MiCA License
for Crypto Businesses in the EU
Get your CASP authorization and operate across the European Union under one regulatory framework.Manimama handles the entire MiCA licensing journey – from jurisdiction selection and company structuring to application preparation, AML/KYC, regulatory communication, and post-licensing compliance.
MiCA authorization enables crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) to operate under a unified EU regulatory framework and expand their services across the European market.Manimama manages the entire licensing process – from selecting the right jurisdiction and structuring your company to AML/KYC compliance, application preparation, regulatory communication, and ongoing post-licensing support.
About the Service
End-to-End MiCA Licensing & CASP Authorization
MiCA establishes a unified regulatory framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) operating across the EU. For businesses providing regulated crypto services, obtaining CASP authorization is a fundamental step toward compliant and scalable operations in the EU.
Manimama provides comprehensive legal support throughout the entire MiCA licensing process, adapting the regulatory strategy to your business model, services, corporate structure, and expansion plans.
We assess your planned crypto activities, determine the applicable authorization requirements, and help select the EU jurisdiction that best aligns with your operational and regulatory needs.
Our team supports the establishment or restructuring of the legal entity, governance framework, capital requirements, internal controls, and other elements required for a compliant CASP structure.
From preparing the licensing package and AML/KYC framework to developing internal policies and coordinating communication with the competent regulatory authority, we manage every stage of the authorization process.
We assist with business plans, governance and risk management documentation, compliance procedures, outsourcing arrangements, client protection mechanisms, and other regulatory documentation required for the application.
Our involvement continues throughout the regulator’s assessment, including responding to additional information requests and making adjustments to the application as required.
Following authorization, Manimama can provide ongoing legal and compliance support, helping your CASP maintain regulatory alignment and use its authorized structure to develop operations across the EU.
MiCA Is Now the EU Standard for Crypto Businesses
27 EU Markets
Access the European crypto market through a harmonized regulatory framework covering all 27 EU Member States.
One Regulatory Framework
MiCA replaces fragmented national approaches with a unified regulatory framework for crypto-asset services across the EU.
EU Passporting
Obtain CASP authorization in one EU Member State and passport covered crypto-asset services across the European Union.
CASP Authorization
Operate as an authorized crypto-asset service provider under clear requirements for governance, compliance, risk management and client protection.
Stronger Market Access
Strengthen your position with banks, payment providers, institutional partners and clients by operating within the EU’s regulated MiCA framework.
What Are You Looking For?
Choose the MiCA support that matches your current business stage
Whether you are launching a new crypto business, transitioning an existing structure, choosing an EU jurisdiction, or strengthening compliance, Manimama can support you at every stage.
Whether you are launching a new crypto business, transitioning an existing structure, choosing an EU jurisdiction, or strengthening compliance, Manimama can support you at every stage.
Get a MiCA License +Launch your CASP in the EU under the MiCA regulatory framework. We support the entire authorization process — from business model assessment and corporate structuring to application preparation, regulatory submission, and communication with the competent authority.
Start Licensing +Move your existing VASP or crypto business into the MiCA regulatory framework. We assess your current structure, identify regulatory and compliance gaps, and develop a clear transition strategy toward CASP authorization.
Assess My Structure +Find the EU Member State that best fits your business model and expansion strategy. We compare regulatory approaches, competent authorities, operational requirements, local substance, and other practical factors affecting your MiCA authorization.
Compare Jurisdictions +Build the governance and compliance infrastructure required for regulated CASP operations. We support AML/KYC, risk management, internal controls, policies, outsourcing arrangements, client protection, and ongoing regulatory obligations.
Get Compliance Support +MiCA Jurisdictions: Where to Apply
Choose the right EU jurisdiction for your CASP authorization
Each EU Member State applies the same MiCA framework, but regulatory approach, timelines, substance expectations and practical licensing experience can differ. Manimama helps you select the jurisdiction that best matches your business model and expansion plans.
Poland
Strong long-term potential for MiCA projects
Poland remains a strategically attractive jurisdiction for MiCA projects, although CASP applications are not currently being accepted. Rather than waiting for the filing window to open, businesses can use this period to prepare their corporate structure, governance framework, compliance infrastructure and licensing package in advance.
Poland is one of Manimama’s core jurisdictions. Our legal, tax, and corporate teams work locally and in Polish, enabling us to support both the preparation of authorizations and the establishment of genuine local substance.
The country combines a mature crypto business environment, a strong pool of legal, compliance, technology and operational talent, and competitive operating costs compared with many Western European markets.
Long-term EU projects, local substance, operational expansion
Preparation stage/filing window pending
Slovakia
Accessible regulator and pragmatic licensing dialogue
Slovakia is emerging as one of the most promising EU jurisdictions for CASP authorization. It remains open to applicants that can demonstrate a credible business model, sufficient local substance and genuine value for the jurisdiction.
Our recent experience confirms this approach. Together with representatives of a client company, Manimama participated in an in-person pre-licensing meeting with the National Bank of Slovakia, where the project, corporate structure, and planned operations were discussed directly with the regulator.
The meeting was conducted in English, and the regulator provided practical guidance on its expectations before formal submission. The project involved non-EU beneficial owners, which did not prevent constructive regulatory dialogue.
International founders, direct regulatory dialogue, new CASP projects
Accessible and pragmatic
Cyprus
Established and predictable MiCA jurisdiction
Cyprus is one of the more established jurisdictions for CASP authorization and continues to strengthen its position as a European hub for digital asset businesses.
Manimama combines on-the-ground expertise with established local partners to support regulatory alignment and substance requirements. Our team has already secured two licenses for clients and is currently preparing another application.
English is widely used throughout the authorization process, making Cyprus particularly accessible to international founders. Its business environment and regulator experience with sophisticated financial and digital-asset models also make it attractive for businesses planning cross-border EU operations.
International founders, established crypto businesses, EU expansion
2 licenses obtained + additional application in progress
Explore All MiCA Jurisdictions
Compare EU jurisdictions and find the regulatory environment that best fits your CASP business model.
What Crypto Services Will You Provide?
Select the crypto-asset services your business plans to offer.
Your selection helps determine the scope of CASP authorization
and the regulatory requirements applicable to your business.
Not sure which services apply to your business?
Select your planned activities and our legal team will help determine the appropriate scope of your MiCA authorization.
A Structured Process from Assessment
to Authorization
MiCA authorization requires your business model, corporate structure, governance,
and compliance framework to meet CASP regulatory requirements.
Manimama manages the entire process from initial assessment and jurisdiction selection
to application submission, regulatory communication, and ongoing compliance across the EU.
Business Assessment
We assess your business model, planned crypto-asset services, ownership structure, and existing operations to determine the required scope of CASP authorization and applicable regulatory requirements.
AML & Compliance Framework
We develop AML/KYC procedures, risk-management policies, internal controls, and compliance frameworks tailored to your crypto-asset services, customer profiles, and operational model.
Jurisdiction Strategy
We evaluate suitable EU Member States and identify the jurisdiction that best aligns with your crypto activities, operational requirements, and long-term European expansion strategy.
Application & Regulatory Submission
We prepare the CASP application package, submit it to the competent authority and manage regulatory communication, including questions and additional information requests.
Corporate & Governance Setup
We establish or adapt your corporate structure, management arrangements, governance framework, substance, and capital setup in line with MiCA requirements and regulatory expectations.
Authorization & EU Operations
Following authorization, we support MiCA passporting where applicable, ongoing compliance, and regulatory requirements as your CASP launches and expands its operations across the EU.
What Manimama handles?
One legal team. The entire MiCA process.
Regulatory Strategy
MiCA applicability, business model assessment and licensing strategy.
Company & Governance
Corporate structure, management requirements and substance.
AML / KYC
AML framework, KYC procedures, risk policies and controls.
Application Documentation
Business plan, policies, legal documentation and regulatory package.
Regulator Communication
Questions, additional requests and application support.
Post-License Compliance
Reporting, policy updates and ongoing legal support.
From Regulation
to Full CASP Authorization
MiCA introduced a single regulatory framework for crypto-assets
across the EU in several stages. The transitional phase has now ended,
making MiCA authorization central for businesses providing regulated
crypto-asset services in the European market.
MiCA Enters Into Force
The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation officially entered into force, establishing the foundation for a harmonized EU regulatory framework for crypto-assets.
ART & EMT Rules Apply
MiCA provisions covering asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs) became applicable, introducing dedicated requirements for these categories of crypto-assets.
MiCA CASP Regime Applies
The broader MiCA framework became applicable, including the authorization and regulatory requirements for CASPs. Eligible existing providers could temporarily continue under national transitional arrangements.
Full MiCA Authorization Era
The EU-wide transitional period has ended. ESMA states that providers serving EU clients without the required MiCA authorization must cease unauthorized crypto-asset services, subject to the applicable regulatory framework.
Core MiCA Requirements
Build the Regulatory Foundation for Your CASP
MiCA authorization requires more than submitting an application.
CASPs must demonstrate adequate capital, prudential safeguards,
effective governance, robust compliance systems and operational
controls designed to protect clients and manage regulatory risks.
Capital Requirements
Maintain the minimum prudential safeguards applicable to your CASP activities. The required level depends on the type and scope of crypto-asset services your company provides.
Governance
Establish a clear organizational and governance structure with qualified management, defined responsibilities and effective internal oversight appropriate to your business activities.
AML / KYC
Implement risk-based AML/KYC procedures covering customer identification, due diligence, transaction monitoring and other controls required to mitigate financial crime risks.
Client Assets
Maintain appropriate arrangements for safeguarding clients’ crypto-assets and funds where applicable, including clear separation, custody controls and procedures designed to protect client interests.
Risk Management
Identify, assess and manage operational, compliance and technology-related risks through documented procedures, internal controls and appropriate monitoring mechanisms.
Conflicts Of Interest
Implement policies to identify, prevent, manage and disclose conflicts of interest involving the CASP, its management, employees, shareholders or clients.
Complaints Handling
Maintain transparent and documented procedures for receiving, investigating and resolving client complaints consistently and within the applicable regulatory framework.
Outsourcing
Ensure outsourced functions and third-party arrangements meet applicable MiCA requirements without compromising regulatory oversight, operational resilience or the CASP’s responsibilities.
What Happens After You Apply?
From Submission to CASP Authorization
Once your MiCA application is submitted, the competent authority conducts a structured review
to assess its completeness and determine whether your business meets the applicable
regulatory requirements.
Manimama supports you throughout the review, coordinates communication with the regulator,
and assists with additional information requests until the authorization process is completed.
Your CASP Application Enters The Regulatory Review Process
The complete authorization package is submitted to the relevant National Competent Authority together with the required corporate, governance, operational and compliance documentation.
Receipt Acknowledgement
The competent authority acknowledges receipt of your application and confirms that your authorization request has formally entered the regulatory process.
Completeness Review
The authority reviews whether the application contains all required information and documentation. If anything is missing, the applicant may be requested to provide additional materials within a specified period.
Detailed Review Of Your CASP
Once the application is considered complete, the regulator assesses the business model, governance, management, capital, compliance framework, internal controls, and other relevant aspects of the proposed CASP.
Authorization Decision
The competent authority conducts its substantive assessment and determines whether the applicant satisfies the requirements for CASP authorization. Requests for additional information may affect the overall timeline.
CASP Authorization Granted
Following a positive regulatory decision, the company receives authorization to provide approved crypto-asset services under its MiCA license.
Regulatory Status Becomes Visible
The authorization information is communicated to ESMA and reflected in the relevant register, providing regulatory visibility of the authorized CASP.
Built for Complex Crypto Licensing
Legal expertise built around real crypto businesses
MiCA authorization involves corporate, regulatory, compliance and operational decisions that must work together. Manimama combines these areas within one legal team, helping clients build structures designed not only to obtain authorization, but to operate and scale across
the EU.
End-to-End Support
We manage the entire MiCA journey within one coordinated legal process — from initial strategy and jurisdiction selection to application preparation, authorization and ongoing compliance. You do not need to coordinate multiple providers at different stages.
Multi-Jurisdictional Expertise
We assess different EU jurisdictions before you commit resources to a particular market. Regulatory approach, corporate structure, local requirements and your operational model are considered together when developing the licensing strategy.
Crypto-Native Legal Team
Our legal support is built around how crypto businesses actually operate. We understand custody, exchanges, trading platforms, token-related services and other crypto business models, allowing regulatory requirements to be translated into practical operational solutions.
Business-Oriented Structuring
A MiCA structure should work beyond the authorization process. We consider ownership, management, governance, operations and future expansion when designing a structure that supports both regulatory compliance and your commercial objectives.
Direct Regulatory Support
Our involvement continues after the application is submitted. We support communication with the competent authority, coordinate responses to additional information requests and help address regulatory comments throughout the authorization process.
Beyond Licensing
MiCA authorization is only one part of building a regulated crypto business. Manimama can also support corporate matters, AML/KYC, compliance with Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) requirements, tax structuring, banking and payment arrangements, contracts and ongoing legal and regulatory needs.
Clients Confirm Our Quality
“They helped create the board, adjust the entire corporate structure, adding the necessary legal entities”
Manimama prepared our project for MiCA. And they didn’t just make the documents, they helped create the board, adjust the entire corporate structure, adding the necessary legal entities, conclude contracts between them, create a consistent picture of all providers and elements, without which our application would not have been so complete
“Thank you for your expertise and patience!”
Before signing the contract, we made six rounds of negotiations, because my client had a lot of questions that concerned the technical infrastructure, the board creation, and the formation of the authorized capital. We got the most complete picture, which allowed us to choose this provider. Thank you for your expertise and patience!
“It is the comprehensive approach that they use and the willingness to help with any issue”
During the preparation of documents for MiCA, Manimama advised us on labor, administrative, and corporate law. Usually, providers do not do this, strictly limiting the list of works that they do under the contract. It is the comprehensive approach that they use and the willingness to help with any issue that arises along the way that attracts us as a client.
MiCA Licensing FAQ
A MiCA license refers to authorization under the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation for companies providing regulated crypto-asset services. For crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), this means obtaining CASP authorization from the competent authority of an EU Member State and complying with MiCA requirements for governance, capital, operations, client protection and other regulatory areas.
Businesses providing regulated crypto-asset services in the EU generally need CASP authorization unless a specific exemption applies. This can include crypto exchanges, custodians, trading platforms, portfolio managers, crypto advisers and companies providing execution, transfer or order-related services.
MiCA covers services including custody and administration of crypto-assets, operation of trading platforms, crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchange, execution of orders, placement of crypto-assets, reception and transmission of orders, crypto-asset advice, portfolio management and transfer services.
MiCA establishes different prudential requirements depending on the crypto-asset services provided. The applicable minimum permanent capital can generally fall into €50,000, €125,000 or €150,000 categories, while additional prudential safeguard requirements may also apply depending on the CASP’s fixed overheads and activities. The appropriate requirement should therefore be determined based on the specific authorization scope.
The timeline depends on the jurisdiction, complexity of the business and completeness of the application. Under the MiCA authorization procedure, the competent authority assesses completeness and then conducts a substantive review, while requests for additional information can extend the overall process. Businesses should therefore plan for preparation time as well as the formal regulatory assessment.
The appropriate jurisdiction depends on your business model, services, management structure, operational presence and expansion plans. Regulatory practice and practical implementation can also differ between Member States, so jurisdiction selection should be assessed before committing resources to a particular country.
MiCA creates a passporting framework for authorized CASPs. Once authorized in one EU Member State, a CASP can provide the services covered by its authorization across other EU Member States, subject to the applicable MiCA notification and passporting procedures.
An existing VASP may apply for CASP authorization under MiCA, but existing national registration does not automatically become a MiCA authorization. The company’s corporate structure, governance, capital, policies, AML/KYC framework and operational arrangements may need to be reviewed and adapted to meet MiCA requirements.
A CASP application typically includes corporate and ownership information, a programme of operations, business plan, governance arrangements, information about management, prudential safeguards, internal controls, risk-management procedures and relevant operational policies, including those required by Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Additional documentation depends on the services the CASP intends to provide and the requirements applicable to its business model.
MiCA imposes governance and substance requirements, but the exact structure depends on the company, its authorization scope and the Member State in which it applies. Management, effective presence and operational arrangements should therefore be assessed as part of the jurisdiction and corporate-structuring strategy rather than treated as a universal headcount requirement.
CASPs must maintain an appropriate AML/KYC framework alongside their MiCA obligations. This generally includes customer identification and due diligence, risk assessment, transaction monitoring, sanctions-related controls, suspicious activity procedures, record keeping and internal AML governance, with requirements tailored to the CASP’s services and risk profile.
Ready to start your MiCA Licensing?
Tell us about your crypto business. Our legal team will assess your model, licensing requirements and suitable EU jurisdictions.