EU-passportable MiCA CASP from the AFM and DNB
Netherlands Crypto Licence
The Netherlands enforced MiCA early. Its AFM issues CASP licences under a twin-peaks model with the central bank DNB, giving a licence real market credibility, with EU-wide passporting at €50,000–€150,000 capital by class. It suits teams that want reputation and reach. Vantegris runs the AFM/DNB file, the AML and DORA build, and the banking.
What is the Netherlands crypto licence?
The Netherlands moved fast on MiCA — and that speed is a selling point. Rather than take the full 18-month transition, the Dutch cut their deadline to 30 June 2025, positioning themselves as an early, serious enforcer. Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation runs through the country's twin-peaks model: the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) issues the licence and supervises conduct, while the central bank DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank) handles prudential matters for e-money- and asset-referenced-token issuers. A Dutch licence carries real weight precisely because the regime is known to be strict.
Structurally it is standard MiCA. You get a full EU licence, passportable across all 27 member states on a notification basis, at initial capital of €50,000 to €150,000 by class. The AFM/DNB statutory clock is around five months (a 25-working-day completeness check, then a 40-working-day assessment), but a realistic end-to-end timeline including preparation is eight to ten months. You need a Dutch company with genuine substance, qualified management, an AML officer and a DORA-compliant ICT programme. One planning note: if you intend to provide certain payment services tied to e-money tokens, an additional PSD2 payment-institution licence may be needed as well, a requirement that has applied since 1 March 2026. We scope that up front so it doesn't surprise you later.
Why operators pick the Netherlands
Serve every EU/EEA market from one AFM authorisation under MiCA Article 65.
An early, strict enforcer — a Dutch licence signals a serious, well-run operation.
A roughly five-month statutory assessment keeps the regulator's side predictable.
A mature financial hub with crypto-aware banking, payments and advisers.
The euro simplifies capital, banking and settlement.
Netherlands vs. Ireland (CASP)
| Criteria | Netherlands | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | AFM + DNB (twin-peaks) | Central Bank of Ireland |
| Regime style | Early, strict enforcer | Highly regarded, rigorous |
| Min. capital | €50k–€150k by class | €50k–€150k by class |
| Timeline | 8–10 months | 6–12 months |
| Note | Possible PSD2 for EMT payments | No simplified route |
| Passporting | EU-27 by notification | EU-27 by notification |
Who the Netherlands crypto licence suits
Netherlands crypto licence requirements
How to get a Netherlands crypto licence
- Scope & class Fix the CASP classes and capital tier, and scope any PSD2 overlap for EMT payments. 1–2 weeks
- Company & capital Incorporate the Dutch B.V., fund capital and put substance and roles in place. 3–5 weeks
- Build the file Draft the programme of operations, AML/CFT, DORA and safeguarding policies to AFM/DNB standard. 8–12 weeks
- Application & review File with the AFM; a 25-wd completeness check then a 40-wd assessment (≈5 months statutory). 5–8 months
- Passport & launch Notify host states for EU passporting, finish banking onboarding and go live. On approval
Not sure the Netherlands is the right fit?
Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether the Netherlands or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.
How much does a Netherlands crypto licence cost?
- Dutch B.V. incorporation
- CASP application to the AFM
- Programme of operations & core policies
- Regulator liaison to authorisation
- Everything in Licence
- Full AML/CFT & MLRO framework
- DORA ICT resilience programme
- Capital arrangement & substance setup
- Everything in Turnkey
- Crypto-friendly banking & PSP introductions
- PSD2 scoping & EU passport notifications
- Ongoing compliance & reporting support
Budget the class-based initial capital, Dutch substance and a robust AML/DORA programme — the AFM expects real governance from an early-enforcer regime. If your model touches EMT payments, factor in a possible PSD2 licence (the requirement has applied since 1 March 2026). We model the full picture, including any PSD2 overlap, before you file.
Compliance obligations in the Netherlands
Technical & IT standards in the Netherlands
After you go live in the Netherlands
Which markets a Netherlands licence reaches
A CASP licence passports across the EU/EEA by notification, but you still follow each market's local rules and geo-block jurisdictions you are not authorised in — plus the United States, sanctioned and FATF-listed territories.
Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
Netherlands crypto licence FAQ
Who issues the crypto licence in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands uses a twin-peaks model. The AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) issues the CASP licence and supervises conduct, while the central bank DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank) handles prudential matters for e-money- and asset-referenced-token issuers.
How long does it take?
The statutory clock is around five months (a 25-working-day completeness check, then a 40-working-day assessment), but a realistic end-to-end timeline including preparation is eight to ten months.
Why is the Dutch regime seen as strict?
Rather than take the full 18-month transition, the Netherlands cut its deadline to 30 June 2025, enforcing early. That strictness is a feature — a Dutch licence signals a serious, well-run operation to banks and partners.
Do I need a PSD2 licence too?
Possibly. If you intend to provide certain payment services tied to e-money tokens, an additional PSD2 payment-institution licence may be needed as well; that requirement has applied since 1 March 2026. We scope this at the first call so it goes into the plan and the budget from the start.
Does a Dutch CASP passport across the EU?
Yes. It is a full MiCA authorisation and passports into all 27 member states on a notification basis — a high-trust base with full single-market reach.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team. Last updated September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
Start your Netherlands file.
Tell us your product and target markets and we will map the licence route. The consultation is free and confidential, and most enquiries get a reply within 24 hours.