30 January 2026
Best Countries for Crypto Activities
This table provides information about the requirements for opening cryptocurrency companies in various countries.
Where to Set Up a Crypto Company
Our local team of specialistspresents you with some of the best countries where cryptocurrency companies can be settled. For comprehensive information and representation in business formation, please contact our experts.
| Country | Requirements | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | – The crypto license application fee in Singapore is around S$1,000 – S$1,500. – The minimum capital requirements for a crypto company in Singapore range between S$100,000 and S$250,000. – A registered business address/office is needed for a crypto company in Singapore. – The company representative must comply with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies when applying for a crypto license. – At least a resident director in Singapore is required. – A corporate bank account is needed when opening a crypto company in Singapore. | – It takes around 12 months to get the crypto license in Singapore. – The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issues the crypto licenses. – Singapore has a solid reputation among international jurisdictions providing cryptocurrency services. – The cryptocurrency license in Singapore can work together with various banking activities and other financial services. |
| Portugal | – Must first open a company in Portugal (LDA is the optimal choice) and then get the approvals from the Central Bank of Portugal. The firm must have at least one resident director. – A registered business address is required in Portugal. – An Anti-Money Laundering Officer is needed when applying for a crypto license in Portugal. He/she must have Portuguese residency. – Under MiCA, a crypto company must hold minimum capital of EUR 50,000, EUR 125,000 or EUR 150,000 in Portugal, depending on the services provided. – A local corporate bank account is required. – The company must implement the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). – Must respect the cybersecurity standards & provide consumer protection when applying for a crypto license in Portugal. | – The crypto license is now a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation under the EU MiCA Regulation in Portugal (the old VASP registration regime ended on 1 July 2026). – It might take around 6 to 9 months to obtain a crypto license in Portugal. – The Bank of Portugal and the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) oversee the crypto activities in this country. |
| Estonia | – The crypto license in Estonia is now a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation under MiCA and the Estonian Crypto-asset Market Act (the old FIU virtual currency service provider licences ceased to be valid after 1 July 2026) and must be obtained before starting the activities. – The crypto company must have a registered business address in Estonia. – Foreign and local investors can opt for the private limited liability company to develop crypto activities in Estonia. – Under MiCA, minimum capital of EUR 50,000, EUR 125,000 or EUR 150,000 applies to a crypto company in Estonia, depending on the services (an ordinary OÜ needs only EUR 0.01 per shareholder), which must be deposited in a local bank account. – Apart from the company documents, applicants/firms’ representatives must prove the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies when applying for a crypto license in Estonia. – Proof of paid license fee of EUR 10,000 must be presented. – Clear criminal records of company owners & managers are also required. | – Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority (Finantsinspektsioon) oversees the crypto activities in this country. – At least one of the company board members must have residency in Estonia – Crypto activities are governed by the EU MiCA Regulation and the Estonian Crypto-asset Market Act. – The compliance officer must implement the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) policies in the firm. |
| Bermuda | – Opening a company with a minimum share capital of USD 100,000 is the first step in getting a crypto license in Bermuda. – At least one shareholder and 2 directors are required for opening a crypto company in Bermuda. – A detailed business plan with a financial forecast for at least 3 years, plus a registered business address in Bermuda, is mandatory. – The crypto company must have a compliance office, plus a senior representative. – Applying for a crypto license in Bermuda also means implementing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. – Proof of license fee is also required as part of the application. The license application fee ranges between USD 1000 and USD 2,266. | – There are 3 types of crypto licenses available in Bermuda: Test, Modified, and Full licenses. – The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) oversees the cryptocurrency companies in this country. – Dedicated advisory & consulting services are recommended when applying for a cryptocurrency license in Bermuda. – Annual returns, audits, and cybersecurity reports are compulsory for crypto companies in Bermuda. – Bermuda has no withholding or capital gains tax and no income tax for most companies (since 2025 a 15% corporate income tax applies to multinational groups with annual revenue of EUR 750 million or more). There is no VAT or other taxes imposed on cryptocurrency activities in Bermuda. |
| Canada | – Opening a company and registering with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) is mandatory when applying for a crypto license. – The crypto company must have a physical/correspondence office in Canada. – A compliance office in charge of implementing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies is compulsory. – Applying for a crypto license in Canada also involves having a detailed business plan, comprising information about the cybersecurity systems, payment gateways, etc. – The crypto company must have a local bank account in Canada. | – Company formation in Canada can be done 100% remotely, which provides business flexibility for local & international investors. – The crypto company in Canada will have a specific status: Money Services Business (MSB). – There is no minimum share capital imposed for opening a crypto company in Canada. – It takes around 3-5 months to obtain the crypto license in Canada. |
| Panama | – The limited liability company or the joint stock company in Panama are proper options for developing cryptocurrency activities. – A registered local business address is required. – At least 3 directors must be appointed for a crypto company in Panama before the license application starts. There are no residency restrictions. – The crypto company must have a compliance officer. – Applying for a crypto license in Panama also involves implementing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. – A detailed business plan for at least 3 years must be presented at the time the crypto license application commences. – The company must have a corporate bank account in Panama. | – Crypto companies in Panama act under the “Subject to Financial Intermediation” or SFIs classification. – Having a crypto license in Panama means operating as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). – Panama is an offshore business destination with a favorable tax regime. – There are no taxes on cryptocurrency transactions in Panama. – There is no minimum share capital required for opening a crypto company in Panama. However, it is best to have around USD 50,000 in a local bank account to prove financial stability. – It takes around 6 weeks to get the approvals, the license, and start the activities of your crypto company in Panama. |
| United States | – Getting a crypto license in the United States involves having a business plan and operating as a Money Services Business. – A representative agent is needed when applying for a crypto license in the US. – Obtaining a cryptocurrency license in the United States also involves adhering to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. – An insurance policy and proof of financial stability are required when applying for a crypto license in the US. – Proof that the company staff have suitable qualifications in the crypto business is a must. – The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) registers the crypto companies in the US. – The local authorities reserve the right to make background checks for crypto company owners and managers before issuing license approvals. – The costs for getting a crypto license in the US range from USD 10,000 to USD 100,000, depending on the jurisdiction/state where the company operates. | – The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) registers the crypto companies in the US. – One should consider the regulations & differences regarding crypto licenses in various American states. – Federal and state authorities, like the Securities & Exchange Commission or Commodity Futures Trading Commission, are involved in the crypto license process. – Crypto companies in the US act under the Money Transmitter status. |
| Japan | – The joint stock company is the proper business structure for developing cryptocurrency activities in Japan. – In Japan, the crypto company will act as a Crypto-Asset Exchange Service Provider (term used since the 2020 amendment of the Payment Services Act). – USD 68,000 (JPY 10 million) is the minimum share capital required for opening a crypto company in Japan. – It is required to have a registered physical office in Japan to apply for a crypto license. – A detailed business plan with 3-year financial projections is mandatory when applying for a crypto license in Japan. – Proof of funds and opening a local bank account in Japan are compulsory. – At least one director is needed for opening a crypto company in Japan, who can be of any nationality. – The appointed compliance officer must ensure the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Know-Your-Customer (KYC) policies are implemented. – The crypto company in Japan must have qualified staff and comply with the local employment regulations. | – The Financial Services Agency (FSA) oversees the cryptocurrency activities in Japan. – It takes around 5-6 months to get the crypto license in Japan. – Periodic audits & reports are mandatory for crypto companies in Japan. – 30% is the corporate tax imposed on cryptocurrency transactions in Japan. |
| Switzerland | – Getting the crypto license in Switzerland starts with opening a company. Most popular options are SA/AG or joint-stock, and LLC/GmbH or limited liability. – The minimum share capital starts from CHF 100,000 for a joint stock company or CHF 20,000 for an LLC. – Applying for a crypto license in Switzerland also means having a local registered business address and at least one resident manager. – A Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is mandatory when applying for a crypto license in Switzerland. He/she will be in charge of implementing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. – Application for a crypto license in Switzerland also involves preparing a detailed business plan with financial projections included. – Proof of fund source and personal qualifications are solicited when applying for a crypto license in Switzerland. | – The most common route in Switzerland is affiliation with a FINMA-recognised self-regulatory organisation (SRO) as a financial intermediary under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Switzerland has no 'VASP license'; some activities need a FINMA FinTech or banking licence). – The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is in charge of supervising cryptocurrency activities in Switzerland. – The crypto license application can be done online through the FINMA official portal. We suggest complete advisory services from our Swiss agents. – It takes around 3-4 months to get a crypto license in Switzerland. |
| Germany | – Opening a company in Germany is the first step in getting a crypto license. The limited liability company is the proper option. – The crypto company must have a registered local office in Germany. – EUR 125,000 is the minimum capital requirement (under MiCA) for crypto-custody related services in Germany. – Must prepare & present a complete business plan when applying for a crypto license in Germany. This should comprise detailed financial projections for 3 years. – Clear criminal records of business owners & managers are required when applying for a crypto license in Germany. – Proof of source of funds and cybersecurity measures are mandatory formalities for getting the cryptocurrency license in Germany. – The company must adhere to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and the Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. A compliance officer must be appointed in this matter. | – BaFin is the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany that issues crypto licenses in this country. – Authorization & license issuance are granted once documentation is accepted. – Crypto companies in Germany are subject to a 15% corporate income tax on profits. A 5.5% solidarity surcharge on the corporate tax and the municipal trade tax also apply (combined roughly 30%). – It takes around 6-12 months to get the crypto license in Germany. |
| Cayman Islands | – Getting a crypto license in the Cayman Islands starts with registering a company first. At least 3 directors are required who must pass the “fit & proper” test. – The crypto company must have a registered business address & physical office in the Cayman Islands. – A Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is needed when applying for a crypto license in the Cayman Islands. He/she must implement the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and the Know Your Customer (KYC) policies before applying for a crypto license. – A state license application fee of around KYD 5,000 must be paid. As for the annual supervision fee, this does not exceed KYD 200,000. – Company shareholders & managers must present clear criminal records and suitable qualifications in the financial sector. – Applicants have 90 days at their disposal to get the crypto license in the Cayman Islands. | – The crypto license is issued by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). – A licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is a company engaged in crypto activities in the Cayman Islands. – There is no taxation on crypto transactions in the Cayman Islands. – There is no minimum share capital for opening a crypto company in the Cayman Islands. |
| Slovenia | – The first step in getting a crypto license in Slovenia is incorporating a company with the Business Register. The status of Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) has been replaced by a MiCA Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation issued by the Securities Market Agency (ATVP). – Most investors choose private or public limited liability to develop cryptocurrency activities in Slovenia. – The Slovenian company must have a local registered office. – A solid business plan with detailed activities and financial projections is solicited. – EUR 7,500 and EUR 25,000 are the capital amounts required for opening a private LLC, respectively, a public one. – The implementation of Anti-Money Laundering policies is compulsory when applying for a crypto license in Slovenia. – Applicants must ensure the company respects the Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation (MiCA) when dealing with crypto license formalities. – Other costs are linked to business formation, notary fees, and legal consultancy (around EUR 3,700) | – The Bank of Slovenia (Banka Slovenije) supervises issuers of e-money and asset-referenced tokens. – Buying a ready-made authorized crypto company in Slovenia is possible. – It takes around 3-6 months to obtain the crypto license in Slovenia. |
| Georgia | – Applicants for a crypto license in Georgia must first register a company (LLC in most cases). The entity will benefit from the status of Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). – The VASP company must have a local registered office in Georgia. – A local representative agent and a director are required for a crypto company in Georgia. – Clear criminal records of business owners & managers, plus proof of qualifications, are solicited as part of a crypto license application in Georgia. – It is required to present a solid business plan with detailed information about the crypto activities of the company in question. – Crypto companies in Georgia must implement the Anti-Money Laundering & Countering the Financing of Terrorism policies. | – Company formation costs in Georgia might be around GEL 5,000 (about EUR 1,600) – The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) oversees the cryptocurrency activities. – Cryptocurrency trading & capital gains in Georgia are exempt from taxation. – Cryptocurrency payments are levied as business income at a 15% tax rate. – Tbilisi Free Zone (FIZ) crypto license is available as an offshore authorization. |
| Australia | – Opening a company in Australia and registering with AUSTRAC as a digital currency exchange (since 31 March 2026: virtual asset service provider) are the first steps in getting a crypto license. – The license application must be submitted to the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). – A detailed business plan comprising information about the cryptocurrency activities is solicited. – The crypto company must have a corporate bank account in Australia. – Implementation of Anti-Money Laundering & Countering the Financing of Terrorism policies is compulsory before applying for a crypto license. – It is required to apply the risk management operational policies in the crypto company in Australia. – Crypto companies are obliged to periodically report their financial operations. | – Around AUD 10,000 – AUD 50,000 is the cost for a crypto license in Australia. – Periodically reporting must be done with AUSTRAC and other relevant financial authorities in Australia. – It is recommended to work closely with a team of professionals to get the crypto license fast and avoid possible documentation errors. – A crypto license can be suspended or refused to be renewed if there are money laundering suspicions. |
| Vanuatu | – Obtaining a crypto license in Vanuatu starts with company incorporation, with a physical office. – At least one director is needed, alongside a group of qualified personnel. – VT 200 million (around USD 1.7 million) is the minimum paid-up capital required for a crypto company in Vanuatu. This must be deposited in a local bank account. – It is mandatory to apply for the Tax Identification Number (TIN). – Implementing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) systems is compulsory when applying for a crypto license in Vanuatu. – A detailed business plan comprising risk management strategies & IT security measures is also required. – Shareholders & company managers will undergo a due diligence process. Clear criminal records will be solicited. | – The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) issues crypto licenses in this country. – It takes around 11 weeks to get the crypto license in Vanuatu. – It is highly recommended to have advisory & consultancy services to open a crypto company in Vanuatu in a fast and reliable manner. – There is no taxation on cryptocurrency profits in Vanuatu. |
| BVI | – Getting a crypto license in the British Virgin Islands requires opening a company and registering it as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). – It is mandatory to appoint a local representative when dealing with BVI company formation and crypto license applications. – A physical presence is needed for a crypto company in the BVI. – A solid business plan is mandatory for a crypto license application in BVI. This must also comprise detailed financial projections and risk management policies. – It is required to implement the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) policies with the help of a Compliance Officer (MLRO). – About USD 5,000 – USD 10,000 is the crypto license application fee. Annual fees might range from USD 7,500 to USD 25,000. – There is no minimum share capital required; however, proof of adequate capital should be presented for starting cryptocurrency activities in the BVI. | – The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) is the regulatory body of cryptocurrency activities in BVI. – It is recommended to collaborate with a BVI-registered agent (such as our local expert) to cover all the crypto license formalities. – The BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) issues the crypto license. |
| Malta | – To develop crypto activities in Malta, you need to apply for a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation under the EU MiCA Regulation. – The former requirement to appoint a Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) agent was discontinued (Act XIV of 2024). – Qualifications of crypto company staff are also solicited. – Having a local business address and a representative agent with residency in Malta are mandatory and part of the crypto license application process. – The crypto company must have at least 2 directors. – The implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) policies is highly recommended. An appointed compliance office is needed for this procedure. – Opening a crypto-friendly corporate bank account in Malta is possible. Our Maltese local agents can guide you step by step. – Around EUR 24,000 is the crypto license application fee in Malta, payable one time. | – Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is in charge of verifying the crypto license application before issuance. – It might take around 6-9 months to get the CASP authorisation in Malta. – It is highly recommended to collaborate with an experienced agent/advisor to rapidly get the crypto license in Malta. |
| UAE | – Applying for a crypto license in the UAE requires first choosing the proper jurisdiction: Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), etc. – Opening a limited liability company in the UAE is the proper business entity for developing cryptocurrency activities. – A detailed business plan must be prepared. This should comprise information about the activities, risk management, financial forecast, protection against fraud, etc. – Applying for a UAE crypto license also requires appointing 2 responsible individuals/agents with experience in the financial field. – Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) policies must be implemented at the time the crypto license application starts. – “Fit and proper” interviews will be done with company shareholders & managers by the relevant authorities. – AED 100,000 is the crypto license fee in Dubai, UAE. | – Most international entrepreneurs choose Dubai and Abu Dhabi for cryptocurrency activities due to a wide range of benefits (tax regime, infrastructure, digitalization, great & secure business climate, etc.) – Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) oversees the cryptocurrency activities in Dubai. – Costs of advisory & legal services, and company incorporation fees should be borne in mind when starting crypto activities in the UAE. |
| Hong Kong | – Applying for a crypto license in Hong Kong starts with company incorporation first and appointing at least one responsible officer (RO). – The crypto license in Hong Kong is done through the Virtual Asset Trading Platform and the Securities and Futures Commission. – The limited liability company is recommended for crypto activities in Hong Kong. A registered business office is mandatory. – Company directors must pass the “Fit & Proper” test as part of the crypto license application in Hong Kong. – The business plan must contain detailed information about the company’s operations, risk management systems, implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) policies, protection & custody solution, and many more. | – To avoid the complexity of crypto license applications in Hong Kong, we suggest you directly collaborate with our local team of experts. – Hong Kong offers a properly defined legislation in the virtual currency field. – There is no VAT on crypto services provided in Hong Kong. However, a 16.5% corporate tax rate is imposed on crypto profits. – Hong Kong is considered the “Silicon Valley” of Asia and is home to numerous cryptocurrency companies. |
| Belarus | – The application for a crypto license in Belarus starts with company incorporation with the Trade Register. The limited liability, or a closed joint stock company, is a proper option for developing cryptocurrency exchange operations. – Being a company resident of High-Tech Park in Belarus is a mandatory condition when applying for a crypto license. – The minimum share capital ranges from BYN 500,000 to BYN 2 million, depending on the type of crypto activities in Belarus. – Among the required staff for a crypto company, we mention: at least one director, a risk manager compliance officer, and an accountant, all of them with suitable qualifications in the financial sector. – Opening a bank account in Belarus is mandatory when opening a cryptocurrency company and applying for a specific type of license. – It is recommended to have a proper business plan comprising detailed information about the types of activities, risk management systems, implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) policies, etc. | – It takes around 4 months to get a crypto license in Belarus. – It is highly recommended to hire the services of a dedicated team of specialists, such as our local one, who can manage the crypto license procedures. – Specific taxation is expected to be imposed on cryptocurrency services in Belarus. |
| Malaysia | – Getting a crypto license in Malaysia starts with opening a company. The private LLC or the limited liability partnership are proper options. – RM 500,000 is the minimum share capital required for a cryptocurrency company in Malaysia. It is compulsory to have a registered business office. -The implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) policies is part of the crypto license application in Malaysia. – Company owners & managers must present clear police certificates and proof that they have optimal qualifications in the financial sector. “Fit & Proper” tests are done. – A crypto company in Malaysia must be based on a solid business plan comprising: types of activities, IT infrastructure & security, risk management systems, etc. | – The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is in charge of registering digital asset exchanges and custodians (as Recognized Market Operators). – In Labuan, a special business jurisdiction in Malaysia, RM 1,5 million is the minimum paid-up capital for a cryptocurrency company. – Due to complex procedures, it is best to collaborate with specialists in the field when applying for a crypto license, such as our firm in Malaysia. – 24% rate is the corporate income tax imposed on cryptocurrency activities in Malaysia. |
| Netherlands | – The crypto license application in the Netherlands starts with forming a company first. Dutch BV is, in most cases, a suitable option, alongside a joint stock company (Dutch NV). – EUR 1 or EUR 45,000 is the minimum share capital required for a crypto company, depending on the selected business entity in the Netherlands (BV or NV). – Appointing a local agent is mandatory when applying for a crypto license in the Netherlands. – Implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) policies is highly important. – Company managers must pass the “fit & proper” test as part of the crypto license application in the Netherlands. – It is also mandatory to present a complete business plan with details about the type of activities, financial forecast, risk management policies, IT infrastructure, etc. | – Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) in the Netherlands and the Dutch Central Bank are the supervisory bodies of crypto-related activities. – Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) is the status of a crypto company in the Netherlands. – It takes around 5-8 months to get the crypto license in the Netherlands. |
| Antigua&Barbuda | – Opening an International Business Company (IBC) in Antigua & Barbuda is the proper option for getting a crypto license. – The IBC must have a physical business office in Antigua & Barbuda. – Having a resident director and developing a business plan with 3-year financial forecasts are mandatory conditions when applying for a crypto license. – A compliance office must implement the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Know Your Customer (KYC) policies as part of the crypto license application. – USD 100,000 is the capital requirement for a crypto company in Antigua & Barbuda. – The implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) policies. – It is mandatory to also appoint an auditor for a crypto company in Antigua & Barbuda. | – Antigua & Barbuda is an appreciated offshore jurisdiction where the crypto license can be obtained in a maximum of 5 months. – The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) is the authority overseeing the cryptocurrency activities in Antigua & Barbuda. |
| Liechtenstein | – Opening a company in Liechtenstein (GmbH or AG among suitable options) is the first step in obtaining a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license. – The minimum share capital for a crypto company starts from CHF 50,000, depending on the business structure. – Implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Client (KYC) regulations is mandatory. – Shareholders/managers must pass the “Fit & Proper” test as part of the crypto license application. – Presenting a solid business plan with financial projections & details about IT infrastructure is also required. – The company must have a local bank account in Liechtenstein. | – The crypto license in Liechtenstein is issued in about 3 months – Financial Market Authority (FMA) is the institution that oversees the cryptocurrency activities in Liechtenstein. – Around CHF 100,000 is the annual supervisory fee paid by crypto companies in Liechtenstein. |
| El Salvador | – Opening an SRL in El Salvador is mandatory for getting the crypto license in El Salvador. – USD 2,000 is the minimum share capital for a cryptocurrency license in El Salvador. – Implementing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Client (KYC) policies is part of the crypto license application in El Salvador. – A local director and a Computer Security Officer (CSO) must be appointed for a crypto company in El Salvador. – One must apply for a tax ID and also open a corporate bank account in El Salvador. – A business plan is also part of the crypto license application in El Salvador. | – It takes around 3-6 months to get the crypto license in El Salvador. – The crypto license in El Salvador is known as a Digital Assets Service Provider license (DASP). – The National Digital Assets Commission (CNAD) registers and supervises digital asset service providers in El Salvador (bitcoin service providers register with the Central Reserve Bank). |
| France | – SARL is the proper business option for developing cryptocurrency activities in France. – The minimum share capital for a crypto company starts at EUR 125,000, deposited in a local bank account in France. – The appointed compliance officer must adhere to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Client (KYC) regulations. – Presenting a comprehensive business plan is part of the crypto license application in France. – At least one EU-resident board member is needed for a crypto company in France. – The registration is done with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in France. | – The crypto license in France is known as the Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license. – It takes around 3-6 months to get a crypto license in France. |
| Gibraltar | – Setting up a private limited liability company with a physical presence in Gibraltar is the first step in getting the crypto license. – A Money Laundering Reporting Officer(MLRO) and a resident director are mandatory conditions to get the crypto license. – A solid business plan comprising a financial forecast and details about the company’s cryptocurrency activities is also required. – Opening a corporate bank account in Gibraltar is another condition. – The license application fees in Gibraltar start from GBP 50,000. – Implementing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Client (KYC) policies is part of the crypto license application in Gibraltar. | – It takes around 4-12 months to get a crypto license in Gibraltar. – The Financial Services Commission (GFSC) in Gibraltar oversees the crypto activities in this country. – Crypto companies in Gibraltar are licensed by the GFSC as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Providers. |
| Lithuania | – The application for a crypto license in Lithuania starts with opening a private LLC (UAB). – EUR 125,000 is the minimum share capital for a crypto company in Lithuania. This must be deposited in a local corporate bank account. – Adhering to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC), and EU laws is mandatory. A Compliance Officer can be in charge of this procedure. – A physical office and a resident director in Lithuania are mandatory when applying for a crypto license. – Preparing a detailed business plan with financial projections and details about the IT infrastructure is another important condition. – Proof of funds, CVs, and clear criminal records are among the required documents to open a crypto company in Lithuania. | – The Lithuanian Financial Crime Investigation Service used to register VASPs; since MiCA (transitional period ended 31 December 2025) the Bank of Lithuania authorises Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) in Lithuania. – 17% (from 2026) is the corporate tax imposed on cryptocurrency profits in Lithuania. – It takes around 4-6 months for the CASP authorisation to be issued. |
| Bahamas | – Opening a company in the Bahamas and having a physical office here are the first steps in getting the crypto license. – Resident directors and compliance officers are required for a crypto company in the Bahamas. – The minimum share capital required starts from USD 300,000, depending on the type of license. – The license application fee starts from USD 15,000. – It is important to implement the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. – The crypto license application can be done with the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB). – Presenting a robust business plan with financial projections and details about the company’s operations is another important condition. | – The crypto license in the Bahamas is known as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license. – The Central Bank of the Bahamas is one of the institutions issuing crypto license-related approvals. |
| Turkey | – Obtaining a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) licence from the Capital Markets Board in Turkey (Law No. 7518 of 2024) starts with company incorporation. – The minimum share capital is at least TRY 150 million (CMB communiqués of March 2025) deposited in a local bank account. – Another important condition is to implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) policies and systems, as well as Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures. – The company must also be registered with the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) in Turkey. – Company managers must pass the “Fit & Proper” test. | – The Capital Markets Board (CMB) oversees the cryptocurrency activities in Turkey. – Regular financial reporting and auditing procedures are compulsory for crypto companies in Turkey. – It takes around 4-6 months to get a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) licence in Turkey. |
| Puerto Rico | – Obtaining a crypto license in Puerto Rico requires registering the company as a Money Services Business (MSB). – The registration with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Puerto Rico is mandatory when applying for a crypto license. – An appointed compliance officer will be in charge of implementing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. – Around USD 2,500 is the crypto license application fee in Puerto Rico. – Having a physical office for a crypto company in Puerto Rico is compulsory. – Preparing a comprehensive business plan with financial projections is also part of the crypto license application. | – The crypto company in Puerto Rico will operate as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). – Long-term crypto gains are exempt from taxation in Puerto Rico. – Other crypto income in Puerto Rico is subject to 4% corporate tax rate. |