CASP License in Ireland

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 Ireland, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) supervises the issuance of CASP licenses under MiCA. This ensures full compliance with EU regulatory requirements. A CASP license obtained in Ireland provides a solid legal foundation for operating within the EU. It also helps strengthen trust among banks and partners.

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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 Ireland, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) is the competent authority overseeing CASP licensing under MiCA. Businesses operating or planning to provide crypto-asset services in Ireland must adhere to local implementation requirements alongside MiCA’s EU-wide provisions. Our firm has a thorough knowledge of Irish law, ensuring that your compliance efforts are efficient and effective. We can help your business meet compliance requirements and unlock the potential of the EU crypto market!

Key Numbers about a CASP License in Ireland

3 months Licensing timeline

Average time to obtain a CASP license after submission.

Up to €150k Share capital

Capital requirements depend on the business model.

At least several Directors requirement

Minimum number of directors for a compliant CASP structure.

From 0 to 55% Personal tax

Applicable personal income tax range in Ireland.

up to 40% Capital gains tax

Tax rate applied to investment income.

33% Corporate tax

Standard corporate income tax rate.

Legal Opinion about a CASP License in Ireland

“Obtaining a CASP license in Ireland 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 Irish 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 Ireland

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 Ireland

Seamless cross-border operations within the EU
- A CASP license in Ireland 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 Irish and European financial regulations helps build investor confidence.
- Compliance with FMA requirements ensures the transparency and security of operational activities.
Enhanced institutional trust and banking access
- Legitimacy under Irish and EU financial regulations enhances trust among investors.
- Compliance with the FMA ensures operational transparency and security.
Opportunities for institutional funding and partnerships
- Licensed crypto service providers can attract venture capital, hedge funds, and institutional investors.
- Regulatory compliance opens doors to collaboration with banks, payment service providers, and fintech companies.
Legal protection against regulatory uncertainty
- Licensed companies find it easier to open and maintain bank accounts in Ireland and across Europe.
- Regulatory recognition reduces the likelihood of banks classifying transactions as high-risk, improving financial operations.

Step by Step Description

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 Ireland
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
Conducting communication with the Central Bank 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

In Ireland, the primary legislative act implementing the provisions of MiCA is the European Union (Markets in Crypto-Assets) Regulations 2024, which entered into force on November 8, 2024. It defines the supervisory powers of the Central Bank of Ireland, including the authority to issue directives, suspend the provision of services, and ensure compliance with CASP requirements. In addition, the act establishes administrative sanctions, reporting obligations, and procedural rules to ensure compliance with EU supervisory standards and directives.

Licensing Authority

The Central Bank of Ireland is the competent authority responsible for the supervision and licensing of CASPs in Ireland. The Central Bank of Ireland ensures that entities comply with both MiCA and relevant national legislation. It provides guidance, oversees compliance, and has the authority to grant or revoke licenses for crypto-asset service providers operating within Ireland.

Procedure, timelines, fees:

Following the full application of MiCA after 30 December 2024, the Central Bank of Ireland 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, the Central Bank of Ireland then has 40 working days to conduct a qualitative assessment. During the qualitative assessment period, the Central Bank of Ireland 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 Irish administrative fees, and if the application is approved, additional Central Bank of Ireland fees may apply.

Transition Period

Under Ireland’s MiCA transitional framework, existing VASPs have a 12-month transition period to comply with MiCA provisions. Specifically, VASPs registered with the Central Bank of Ireland 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 Ireland'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 standard corporate income tax rate in Ireland is 12.5% for trading income and 25% for non-trading income. Companies are required to pay a minimum tax even in loss-making years. For private limited companies (LTD), it amounts to €500 per year, and for public limited companies (PLC), €3,500 per year. Corporate income tax returns must be submitted by April 30 of the following year or filed electronically via the Revenue Online Service (ROS) in Ireland by June 30 of the following year. According to the Spanish reform on the taxation of cryptocurrencies, which entered into force on March 1, 2022: no special rate applies if income from cryptocurrencies is part of the core business activity of the relevant enterprise. In particular, this means that it does not apply to companies that trade cryptocurrencies on a commercial basis or companies that mine cryptocurrencies on a commercial basis. Income from such activities is taxed in accordance with progressive corporate income tax thresholds.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

Capital gains are generally taxed at a rate of 33%, corresponding to the taxation of income from capital investments. Under the new tax reform concerning cryptocurrencies, all profits derived from the sale or disposal of cryptocurrency are taxed as capital gains (i.e., at a rate of 33%), regardless of how the asset was held prior to the sale. However, the exchange of one cryptocurrency for another is considered an intermediate transaction and is not taxable; therefore, taxation is triggered only when the crypto-asset is converted into euros or another fiat currency. With regard to cryptocurrency income received starting from the 2025 calendar year, persons required to withhold capital gains tax must now prepare tax reporting upon the request of the taxpayer.

Personal Income Tax (PIT)

All individuals who are tax residents of Ireland are generally subject to income tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents may also be subject to Irish tax on certain Irish-source income.In Ireland, a progressive income tax system applies, with two main rates:20% (standard rate) 40% (higher rate)The thresholds at which these rates apply depend on the taxpayer’s personal circumstances, including marital status and income structure. As of 2025, for example, the standard rate band is approximately €42,000 for single individuals, with higher thresholds available for married couples or dual-income households..

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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 Ireland is an authorization required for businesses offering crypto-related services, such as exchange platforms, wallet providers, and crypto custodians. It ensures compliance with the MiCA and Ireland financial laws.

The FMA is the regulatory body overseeing CASP licensing and compliance, ensuring adherence to AML and MiCA regulations.

It allows services such as: 1) Providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients 2) Operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets 3) Exchange of crypto-assets for funds 4) Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets 5) Execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients 6) Placing of crypto-assets 7) Reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients 8) Providing advice on crypto-assets 9) Providing portfolio management on crypto-assets 10) Providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients

Companies must meet physical office requirements, requirements for managers and shareholders, minimum capital requirements, documentation requirements.

Yes, registered office and management in Ireland required

Yes, applicants must meet specific financial and operational adequacy standards, but the exact minimum capital depends on the services offered (€50,000, €125,000, €150,000).

The process involves submitting an application to FMA with detailed documentation on the company structure, management, AML policies, and financial plans, etc.

The preparation of documents and the review process typically takes several months, depending on the completeness of the application and the authority's workload.

Yes, foreign companies can apply for a CASP license, but they must establish a legal entity or branch in Ireland or another EU country and comply with Irish regulatory requirements.

Yes, once licensed under MiCA, CASPs can offer services across the EU without needing separate licenses in other Member States.