// Fintech & Financial Services

Issue Digital Wallets.
Prepaid Cards. Payment Accounts.
You Need an EMI License.

An Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license lets you issue electronic money — digital wallets, prepaid cards, and payment accounts. It's the foundation for neobanks, fintech apps, and digital payment platforms. Lithuania offers the fastest path to EU-wide authorization.

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// The Problem

EMI Activities Require EMI Authorization

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Unlicensed E-Money Is Illegal

Issuing wallets, cards, or stored-value products without EMI authorization violates EU law. Penalties include fines and criminal charges.

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Banking Partners Require Your License

Issuing banks, card schemes (Visa, Mastercard), and settlement banks require EMI authorization before onboarding you.

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EU Passporting Is Only for Licensed EMIs

EU-wide operation requires a license in one member state plus passport notifications. No license = single market only.

// The Solution

EMI License Jurisdictions

Lithuania leads in fintech licensing speed and volume.

Lithuania jurisdiction flag

Lithuania

Fastest. 100+ EMIs licensed. Bank of Lithuania has licensed more EMIs than any other EU regulator. 4-6 month processing. Best for: fastest EU EMI authorization.

Ireland offshore company formation and structuring

Ireland

Central Bank regulated. Premium. Strong regulatory reputation. English-speaking. Home to major fintechs. Best for: premium positioning.

United Kingdom jurisdiction flag

UK FCA

Separate from EU post-Brexit. FCA-regulated. UK market only (EU requires separate license). Best for: UK-focused EMIs.

Netherlands jurisdiction flag

Netherlands (DNB)

Established fintech hub. Dutch National Bank. Growing fintech ecosystem. Best for: operators wanting Netherlands as home base.

// Investment

All-In Cost Range

Indicative ranges — every engagement is scoped individually. Exact figures depend on jurisdiction, technology stack, and operational complexity.

Application & Legal

€100,000–€200,000

Regulatory application preparation, legal structuring, compliance framework build-out.

Capital Requirement

€350,000

Mandatory initial capital required for EMI authorization. Must be available before application and maintained throughout operations.

Total First Year

€550,000–€850,000

Application, capital, and technology combined. Annual operations thereafter: €100,000–€300,000/year.

Technology cost: €100,000–€300,000. All figures are estimates — book a consultation for a detailed quote.

EMI License From €550K All-In — Get a Scoped Cost Estimate

Application and legal €100K–€200K, capital €350K, technology €100K–€300K. Total first-year cost €550K–€850K. Timelines: Lithuania 4–6 months, Ireland and UK 6–12 months. Tell us your jurisdiction and product scope — we come back with a specific roadmap. 30-minute consultation — no obligation.

✓30-minute assessment
✓No obligation
✓Honest recommendation
✓100% confidential
Book Your Consultation

You'll hear from us within 48 hours.

Our network: 85+ partner institutions across 8 regions — licensing authorities, legal advisers, and specialist compliance partners.

// Full Service

From Application to Card Issuance

We handle the complete EMI licensing process: capital requirements, governance structures, AML/KYC frameworks, technology compliance, and card scheme relationships. Your EMI launches fully compliant and operationally ready.

✓License application — complete preparation meeting Bank of Lithuania or FCA requirements.
✓Capital structuring — €350K initial capital, safeguarding arrangements, and ongoing capital adequacy.
✓Card scheme access — Visa and Mastercard principal membership or BIN sponsorship arrangements.
✓Technology compliance — core banking system, payment processing, and security requirements.

"Lithuanian EMI license approved in 5 months. Visa BIN sponsor connected within 6 weeks. First cards issued to customers in month 7. Now processing €3M/month across 15 EU countries. The licensing expertise saved us 6+ months versus doing it ourselves."

AK
Anna K.Fintech Founder, Lithuania

// Important

Key Considerations

€350K Capital

EMI authorization requires €350K initial capital. This must be available before application and maintained throughout operations.

Safeguarding

Client funds must be safeguarded at all times — segregated bank accounts or insurance-backed guarantees.

Ongoing Compliance

Monthly regulatory returns, annual audits, quarterly capital adequacy calculations, AML reporting.

// FAQ

EMI License Questions

Application and legal: €100K-€200K. Capital requirement: €350K. Technology: €100K-€300K. Total first year: €550K-€850K. Annual operations: €100K-€300K. Book a consultation for detailed budgeting.

Lithuania: 4-6 months. Ireland: 6-12 months. UK: 6-12 months. Preparation quality directly affects timeline. Book a consultation to start.

Yes. EMI authorization allows prepaid card issuance. You need a Visa or Mastercard relationship (principal membership or BIN sponsor). We connect you with card scheme partners. Book a consultation.

EMI can issue electronic money (wallets, cards, accounts). PI can only process payments — no stored value. If customers hold balances with you, you need EMI. Book a consultation to determine your license type.

Yes. One EMI license can be passported to all 27 EU/EEA states through notification (2-3 months per country). Book a consultation to plan your EU rollout.

// Related Solutions

Also Relevant

Payments icon

Payment Institution

Payment processing without e-money issuance.

PI License →
Banking icon

Offshore Banking License

Full banking authorization.

Banking License →
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Neobank Structure

Digital banking platform structure.

Neobank →

You've Read This Far Because You're Building a Fintech

The EMI license is your foundation. Book a consultation — 30 minutes, no obligation.

Book Your Consultation

You'll hear from us within 48 hours.