The EU crypto market reached a value of €2.2 trillion in 2024, a sharp rebound driven by institutional adoption and regulatory clarity, according to a report by Statista. Yet, with tighter rules under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), operating without a CASP license has become not just risky—but outright illegal in many cases.
Companies dealing with digital assets across the EU must now comply with strict licensing protocols to be recognized as legal operators. The CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) License is central to this transformation. Whether you're targeting Poland, Latvia, or Estonia, securing a CASP license is your ticket to offering regulated crypto services in one of the world’s most demanding jurisdictions.
Understanding what the CASP license is, how to get it, and where to apply—can shape the future of your crypto venture.
What is a CASP License?
A CASP license is a regulatory authorization introduced under the EU MiCA framework, mandatory for businesses providing crypto-asset services across the European Economic Area (EEA). The license ensures that providers follow stringent anti-money laundering (AML), consumer protection, and operational risk management standards.
It applies to a wide range of services, including:
Under MiCA, CASPs are held to the same level of accountability as traditional financial institutions. That means capital requirements, internal controls, disclosure obligations, and periodic audits.
How to Get a CASP License
Obtaining a CASP license involves a rigorous process. While the core EU rules are unified under MiCA, each country acts as the entry point for registration. Here's a simplified breakdown of what the process typically looks like:
1.Choose the jurisdiction: Applicants select an EU country for initial registration. This will serve as the regulatory home base.
2.Company setup: Incorporate a legal entity locally (e.g., LLC or equivalent).
3.Document preparation: Submit a detailed business plan, AML policies, governance structure, IT systems, and risk management frameworks.
Companies dealing with digital assets across the EU must now comply with strict licensing protocols to be recognized as legal operators. The CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) License is central to this transformation. Whether you're targeting Poland, Latvia, or Estonia, securing a CASP license is your ticket to offering regulated crypto services in one of the world’s most demanding jurisdictions.
Understanding what the CASP license is, how to get it, and where to apply—can shape the future of your crypto venture.
What is a CASP License?
A CASP license is a regulatory authorization introduced under the EU MiCA framework, mandatory for businesses providing crypto-asset services across the European Economic Area (EEA). The license ensures that providers follow stringent anti-money laundering (AML), consumer protection, and operational risk management standards.
It applies to a wide range of services, including:
- Operating crypto trading platforms
- Providing custody or wallet services
- Executing orders on behalf of clients
- Offering crypto-to-crypto or crypto-to-fiat exchange
Under MiCA, CASPs are held to the same level of accountability as traditional financial institutions. That means capital requirements, internal controls, disclosure obligations, and periodic audits.
How to Get a CASP License
Obtaining a CASP license involves a rigorous process. While the core EU rules are unified under MiCA, each country acts as the entry point for registration. Here's a simplified breakdown of what the process typically looks like:
1.Choose the jurisdiction: Applicants select an EU country for initial registration. This will serve as the regulatory home base.
2.Company setup: Incorporate a legal entity locally (e.g., LLC or equivalent).
3.Document preparation: Submit a detailed business plan, AML policies, governance structure, IT systems, and risk management frameworks.
4.Fit and proper checks: Directors and shareholders must pass background screening.
5.Submit the application: File the documentation with the national regulator.
6.Await approval: Authorities typically take between 3 to 6 months to issue a decision.
Once licensed in one EU member state, the CASP can offer services across the entire EEA through passporting rights.
CASP Poland: Why Poland Attracts Crypto Businesses
Poland has emerged as a crypto hotspot due to its fast-track licensing and well-established regulatory framework. The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) oversees CASP applications with a reputation for transparency and speed.
Key benefits of choosing Poland:
Polish law also supports full alignment with MiCA, so firms licensed here face minimal friction when scaling across Europe.
CASP Latvia: A Cost-Effective Jurisdiction for Startups
Latvia offers one of the lowest barriers to entry in the EU for crypto companies. The Financial and Capital Market Commission (FCMC) governs CASP licensing and maintains a reputation for pragmatic regulation.
Why Latvia makes sense:
Latvia is ideal for small and mid-sized CASPs looking for a lean structure without compromising on compliance.
CASP Estonia: The Veteran of Crypto Regulation
Estonia was one of the first EU countries to regulate virtual asset service providers. With over 2,000 licenses issued before MiCA, it's earned a strong reputation globally. However, recent amendments have tightened local rules to align fully with EU expectations.
What Estonia offers:
Estonia is best suited for firms that value tech innovation, tight regulatory discipline, and access to the Nordic and Baltic markets.
Final Thoughts
The CASP license is no longer optional for serious crypto players in the EU. Whether you’re eyeing Poland for its speed, Latvia for its affordability, or Estonia for its maturity, selecting the right jurisdiction matters just as much as the license itself.
If you're ready to enter the EU crypto market with confidence, let BMP Global handle your CASP licensing strategy.
Explore the service and launch your crypto operations fully compliant with MiCA across Europe.
Book a free consultation - https://bmpglobal.io/book-meeting
Once licensed in one EU member state, the CASP can offer services across the entire EEA through passporting rights.
CASP Poland: Why Poland Attracts Crypto Businesses
Poland has emerged as a crypto hotspot due to its fast-track licensing and well-established regulatory framework. The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) oversees CASP applications with a reputation for transparency and speed.
Key benefits of choosing Poland:
- Shorter processing times (often under 3 months)
- Competitive setup costs and taxes
- Highly qualified compliance workforce
Polish law also supports full alignment with MiCA, so firms licensed here face minimal friction when scaling across Europe.
CASP Latvia: A Cost-Effective Jurisdiction for Startups
Latvia offers one of the lowest barriers to entry in the EU for crypto companies. The Financial and Capital Market Commission (FCMC) governs CASP licensing and maintains a reputation for pragmatic regulation.
Why Latvia makes sense:
- Lower minimum capital requirements
- Relatively simplified documentation
- Startup-friendly corporate tax regime
Latvia is ideal for small and mid-sized CASPs looking for a lean structure without compromising on compliance.
CASP Estonia: The Veteran of Crypto Regulation
Estonia was one of the first EU countries to regulate virtual asset service providers. With over 2,000 licenses issued before MiCA, it's earned a strong reputation globally. However, recent amendments have tightened local rules to align fully with EU expectations.
What Estonia offers:
- Long-standing crypto regulatory infrastructure
- Tech-savvy financial ecosystem
- Swift digital company incorporation process
Estonia is best suited for firms that value tech innovation, tight regulatory discipline, and access to the Nordic and Baltic markets.
Final Thoughts
The CASP license is no longer optional for serious crypto players in the EU. Whether you’re eyeing Poland for its speed, Latvia for its affordability, or Estonia for its maturity, selecting the right jurisdiction matters just as much as the license itself.
If you're ready to enter the EU crypto market with confidence, let BMP Global handle your CASP licensing strategy.
Explore the service and launch your crypto operations fully compliant with MiCA across Europe.
Book a free consultation - https://bmpglobal.io/book-meeting
