// Crypto & Digital Assets
Crypto payment processing — merchant services, payment gateways, crypto-fiat conversion — requires regulatory authorization. Depending on your business model, you need an EMI license, Payment Institution license, VASP registration, or a combination. We untangle the regulatory maze and get you licensed.
Book Your Consultation// The Problem
PSD2 for payment services. EMD2 for electronic money. MiCA for crypto-specific services. Your business model may trigger multiple regulatory requirements simultaneously.
Banks providing settlement services require your payment processing to be licensed. No license = no bank settlement = no payment processing.
Processing payments across borders involves multiple jurisdictions' regulations. EU passporting helps but each member state may have additional requirements.
// The Solution
Your business model determines which license(s) you need.
Fastest EU EMI licensing. Bank of Lithuania processes EMI applications efficiently. EU passport. Best for: crypto payment providers wanting EU-wide authorization.
E-money or PI license. FCA-regulated. Access to UK market. Post-Brexit, separate from EU. Best for: UK-focused crypto payment providers.
Central Bank regulated. EU member. Strong regulatory reputation. Best for: premium positioning with EU passport.
VARA + payment processing. Combined crypto and payment authorization. Best for: Middle East and global payment processing.
EMI, PI, or VASP — the distinction matters. 30-minute consultation to determine your regulatory path — no obligation.
// Licensing
EMI (Electronic Money Institution): you issue electronic money (e-wallets, prepaid cards). PI (Payment Institution): you process payments without issuing e-money. VASP/CASP: you provide crypto-specific services. Many crypto payment providers need a combination. We determine the exact regulatory framework for your model.
"Crypto payment gateway processing $5M/month. Needed EU authorization urgently. Lithuanian EMI license approved in 4 months. EU passport activated in 2 more. Now processing across 27 EU states with full banking access."
// Important
EMI: €350K initial capital. PI: €125K (limited), €20K-€125K (full). VASP/CASP: varies. You need capital in place before applying.
Client funds must be safeguarded — segregated accounts, insurance, or central bank guarantees. This is a core regulatory requirement.
If you use agents or distributors, they must be registered with the regulator. Agent oversight creates additional compliance obligations.
// FAQ
If you issue wallets or prepaid cards: EMI. If you only process payments: PI. If you also exchange crypto: VASP/CASP additionally. Many providers need multiple authorizations. Book a consultation to map your requirements.
Lithuania: €100K-€200K total. UK: €150K-€300K. Ireland: €150K-€250K. Capital requirement: €350K. Total first year: €450K-€650K. Book a consultation for detailed budgeting.
Lithuania EMI: 4-6 months. UK FCA: 6-12 months. Ireland: 6-12 months. VASP registration: 2-4 months. Book a consultation to plan your timeline.
Yes. An EMI license from any EU member state can be passported to all 27 states through a notification process (2-3 months per country). Book a consultation to plan your passporting strategy.
MiCA creates specific authorization for stablecoin issuance (EMT — Electronic Money Token and ART — Asset-Referenced Token). This requires EMI authorization plus additional MiCA compliance. Book a consultation to discuss stablecoin licensing.
// Related Solutions
EMI, PI, VASP — we determine what you need and get you licensed. Book a consultation — 30 minutes, no obligation.