What about crypto-fiat services?

EMI + VASP/CASP authorization allows both fiat and crypto services. MiCA compliance is additionally required for crypto elements. Book a consultation to plan combined licensing.

EMI License Europe | Electronic Money Institution

// The Problem

EMI Activities Require EMI Authorization

Unlicensed E-Money Is Illegal

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

Banking Partners Require Your License

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

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

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

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

UK FCA

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

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.

// Cost Comparison

EMI License Cost by Jurisdiction

First-year all-in costs include government fees, legal advisory, capital requirement, and technical compliance setup. Capital (€350K EU standard) is held on your balance sheet — it is not spent. Figures are indicative ranges for 2026.

Jurisdiction	Government Fee	Capital Requirement	Legal & Advisory	Technical Compliance	First-Year All-In
Lithuania ★ Fastest	€3K–€8K app + annual	€350K	€80K–€120K	€80K–€150K	€550K–€700K
Malta (MFSA)	€5K–€15K app + annual	€350K	€90K–€150K	€100K–€200K	€580K–€750K
Ireland (Central Bank)	€10K–€25K app + annual	€350K	€130K–€200K	€120K–€250K	€660K–€850K
UK (FCA)	£5K–£20K app + annual	£350K	£120K–£200K	£100K–£250K	£650K–£850K

All figures are indicative first-year costs. Capital (€350K / £350K) is held on your balance sheet — it is not spent. Government fees are as of 2026 and subject to change. Book a consultation for a scope-specific cost estimate.

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.

// Application Process

Lithuania EMI License Timeline

Lithuania is the fastest EU path to EMI authorization — 4–6 months from application submission to license grant. The timeline below assumes a well-prepared application.

01Weeks 1–4 — Business plan & pre-application structure
Define product scope, target markets, AML/KYC framework, and governance model. Lithuanian legal entity incorporated.

02Weeks 3–6 — Capital preparation
€350K initial capital deposited in a designated credit institution. Safeguarding arrangements and escrow documentation prepared.

03Weeks 5–8 — Application submission
Regulatory application, IT security documentation, compliance manuals, and governance framework submitted to the Bank of Lithuania.

04Months 2–4 — Regulatory review
Bank of Lithuania reviews the application and issues information requests. Response speed and document quality directly determine timeline.

05Months 3–5 — Fit-and-proper assessment
Key persons assessed by the regulator: CEO, AML Officer, Compliance Officer, and Board members. Interviews conducted.

06Month 4–6 — License granted
Authorization issued. Capital released from escrow. EU passport process can begin — 2–3 months per additional EU/EEA state.

Timeline depends heavily on application quality and how promptly information requests are answered. Book a consultation — we send you the document checklist within 48 hours.

// 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."

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.

Ready to Start Your EMI Application? Get a Scoped Roadmap.

Every EMI application is different. Your technology stack, target markets, capital position, and key persons all affect timeline and cost. Tell us your situation — we come back with a jurisdiction recommendation, document checklist, and cost estimate. 30-minute consultation — no obligation.

✓30-minute assessment

✓Document checklist in 48 hours

✓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.

// 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

Payment Institution

Payment processing without e-money issuance.

PI License →

Offshore Banking License

Full banking authorization.

Banking License →

Neobank Structure

Digital banking platform structure.

Neobank →

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