MiCA License for CASP
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is an EU framework that sets clear, standardized rules for crypto businesses across 27 member states. It regulates Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) by defining licensing, compliance, and investor protection requirements to ensure market transparency and security.
Apply for a CASP License and Operate in the EU
A CASP license under MiCA provides legal access to the EU market, allowing crypto businesses to operate seamlessly across all member states under a single regulatory framework. It enhances credibility, investor trust, and regulatory compliance, creating a stable foundation for long-term business growth.
Expert Guidance with a MiCA Crypto License
We assist businesses in obtaining a crypto license across various European jurisdictions, ensuring full compliance with ESMA regulations and national financial authorities. Our services include regulatory consulting, policy drafting, license application support, and ongoing compliance assistance, making the approval process efficient and hassle-free.
Get started today! Contact us for expert guidance on MiCA licensing and compliance Send enquiryObtain a CASP License under MiCA
MiCA Licensing for CASPs: Secure Your Crypto Business in the EU
Adopted in June 2023, the Regulation 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets establishes standardized rules across all EU member states, ensuring a harmonized regulatory framework for the crypto industry. The regulation aims to create a safer and more transparent environment for businesses and investors
It applies to Crypto-Asset Service Providers engaged in trading, custody, exchange, and issuance of crypto assets, ensuring compliance with unified EU regulations. MiCA Regulation strengthens market transparency, enhances investor protection, and enforces capital requirements to promote financial stability, impacting thousands of crypto businesses across the European Union.
Who Needs a MiCA License?
A MiCA crypto license is essential for CASPs, including crypto exchanges, wallets, and token issuers, to operate legally and securely in the EU market. Businesses must comply with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, risk disclosure policies, and security requirements, as well as meet minimum capital thresholds based on their services.
Additionally, MiCA mandates robust IT systems to ensure data security, fraud prevention, and operational resilience. The regulation is designed to create a transparent and stable regulatory environment, fostering trust and long-term legal certainty for the crypto industry
National Regulators & ESMA Oversight
MiCA licenses are issued by national financial regulators in each EU member state, responsible for evaluating applications, verifying compliance, and granting approvals. At the EU level, the European Securities and Markets Authority provides guidance, oversight, and regulatory coordination, ensuring a harmonized approach across all jurisdictions. This dual-layered system enhances transparency, market integrity, and regulatory consistency, making it easier for CASPs to operate legally and seamlessly across the EU.
MiCA Compliance: 2025 Deadline & Market Impact
MiCA officially took effect in late 2024, with a transition period extending into 2025 to give businesses time to achieve full compliance. For Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), meeting these requirements is essential—non-compliance can result in fines, operational restrictions, or even loss of market access. Conversely, licensed CASPs gain seamless access to all EU member states, benefiting from regulatory certainty, increased investor trust, and expanded business opportunities in a harmonized crypto market.
MiCA Licensing & Compliance Services
The MiCA regulation establishes clear, standardized rules for Crypto-Asset Service Providers in the EU, ensuring businesses meet compliance requirements and gain legal access to the European market. By adhering to ESMA guidelines, CASPs can operate with confidence and credibility, knowing they meet stringent regulatory standards designed to enhance market integrity and investor protection.
Achieve Full MiCA Compliance with Expert Support
We provide end-to-end assistance, covering everything from MiCA regulatory consulting and policy development to CASP license application and post-approval compliance. Whether you’re launching a new crypto venture or expanding operations in Europe, our team ensures a smooth, efficient, and hassle-free licensing process, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
- Regulatory Consulting
We provide tailored guidance on MiCA requirements, legal obligations, and favorable jurisdictions for CASPs. Our experts assess your business model to ensure full compliance with both national financial regulators and ESMA standards.
- Policy & Documentation Preparation
We prepare critical compliance documents, including AML/KYC policies, risk management frameworks, and operational guidelines, ensuring they meet MiCA standards and local regulatory requirements. Our precise and structured approach helps streamline the approval process, making it efficient and hassle-free for your business..
- CASP License Application Support
We manage the entire MiCA licensing process, from preparing and submitting applications to liaising with regulators, ensuring a streamlined approval process for your CASP crypto license.
- Ongoing Compliance & Regulatory Updates
Maintaining full MiCA compliance is crucial as regulations evolve. We provide ongoing monitoring, audits, and real-time regulatory updates, ensuring your business stays fully aligned with the latest legal and compliance requirements without disruptions.
- Legal Analysis & Risk Assessment
Our compliance experts perform detailed risk assessments, evaluating regulatory obligations, business structures, and potential compliance gaps. We provide strategic guidance to help your business maintain long-term security and stability under MiCA regulations..
Securing a MiCA crypto license doesn’t have to be complex. With our specialized expertise, CASPs can achieve compliance, minimize regulatory risks, and operate legally across the EU market.
Let us handle the process while you focus on growing your crypto business.
MiCA Regulation: Key Rules for CASPs
The MiCA Regulation establishes a clear and structured regulatory framework for CASPs across the EU, promoting transparency and compliance. It is designed to enhance investor protection, strengthen market integrity, and support financial stability.
Understanding CASP Classifications Under MiCA
To ensure a risk-based regulatory approach, MiCA classifies CASPs into three distinct categories based on their business activities, risk exposure, and compliance obligations. Each classification comes with specific MiCA licensing requirements, operational standards, and capital thresholds, ensuring proportionate oversight for different types of crypto businesses.
Class 1 CASPs – Advisory & Intermediary Services
CASPs in this category provide advisory and intermediary services with limited exposure to client funds. While they face lighter regulatory requirements, they must still comply with licensing, transparency, and customer protection standards. The minimum capital requirement for Class 1 CASPs is €50,000.
Typical Class 1 CASP activities include:
- Executing crypto transactions on behalf of clients
- Placing crypto-assets in the market
- Facilitating transfers of crypto-assets
- Receiving and transmitting orders for crypto-assets
- Providing advisory services on crypto investments
- Managing client portfolios with crypto-assets
Class 2 CASPs – Custody & Exchange Services
Class 2 CASPs handle custody, storage, and exchange of crypto-assets, posing a higher financial and operational risk. As a result, they must meet stricter AML/KYC obligations, liquidity requirements, and enhanced security protocols. The minimum capital requirement for this category is €125,000.
Class 2 CASPs typically engage in:
- Custody and administration of crypto-assets
- Crypto-to-fiat exchange services
- Crypto-to-crypto exchange services
Class 3 CASPs – Trading Platforms
CASPs that operate crypto trading platforms face the most stringent compliance requirements due to their market significance and transaction volumes. These businesses must implement advanced risk management, market monitoring, and liquidity safeguards. The minimum capital requirement for Class 3 CASPs is €150,000.
Class 3 CASPs category applies to:
- Operators of crypto trading platforms
Essential MiCA Compliance Requirements for All CASPs
Regardless of classification, every CASP operating in the EU must comply with the following core MiCA obligations:
- Regulatory Licensing – Obtain approval from a national financial authority within the EU.
- AML/KYC Compliance – Implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures.
- Risk Management – Establish internal protocols to assess and mitigate financial, liquidity, and operational risks.
- Consumer Protection – Ensure transparent pricing, clear risk disclosures, and secure asset storage.
- Regulatory Reporting – Submit periodic financial reports and comply with audits conducted by national regulators.
- Operational Resilience – Maintain strong cybersecurity measures, fraud prevention systems, and transaction monitoring controls.
By establishing clear classifications and tailored compliance requirements, MiCA ensures a balanced approach to crypto regulation. With full enforcement set for December 2024, CASPs must assess their business structure, regulatory obligations, and compliance strategy to get a MiCA crypto license and operate legally across the EU market.
Applying for a CASP License Under MiCA
Securing a MiCA license is a crucial step for Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) looking to operate legally in the EU market. To ensure compliance, businesses must go through a rigorous regulatory approval process, which includes meeting compliance requirements, financial thresholds, and security obligations set by national financial authorities.
How to Obtain a MiCA License: Step-by-Step Guide
The licensing process involves several key stages, including business assessment, document preparation, application submission, and regulatory review. Each step is essential to applying for a MiCA crupto license, allowing CASPs to operate seamlessly across all EU member states.
1. Pre-Application Preparation
A well-prepared application increases the chances of approval. Before submitting, CASPs must:
- Define their business model and determine their CASP classification (Class 1, 2, or 3).
- Register a legal entity in an EU member state where the application will be submitted.
- Ensure compliance with AML/KYC policies, governance frameworks, and risk management procedures.
- Prepare corporate documentation, including:
- Business plan detailing services, revenue model, and risk factors.
- AML/KYC policies to prevent financial crime.
- Security protocols for safeguarding client assets and data.
- Operational resilience measures to ensure business continuity.
- Engage with legal and compliance professionals to assess potential regulatory challenges before submission.
2. License Application Submission
Once all necessary documents are prepared, the CASP submits its application to the national financial authority in the chosen EU country. The application package typically includes:
- Company registration details and legal structure.
- Proof of minimum capital compliance (€50,000, €125,000, or €150,000, depending on classification).
- AML/KYC compliance policies and risk assessment frameworks.
- Cybersecurity and fraud prevention measures.
- Financial documentation demonstrating liquidity and sustainability.
- Corporate governance details, including board structure and key personnel information.
At this stage, some regulators may request additional clarifications, so prompt responses are essential to avoid delays.
3. Regulatory Review & Approval
Once submitted, the national regulator conducts a comprehensive review to ensure the CASP meets MiCA requirements. The review process typically includes:
- Due diligence checks on company founders, directors, and key personnel.
- Assessment of financial stability and liquidity provisions to confirm sustainability.
- Evaluation of internal policies, governance structures, and operational risk management.
- Review of cybersecurity frameworks to ensure adequate fraud prevention and data protection.
- Regulator inquiries or requests for additional documentation before approval.
The review process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the application and regulatory workload.
4. License Issuance & Compliance Monitoring
Once the application is approved, the CASP receives a MiCA license, granting it the ability to operate legally across all EU member states. However, the license comes with ongoing compliance obligations, including:
- Regular financial reporting and external audits.
- Strict adherence to AML/KYC regulations.
- Continuous compliance with MiCA standards and ESMA guidelines.
- Periodic reviews by regulators to ensure risk management and operational integrity.
- Potential updates to business policies based on changes in EU regulations.
Non-compliance may result in penalties, operational restrictions, or license revocation, making continuous regulatory monitoring essential.
Why Choose Us for MiCA Licensing?
Navigating the MiCA licensing process can be complex, requiring strict compliance, precise documentation, and direct engagement with regulators. Our expertise ensures a smooth and efficient application process, helping you secure your CASP license without unnecessary delays.
- In-Depth Regulatory Knowledge
Our team specializes in MiCA compliance and has extensive experience working with national financial regulators across the EU. We provide clear guidance to help you meet all legal requirements.
- Comprehensive Licensing Support
From business structuring and policy drafting to license application submission and regulatory negotiations, we handle every stage of the process, allowing you to focus on growing your crypto business.
- Tailored Solutions for Your Business
We understand that every CASP is different, so we offer personalized strategies based on your business model, risk profile, and jurisdictional preferences.
- Direct Communication with Regulators
We liaise with financial authorities on your behalf, ensuring a transparent and efficient approval process, minimizing back-and-forth delays.
- Ongoing Compliance Assistance
Our support doesn’t stop once you receive your MiCA license. We provide continuous compliance monitoring, regulatory updates, and audit preparation, helping you stay ahead of evolving EU regulations.
With our expert guidance, securing a MiCA license becomes a structured, streamlined, and hassle-free experience. Let us take care of the complexities while you focus on expanding your crypto business across the EU.
Contact Us for MiCA Licensing Assistance
Looking to obtain a MiCA license and operate legally across the EU market? Our team offers end-to-end support, guiding you through every step of the process—from regulatory consulting and document preparation to application submission and communication with financial authorities.
We ensure your business meets MiCA requirements, ESMA guidelines, and national regulatory standards, making the licensing process efficient and hassle-free.
Get in touch to discuss your needs and take the next step toward your CASP license.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating MiCA regulations can be complex, and businesses often have questions about licensing, compliance, and operational requirements. To help you better understand the process, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about MiCA licensing for CASPs, regulatory obligations, and ongoing compliance.
- What is MiCA and why does it matter for CASPs?
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation or MiCA is an EU-wide framework that establishes clear rules for crypto businesses. It ensures that Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) meet compliance requirements, providing legal access to all EU member states.
- Who needs a MiCA license?
Any business offering crypto trading, custody, exchange, issuance, or advisory services in the EU must obtain a MiCA crypto license. This includes crypto exchanges, wallet providers, token issuers, and trading platforms.
- What are the main requirements to obtain a CASP license?
CASPs must meet AML/KYC compliance standards, risk management protocols, cybersecurity requirements, and minimum capital thresholds (€50,000–€150,000), depending on their service category.
- What are the capital requirements for CASPs under MiCA?
MiCA sets minimum capital requirements based on the level of risk and financial exposure of a CASP. Businesses providing advisory and intermediary services must maintain at least €50,000 in capital. CASPs offering custody and exchange services need a minimum of €125,000. The highest requirement, €150,000, applies to crypto trading platforms, which must meet strict liquidity and risk management standards.
- Which authority issues MiCA licenses?
CASP licenses are issued by national financial regulators in each EU member state, while the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) provides oversight and ensures regulatory consistency across the EU.
- How long does it take to obtain a MiCA license?
The licensing process can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the jurisdiction, regulatory workload, and complexity of the application. Delays may occur if additional clarifications are required.
- Can a MiCA license be used across all EU countries?
Yes. A MiCA crypto authorization obtained in one EU country allows CASPs to operate legally in all 27 member states, without needing additional approvals.
- What happens if a CASP does not comply with MiCA?
Non-compliance can lead to fines, operational restrictions, or even license revocation, preventing the CASP from legally operating in the EU.
- When should CASPs start preparing for compliance?
MiCA is already in effect, with full compliance required by 2025. CASPs should start the licensing process now to avoid delays and ensure continued operations in the EU.
- What documents are required for a MiCA license application?
A license application typically includes company registration details, AML/KYC policies, risk management frameworks, financial statements, business plans, cybersecurity measures, and governance structures. Regulators may also request additional documentation during the review process
- Can non-EU companies apply for a MiCA CASP license?
Yes, but a non-EU company must register a legal entity within an EU member state to apply for a MiCA license. It must also comply with local financial regulations and establish an operational presence in the jurisdiction where the authorization is obtained.
- What are the benefits of obtaining a CASP license?
A CASP license provides legal access to all 27 EU member states, eliminating the need for multiple authorizations. It also enhances credibility, regulatory certainty, and investor confidence, making it easier to attract clients and institutional partners.
- Does MiCA apply to stablecoins and token issuers?
Yes, MiCA regulation covers stablecoins, utility tokens, and other crypto-assets, requiring issuers to meet transparency, reserve, and investor protection standards. Specific requirements depend on the type of asset and its potential impact on the financial system
- How does MiCA impact existing crypto businesses in the EU?
Crypto businesses that were already authorized under national frameworks must transition to MiCA compliance by 2025. This may involve updating policies, increasing capital reserves, or adjusting risk management procedures to meet harmonized EU-wide standards.
- How can we help with the licensing process?
We offer full support, including regulatory consulting, document preparation, application submission, and communication with financial authorities, ensuring a smooth and efficient approval process.