MiCA Crypto Licensing in Lithuania

Lithuania is one of the most practical EU jurisdictions for obtaining a CASP license under MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation EU 2023/1114). With access to the entire EU market, a strong fintech ecosystem and a regulator experienced in licensing financial institutions, Lithuania offers crypto businesses a clear route to regulated operations in Europe.

Legal Mechanic supports crypto businesses through company setup, regulatory preparation, document drafting, personnel planning, Bank of Lithuania communication and ongoing compliance after licensing.

MiCA Licensing

Why Choose Lithuania for a MiCA License?

EU Market Access

Operate across the EU without separate national authorisations.
Provide services remotely to clients in other EU jurisdictions.

Fast Process

The Bank of Lithuania checks application completeness within 5 business days.
A licensing decision may be issued within approximately 3 months after a complete application.

Lower Costs

Lithuania is one of the more cost-efficient EU jurisdictions.
Operating expenses are generally lower than in many Western European markets.

Strong Fintech Hub

The Bank of Lithuania has issued more than 100 payment institution licenses.
There is practical experience with major market participants and MiCA licensing cases.

Banking Infrastructure

Companies may open accounts in Lithuania for share capital.
Banking infrastructure can support client asset and operating needs.

International Team Flexibility

International ownership and management structures can be accommodated.
Remote work is possible, subject to regulatory expectations and local presence requirements.

Opportunities Provided by MiCA

A MiCA license grants CASP status and allows the provision of crypto-asset services across the EU, including custody, trading platform operation, crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto exchange, execution of client orders, token placement, reception and transmission of orders, advice, portfolio management and transfer services.

MiCA also creates opportunities for double CASP and PSP licensing for EMT stablecoin services, token issuance involving ART, EMT and utility tokens, white paper publication, work with funds and institutional investors, crypto-as-a-service models and white-label exchanges.

Main Requirements

Key requirements include EUR 125,000 share capital, suitable shareholders and management, economic presence in Lithuania, Lithuanian-resident MLRO and CCO roles, AML board responsibility, robust AML/CFT, risk management, ICT, DORA, client asset, complaints and conflicts policies.

Applicants must also prepare a programme of operations, a three-year business plan with financial forecasts, evidence of EU and Lithuanian market integration, a bank account for client funds, and additional white paper or reserve documents where token issuance is involved.

CASP Licensing Procedure

The process includes company registration, opening an account for share capital, increasing capital, business and experience assessment against MiCA, gap analysis, document preparation, electronic submission to the Bank of Lithuania, regulatory review and final approval.

The process may take 3-6 months. A preliminary meeting with the Bank of Lithuania is recommended, and a UBO security screening request should be submitted before filing the licensing package.

Double CASP and PSP License for Stablecoin EMT Services

A double CASP and PSP license may be required for custody, administration, transfers and storage of EMT stablecoins on behalf of clients. A CASP must obtain a PSP license, work with a licensed partner or exclude EMT-related services.

The simplified PSP route can be reviewed in parallel with CASP licensing and may be shorter than a standard PSP procedure. The minimum share capital for a payment institution license is EUR 125,000, which also covers the CASP capital requirement.

Our Licensing Support

We support UBO checks, company incorporation, share capital increase, bank account opening, MiCA gap analysis, business plan and programme preparation, ICT documentation, AML/CFT and risk management policies, governance setup and record-keeping systems.

We also assist with qualified staff and internal auditor recruitment, accounting support, employment contracts, application submission and full support during the Bank of Lithuania review.

Ongoing Support for Licensed Crypto Companies

After licensing, we advise on MiCA, PSD2 and AML implementation, prepare legal opinions, assist with operating bank accounts, perform AML audits, support regulator inspections and provide Lithuanian law consultations.

We can also provide accounting services, GDPR and data protection documents, advocate representation where needed and support in communication with the regulator.

Why Work With Legal Mechanic?

Our team has practical experience supporting crypto businesses in Lithuania and understands the licensing expectations of the Bank of Lithuania.

If we see that your chances of obtaining a MiCA license in Lithuania are low, we will tell you immediately and propose alternative solutions.

Crypto Exchange Experience

Since 2021, we have supported large EU crypto exchanges in Lithuania.

Expert Legal Approach

Our team consists of practicing lawyers who work through complex regulatory issues in detail.

Trusted Partners

For more than five years, we have cooperated with major crypto licensing service providers in Lithuania.

Professional Qualification

Our lawyers regularly complete sector-specific training in AML and crypto regulation.

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