Crypto license in Estonia

Estonia is one of the first jurisdictions in the EU where cryptocurrency licences have become widespread.
One of our offices is located in Tallinn city, and we actively help our clients in obtaining and adapting crypto licenses issued by the Estonian regulator, including ensuring full compliance with the MiCA regulation.
We are ready to provide a comprehensive consultation and prepare all the necessary documents to ensure your company’s compliance with MiCA requirements for CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) registration and operation in Estonia.

Submit an application for a crypto licence in Estonia Submit an application
Fully Digital Government

In Estonia, all interactions with government authorities—from company registration to regulatory reporting—are conducted online. This streamlines processes and saves time for both startups and international companies.

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Transparent and Predictable Jurisdiction

Estonia is a rule-of-law country with clear regulations, a strong reputation, and minimal bureaucracy. Unlike jurisdictions with inconsistent approaches such as Malta, Germany, or Singapore, Estonia offers a stable environment for building long-term crypto businesses.

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Compliant with MiCA and ESMA Standards

Estonia has already structured its licensing system to comply with the key provisions of the MiCA regulation and the expectations of ESMA. This makes it a strategically advantageous jurisdiction for launching crypto projects aimed at long-term growth across Europe.

Benefits of obtaining a cryptocurrency licence in Estonia:

company protection from suspicion of money laundering

Due to the new regulations regarding cryptolicense in Estonia, a company that meets all the necessary Estonian requirements for this licence will be protected from all sorts of checks for suspicion of money laundering and possible closure of the company, as it is regulated by the Estonian AML legislation on a par with financial institutions.

low tax rate

A clear example of low taxation is the zero percent corporate income tax. Thus, this profit can be invested in the development of the company, which is ideal for a start-up business. As for turnover tax (VAT), it should be noted that bitcoins and altcoins will not be subject to this tax. Estonia has the lowest and most affordable prices for cryptocurrency licences compared to other EU countries.

online company management

Estonia is known to be a leader in internet technology, which has been developing more and more in recent years. This achievement makes it possible to open access to all government services, which in turn makes communication with government organisations easier and saves You time.

Do you want to obtain a crypto license in Estonia?

If you are interested in getting a crypto license in Estonia, where cryptocurrency is legalised and protected, and where cryptocurrency businesses are regulated like financial institutions at the legislative level, do not hesitate to contact our specialists for help!

Submit an application Submit

Our services include:

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Crypto licence for the exchange and custody of securities Licensing of additional cryptocurrency-related services, including: Investment crypto-fund registration Legal support for ICO/IEO projects Preparing a legal opinion
Managing an online cryptocurrency exchange platform Escrow service Capital management up to €500 million Project research Internal audit of the client’s project
Exchange between cryptocurrency and fiat currency pairs Loans in virtual currency backed by fiat currency Attracting non-professional (retail) investors Advice on token solutions Exploring suitable legislation in relation to the project
Cryptocurrency storage service Stacking Cryptocurrency portfolio management Recommendations on the choice of jurisdiction Legal opinion/legal analysis of the case
Cryptocurrency transfer NFT digital art auction Complete anonymity of fund investor data Preparation of supporting legal documents
Investment support (provision of trading signals) Financial liability of investors is limited to the amount of their contribution
Coordination of financial transactions involving cryptocurrency

Estonia is an attractive jurisdiction for a cryptocurrency business

In the past, obtaining a cryptocurrency licence in Estonia was a fast and accessible process. The ease of registration and the ability to operate globally attracted many crypto companies. However, as the industry expanded, regulatory attention increased due to rising financial crime risks and the need for stronger oversight.

In 2025, Estonia introduced an enhanced regulatory framework for crypto service providers. These updates include stricter Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations, requirements for local presence, higher minimum share capital, and advanced internal control standards—all aimed at fostering a transparent and sustainable crypto market.

Like every other European Union country, Estonia now operates under the unified rules set by the MiCA regulation and is supervised in line with ESMA guidelines. This provides regulatory predictability, legal clarity, and recognition across the European market.

Today, obtaining a crypto licence in Estonia is no more difficult than in countries like Czechia or Lithuania, while Estonia offers a more mature digital infrastructure and streamlined procedures for working with regulators.

In this legal environment, launching a crypto company requires professional guidance and full understanding of the licensing process. The Adam Smith team offers comprehensive support—from company formation to licensing and ongoing compliance at every stage of your business.

New Rules for Crypto Companies in Estonia,(Effective January 1, 2025)

As of January 1, 2025, Estonia has introduced a new regulatory framework for crypto businesses, fully aligned with the MiCA regulation. These changes bring greater clarity, legal consistency, and transparency across the entire European crypto market.

The license application review period has been extended from 60 to 120 days. Applications must be submitted either via a notary or the Estonian Commercial Register portal.

A physical office in Estonia is now mandatory. This requirement strengthens regulatory control and enhances trust in crypto service providers by ensuring greater operational accountability and asset protection.

Each company must appoint at least one general manager who is an Estonian resident.

A corporate bank or payment account with a European institution is required to obtain a licence. This step may involve complexities, and our legal team at Adam Smith will help you identify a suitable bank and prepare all compliance documentation.

The required share capital ranges from €50,000 to €150,000, depending on the nature and scale of the business. It must be fully paid in before submitting your application.

The state fee for submitting a crypto licence application is €3,000.

All stakeholders must provide non-criminal record certificates and demonstrate a clean professional background. Crypto companies are now fully subject to AML/CFT regulations, previously applicable only to traditional financial institutions.

Ready-to-Use Legal Documentation Included

By working with Adam Smith, you gain access to a pre-prepared licensing package, which includes:

  • Fully developed policy templates,
  • A complete business plan,
  • All required internal control procedures,
  • Guidance tailored to your specific business model.

This licensing set is already aligned with the 2025 MiCA requirements and requires only minimal adaptation — saving you time, money, and legal risk compared to building the documentation from scratch.

Provision of AML and financial audit for a crypto company.

Since the MiCA regulation came into effect across the EU on January 1, 2025, the role of AML and financial auditors has changed significantly.

Previously mandatory at the licensing stage, these audits are no longer a strict requirement for obtaining a crypto licence in Estonia. This regulatory simplification makes entry into the market easier for new businesses. However, ongoing AML and financial audits remain essential for maintaining compliance, internal risk management, and successful licence renewal.

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NAME OF THE SERVICE PRICES
AML audit by agreement
Financial audit by agreement

For adaptation of the cryptocurrency licence under new regulations please contact with our lawyer

Crypto Regulation in Estonia

As of 2025, Estonia—like every other EU member state—is fully subject to the unified requirements of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and the oversight of ESMA. This ensures that crypto business operations in Estonia are governed by clear, harmonized rules consistent across the entire European Union.

Importantly, the implementation of stricter regulatory standards is not a barrier but a strategic advantage. Today, cryptocurrency activity in Estonia is regulated just as rigorously as traditional financial services, earning the trust of clients, banks, and payment institutions.

Cryptocurrencies in Estonia are effectively treated as alternative means of payment. Companies operating in compliance with the law gain recognized status both domestically and across the EU. Unlike in unregulated jurisdictions—where businesses may be suddenly shut down due to suspicion of money laundering or other violations—Estonia offers stability, legal clarity, and full alignment with EU law.

Despite the tighter regulatory environment, Estonia remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions for launching a crypto business, thanks to its digital infrastructure, transparent licensing procedures, and strong international reputation.

Comparative table of the best cryptocurrency jurisdictions in the EEA

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Country of cryptocurrency jurisdiction Estonia Lithuania Czech Republic
Approximate timeframes 3-6 months same same
Share capital €50.000 - €150.000 same same
Company registration cost €1200 €1300 €1600
Corporate tax 0% 5% (annual gross income is less than 300 000 EUR) and 15% (annual gross income is more than 300 000 EUR) 21%
Goverment fee €3000 same same

Do you want to obtain a crypto license in Estonia?

If you are interested in getting a crypto license in Estonia, where cryptocurrency is legalised and protected, and where cryptocurrency businesses are regulated like financial institutions at the legislative level, do not hesitate to contact our specialists for help!

Submit an application
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is cryptocurrency legal in Estonia?
Cryptocurrency usage in Estonia is absolutely legal. For the purpose of business management, crypto companies are subject to "Law on preventing money laundering and financing of terrorism".
Who can build a crypto company in Estonia?
A crypto company in Estonia can be established by any natural or legal person, regardless of their country of residence. However, to comply with current regulatory requirements, the company must appoint a local director who is a resident of Estonia. In some cases, the presence of additional key personnel (e.g. compliance officer, AML officer) residing in Estonia is also required.
Which authority regulates crypto company activities in Estonia?
Until the end of 2024, cryptocurrency businesses in Estonia were supervised by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). However, starting January 1, 2025, regulatory authority was transferred to the Financial Supervision Authority (Finantsinspektsioon) — the same body that oversees traditional financial institutions in Estonia. This change marks a new stage in how the Estonian state views crypto assets: we expect a more structured and market-friendly approach, with clearer expectations and potentially fewer bureaucratic obstacles for responsible and well-prepared applicants.
What is the validity period of a cryptocurrency license in Estonia?
The license is issued for an indefinite period.
How much share capital is required to start a crypto company in Estonia?
As of January 1, 2025, the minimum required share capital for a cryptocurrency company in Estonia ranges from €50,000 to €150,000, depending on the scope of planned activities. The capital must be fully paid in before applying for a crypto licence. The exact amount is determined during the licence preparation process based on your business model and services. Proof of capital origin and a clear financial plan are also required for regulatory compliance.
How is a crypto company in Estonia taxed?
Tax on retained earnings is 0%.
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