Get a crypto license in the country you need
The cryptocurrency market continues to grow rapidly, opening up new horizons for profitable projects. As of Q1 2025, the cryptocurrency market size is estimated at around $ 3.1 trillion. The average annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to be around 13% until 2030, which is very high in absolute terms, given the existing market size.
However, as the market grows, so does the attention of regulators. A crypto license is becoming a prerequisite for doing business in most jurisdictions. The process for obtaining one can vary significantly from country to country.
Crypto jurisdictions
why would I need a crypto-license?
Worldwide recognition
In many countries, a crypto license carries international weight, which increases the reputation and credibility of your business.
Regulatory clarity and trust
Having a license provides legal certainty and increases the confidence of customers, investors and partners.
Tax advantages
Many countries have a competitive tax system with low corporate tax rates and no personal income tax, making them highly attractive for crypto companies looking for a favorable business environment.
Diversity of business activities
A crypto license allows you to engage in a variety of activities including cryptocurrency trading, exchange, storage and related services.
Access to traditional finance
Licensed cryptocurrency companies can more easily establish relationships with banks and financial institutions.
Main types of crypto-licenses
Broker's license
A broker license is required for companies that act as intermediaries in the trading process, carrying out transactions to buy and sell cryptocurrency for their clients. Such companies are required to implement risk management systems, comply with market rules and ensure transparent reporting of transactions in accordance with financial legislation. The license requires sufficient capital, the use of sophisticated trading platforms and fair pricing to protect and benefit consumers.
License to issue tokens
In order to legally create, issue and distribute tokens based on blockchain technology, regulatory authorization is required. Such a license is particularly important in the context of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), Security Token Offerings (STOs) and other forms of cryptocurrency fundraising.
License for storage of virtual assets
The custody license is intended for companies responsible for the safety of their customers' virtual assets. It emphasizes the need for high-level security measures to prevent unauthorized access and potential theft of cryptocurrencies. Holders of such a license must ensure advanced security features such as multi-signature wallets and cold storage.
Mining license
In some regions, companies that engage in cryptocurrency mining must obtain a license. The license usually focuses on the environmental impact of mining operations on the environment, compliance with standards for equipment use and energy efficiency.
License for processing
Companies that plan to provide payment transaction processing services with cryptocurrencies need to obtain a permit issued by financial or regulatory authorities that allows the company to process cryptocurrency transactions.
Cryptocurrency exchange license
Crypto exchanges require a special license. It confirms compliance with transaction security standards, user verification, and financial regulations. Operators are required to safely process large volumes of transactions, protect customer funds, and implement effective anti-fraud measures. These requirements are aimed at ensuring regulatory standards in the crypto industry.
The process of obtaining a license
Choosing the right jurisdiction
Company creation
Submitting an application and receiving feedback from the regulator
Appointment of responsible persons
Payment of duties and other expenses
Obtaining a license and launching a project
Post-licensing compliance
This is the standard process for obtaining a crypto license, but requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
What can we do to help?
Preliminary analysis of jurisdiction
The right jurisdiction is a key step in obtaining a crypto license. Legal transparency, tax incentives and fintech support are important. Do your research on current and potential changes to stay agile in a changing industry.
Choosing a corporate structure
We will register the legal entity in the chosen jurisdiction, taking into account corporate laws and your strategic objectives. We will select the appropriate form of company and help you establish a clear governance structure for full compliance.
Document preparation
We will put together 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 regulators and partners.
Application and payment
We prepare and submit an application with a description of the business model, and assist with the payment of fees. Everything to confirm that you are ready to work within the legal framework.
Launch and maintenance
Post-licensing support - updating procedures, internal audits, employee training for legal compliance.
Launch of a major mining project in the UAE
We conducted a detailed analysis and compared business conditions in freezone and mainland in the UAE, recommended several suitable options to the client, accompanied the registration process, and developed a chain of payment solutions for the business, including opening accounts on crypto exchanges, banks and payment systems.
AML policies and risk assessments for Dubai-based crypto company
We helped prepare AML policies and risk assessments for a Dubai-based company 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, legal status of crypto assets, taxes, intellectual property and payroll options in various jurisdictions - UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malta, Cyprus and El Salvador.
Legalization of client's crypto business in Estonia
We registered the company, ensured the necessary presence in the country, prepared all documents to meet AML/KYC requirements, obtained a license for cryptocurrency transactions and connected the client to the payment system with EML license in Malta.
Setting up compliance for a crypto broker in the UAE
Our team has prepared a Policy
AML/CFT, Anti-Corruption Policy, Business Risk Assessment Policy and other documents for a company planning to operate a broker-dealer, exchange and hold crypto-assets in the UAE.
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Creation of crypto-exchange in Lithuania
We identified Lithuania as the most suitable jurisdiction for one of our clients who was planning to open a crypto exchange, studied the regulatory framework of cryptocurrencies in Lithuania, helped to obtain the necessary licenses and prepared local acts, including AML policy.
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Launch of online casino with crypto features
We helped launch an online casino with various crypto options by analyzing the client's business model and proposing the optimal jurisdiction. We prepared the contract for the sale of tokens required for the planned operations.
Launch of WEB3 fintech application in UAE
We prepared the user agreement (EULA) for launching a WEB3-based fintech application in the UAE by verifying 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 do I need to apply?
The list of required documents varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the project to be launched. As a rule, information on the owners and ultimate beneficiaries, a description of the business model and/or business plan, documents demonstrating sources of financing, AML policy, but not only.
Do AML/KYC procedures need to be followed?
Do DeFi / NFT projects need licenses?
It all depends on the approach of a particular jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions, you may not even need a specialized business license and it will be enough to pick some related activity from the list of permitted activities, while in some jurisdictions you will have to look for an activity directly designed for this type of activity and even obtain a full-fledged crypto license for a virtual asset provider (VASP).
What to do if the regulator has denied a license?