MiCA License: Complete Guide to Crypto Asset Service Provider Authorisation
- Buckingham Capital
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
Introduction
If you want to operate a crypto exchange, custody platform, brokerage, or stablecoin business in the European Union, you need a MiCA license. MiCA, the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation, creates a single regulatory framework that allows crypto firms to operate across all 27 EU member states under one authorisation.
This guide explains what a MiCA license is, who needs it, the main requirements, where to apply, how long it takes, what it costs, and how to get approved.
Buckingham Capital Consulting has been helping financial and crypto businesses secure regulatory approvals across Europe and internationally for over 15 years.
MiCA Licensing at a Glance
Typical timelines
Preparation and regulator engagement usually takes two to three months. Regulatory review and approval typically takes four to nine months. Most MiCA projects complete within six to twelve months.
Before applying you need
An EU legal entity, approved directors and senior managers, AML and CTF systems designed for crypto, sufficient regulatory capital, local operations, secure custody and IT systems, and a clearly defined business model.
How Buckingham Capital Consulting Can Help with the MiCA License
Buckingham Capital Consulting supports crypto exchanges, custody providers, trading platforms, and stablecoin issuers through the full MiCA authorisation process.
We help clients select the right EU regulator, establish their EU operating structure, prepare all regulatory documentation, manage the regulator review process, and support ongoing compliance after approval. This provides a single, end to end path from planning to live EU wide operations.
What is a MiCA License
A MiCA license is authorisation under the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation to operate as a Crypto Asset Service Provider, known as a CASP, in the European Union.
With a MiCA licence, a company can offer crypto services across all EU countries, passport its authorisation into every member state, work with EU banks and payment institutions, and operate under one harmonised regulatory framework.
Who Needs a MiCA License
Under MiCA, any firm providing the following services to EU customers must be authorised as a Crypto Asset Service Provider:
Crypto to fiat exchange,
crypto to crypto exchange,
operation of a trading platform,
custody and safekeeping of crypto assets,
transfer of crypto on behalf of clients,
placing or distributing crypto assets, and,
providing advice on crypto assets.
These categories are defined in the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation and are supervised by each firm’s home EU regulator.
What Regulators Assess Under MiCA
MiCA is designed to regulate crypto firms in the same way other financial institutions are regulated.
EU regulators review where the company is based and controlled, who owns and manages it, how much capital it holds, how client assets are protected, how money laundering and blockchain risk are controlled, how systems are secured, and whether the business model is commercially and operationally sound.
This is why MiCA approval is recognised by banks and counterparties across Europe.
Best EU Countries for a MiCA License
Your MiCA licence is issued by one EU regulator, known as your home member state authority. That regulator approves your licence and supervises you across the entire European Union.
France
In France, crypto asset service providers are regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, the French financial markets regulator, which acts as the MiCA competent authority for CASPs.
France is regarded as one of Europe’s leading crypto regulators, with strong banking relationships and extensive experience supervising exchanges, custody providers, and token issuers.
Germany
In Germany, crypto and financial services are regulated by BaFin, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, which authorises and supervises MiCA firms.
Germany is one of the most respected financial regulatory environments in Europe and is often chosen by institutional grade crypto platforms and custody providers.
Lithuania
In Lithuania, crypto firms are supervised by the Bank of Lithuania, the country’s central bank and MiCA competent authority.
Lithuania offers an efficient regulatory process, good access to compliance and fintech talent, and a practical environment for fast growing crypto businesses preparing for MiCA.
Ireland
In Ireland, MiCA authorisation is handled by the Central Bank of Ireland, which supervises financial services firms across the country.
Ireland is a major financial services hub with strong links to EU banks and payment institutions, making it attractive for crypto firms seeking stable market access.
Malta
In Malta, crypto asset service providers are regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, which has been licensing crypto firms for many years.
Malta is an established crypto jurisdiction with experience supervising exchanges, custody providers, and token businesses under a comprehensive regulatory framework.
MiCA and Stablecoin Licensing
MiCA introduces a dedicated framework for stablecoins, referred to as asset referenced tokens and e money tokens.
Stablecoin issuers must be authorised in an EU member state, hold customer reserves with EU regulated credit institutions, provide redemption at face value, and maintain capital and liquidity buffers. These requirements are designed to protect users and allow stablecoins to operate safely within the EU financial system.
What Does a MiCA License Cost
Costs depend on the country and the type of crypto business. They include regulator fees, capital requirements, EU offices and staff, compliance and MLRO roles, legal and advisory work, and security and custody audits.
How the MiCA Licensing Process Works
First you choose your EU home regulator. You then set up your EU company and operations, prepare your compliance, governance, and financial documentation, submit the MiCA application, respond to regulator questions and reviews, and receive authorisation to passport across the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
How experienced is Buckingham Capital Consulting?
Buckingham Capital Consulting has been helping financial and crypto businesses secure regulatory approvals across Europe and internationally for over 15 years.
How long does a MiCA license take?
Most MiCA applications take between six and twelve months from preparation to approval, depending on the complexity of the business.
What are the main MiCA requirements?
MiCA requires an EU based company, approved directors and senior managers, sufficient regulatory capital, strong AML and custody controls, secure IT systems, and detailed business and financial documentation.
Do you provide end to end MiCA licensing support?
Yes. Buckingham Capital Consulting manages jurisdiction selection, application preparation, regulator engagement, and post approval compliance.
Which EU country is best for a MiCA license?
The best country depends on your business model, banking strategy, and target markets. France, Germany, Lithuania, Ireland, and Malta are common choices.
Buckingham Capital Consulting
Buckingham Capital Consulting helps crypto exchanges, custody providers, payment platforms, and stablecoin issuers secure MiCA authorisation and operate across the European Union.
From choosing the right member state through to regulatory approval and ongoing compliance, we provide full end to end support for crypto businesses building in Europe.
To discuss your MiCA license, call 020 7866 2512 or email info@buckinghamcapitalconsulting.co.uk.
