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Crypto License in Malta
Everything you need to know about the crypto license in Malta. Contact us for a personalized consultation.
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Provide investment advices and consulting in the crypto industry
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Thousands of clients trusted us with their crypto project
MiCA Regulation in Malta
What you need to know about the new European regulation
The Maltese VASP license is no longer available, as it has been replaced with the MiCA CASP License in Malta. Please click the link to find out more information. The Virtual Financial Assets Act previously governed crypto licensing in Malta and set the foundation for the current MiCA regime.
The Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR or MiCA for short) is an European regulation that started to apply to every European Union jurisdiction in June 2024. The last leg of the regulation was enforced in December 2024. MiCA applies to all EU countries and harmonizes the regulation of crypto asset services across the European Union. The new framework covers a wide range of crypto asset services and sets requirements for crypto asset service providers. Asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens are specifically regulated under MiCA, and the Maltese cryptocurrency license now covers these categories. Since then, member states of the EU are liable to enforce these regulations, applicable to crypto licensed company in Europe.
Our consulting team is available on request for any questions pertaining to the new CASP license in Malta, and for the upgrading of an existing Maltese VASP company to a MiCA compliant entity. Obtaining a Maltese cryptocurrency license provides EU market access for crypto businesses.
See also our blog post: Choosing the Right Crypto License: What are the Differences Between VASP, CASP, and DASP?
Sabir Alijev leads jurisdictional research, regulatory engagement, and strategic advisory across crypto licensing, FinTech, and international corporate structuring, with particular focus on LATAM, Caribbean, and Asian markets.
Sabir Alijev
Co-Founder and Managing Partner at LegalBison
General information about Malta Crypto License
Benefits of a Maltese Crypto License
Securing a Maltese crypto license provides crypto companies with a host of strategic advantages. As a gateway to the European Union, Malta offers seamless access to the EU market, allowing licensed entities to offer crypto services across member states.
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is renowned for its robust regulatory framework, which fosters transparency, security, and legal certainty for crypto businesses. With a Maltese crypto license, companies can confidently engage in exchange operations, custody services, and portfolio management, all while adhering to strict anti money laundering (AML) and money laundering prevention standards.
This regulatory environment not only enhances client trust but also positions Malta as a leading hub for innovation in the crypto sector. The licensing process is designed to ensure that only compliant and well-structured crypto companies can operate, further strengthening the reputation of the Maltese crypto license on the global stage.
Crypto activities by license class
Depending on the Class level of the Maltese VASP license, different virtual assets services can be provided.
- DeFi project (Class 1)
- Custody (Class 2)
- Fiat to crypto (Class 4)
- Crypto exchange (Class 4)
- Token issuance (Class 4)
- Trading platform (Class 4)
- ICO (Class 4)
- ITO (Class 4)
Securing a Maltese crypto license provides crypto companies with a host of strategic advantages. As a gateway to the European Union, Malta offers seamless access to the EU market, allowing licensed entities to offer crypto services across member states.
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is renowned for its robust regulatory framework, which fosters transparency, security, and legal certainty for crypto businesses. With a Maltese crypto license, companies can confidently engage in exchange operations, custody services, and portfolio management, all while adhering to strict anti money laundering (AML) and money laundering prevention standards.
This regulatory environment not only enhances client trust but also positions Malta as a leading hub for innovation in the crypto sector. The licensing process is designed to ensure that only compliant and well-structured crypto companies can operate, further strengthening the reputation of the Maltese crypto license on the global stage.
Depending on the Class level of the Maltese VASP license, different virtual assets services can be provided.
- DeFi project (Class 1)
- Custody (Class 2)
- Fiat to crypto (Class 4)
- Crypto exchange (Class 4)
- Token issuance (Class 4)
- Trading platform (Class 4)
- ICO (Class 4)
- ITO (Class 4)
Requirements to obtain the crypto license in Malta
To successfully apply and obtain a crypto license in Malta, a project should meet the following requirements:
Every applicant company must designate a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), a Compliance Officer, and a Risk Officer. For instance, a Class 3 VFA license mandates a minimum capital of €730,000. Applicants must also submit a detailed business plan, including audited financial statements and comprehensive financial projections.
Corporate setup
Maltese company. Company registration in Malta is required, and the applicant must establish a Maltese company.
Directorship services. The company must have directorship services in place to ensure proper governance.
Local personnel. Local personnel to administrate the company in Malta.
People and integrity
Beneficial owners identified. Identification of beneficial owners is necessary for regulatory and tax compliance.
Key function holders. Appointment of compliance officers, an internal auditor, and other key function holders (such as MLRO and Risk Officer) is required, with these roles responsible for ensuring compliance, internal controls, and risk management.
Active day-to-day management. At least one director or senior manager must be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the company.
Clean criminal records. Certificate of an absence of criminal records issued for all participants that is no older than 3 months.
Compliance and controls
Tax compliance. Ongoing tax compliance is required, including VAT registration and reporting.
Risk assessments and monitoring. The company must conduct regular risk assessments and transaction monitoring as part of its AML/CFT obligations.
Regulatory responsiveness. The company must be prepared to respond to regulatory inquiries and audits.
Compliance procedures. The company must implement procedures for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
Robust crypto operations. The company must maintain robust crypto operations in line with regulatory standards.
Track legal changes. Being in the loop of fundamental changes to legal requirements.
Capital and documents
Business plan or white paper. An extensive business plan and/or a white paper.
Client-funds insurance. Contract a financial insurance for your clients’ funds.
Minimum share capital. Minimum share capital.
Maltese company. Company registration in Malta is required, and the applicant must establish a Maltese company.
Directorship services. The company must have directorship services in place to ensure proper governance.
Local personnel. Local personnel to administrate the company in Malta.
Beneficial owners identified. Identification of beneficial owners is necessary for regulatory and tax compliance.
Key function holders. Appointment of compliance officers, an internal auditor, and other key function holders (such as MLRO and Risk Officer) is required, with these roles responsible for ensuring compliance, internal controls, and risk management.
Active day-to-day management. At least one director or senior manager must be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the company.
Clean criminal records. Certificate of an absence of criminal records issued for all participants that is no older than 3 months.
Tax compliance. Ongoing tax compliance is required, including VAT registration and reporting.
Risk assessments and monitoring. The company must conduct regular risk assessments and transaction monitoring as part of its AML/CFT obligations.
Regulatory responsiveness. The company must be prepared to respond to regulatory inquiries and audits.
Compliance procedures. The company must implement procedures for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
Robust crypto operations. The company must maintain robust crypto operations in line with regulatory standards.
Track legal changes. Being in the loop of fundamental changes to legal requirements.
Business plan or white paper. An extensive business plan and/or a white paper.
Client-funds insurance. Contract a financial insurance for your clients’ funds.
Minimum share capital. Minimum share capital.
License types, process and planning
Types of Licenses in Malta
Malta’s regulatory landscape for crypto companies is shaped by the Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, which historically offered several classes of licenses tailored to different business models. For example, the Class 3 VFA license was designed for exchange operations, while the Class 4 VFA license covered custody and portfolio management services.
With the introduction of the MiCA regulation in 2024, Malta has transitioned to a new licensing regime, introducing the Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license. The CASP license is structured into multiple sub-categories, each addressing specific crypto activities such as trading, custody, and portfolio management.
This evolution ensures that Malta remains at the forefront of regulatory innovation, providing crypto companies with a clear and comprehensive framework for offering virtual financial assets and related services under the latest EU rules.
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulator and acts as the competent authority for granting and supervising crypto licenses in Malta.
Process to get the crypto license in Malta
The process to apply and secure a crypto license in Malta can be broken down into the following steps:
- Appoint a VFA agent
- Prepare whitepaper
- Prepare the business plan
- Register the company and hire the personnel
- Complete the MFSA due diligence
- Submit application for an in principle approval
Applicants must comply with specific rules set out in the MiCA regulation and Maltese law throughout this process. Successful completion results in the granting of a crypto licence, which is required to operate legally in Malta.
Accessing reliable banking and payment solutions remains a significant challenge for crypto companies, as many traditional banks are cautious due to concerns over money laundering and regulatory scrutiny.
However, specialized financial institutions and payment providers have emerged to serve the unique needs of the crypto sector, offering high-risk banking solutions tailored to the industry. These services include fiat on-ramps and off-ramps, high-risk merchant accounts, and secure payment gateways, enabling crypto companies to manage client funds and facilitate transactions efficiently.
To access these solutions, companies must maintain rigorous compliance with anti money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, ensuring that all operations are transparent and above board. By partnering with experienced providers and adhering to strict compliance standards, crypto companies can overcome banking challenges and support their business growth in a secure and regulated environment.
Business Model and Planning for Your Crypto Company
A successful crypto business in Malta starts with a well-defined business model and a comprehensive business plan. Companies must conduct a proper test of their business model, carefully evaluating market opportunities, operational risks, and regulatory requirements.
The business plan should outline clear financial projections, marketing strategies, and detailed operational procedures, ensuring that the company is prepared for both growth and compliance.
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) provides guidance throughout the licensing process, helping applicants align their business plans with the latest regulatory expectations under the MiCA regulation and the VFA Act.
Engaging legal and financial experts is essential to ensure that all aspects of the business model meet the standards required to operate legally and remain compliant in the dynamic crypto sector.
With a robust business plan and a proactive approach to regulatory compliance, crypto companies can confidently offer a wide range of crypto services while building a sustainable and reputable presence in Malta.
Malta’s regulatory landscape for crypto companies is shaped by the Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, which historically offered several classes of licenses tailored to different business models. For example, the Class 3 VFA license was designed for exchange operations, while the Class 4 VFA license covered custody and portfolio management services.
With the introduction of the MiCA regulation in 2024, Malta has transitioned to a new licensing regime, introducing the Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license. The CASP license is structured into multiple sub-categories, each addressing specific crypto activities such as trading, custody, and portfolio management.
This evolution ensures that Malta remains at the forefront of regulatory innovation, providing crypto companies with a clear and comprehensive framework for offering virtual financial assets and related services under the latest EU rules.
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulator and acts as the competent authority for granting and supervising crypto licenses in Malta.
The process to apply and secure a crypto license in Malta can be broken down into the following steps:
- Appoint a VFA agent
- Prepare whitepaper
- Prepare the business plan
- Register the company and hire the personnel
- Complete the MFSA due diligence
- Submit application for an in principle approval
Applicants must comply with specific rules set out in the MiCA regulation and Maltese law throughout this process. Successful completion results in the granting of a crypto licence, which is required to operate legally in Malta.
Accessing reliable banking and payment solutions remains a significant challenge for crypto companies, as many traditional banks are cautious due to concerns over money laundering and regulatory scrutiny.
However, specialized financial institutions and payment providers have emerged to serve the unique needs of the crypto sector, offering high-risk banking solutions tailored to the industry. These services include fiat on-ramps and off-ramps, high-risk merchant accounts, and secure payment gateways, enabling crypto companies to manage client funds and facilitate transactions efficiently.
To access these solutions, companies must maintain rigorous compliance with anti money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, ensuring that all operations are transparent and above board. By partnering with experienced providers and adhering to strict compliance standards, crypto companies can overcome banking challenges and support their business growth in a secure and regulated environment.
A successful crypto business in Malta starts with a well-defined business model and a comprehensive business plan. Companies must conduct a proper test of their business model, carefully evaluating market opportunities, operational risks, and regulatory requirements.
The business plan should outline clear financial projections, marketing strategies, and detailed operational procedures, ensuring that the company is prepared for both growth and compliance.
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) provides guidance throughout the licensing process, helping applicants align their business plans with the latest regulatory expectations under the MiCA regulation and the VFA Act.
Engaging legal and financial experts is essential to ensure that all aspects of the business model meet the standards required to operate legally and remain compliant in the dynamic crypto sector.
With a robust business plan and a proactive approach to regulatory compliance, crypto companies can confidently offer a wide range of crypto services while building a sustainable and reputable presence in Malta.
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Best for Crypto Licenses. Best company for Crypto Licenses! Kudos to the team for making the incorporation of our company really smooth
Reliable Partner. We are happy to cooperate with LegalBison for more than 2 years and during this time they definitely secured a reputation of very professional and reliable partner. Great knowledge, competence and good attitude. Keep up the good work!
Highly recommended! The team of LegalBison was very helpful and fast in supporting my company’s structural set up. They are undoubtedly top-level experts when it comes to licensing and registrations in the crypto and web3 industry. Highly recommend!
WHICH JURISDICTION AND LICENSE TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR PROJECT
Alternatives to a crypto license in Malta
Our team has curated the following jurisdictions as being worthy alternatives to a crypto licensed company in Malta:
MaltaMalta CASP License: MiCA Regulation (EU Framework)
on request
- Low tax CASP license
- Reputed FinTech hub
- Easy remote operation
PolandPoland CASP License: MiCA Regulation (EU Framework)
on request
- Top EU country for crypto
- Business friendly jurisdiction
- Formerly most popular license
CuraçaoCrypto License in Curacao
on request
- Super fast crypto license
- Affordable set-up
- Comprehensive obligations
BahrainCrypto License in Bahrain
on request
- MENA jurisdiction
- Business friendly
- Straightforward rulebook
No offers are listed for this selection.
About Crypto License in Malta
The right path forward, regardless of project stage
Yes. If you provide us with a description of your project, we will let you know what is the fitting framework.
Yes. Though there are no explicit residency requirements in Malta, your crypto company is expected to have substance there. Therefore, hiring a resident director to manage the domestic requirements is advisable and beneficial to the company operations.
Yes. Your company must have substance in Malta, which in turn means you need to have a physical office, not just a letterbox.
Yes. The nature of banks working with crypto businesses, especially in the EEA is changing almost on a daily basis. Our professionals know the solutions that do.
Start your crypto company today
Request more information about the crypto license in Malta. Our legal team can provide you with a custom roadmap for your project, and a quote for a turnkey solution. Contact us now to book a call.