EU country gives firms “passporting” rights to serve clients across the entire Union.

Sources: ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority), Official Journal of the European Union (OJ).

Who and What MiCA Covers

Unlike national VASP registrations, MiCA creates a single authorisation regime across all 27 EU member states. It applies to issuers of Asset-Referenced Tokens (ARTs), issuers of E-Money Tokens (EMTs), and CASPs such as exchanges, custodians, brokers, and trading platforms. Authorisation in one member state gives “passporting” rights to operate throughout the Union.

What MiCA Does Not Cover

MiCA does not apply to financial instruments governed by MiFID II (e.g. securities, shares, derivatives) or to fully decentralised protocols with no identifiable issuer. These fall under other EU or national regulations.

Who will enforce MiCA?

National Competent Authorities (NCAs). Authorise CASPs in their home Member State and supervise ongoing compliance. Scope includes governance, safeguarding of client assets, IT/outsourcing, disclosures, marketing practices, and enforcement (information requests, inspections, sanctions, suspension/withdrawal of authorisation).

ESMA (EU-level coordination and transparency). Promotes supervisory convergence through guidelines and technical standards, coordinates cross-border matters, and maintains the EU public register of authorised CASPs and their passporting notifications.

EBA (stablecoins and prudential focus). Leads on prudential expectations for significant ART/EMT issuers (e.g., reserves, liquidity, recovery/wind-down planning), working with NCAs and ESMA.

ECB and national central banks (financial-stability input). Provide opinions and participate where relevant for significant tokens, focusing on monetary policy and payment-system implications.

What is the timeline for MiCA implementation?

  • 9 June 2023 — MiCA published in the Official Journal; 29 June 2023 — enters into force.
  • 30 June 2024 — most provisions for stablecoins (ARTs/EMTs) start to apply.
  • 30 December 2024 — main CASP authorisation regime applies (MiCA becomes mandatory for service providers).
  • Up to 1 July 2026 — possible national transitional regimes for existing providers (subject to each Member State’s decision to shorten or not apply). After this date, MiCA authorisation is required EU-wide.

MiCA 36-month timeline for entities already providing crypto-assets services

Entry into
the force of MiCA

Entry into
application
of MiCA

MiCA becomes
mandatory for
service providers

Transitional
phase ends

Implementation Phase (18 months)
Transitional Phase (18 months)
June 2023
June 2024
Dec 2024
Q4 ’25
July 2026

Calculator: How Much Will a CASP License (MiCA) Cost for a New Company?

Which services do you provide?
MLRO
Local Director
Office

What are the key points of MiCA Regulation?

More obligations for CASPs—practical checklist you will actually build

  • EU presence & management: registered office + EU-resident director; clear organizational structure and decision-making.
  • AML/CTF & outsourcing: risk-based AML/KYC, vendor due-diligence, oversight and exit plans (cloud included).
  • Marketing & disclosures: fair, clear, not misleading; put risk warnings in client-facing copy.
  • Conflicts & complaints: written conflicts policy and auditable complaints process with timely replies.
  • Reporting & visibility: periodic regulatory reports; leverage the ESMA register link in bank/partner DD.
  • Travel rule implementation: ensure originator and beneficiary data exchange for crypto transfers in line with EU AMLD6 and FATF standards.

One licence, EU‑wide passporting

MiCA replaces fragmented national registrations with a single authorisation. Once your CASP is authorised by its home NCA, you can “passport” services across all 27 EU countries; your authorisation and passporting notices appear in ESMA’s public register (useful for banks and partners).

Governance “substance”: EU presence and fit‑and‑proper management

Regulators expect real decision‑making in the EU (place of effective management) and at least one director resident in the EU—not a letter‑box set‑up. ESMA/EBA guidelines also emphasise time commitment, competence and clear roles for the management body and qualifying shareholders.

Client money & asset protection (hard, testable controls)

If you receive client fiat (other than e‑money tokens), you must place it with an EU credit institution or a central bank by the end of the next business day, and never use client assets for your own account. Expect segregation, daily reconciliation and clear custody contracts—plus liability where a loss is attributable to you.

Trading venues & brokers: surveillance, transparency, records

Trading platforms must monitor market abuse, keep complete order/traceability records, and publish pre‑ and post‑trade data (near real‑time; free after a short delay such as 15 minutes and kept available for 2 years). Keep order‑book data ready for supervisors for years and formalise best‑execution.

Token offers: white papers, limited exemptions, 14‑day retail withdrawal

For tokens other than ARTs/EMTs, the offeror must be a legal person and draw up, notify and publish a crypto‑asset white paper before public offering or admission—unless a narrow exemption applies (<150 persons per Member State, or ≤€1m over 12 months, or qualified‑investor only). Retail buyers get a 14‑day withdrawal right if they purchased before trading starts. If a token has no identifiable issuer (e.g., BTC), the platform/person seeking admission shoulders disclosure and warnings.

Stablecoins: algorithmic out; ART/EMT must meet reserve & redemption rules

“Algorithmic” models do not qualify as ARTs/EMTs under MiCA. Asset‑backed issuers face strict reserve quality, 1:1 backing, liquidity and disclosure requirements; EMTs link to a single fiat and follow an e‑money‑style regime. Only the issuer (or a party with its written consent) may publicly offer or seek admission. Significant tokens trigger stricter EBA‑coordinated oversight.

If MiCA Isn’t the Right Fit: Explore Other Jurisdictions

Crypto License in Panama

€4,500
  • Unregulated Legal Crypto Activities
  • Global Access
  • Register your crypto company in up to 2 weeks
  • 0% Corporate Tax Rate
  • No Capital Requirements
Learn more

Crypto License in Montana

€4,500
  • Unregulated Legal Crypto Activities
  • Global Access
  • Register your crypto company in up to 2 weeks
  • 0% Corporate Tax Rate
  • No Capital Requirements
Learn more

Which companies already hold a MiCA (CASP) licence?

57 unique CASPs across 11 Member States are in the register.

Top home states: Germany (18) and Netherlands (14) lead; then France (6), Malta (6); Spain (3), Luxembourg (3); Austria (2), Ireland (2); Cyprus (1), Lithuania (1), Finland (1).

First-wave approvals landed on 30 Dec 2024 in the Netherlands (BitStaete, Hidden Road Partners, MoonPay, Zebedee).

Peak months for new entries in 2025: May–July (steady flow of large names and banks).

Infographic: Where companies are getting their CASP licences in 2025 (MiCA)

Infographic: Where companies are getting their CASP licences in 2025 (MiCA)

Where companies are licensing — and why it matters

Germany: a cluster of regulated banks and broker-banks (Commerzbank, flatexDEGIRO Bank, Baader Bank, N26, Trade Republic) plus custodians (BitGo, Tangany) and the Boerse Stuttgart group. If you want bank-grade optics and deep capital‑markets links, Germany is where many incumbents went.

Netherlands: strong crypto‑native and payments mix (Bitvavo, Amdax, MoonPay, Finst, Fiat Republic, Acheron Trading) and several first‑day approvals. Good for on/off‑ramp and brokerage‑style models.

Luxembourg: global brands with rapid passporting (Coinbase, Bitstamp, Clearstream). If you need fast EU‑wide reach with a capital‑markets friendly home, this is the pattern.

Malta: large exchanges (OKX, Crypto.com, Gemini, ZBX, Bitpanda) — a clear “trading/exchange hub” narrative.

Plus France (CACEIS Bank; CoinShares AM), Spain (BBVA, Openbank, Cecabank), Austria (Bybit, Bitpanda), Ireland (Kraken), Cyprus (eToro), Lithuania (Robinhood), Finland (Coinmotion).

Who Needs MiCA Authorization (CASP Roles) — Key Obligations

CASP role
Key obligations

Custody and Administration of Crypto-Assets

Firms that safeguard private keys or manage client crypto-assets (similar to custodians or wallet providers)

  • Segregate client assets from company funds and reconcile daily
  • Use secure cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and strong key management
  • Maintain clear custody agreements with clients (scope, fees, security)
  • Outsource only to MiCA-authorised custodians and remain responsible

Operation of Trading Platforms

Providers that run order books or trading venues for crypto-assets

  • Conduct due diligence on tokens before listing; apply strict admission rules
  • KYC all participants and monitor trading to prevent market abuse
  • Ensure resilient IT systems and settle trades within 24h
  • Publish pre/post-trade data (prices, volumes) to ensure transparency

Exchange of Crypto-Assets for Funds or Other Crypto-Assets

Companies that facilitate exchange between crypto and fiat or between different crypto-assets

  • Provide non-discriminatory access to exchange services
  • Execute orders at displayed price with transparent fees
  • Explain pricing methodology and order finality to clients
  • Disclose aggregated trade data publicly

Execution of Orders on Behalf of Clients

CASPs that execute trades or transfers on behalf of clients

  • Apply “best execution” duty: price, speed, costs, and likelihood of execution
  • Keep detailed order audit trails
  • Protect client assets and data during execution
  • Maintain governance controls and conflict-of-interest policies

Placing of Crypto-Assets

Firms that market or distribute new crypto-assets on behalf of issuers

  • Obtain explicit consent from issuer before placement
  • Provide issuers full details of fees, target investors, and placement terms
  • Apply fair marketing and risk disclosures
  • Manage conflicts of interest and keep placement records

Reception and Transmission of Orders

Providers that transmit client instructions to other CASPs or venues

  • Transmit client orders quickly and accurately
  • No pay-for-order-flow or biased routing
  • Protect order confidentiality and prevent front-running
  • Conduct AML checks where relevant

Portfolio Management of Crypto-Assets

Entities that manage crypto portfolios for clients

  • Conduct suitability checks and update at least every 2 years
  • Segregate managed assets from company funds
  • Provide periodic performance reports to clients
  • Maintain independent investment policy and no kickbacks from issuers

Investment Advice on Crypto-Assets

CASPs giving personalised recommendations

  • Know your client: risk, experience, financial situation
  • Give advice only if suitable; decline if not
  • Disclose independence, costs, and potential conflicts
  • Base recommendations on a broad range of crypto-assets and keep records

MiCA Compliance Framework for CASPs

Class
Services
Min. Capital
Class 1 (Basic)
Advisory, transfer, execution of orders, placing, reception/transmission, portfolio mgmt, investment advice
€50,000
Class 2 (Custody & Exchange)
Custody and administration of crypto assets; crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchange
€125,000
Class 3 (Trading Platforms)
Operation of a trading platform for crypto assets
€150,000

Core MiCA Obligations for All CASPs

  • Licensing: obtain authorization from the relevant national authority
  • AML/KYC Compliance: implement robust AML and KYC frameworks
  • Risk Management: internal frameworks for financial, liquidity and operational risks
  • Consumer Protection: fair pricing, clear risk disclosures, secure custody
  • Reporting Obligations: periodic reports and regulatory audits
  • Operational Resilience: cybersecurity, fraud prevention, market integrity controls

Calculator: How Much Will a CASP License (MiCA) Cost for a New Company?

Which services do you provide?
MLRO
Local Director
Office

Steps to obtain the MiCA license

  1. 0

    Home‑State Selection & Incorporation

    1–4 weeks

    What happens: choose the Member State and National Competent Authority (NCA), incorporate the legal entity, and establish “substance”.

    Baseline expectations:

    • Registered address in the EU and at least one EU‑resident director.
    • Designated Compliance/MLRO and clear ownership/UBO files (fit‑and‑proper: CVs, checks, experience).
    • Initial banking plan (often an EMI account as interim, then a bank account closer to authorization).
  2. 1

    Pre‑Application Contact with the NCA

    1–3 weeks

    What happens: informal engagement with the NCA to confirm the service perimeter (custody/exchange/execution/venue, etc.), use of any transitional regime (if already operating), class implications, outsourcing approach and documentation set.

    Outcome: aligned scope and expectations, which reduces later rounds of requests for information (RFIs).

  3. 2

    Build the application package

    6–10 weeks

    Core dossier contents:

    • Business plan and financials (3‑year) with activity‑based own‑funds calculations.
    • Governance & organisation: role charters, decision‑making trail, independence of control functions.
    • Policies & procedures: AML/KYC; safeguarding (segregation + daily reconciliation); conflicts of interest; complaints; marketing/disclosures; incident response; outsourcing; business continuity and wind‑down.
    • IT & security: architecture, access controls, logging/monitoring, change management; vendor register and exit plans.
    • Service‑specific (where applicable): best execution/order handling; market‑abuse surveillance; admission/listing rules; settlement flows; white‑paper governance for token offers.
  4. 3

    Submission & Completeness Check

    2–4 weeks

    Submission: the dossier is filed with the NCA (Day 0).

    Acknowledgement: typically within 5 working days.

    Completeness check: up to 25–30 working days.

    Possible outcomes:

    • Complete → file proceeds to substantive assessment.
    • Incomplete → the NCA issues a gaps list; the clock pauses until missing items are re‑submitted.
  5. 4

    Substantive Assessment

    2–4 weeks

    What the NCA assesses:

    • People & substance: time commitment of directors, competence, independence of control functions.
    • Safeguarding: no re‑use of client assets; client fiat (other than EMT) placed with a credit institution/central bank by the next business day; daily reconciliations and clear custody arrangements.
    • IT & outsourcing: security posture, incident handling, third‑party oversight and exit scenarios.
    • Conduct: fair, clear and not misleading marketing; conflicts management; complaint handling SLAs.
    • For trading venues: market‑abuse surveillance, pre/post‑trade transparency publication, order‑data retention.

    Process: 1–3 RFI rounds, occasional interviews or remote system walk‑throughs.

    Timing: MiCA foresees a decision within 40 working days from completeness, extendable by +20 working days where clarifications are requested; in practice, assessment typically takes 3–6 months from submission.

  6. 5

    Decision, ESMA Public Register
    & Passporting

    1–3 weeks after approval

    Decision: authorization or refusal. Upon approval, the firm is listed in ESMA’s public register; passporting notifications are then filed to serve other Member States.

    Next steps: align T&Cs and marketing to the authorised status; keep register information current.

  7. 6

    Banking & Go‑Live

    What banks/payment providers request: the authorization letter, board minutes, full policy set (especially safeguarding/AML), proof of reconciliations and segregation, and the UBO/KYC pack.

    Result: operational accounts are opened and services begin under the MiCA regime.

Shortcut your MiCA Licensing procedure with our team

€19,900

We handle the entire MiCA authorization process for fixed fee

1 Discovery call
2 Dossier Build
Filing & Approval

Request a Consultation

Feel free to contact us via:
Telegram or WhatsApp

MiCA Licensing procedure
with our legal team

We offer complete end-to-end assistance in obtaining MiCA licenses in the EU. From legal consultations to document preparation and submission, we ensure your crypto business complies with EU regulations, providing a hassle-free and fully managed licensing process.

With extensive experience in licensing crypto companies since 2016, our team has successfully guided numerous businesses through complex regulatory landscapes, helping them achieve compliance and operate confidently within the European market.

MiCA Licensing Packages

Basic

€ 19,900
  • Selection of a suitable jurisdiction in the EU
  • Company registration (including legal address)
  • Preparation of all documents for MiCA licensing
  • Review of documents, rules, and policies
  • Submission of documents and obtaining the license
  • Assistance in finding an AML/MLRO specialist
  • Customized policies and business plan (if needed)
Order

Advanced

Upon request
  • Selection of a suitable jurisdiction in the EU
  • Company registration (including legal address)
  • Preparation of all documents for MiCA licensing
  • Review of documents, rules, and policies
  • Submission of documents and obtaining the license
  • Assistance in finding an AML/MLRO specialist
  • Customized policies and business plan (if needed)
Order

Premium

Upon request
  • Selection of a suitable jurisdiction in the EU
  • Company registration (including legal address)
  • Preparation of all documents for MiCA licensing
  • Review of documents, rules, and policies
  • Submission of documents and obtaining the license
  • Assistance in finding an AML specialist
  • Customized policies and business plan (if needed)
Order

MiCA Licensing Experts at AdamSmith

MiCA Across EU Countries (Mini-Hub)

FAQ MiCA Regulation and CASP License

What is the MiCA regulation?

MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is an EU regulation that sets clear rules for Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), ensuring transparency, investor protection and market stability across all 27 EU member states.

Who needs a MiCA license?

All CASPs operating in the EU, including crypto exchanges, wallets, trading platforms and token issuers, must obtain a MiCA license to provide services legally.

When does MiCA take effect?

MiCA will be fully implemented by December 2024, with a transition period extending into 2025 for compliance adjustments.

What are the benefits of a MiCA license?

A MiCA license grants legal access to the EU market, enhances credibility, ensures regulatory protection and enables seamless operations across member states.

What are the capital requirements for CASPs under MiCA?

MiCA requires €50,000 for advisory services, €125,000 for custody and exchange and €150,000 for trading platforms. These thresholds ensure financial stability and regulatory compliance based on the CASP’s risk levels.

What are the key compliance requirements for CASPs?

Under the MiCA regulation, (CASPs) must be licensed by their national authority, meet governance and capital requirements and comply with strict conduct, AML/KYC, and cybersecurity rules. They must safeguard client assets, provide transparent risk disclosures and follow fair trading and best execution practices. Ongoing obligations include reporting, record keeping and ensuring any outsourcing arrangements remain under full CASP responsibility.

How long does it take to obtain a MiCA license?

The licensing process varies by country, but typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the business structure, documentation and regulatory approval timeline.

Which authority issues the MiCA license?

MiCA licenses are issued by national financial regulators in each EU member state, following ESMA guidelines.

Can a MiCA license be used across the EU?

Yes, a MiCA license obtained in one EU country allows a CASP to operate freely across all 27 member states without additional licensing.

What happens if a CASP operates without a MiCA license?

CASPs operating without a valid MiCA license may face heavy fines, operational restrictions, or a ban on services in the EU market.

Does MiCA apply to stablecoins and token issuers?

Yes, MiCA covers stablecoins, utility tokens and security tokens, requiring issuers to meet specific disclosure and reserve requirements.

What role does ESMA play in MiCA regulation?

ESMA oversees the implementation of MiCA, sets regulatory standards and ensures harmonization across EU financial markets.

Can non EU companies apply for a MiCA license?

Yes, but non-EU companies must register a legal entity in an EU country and meet all regulatory and compliance requirements.

What documents are required for a MiCA license application?

Typical requirements include a business plan, AML/KYC policies, risk management framework, cybersecurity measures, governance structure and financial statements.

How can we help with MiCA licensing?

We provide full regulatory support, including consulting, application preparation, document drafting, communication with regulators and ongoing compliance assistance to ensure a smooth licensing process.

Get the offer THANK YOU!

    Method of communication:

    Required field

    Your application has been successfully sent!
    We will contact you within a few business hours.

    In case of urgent questions, you can contact us by phone or email: