// 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

⚖️

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.

The EMI License Is Your Foundation

Wallets, cards, accounts — everything starts with the license. 30-minute consultation — no obligation.

30-minute assessment
No obligation
Honest recommendation
100% confidential

// 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

💳

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 →

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

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