// Fintech & Financial Services
Payment processing in the EU requires PSD2 authorization — either as a Payment Institution (PI) or Electronic Money Institution (EMI). A PI license lets you initiate payments, execute transfers, and provide payment accounts without issuing electronic money. It's the lighter regulatory path for payment processors.
Book Your Consultation// The Problem
Any entity providing payment services in the EU must be authorized under PSD2. Unlicensed operation: fines up to €5M or 10% of turnover.
Correspondent banks and settlement partners verify PI authorization. No license = no bank settlement.
PSD2 open banking (AISP, PISP) services require specific PI authorization categories.
// The Solution
Similar to EMI jurisdictions but with lower capital requirements and lighter regulation.
Fast processing. Fintech-friendly. Bank of Lithuania. 4-6 months. Lower capital than EMI. Best for: fastest EU PI authorization.
DNB regulated. Strong fintech hub. Dutch National Bank. Growing ecosystem. Best for: payment processors wanting Dutch base.
Central Bank. Premium. Strong reputation. English-speaking. Best for: premium positioning.
CSSF regulated. Cross-border focus. Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. Best for: cross-border payment operations.
One PI license + EU passport = full EU coverage. 30-minute consultation — no obligation.
// PSD2
PI license authorizes: payment execution, payment initiation (PISP), account information services (AISP), money remittance, and payment account services. Different service combinations require different authorization levels.
"PI license from Lithuania in 4 months. PISP services live across EU within 6 months. Processing €8M/month in payment initiations. The PI route was faster and cheaper than EMI — and it's all we needed."
// Important
If customers hold balances: EMI. If you only process transactions: PI. The distinction is critical — wrong license = regulatory breach.
Money remittance: €20K. Payment execution: €50K-€125K. Much lower than EMI €350K.
PSD2 requires SCA for electronic payments. Your technical platform must implement 3D Secure or equivalent.
// FAQ
PI processes payments. EMI issues electronic money (wallets, stored value). If customers hold balances with you: EMI. If you just move money: PI. PI has lower capital requirements (€20K-€125K vs. €350K). Book a consultation to determine which you need.
Application: €50K-€100K. Capital: €20K-€125K. Technology: €50K-€150K. Total: €120K-€375K. Significantly less than EMI. Book a consultation for your specific budget.
Lithuania: 3-5 months. Netherlands: 6-9 months. Ireland: 6-12 months. Book a consultation to start.
Yes. You can extend your PI authorization to cover additional payment services. Each extension requires regulatory approval. Book a consultation to plan your service roadmap.
PSD2 open banking (AISP/PISP) is covered under PI authorization. You can build API-based payment initiation and account aggregation services. Book a consultation.
// Related Solutions
PSD2 compliance opens the EU market. Book a consultation — 30 minutes, no obligation.
