DecentrAtty
MiCA CASP Authorisation - Malta
Your gateway to EU-wide crypto-asset services: a Malta-based MiCA authorisation lets you passport crypto-asset services to all 27 EU Member States without requiring a physical presence in each host state, leveraging Malta's experienced financial services ecosystem.
From scratch
From EUR 30,000
Timeline
From 6 months
Quick facts
Regulator / authority
Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)
Coverage
Digital Asset Custody; Wallet Services; Trading Platform Operations; Crypto-to-Fiat Exchange; Crypto-to-Crypto Exchange; Order Execution & Brokerage; Crypto-Asset Placing & Distribution; Reception & Transmission of Orders (Introducing Broker); Crypto Investment Advice; Discretionary Crypto Portfolio Management; Crypto Transfer & Remittance Services
Best for
Companies pursuing EU market expansion in crypto-asset and payment services, anchored within a robust, crypto-friendly framework
Local presence
Required (Maltese legal entity) unless EU member state providing crypto-asset services in Malta
Substance level
Medium (Maltese physical address, physical executive director based in Malta, staff can be foreigners, MFSA has discretion)
Banking friendliness
High
Who this is for
Best fit
You want a single EU passport to serve clients across all 27 Member States from one Malta-issued licence
You operate a crypto exchange, OTC desk, or swap service and need an EU-recognised regulatory status accepted by banks and institutional counterparties
You provide custodial wallet or crypto asset holding services on behalf of retail or professional clients
You are a group seeking to establish a regulated EU operating entity in an English-language, crypto-experienced jurisdiction
You want to conduct crypto transfer and remittance services within a structured EU AML/CFT framework
You are building a multi-service crypto business and want exchange, custody, advice, and management covered under one authorisation
You need a proportionate but credible licence — Malta offers scalable substance requirements and a pragmatic regulator
What you can do (scope)
Crypto-to-fiat exchange
Crypto-to-crypto exchange
Operating a crypto trading platform or marketplace
Executing crypto orders on behalf of clients
Receiving and transmitting crypto orders on behalf of clients
Custodial wallet services
Placing and distributing crypto assets to the public
Crypto portfolio management
Crypto investment advice
Crypto transfer and remittance services
Requirements overview
Company & presence
Maltese legal entity with a registered office in Malta
Key persons / governance
At least 2 directors (at least 1 executive director resident in Malta), compliance officer, MLRO, risk management function
Capital / safeguarding / bonds
Class 1 services (advice, orders, transfers, placing): minimum EUR 50,000. Class 2 services (+ custody, exchange): minimum EUR 125,000. Class 3 services (+ trading platform): minimum EUR 150,000.
AML/CTF baseline expectations
Risk Assessment; full CDD at client onboarding; EDD for high-risk third-country connections; transaction monitoring; suspicious transaction reporting; record keeping; mandatory MLRO appointment (MFSA prior approval); staff training; internal controls
Reporting / audits
AML/CTF and sanctions evasion compliance under EU AML Directive; Risk-based supervision and oversight by the MFSA; Suspicious transaction reporting to the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit; Mandatory Record Keeping: minimum 5 years (up to 7 if required by MFSA); Annual audited reporting package; Annual Compliance Report prepared by the Compliance Officer; Material event notifications to MFSA.
Process (end-to-end steps)
Step 1: Eligibility & scope mapping
Evaluating your intended operations and business plan to help with registration and apply for necessary activities; liaising with MFSA and accompanying you to preliminary meetings
Step 2: Entity setup / restructuring
If required, we will assist with the incorporation of a company in Malta. This can also be done after the licence has been attained; we will refer you to trusted service providers to fill any required roles (MLRO, compliance officer, etc.)
Step 3: Documentation pack
Collect and prepare the full document package, including the MFSA application form, programme of operations, business plan, corporate documents, AML/KYC policies, and technical documentation. Reviewing and/or drafting of required policies and procedures
Step 4: Licensing
Submission of the document package to the MFSA to initiate the procedure of authorising the CASP. Filing of personal questionnaires for key functionaries
Step 5: Follow-ups & queries
The MFSA conducts a detailed review of the initial submission and issues formal feedback. We coordinate the structured refinement of the application, addressing regulatory observations and supplementing any outstanding elements to ensure readiness for final determination
Step 6: Go-live readiness
Receival of MFSA Authorisation, onboarding with banks, and registration of company in Malta (if this has not already been done in Step 2)
What's included in our support
Core package
- Assisting you in preparing your statement of intent
- Liaising with the regulator on your behalf
- Advising on and helping you prepare your CASP application
- Preparation of corporate/regulatory documents/policies for legal entity (including AML document)
- Registration of legal entity
Optional add-ons
- Assistance with finding qualified local key functionaries, registered office
- Drafting of policies and internal procedures
- Tax and AML/CTF advice
- Assistance with finding banking services
FAQ
Can a foreign shareholder open a Maltese CASP?+
Yes. Full foreign ownership is allowed. There are no residency requirements for shareholders.
How quickly can a Malta-authorised CASP start providing services in other EU Member States?+
Almost immediately after notification. The CASP must submit to the MFSA a list of the host Member States, the services to be provided, the intended start date, and any other non-MiCA activities.
What is the most common company structure used by foreign businesses setting up in Malta?+
The most widely used structure is the Private Limited Liability Company (Ltd). It requires a minimum share capital of €1,165, at least 20% of which must be paid up on incorporation. It requires at least one director and one shareholder, and there is no requirement for either to be Maltese-resident (although local substance requirements apply to Licence Holders).
How long does it take to incorporate a company in Malta?+
Incorporation through the Malta Business Registry (MBR) typically takes 2 to 5 working days once all required documentation is submitted and accepted.
Can you add services to your licence after it is issued?+
Yes. To top-up services beyond initially authorised scope, the CASP must apply with the MFSA and the request is processed under the same MiCA and Maltese procedure.
What happens if the MFSA refuses or withdraws your licence — do you have a right of appeal?+
Yes. A person aggrieved by an MFSA decision may appeal to the Financial Services Tribunal, and may also appeal the MFSA's failure to decide on a complete authorisation application within 6 months from submission of the complete application.
Must a proposed director or key function holder be approved before they start their role?+
Yes. Qualifying shareholders, directors, and key function holders are all required to obtain the MFSA's approval prior to commencing their involvement with the Licence Holder.
Can the same person act as both Compliance Officer and MLRO?+
Yes — subject to MFSA prior approval.
Ready to get started?
Discuss licensing from scratch — we'll get back to you within 24 hours.