Crypto license in Lithuania 2025: CASP registration under new MiCA rules

In 2025, registering a crypto license in Lithuania becomes relevant for market participants seeking to legally operate under EU rules. The general regulatory basis is MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) - a pan-European regulation of crypto-asset service providers (CASP) and crypto assets, including virtual currencies, blockchain e-money and tokens. MiCA covers the issuance, exchange, storage, consulting and settlements with crypto assets, stimulating the implementation of innovative technologies, the development of the economy of the future, raising capital and accelerating cross-border transfers.

Since December 30, 2024, MiCA has entered into full force, including Lithuania, where the requirements for registering a CASP have already been applied since that date. In particular, MiCA covers cryptocurrency exchange, storage/custodial services, consulting and other services - all require a CASP license from the Bank of Lithuania.

Before the transition: pre-MiCA licenses

Before the full implementation of MiCA, Lithuania had two national licenses — VCESP (Virtual Currency Exchange Service Providers) and VCWSP (Virtual Currency Wallet Service Providers) — exchange and wallets. They could be obtained until May 31, 2025. After this date, they will be replaced by a single CASP license under MiCA.

What is needed to register a CASP license in Lithuania

• Legal entity: the company must be registered in Lithuania or another EU/EEA country. A legal address in Lithuania is required; the director may be a non-resident, but education, experience and reputation are important.
• Authorized capital: the minimum threshold is €125,000. Under MiCA, the requirements vary: for exchange and storage — about €125,000, for consultations — €50,000, for trading platforms — up to €150,000.
• Documents and personnel: a business model, management structure, AML/KYC/KYT policies, ICT infrastructure, continuity plans, risk management, internal control procedures are required.
• Regulator: CASP licenses are issued and supervised by the Bank of Lithuania, which publishes a public register and monitors compliance with MiCA requirements.
• Timeframe: A typical application is reviewed within 3-6 months. Many procedures can be completed remotely.
• Lithuania's advantages: the country remains part of Europe's leading fintech hubs. Benefits include access to the EU, transparent and fast procedures, remote registration format, no requirement for directors to be residents, and tax incentives.

Conclusion

Obtaining a MiCA-CASP license in Lithuania in 2025 requires company registration, contribution of authorized capital, preparation of internal policies and filing an application to the Bank of Lithuania. The MiCA legal framework strengthens trust and creates a single European market for crypto services, and Lithuania offers a convenient and effective jurisdiction for starting a CASP business.

If you are interested in support at all stages - from company registration to application - and you want to minimize risks and speed up the process, IT-OFFSHORE is ready to help you obtain a license.