What is the minimum capital for a MiCA CASP licence?

The minimum capital for a MiCA CASP licence ranges from €50,000 to €150,000 depending on the services provided. Class 1 services (reception and transmission, advice, portfolio management) require €50,000. Class 2 services (custody, exchange, execution, placing, transfer) require €125,000. Class 3 (operation of a trading platform) requires €150,000. CASPs offering services across multiple classes must hold capital at the highest applicable tier.

Which EU country is best for MiCA CASP authorisation?

There is no single answer. The right choice depends on the firm's services, target market, language preferences, and operational priorities. Malta, Lithuania, and France are popular for established crypto-friendly regulators and faster authorisation timelines. Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands offer prestige and depth but typically slower processes.

What is the MiCA transition period and when does it end?

Crypto firms operating in the EU before 30 December 2024 under national regimes may continue operating until 30 June 2026 or until they obtain MiCA authorisation, whichever comes first. Several member states have shortened this transition. From 1 July 2026, all CASPs require full MiCA authorisation.

Can a MiCA CASP licence be passported across the EU?

Yes. A MiCA CASP authorisation granted by any EU member state's national competent authority confers automatic passporting rights to provide crypto-asset services across all 27 EU member states and the EEA. This single-market access is the central commercial benefit of MiCA versus the previous patchwork of national regimes.

What is the difference between MiCA and the UK cryptoasset regime?

MiCA is the EU's comprehensive crypto regulatory regime, covering ten distinct services under a single authorisation that passports across 30 jurisdictions. The UK currently operates a more limited regime focused primarily on the FCA Cryptoasset AML Registration. HM Treasury and the FCA are bringing crypto firms into the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 perimeter under a new comprehensive UK Cryptoasset Regulatory Regime, expected to come into force from late 2026.

Do existing crypto firms need a MiCA licence?

Yes, if they wish to continue providing crypto-asset services in the EU beyond the transitional regime end date. Firms previously operating under national regimes including France's PSAN registration, Germany's KWG crypto-custody licence, and Lithuania's crypto-asset service provider registration must transition to full MiCA authorisation by 30 June 2026 at the latest.

EU MiCA Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) Licence

End-to-end authorisation under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.

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Last updated: 11 May 2026

Clients we have helped

Why Buckingham Capital Consulting

Buckingham Capital Consulting has advised cryptoasset firms on European regulatory authorisations since 2018. Our work covers MiCA CASP authorisation, jurisdictional strategy, prudential safeguards, AML and counter-terrorist financing, ongoing compliance, and the strategic regulatory matters that follow. Clients range from centralised crypto exchanges and digital asset custodians to OTC desks, broker-dealers, portfolio managers, and crypto payment providers across the European Union.

Experience

Our team has advised cryptoasset firms on European regulatory authorisations since 2018. Each engagement is led at director level by senior consultants with extensive experience in MiCA and EU licensing.

Expertise

Our specialism is MiCA CASP licensing and EU crypto regulatory compliance. We combine technical command of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation with direct insight into regulatory standards.

Outcomes

We have advised on MiCA CASP authorisations for centralised exchanges, crypto custodians, OTC desks, broker-dealers, and digital asset managers across the EU.

Download our free guide on MiCA Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation and how to ensure a successful outcome with your application.

MiCA CASP licence guide

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Specialists in EU crypto regulatory authorisation since 2018

Every engagement is led at director level. You work directly with the senior practitioners preparing your application, not a delegated team. Buckingham Capital Consulting has advised cryptoasset firms on European regulatory authorisations since 2018, with proven outcomes across centralised exchanges, crypto custodians, broker-dealers, OTC desks, digital asset managers, and crypto payment providers. Our consultants combine technical command of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation with a number of European regulators applying it, ensuring applications meet the regulator's expectations at first submission.