CASP License in Germany

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) introduces a unified regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the European Union (EU), promoting legal certainty, investor protection, and market stability.

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In Germany, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) is responsible for supervising the issuance of CASP licenses under MiCA. This ensures full compliance with EU regulatory requirements. A CASP license obtained in Germany provides a solid legal foundation for conducting business throughout the European Union. In addition, it helps strengthen trust among banks and business partners.

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4.9 (552 reviews)

About the Service

"One of the core requirements under MiCA is obtaining a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license, mandatory for businesses offering crypto asset services. This licensing ensures compliance with strict standards on governance, security, and anti-money laundering (AML), enabling licensed CASPs to operate seamlessly across all EU member states. Whether you are an emerging startup or an established operator, obtaining a CASP license is essential to access the EU’s vast and dynamic market for digital assets."

"In Germany, the competent authority responsible for supervising CASP licensing under MiCA is the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). Companies that provide or intend to provide crypto-asset services in Germany must comply with both local implementation requirements and the EU-wide provisions of MiCA.Our company possesses in-depth knowledge of German legislation, ensuring that your compliance efforts are both efficient and effective.We will help your business meet regulatory requirements and unlock the potential of the EU crypto-asset market!"

Key Numbers about a CASP License in Germany

3 mounts Licensing timeline

Average term of obtaining CASP license after application submission

At least several Directors requirement

Minimum number of directors for a compliant CASP structure.

Up to €150k Share capital

Capital requirements depend on the business model.

From 0 to 55% Personal tax

Applicable personal income tax range in Germany.

15% Corporate tax

Standard corporate income tax rate.

15/45% Capital gains tax

Tax rate applied to investment income.

Legal Opinion about a CASP License in Germany

Obtaining a CASP license in Germany is essential for businesses offering crypto-asset services. Applicants must meet requirements, including robust AML/CFT compliance, a formal governance structure, and sufficient operational capital. Once licensed, CASPs must adhere to ongoing reporting obligations and maintain compliance with German and EU regulations. A CASP license enhances credibility and provides access to the EU market under a clear regulatory framework

Types of Activities with a CASP License in Germany

Providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients
This service means safekeeping or controlling, on behalf of third parties, crypto-assets or the means of access to such crypto-assets, where applicable in the form of private cryptographic keys. Holdings of crypto-assets on behalf of the clients shall be segregated from CASP’s holdings.
Operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets
This service contains of the management of one or more multilateral systems, which brings together or facilitates the bringing together of multiple third-party buying and selling interests for crypto-assets – in the system and in accordance with its rules – in a way that results in a contract, either by exchanging one crypto-asset for another, or a crypto-asset for funds.
Exchange of crypto-assets for funds
This service means the conclusion of purchase or sale contracts concerning crypto-assets with clients for funds by using proprietary capital.
Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets
This service means the conclusion of purchase or sale contracts concerning crypto-assets with clients for other crypto-assets by using proprietary capital.
Execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients
This service means concluding agreements to buy or to sell one or more crypto-assets or to subscribe for one or more crypto-assets on behalf of third parties and includes the conclusion of agreements to sell crypto-assets at the moment of their issuance.
Placing of crypto-assets
This service includes the marketing, on behalf of or for the account of the offeror or of a party related to the offeror, of crypto-assets to purchasers. Before placing the crypto-assets a CASP shall obtain the agreement of the issuers or any third party acting on their behalf.
Reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients
This service means the reception from a person of an order to buy or to sell one or more crypto-assets or to subscribe for one or more crypto-assets and the transmission of that order to a third party for execution.
Providing advice on crypto-assets
This service means offering, giving or agreeing to give personalized recommendations to a third party, either at the third party’s request or on the initiative of the a CASP providing the advice, in respect of one or more transactions relating to crypto-assets, or the use of crypto-asset services.
Providing portfolio management on crypto-assets
This service includes managing portfolios in accordance with mandates given by clients on a discretionary client-by-client basis where such portfolios include one or more crypto-assets.
Providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients
This service means transfer, on behalf of a natural or legal person, crypto-assets from one distributed ledger address or account to another. Such service may be provided without virtual currency wallet opened for a CASP’s client.

Benefits of Obtaining a CASP License in Germany

Seamless cross-border operations within the EU
- A CASP license in Germany provides a strong foundation for passporting services across the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Adherence to EU compliance standards simplifies regulatory approvals in other member states.
Improved customer acquisition and retention
- A licensed status reassures clients about security, AML compliance, and fraud prevention.
- Investors and users prefer platforms that operate within a regulated framework, leading to higher conversion rates.
Access to a regulated and transparent market
- Compliance with German and European financial regulations helps build investor confidence.
- Compliance with BaFin requirements ensures the transparency and security of operational activities.
Enhanced institutional trust and banking access
- Legitimacy under German and EU financial regulations enhances trust among investors.
- Legitimacy under German and EU financial regulations enhances trust among investors.
Opportunities for institutional funding and partnerships
- Licensed companies find it easier to open and maintain bank accounts in Germany and across Europe.
- Regulatory recognition reduces the likelihood of banks classifying transactions as high-risk, improving financial operations.
Legal protection against regulatory uncertainty
- A clear regulatory framework protects businesses from abrupt legal changes and market restrictions.
- Companies with a CASP license face lower risks of operational shutdowns due to non-compliance.

Our services

Clear overview of key services, with simple descriptions and strong CTAs that help users quickly scan options and take action

Step 1

Incorporation stage

Company formation in Germany
Provision of a registered address for 1 year
Opening corporate bank account and transferring the share capital
Appointment and employment of a local director
Detailed company structure documentation

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Step 2

Pre-licensing stage

Preparation and submission legal and financial documents (non-exhaustive list) according to MiCA
Review of existing policies and procedures, if the company already has them

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Step 3

Licensing stage

CASP license application assistance
Interaction with BaFin during the license process

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Our Experts in This Area

Yuliia Kravchenko

Head of Licensing & Advisory

Step by step description

Name Selection and Availability Check

Verification and reservation of a compliant company name that meets jurisdictional requirements, avoids registration conflicts, and aligns with brand positioning and business strategy.

Document Preparation and Collection

Preparation, collection, and verification of all required corporate and personal documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with local regulations and international standards.

Regulatory Review and Approval

Support throughout the regulatory review process, including communication with authorities, handling of additional requests, and maintaining application progress without delays.

Legal Structure and Ownership Model

Definition of the optimal corporate structure and ownership model, including limited liability, holding, or joint stock options, with full alignment to business goals, tax efficiency, and regulatory requirements.

Company Registration Process

Management of the full incorporation process, including document submission, coordination with authorities, and follow-up to ensure smooth and timely registration.

Licensing, Tax Setup, and Compliance

Completion of all required approvals, tax registration setup, and establishment of a compliance framework to support ongoing operations, reporting, and long-term stability.

Regulation

"MiCA applies directly in Germany and is supplemented by regulatory provisions adopted by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).It defines BaFin’s supervisory powers, including the authority to issue directives, suspend the provision of services, and enforce compliance with CASP requirements. In addition, the legislation establishes administrative sanctions, reporting obligations, and procedural rules aimed at ensuring compliance with supervisory standards and EU regulatory requirements."

Licensing Authority

BaFin is the competent authority responsible for the supervision and licensing of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) in Germany. BaFin ensures that entities comply with the requirements of both MiCA and the applicable national legislation. It issues regulatory guidance, monitors compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, and is empowered to grant or revoke licenses for crypto-asset service providers operating in Germany.

Procedure, timelines, fees:

"Following the full application of MiCA after 30 December 2024, BaFin assesses within 25 working days whether the application includes all required information, without evaluating its quality at this stage. If information is missing, the applicant may be asked to supplement it within a set deadline. Once the missing information, if any, is provided, BaFin then has 40 working days to conduct a qualitative assessment. During the qualitative assessment period, BaFin may request additional clarifications; however, only the first such request can suspend the 40 working day period for up to 20 working days. Finally, the authorisation procedure is subject to a fee under the applicable German administrative fees, and if the application is approved, additional fees imposed by the German competent authorities may apply."

Transition Period

Under Germany’s MiCA transitional framework, existing VASPs have a 12-month transition period to comply with MiCA provisions. Specifically, VASPs registered with BaFin for AML purposes before December 30, 2024 are permitted to continue their operations until December 31, 2025. Within this period, these entities must obtain authorization under MiCA to continue their services beyond the transitional phase. This approach reflects Germany's commitment to aligning its national regulatory framework with MiCA provisions promptly.

Requirements for key persons

Capital Requirements

Documentation Requirements

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

"The overall corporate tax burden in Germany generally ranges from 30% to 33%, including corporate income tax, the solidarity surcharge, and trade tax.Companies in Germany are generally subject to corporate taxation on their worldwide income if they are managed or incorporated in Germany. Tax returns are generally filed electronically through the German tax administration system.In Germany, the taxation of crypto-assets depends on the nature of the activity and the applicable German tax rules."

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

"Capital gains derived from crypto-assets by individuals in Germany may be subject to taxation depending on the holding period and the nature of the activity.As a general rule, the sale of crypto-assets by individuals is tax-exempt if the assets have been held for more than one year. Shorter holding periods may result in taxation in accordance with the German income tax rules."

Personal Income Tax (PIT)

"All individuals who are tax residents of Germany are generally subject to German income tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents may also be subject to tax on certain income derived from sources in Germany.Germany applies progressive personal income tax rates:Up to approximately EUR 12,000 — 0% From approximately EUR 12,001 to EUR 68,000 — progressive rates up to 42% From approximately EUR 68,001 to EUR 278,000 — 42% Above approximately EUR 278,000 — 45%In addition, a solidarity surcharge and, where applicable, church tax may also apply.. "

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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.

FAQ

A CASP license in Germany is a mandatory MiCA authorization issued by BaFin allowing companies to provide crypto services across the EU.

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) issues CASP licenses in Germany.

CASPs can provide services such as custody, exchange, trading platforms, execution, and advisory under MiCA.

Applicants must establish a German entity, meet €50K–€150K capital, appoint qualified local management, and implement AML, IT, and governance frameworks.

Yes, a physical office and real operational presence in Germany are mandatory.

Minimum capital ranges from €50,000 to €150,000 depending on the services provided.

The process includes company setup, documentation preparation, submission, BaFin review, and final authorization.

The process typically takes 12–18 months, depending on complexity and regulatory feedback.

The fees for obtaining and maintaining a CASP license in Germany include a non-refundable BaFin application fee of 10,750 EUR. Additional setup costs typically range from 100,000 EUR to 300,000 EUR, covering legal advisory (50,000 EUR - 150,000 EUR), compliance consulting (30,000 EUR - 100,000 EUR), and IT infrastructure (50,000 EUR - 200,000 EUR). Ongoing annual compliance and supervisory costs are estimated between 100,000 EUR and 500,000 EUR.

Management ensures fit-and-proper leadership, local decision-making, governance, compliance, and accountability for all operations including outsourced functions

Limited to legal entities; individuals cannot apply