Get a crypto license in the country you need
The cryptocurrency market continues to grow rapidly, opening new horizons for profitable projects.
By the first quarter of 2025, the size of the cryptocurrency market was about 3.1 trillion dollars. The expected average annual growth rate (CAGR) is about 13% by 2030, which is very high in absolute terms, given the existing market size.
However, with the growth of the market, the attention of regulators also increases.
A crypto license becomes a necessary condition for conducting business in most jurisdictions. The process of obtaining it can vary significantly from country to country.
Crypto jurisdictions
Why do I need a
crypto license?
Worldwide recognition
In many countries, a crypto license has international recognition, which increases the reputation and trust of your business.
Regulatory clarity and trust
Having a license provides legal certainty and increases the trust of clients, investors and partners.
Tax advantages
In many countries, there is a competitive tax system with a low corporate tax and no personal income tax, which makes it attractive for crypto companies.
Diversity of business activities
A crypto license allows you to engage in various activities, including trading cryptocurrencies, exchanges, storage and related services.
Access to traditional finance
Licensed crypto companies can more easily establish relationships with banks and financial institutions.
Main types of crypto licenses
Brokerage license
A brokerage license is required for companies that act as intermediaries in the process of trading, executing transactions to buy and sell cryptocurrencies for their clients. Such companies must implement risk management systems, comply with market rules and ensure transparent reporting on transactions in accordance with financial legislation. The license requires the presence of sufficient capital, the use of complex trading platforms and fair pricing to protect and benefit consumers.
Token issuance license
To legally create, issue and distribute tokens based on blockchain technology, you need to obtain a license issued by regulatory authorities. Such a license is especially important in the context of Initial Coin Offerings (ICO), Security Token Offerings (STO) and other forms of raising funds through cryptocurrencies.
Virtual asset storage license
The storage license is designed for companies responsible for the safety of their clients' virtual assets. It emphasizes the need for high-level security measures to prevent unauthorized access and possible theft of cryptocurrencies. Holders of such a license must ensure the presence of advanced security features, such as multi-signature wallets and cold storage (storing coins without access to the network).
Mining license
In some regions, companies engaged in cryptocurrency mining must obtain a license. The license usually focuses on the environmental impact of mining operations on the environment, compliance with equipment standards and energy efficiency.
Processing license
Companies that plan to provide services for processing payment transactions with cryptocurrencies must obtain a license issued by financial or regulatory authorities, which allows them to carry out processing operations with cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency exchange license
A cryptocurrency exchange license is required for companies that provide services for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Such companies must comply with financial regulations, implement anti-money laundering measures and ensure the safety of transactions.
Process of obtaining a license
Choosing the right jurisdiction
Company creation
Application submission and feedback from the regulator
Designation of responsible persons
Payment of fees and other expenses
Receipt of a license and project launch
Post-licensing compliance
This is a standard scheme for obtaining a crypto license, but requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
What can we help you with?
Preliminary analysis of the jurisdiction
The right jurisdiction is a key step for obtaining a crypto license. Important are legal transparency, tax benefits and support for fintech. Conduct research on current and possible changes to remain flexible in a volatile industry.
Choosing a corporate structure
We will register a legal entity in the selected jurisdiction taking into account corporate laws and your strategic goals. We will select the appropriate form of the company and help set up a clear management structure to fully comply with the requirements.
Document preparation
We will prepare a business plan, develop AML/CTF/KYC policies and prepare a «White Paper» describing your technology and business model. This will help demonstrate your transparency and readiness to work with regulators and partners.
Application submission and payment
We prepare and submit an application with a description of the business model, and also help with payment of fees. All to confirm readiness to work within the legislation.
Launch and support
Support after receiving a license — updating procedures, internal audits, training employees to comply with legal norms.
Launch large mining of the project in the UAE
We conducted a detailed analysis and compared the conditions for business in the free zones and mainland in the UAE, recommended several suitable options, accompanied the registration process, and also developed a chain of payment solutions for the business, including opening accounts on crypto-exchanges, in banks and payment systems.
AML policies and risk assessments for a Dubai-based crypto company
We helped prepare AML policies and risk assessments for a company from Dubai, engaged in mining and investing in its own portfolio of assets.
Comparison of legal frameworks for crypto businesses
We conducted a detailed analysis for a future NFT marketplace on the types of licenses, the legal status of crypto assets, taxes, intellectual property and payment options in different jurisdictions - UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malta, Cyprus and El Salvador.
Legalization of a crypto-business client in Estonia
We registered a company, ensured necessary presence in the country, prepared all documents to meet AML/KYC requirements, obtained a license for cryptocurrency operations and connected the client to a payment system with a license on Malta.
Comparison of legal frameworks for crypto businesses
Our team prepared AML/CFT, Anti-Corruption Policy, Risk Assessment Policy and other documents for a company planning to engage in the activity of a broker-dealer, exchange and storage of crypto-assets in the UAE.
Creation of a crypto-exchange in Lithuania
We determined Lithuania as the most suitable jurisdiction for one of our clients, planning to open a crypto-exchange, studied the regulatory base of cryptocurrencies in Lithuania, helped obtain the necessary licenses and prepared local acts, including the AML policy.
Launching an online casino with crypto features
We helped launch an online casino with various crypto options, analyzing the client's business model and proposing the optimal jurisdiction. Prepared a contract for selling tokens, necessary for planned operations.
Launching a WEB3 fintech application in the UAE
We prepared a user agreement (EULA) for the launch of a fintech application based on WEB3 in the UAE, checking the regulatory requirements of the financial sector.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a crypto business need a license?
How long does it take to get a license?
What documents are needed to submit an application?
The list of required documents varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction and specifics of the launched project. As a rule, information about owners and final beneficiaries, a description of the business model and/or business plan, documents demonstrating sources of financing, an AML policy, but not only.
Is it necessary to follow AML/KYC procedures?
Are licenses required for DeFi / NFT projects?
It all depends on the approach of a particular jurisdiction. In some countries, you will not even need a specialized business license, and it will be enough to select some related activity from the list of permitted activities, and in some jurisdictions you will have to find an activity directly intended for such activity and even obtain a full-fledged crypto license for a virtual asset provider (VASP).
What to do if the regulator refused a license?