How to get a cryptolicense: Switzerland, Lithuania, Croatia

The cryptocurrency business is a risky enterprise that is in high demand. To reduce the risk of losing money, to regulate the crypto-business, the authorities of many countries have obliged companies involved in the exchange, storage of digital money, to obtain a cryptocurrency license. Among them are Switzerland, Lithuania, and Croatia.

How to get a cryptolicense in Switzerland

There are 4 different types of licenses available in Switzerland, which can be applied for by a company registered as Swiss AG (public limited company):

• fintech license;
• exchange license;
• investment fund license;
• banking license.

Which option to choose depends on your focus. FINMA, the Swiss Federal Financial Markets Supervisory Authority, is responsible for issuing cryptolicenses in Switzerland.

Requirements for a cryptocurrency company

The regulator thoroughly checks the applicant for a cryptolicense. At the time of application, the firm must be registered, listed in the commercial register as a commercial company.

Other requirements necessary to obtain a cryptocurrency license in Switzerland:

• The company's organizational structure must comply with AMLA regulations;
• All members of the company must have a good business reputation. The presence of a criminal record is not allowed;
• The minimum paid-in capital is 100 thousand Swiss francs;
• Organization must have 1 shareholder and 1 director;
• Information about beneficiaries, directors, shareholders, detailed business plan must be submitted to the regulator;
• Information about the director is publicly available, while the beneficiary and shareholders are not disclosed;
• There must be a registered office in Switzerland;
• Secretary is not needed, but general meetings are required.

Issuance of cryptolicense takes from 3 to 4 months if all documents are properly executed.

Cryptocurrency license in Lithuania

Lithuania issues two types of cryptolicenses. A company can get both or one of them:

• Offer cryptocurrency exchange;
• Offer cryptocurrency storage services on digital wallets.
• To get a cryptocurrency license in Lithuania, you have to register the company as an LLC. All employees must have a perfect business reputation, with no criminal record. The authorized capital must be at least €2500.

When the company is registered, you can apply for a cryptolicense. The application is considered for a month. Cleanliness, history of the company and its owners are checked by the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit (FIU). If everything is in order, the regulator issues a permit.

Cryptocurrency license in Croatia

Croatia offers a license for a cryptocurrency exchange and depository service provider. The organization that gets it can change and store digital assets. As in other European countries, the applicant for a cryptolicense is checked.

Requirements to get a cryptocurrency license in Croatia:

• The registered capital of the company is from €2700;
• Perfect reputation of beneficiaries, directors, all employees;
• A legal office in the jurisdiction.

To get a permit to work with digital assets, you have to register with Hanfa, prepare documents. When the regulator issues a permit, the company will be able to legally work not only with individuals, but also with medium and large businesses.

Where to get a cryptocurrency license in 2022

If you want to get a cryptocurrency license in 2022, contact IT-OFFSHORE experts.