MiCA · CASP · 33+ Jurisdictions

Crypto Licenses by Country — EU & European Jurisdictions

Compare CASP authorization requirements across 26 EU member states and 7 non-EU European jurisdictions. Under MiCA Regulation (EU) 2023/1114, a single EU CASP license provides passporting rights across all 27 EU member states — choose the jurisdiction that best fits your timeline, budget, and business model.

MiCA Framework

Capital Requirements — Same Across All EU Jurisdictions

€50,000

Class 1 — Basic CASP

Order execution, transfer services, reception & transmission of orders, placement of crypto-assets. Art. 67(1)(a) MiCA.

€125,000

Class 2 — Custody & Portfolio

Custody & administration on behalf of clients, portfolio management of crypto-assets. Art. 67(1)(b) MiCA.

€150,000

Class 3 — Exchange

Exchange of crypto-assets for fiat currency or other crypto-assets. Highest capital class under Art. 67(1)(c) MiCA.

Non-EU European Jurisdictions

Non-EU jurisdictions do not fall under MiCA and do not provide EU passporting rights. They offer distinct licensing frameworks for crypto businesses targeting local or non-EU markets.

6–18 months · From £25,000

6–12 months · CHF 100,000+

2–4 months · From €10,000

2–4 months · From $10,000

3–5 months · From €10,000

3–5 months · From €10,000

3–6 months · From €10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

EU Crypto License — Jurisdiction FAQ

Which European country is best for a crypto license in 2026?

The best country depends on your business model and priorities. Lithuania and Estonia are favored for speed (2–4 months) and low cost. Bulgaria and Poland offer a balance of speed and EU credibility. Germany provides the strongest regulatory reputation but requires 6–12 months. All EU countries offer MiCA passporting to all 27 member states.

Does a crypto license from one EU country give access to the whole EU?

Yes. Under MiCA Art. 60-76, a CASP authorization in any EU member state grants EU passporting rights, allowing you to provide crypto-asset services across all 27 EU member states without additional licensing.

What is the minimum capital requirement for a EU crypto license?

MiCA sets three capital classes: €50,000 for basic services (order execution, transfer, placement), €125,000 for custody and portfolio management, and €150,000 for exchange services. These are the same across all EU member states — the jurisdiction choice does not affect capital requirements.

How long does it take to get a crypto license in Europe?

MiCA mandates a 3-month NCA review period. In practice, fast jurisdictions (Lithuania, Estonia, Bulgaria) process applications in 3–5 months. Established financial centers (Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland) take 6–12 months due to more thorough NCA review.

Crypto Licenses by Country — EU & European Jurisdictions

Capital Requirements — Same Across All EU Jurisdictions

Class 1 — Basic CASP

Class 2 — Custody & Portfolio

Class 3 — Exchange

Priority EU Jurisdictions — Fast Track

Western & Northern EU Jurisdictions

Southern & Eastern EU Jurisdictions

Non-EU European Jurisdictions

EU Crypto License — Jurisdiction FAQ

Not Sure Which Jurisdiction to Choose?