Cyprus сrypto license
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Obtain a cryptocurrency license in Cyprus in accordance with CySEC regulations and operate in the EU in full compliance with the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA). The process includes registration, compliance checks, and opening a local office. We strive to ensure legal certainty and the development of your business.
Legarithm will help you calculate costs, collect documents, and successfully register a crypto license in Cyprus.
Legarithm helps businesses with legal services efficiently and in full legal compliance.
Get a competitive edge and build trust with a crypto license in Cyprus. Access the entire EU market and a solid regulatory framework for legitimacy and growth. Get an initial free consultation.
Choose Cyprus for Your Crypto Business
Which activities require a license?
If your business provides any of the following services in or from Cyprus, you must be licensed.
Exchange between cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies
Custody or management of crypto assets (including wallets)
Crypto-to-crypto exchange
Operating crypto trading platforms
Issuance or sale of tokens and initial offerings
Portfolio management and investment advice on crypto
Types of crypto licenses in Cyprus
There are three main classes of CASP licenses, determined by the range of services you provide and the required capital.
Minimum Initial Capital
50 000 EURInvestment advice and basic brokerage
Minimum Initial Capital
125 000 EURClass 1 + exchange, order execution, and custody (excluding multilateral platforms)
Minimum Initial Capital
150 000 EURAll of the above, plus management of multilateral trading platforms
Get your Cyprus crypto license today.
Get in touch with us on Telegram or WhatsApp to start your Cyprus crypto license process today! Our team is ready to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Key requirements to register
To register for crypto license in Cyprus, your company must meet several core conditions.
Company registration in Cyprus
Your business must be a Cypriot legal entity.
Directors and staff
Minimum of four directors (two must be Cyprus-based executives), all assessed by CySEC for experience and integrity.
Physical presence
Hold a real office in Cyprus and employ local staff for essential functions.
KYC/AML policies
Documented procedures for Know Your Customer, anti-money laundering (AML), and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) rules.
Operational readiness
Internal controls, clear management lines, IT security measures, and management plans for any type of crisis.
Minimum capital
Deposit the required initial capital into a Cypriot bank account.
Internal regulations
Policy documents to manage conflicts of interest and protect clients.
Good reputation
All directors of the company and key shareholders must have no criminal record and transparent sources of funding.
Regular reporting
Ongoing obligations include, at a minimum, annual audits, regular reports to CySEC, and compliance inspections.
The application process: Step by Step
Reserve a company name
Submit your preferred company name to the Cyprus Registrar of Companies for approval.
Register the company
File incorporation documents, including the memorandum and articles of association, and appoint directors and a local office.
Open a corporate bank account
Deposit the required minimum capital.
Regulatory review
CySEC examines your company’s readiness, including compliance checks and interviews with directors. Expect follow-up requests for additional documents.
Submit application to CySEC
Pay the application fee (it depends on the class) and send the application package to CySEC.
Prepare application
Gather the business plan, KYC/AML policies, director information, and all supporting documents.
Approval and registration
If successful, you receive your CASP license and are added to the public CySEC registry.
Post-licensing obligations
Register with the Cyprus Tax Department, keep your AML/KYC systems up to date, hire local staff, and submit ongoing compliance reports.
Get Expert Help with Your Cyprus Crypto License
Our legal team guides you through registration, CySEC compliance, and post-licensing obligations.
Guide to CySEC Licensing & Compliance for Crypto Companies
A comprehensive overview of the licensing process, ongoing regulatory duties, and tax environment for crypto companies in Cyprus.
Main documents required
- Company incorporation certificates and articles of association
- Detailed business plan and risk assessment
- AML/CFT and KYC policy manuals
- Resumes and background checks of directors and shareholders
- Proof of office premises (rent agreement)
- Evidence of initial capital deposit
- Internal procedures (including conflicts of interest and data security)
- Application forms and declarations required by CySEC
Compliance and duties
Cyprus-licensed crypto companies must maintain:
- Up-to-date AML/KYC procedures
- Annual audits by certified external auditors
- Regular reporting to CySEC
- Accurate client records and transaction monitoring
- A compliance officer and a risk management function
- A physical office and staff presence in Cyprus
Failure to comply can lead to fines, suspension, or revocation of your license.
Taxation in Cyprus for crypto companies
Some tax features include:
- 15% corporate income tax, among the lowest in the EU
- No withholding tax on dividends to non-residents
- Profit from trading crypto is generally taxable, but some crypto activities may qualify for VAT exemption
- Access to a broad network of double tax treaties
We strongly recommend seeking professional tax advice tailored to your business model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
What types of crypto licenses are available in Cyprus?
1. Class 1: Advisory & Order Execution
2. Class 2: Exchange & Trading
3. Class 3: Full Service & Custody
These licenses are categorized by the level of risk and the scope of services provided and vary in minimum capital requirements to obtain them.
Who can own a Cyprus crypto company, and is a local presence required?
Foreign investors can own 100% of a Cyprus crypto company. However, you must have a physical office and full-time staff in Cyprus. At least four directors are required, and two must be Cyprus residents.
What ongoing obligations does a Cyprus CASP have?
Are Cyprus crypto companies taxed, and are there any tax benefits?
The standard corporate tax rate in Cyprus is 15%. Most crypto services are VAT exempt, and there is no withholding tax on dividends. Cyprus has a good network of double-tax treaties.
What are the risks and penalties for non-compliance?
Steep fines—up to 5% of your yearly revenue or €5 million are expected if rules are broken, as well as there can be criminal charges or shutting the business. CySEC keeps a close eye on companies, so staying compliant isn’t optional.
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