Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right CASP class - 1, 2 or 3 - and leads the file all the way to the Bank of Lithuania decision, including banking and payment rails.
Get a crypto license in Lithuania.
The EU's fintech capital now licenses crypto under MiCA. A Bank of Lithuania CASP authorisation opens all 27 EU markets, and our Vilnius office on Gedimino Avenue runs the process end to end.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
Lithuania in brief
Europe's fintech capital, now on MiCA rails.
Lithuania built the EU's densest fintech cluster - almost three hundred licensed payment and e-money institutions, and in the VASP era it hosted more crypto companies than any other member state. Since 30 December 2024 the sector runs on MiCA: the Bank of Lithuania authorises crypto-asset service providers, the FNTT supervises AML, and the transitional window for old registrations closed on 1 January 2026.
For founders that means one authorisation instead of twenty-seven, an unusually approachable regulator - the Newcomer programme offers free pre-application meetings and accepts documentation in English - fixed capital tiers of €50,000-€150,000, and a 17% corporate tax with a 7% rate for small companies. Prifinance runs the whole process from its own office in Vilnius.
The EU's fintech capital - almost 300 licensed fintechs - moved its crypto sector onto MiCA rails; the VASP transition closed on 1 January 2026.
One Bank of Lithuania authorisation for all 27 EU states, capital €50k-€150k by class, 17% CIT with a 7% small-company rate. We run it from our Vilnius office.
Licence classes
One CASP authorisation - three service classes.
MiCA replaced Lithuania's VASP registrations with a single authorisation issued by the Bank of Lithuania. The class, and the minimum capital, follow from the services you plan to provide; most projects combine Class 1 and Class 2 services under one licence.
One Bank of Lithuania authorisation; the class and the capital follow from your services.
01 - CASP · CLASS 1-2
Core crypto services
For brokers, exchangers and custodians. Execution, exchange and safekeeping of client crypto-assets under one authorisation. Minimum capital €50,000-€125,000 depending on scope.
For brokers, exchangers and custodians. Execution, exchange and safekeeping of client crypto-assets under one authorisation. Minimum capital €50,000-€125,000 depending on scope.
- ✓Exchange of crypto ↔ fiat and crypto ↔ crypto
- ✓Execution, reception and transmission of orders
- ✓Custody and administration of client crypto-assets
- ✓Transfer services for crypto-assets
- ✓Advice and portfolio management on crypto-assets
- ✓Placing of crypto-assets
02 - CASP · CLASS 3
EU-wide passportTrading platform
The highest MiCA tier. Operation of a crypto trading venue with €150,000 minimum capital, listing rules and market-abuse controls, passportable across the EU.
The trading-venue tier - €150,000 capital, listing rules, EU-wide passport.
- ✓Operation of a crypto-asset trading platform
- ✓Matching of buyers and sellers in the venue
- ✓Admission-to-trading (listing) framework
- ✓Market-abuse monitoring under MiCA Title VI
- ✓Combines with custody and exchange services
- ✓One home regulator for all 27 states
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. Minimum capital depends on the CASP class - €50,000, €125,000 or €150,000 (MiCA Annex IV), and government and third-party fees are itemised in your quote.
Why Lithuania
An approachable regulator inside the EU's fintech cluster.
The rulebook is MiCA (Regulation (EU) 2023/1114), applied directly, with the Bank of Lithuania as the competent authority and the FNTT supervising AML. What sets Lithuania apart is not the law. It is the same across the EU, but how the regulator works with applicants.
✓
One EU rulebook (MiCA)
Crypto services are governed by Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 directly; the national crypto-markets law seats authorisation and supervision with the Bank of Lithuania. The VASP-era registrations are history. One clear regime remains.Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 applied directly. The VASP era is closed.
✓
Passport to 27 markets
A Lithuanian CASP authorisation passports across the entire EU under Article 65 of MiCA. A notification, not a new licence, opens each additional member state, with the Bank of Lithuania as your single home regulator.Article 65 notifications open every EU state from one home regulator.
✓
A regulator that talks to you
The Bank of Lithuania's Newcomer programme offers free pre-application meetings, and files are accepted in English. The statutory clock - 25 working days for completeness, 40 for assessment. Runs under Article 63 of MiCA.Newcomer programme: free pre-meetings, English files, 25 + 40 wd clock.
✓
Fixed capital tiers
Minimum capital is set by MiCA Annex IV, not by regulator discretion: €50,000 for Class 1, €125,000 for Class 2, €150,000 for Class 3. With an own-funds alternative under Article 67.€50k / €125k / €150k by class. Set by MiCA Annex IV, not discretion.
✓
Fintech infrastructure
Almost 300 licensed fintechs, banks and EMIs that actually understand crypto flows, SEPA rails and a deep compliance talent pool in Vilnius. Substance is built here faster than anywhere in the region.300 licensed fintechs, SEPA rails, deep compliance talent in Vilnius.
✓
AML that travels well
The FNTT enforces one of Europe's most rigorous AML practices, including the travel rule. A compliance file built to Lithuanian standards passes muster with banks and regulators across the EU.FNTT-grade compliance passes muster with banks across the EU.
How it compares
How Lithuania differs from its neighbours.
Under MiCA the rulebook is the same across the EU. What differs is the regulator's practice, the speed and the tax wrapper around it. Lithuania pairs the most approachable regulator in the region with a mature fintech ecosystem.
Lithuania vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Lithuania | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory regime | MiCA CASP - Bank of Lithuania | National regimes or late MiCA starts |
| EU market access | Passport to all 27 EU states | Often none without a local licence |
| Regulator dialogue | Newcomer programme, English files | Formal correspondence only |
| Licensing speed | 5-7 months in practice | Often 6-12+ months |
Regulatory regime
LithuaniaMiCA CASP - Bank of Lithuania
Other jurisdictionsNational regimes or late MiCA starts
EU market access
LithuaniaPassport to all 27 EU states
Other jurisdictionsOften none without a local licence
Regulator dialogue
LithuaniaNewcomer programme, English files
Other jurisdictionsFormal correspondence only
Licensing speed
Lithuania5-7 months in practice
Other jurisdictionsOften 6-12+ months
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania | MiCA CASP (Bank of Lithuania) | 17% CIT · 7% small companies | Engaged regulator, strict AML |
 Czech Republic | MiCA CASP (ČNB) | 21% CIT, 3-year exemption for individuals | Clear, technical, predictable |
 Poland | MiCA CASP (KNF) | 19% CIT | Late MiCA start, practice still forming |
 Estonia | MiCA CASP (Finantsinspektsioon) | 0% retained / 22% on payout | Experienced, demanding supervisor |
LithuaniaLicense typeMiCA CASP (Bank of Lithuania)
Taxation17% CIT · 7% small companies
RequirementsEngaged regulator, strict AML
Czech RepublicLicense typeMiCA CASP (ČNB)
Taxation21% CIT, 3-year exemption for individuals
RequirementsClear, technical, predictable
PolandLicense typeMiCA CASP (KNF)
Taxation19% CIT
RequirementsLate MiCA start, practice still forming
EstoniaLicense typeMiCA CASP (Finantsinspektsioon)
Taxation0% retained / 22% on payout
RequirementsExperienced, demanding supervisor
Before you apply
Requirements for a Lithuanian CASP authorisation.Requirements for a Lithuanian CASP.
The Bank of Lithuania assesses a CASP file against MiCA and national AML law. The checklist below is what a complete application actually contains. Most delays trace back to gaps here, not to the business model.
01
Lithuanian legal entity. A UAB (private limited company) with its registered office in Lithuania.
02
Real substance. An office and part of management and the compliance function physically in the country; letterbox setups fail the assessment.
03
Fit & proper management. Clean records and demonstrated competence for directors and qualifying shareholders.
04
Share capital - €50,000 / €125,000 / €150,000 by CASP class under MiCA Annex IV, or the own-funds alternative of Article 67.
05
Programme of operations. A three-year business plan describing each crypto-asset service you will provide.
06
AML/CFT framework. Policies under the Lithuanian AML/CTF Law, an appointed MLRO and reporting lines to the FNTT.
07
ICT resilience (DORA). Security and continuity arrangements under Regulation (EU) 2022/2554, which applies to CASPs.
08
Safeguarding of client assets. Segregation of client crypto-assets and funds, custody and wallet-management policy.
09
Governance & internal controls. Risk management, conflicts-of-interest rules and complaints handling.
10
Disclosure duties. White-paper and market-abuse obligations under MiCA Titles II and VI where relevant.
11
Application to the Bank of Lithuania. A complete file starts the statutory clock: 25 working days for completeness, 40 for assessment.
01
Lithuanian legal entity. A UAB with a registered office.
02
Real substance. Office, management and compliance in the country.
03
Fit & proper management. Clean records, competence checks.
04
Share capital - €50k / €125k / €150k by CASP class.
05
Programme of operations. Three-year, service-by-service plan.
06
AML/CFT framework. MLRO, policies, FNTT reporting.
07
ICT resilience. DORA security and continuity arrangements.
08
Safeguarding. Segregation of client assets, custody policy.
09
Governance. Risk, conflicts and complaints frameworks.
10
Application to the Bank of Lithuania. Starts the 25 + 40 working-day clock.
The list reflects MiCA Articles 59-68 and Bank of Lithuania practice as of 2026. The exact scope depends on your service mix. A Class 1 broker file is materially lighter than a Class 3 trading-venue file.Reflects MiCA Arts. 59-68 and Bank of Lithuania practice, 2026. Scope depends on your service mix.
How it works
From first call to an authorised CASP.
01
Structure and scoping
We map your services to the right CASP class, fix the capital tier and set up the Lithuanian UAB with the governance MiCA expects.Right CASP class, capital tier and a Lithuanian UAB with proper governance.
02
The application file
Three-year business plan, AML/CFT and DORA packs, safeguarding and conflicts policies. Drafted service by service against Articles 59-62 of MiCA.Business plan, AML, DORA and safeguarding packs. Service by service.
03
Bank of Lithuania review
A Newcomer pre-meeting, then filing starts the statutory clock: 25 working days for completeness, 40 for assessment. We answer every regulator query on your behalf.Newcomer pre-meeting, then 25 + 40 working days; we answer every query.
04
Authorisation and passporting
The decision lands, the company enters ESMA's register, and Article 65 notifications open every additional EU market you need.ESMA register entry, Article 65 notifications to the EU.
05
Launch and ongoing compliance
Reporting calendars, audits, DAC8 and travel-rule flows. We keep the licence healthy while you run the business.Reporting, audits, DAC8 and travel-rule flows.
Quick facts
RegimeMiCA (EU) 2023/1114
RegulatorBank of Lithuania
Statutory review25 + 40 working days
In practice5-7 months
Capital€50k / €125k / €150k
EU passportAll 27 member states
Local substanceOffice + MLRO
Language of fileEnglish accepted
Timeframes assume a complete file; every gap the regulator finds stops the clock until it is cured.
On the ground in Vilnius
Local expertise, not a faceless agency.
Prifinance - Lithuania
Vilnius · Gedimino Avenue
Gedimino pr. 2, LT-01103 Vilnius
01
Lithuanian company formation
We incorporate the UAB, contribute the class-appropriate capital and prepare the corporate documents the Bank of Lithuania expects to see.UAB, capital and corporate documents. Done for you.
02
The application file and the regulator dialogue
Business plan, policies, DORA and AML packs. Drafted by us and defended by us, from the first Newcomer meeting to the authorisation decision.From the Newcomer meeting to the decision. We defend every pack.
03
Substance and staffing
Registered office on Gedimino Avenue, local directors and MLRO recruitment, payroll. The presence the assessment requires, built to fit your budget.Office on Gedimino Avenue, local directors and MLRO.
04
Banking and payment rails
Accounts with Lithuanian banks and EMIs that actually onboard CASPs, SEPA access included. Opened in parallel so you launch the day the licence lands.CASP-friendly banks and EMIs with SEPA access, opened in parallel.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of crypto companies in Lithuania.
No special crypto levy. A Lithuanian CASP is taxed like any other Lithuanian company, with EU-grade certainty on VAT and a reduced rate for small companies while you scale.
Corporate tax 17%
The standard CIT rate from 2026 (16% in 2025). Trading margins, fees and commissions are taxed after ordinary deductions for compliance, legal and operational costs.Standard CIT from 2026; ordinary deductions apply.
Small companies: 7%
Companies with fewer than 10 employees and up to €300,000 in annual revenue pay a reduced 7% rate. A meaningful runway while the business scales.Under 10 employees and €300k revenue. A runway while you scale.
VAT-exempt exchange
Exchanging crypto for fiat is VAT-exempt across the EU under the ECJ's Hedqvist ruling (C-264/14). Lithuanian practice follows it without local surprises.Hedqvist (C-264/14): crypto ↔ fiat exchange is VAT-exempt.
Individuals: 15% then progressive
Under the 2026 GPM reform, personal crypto gains are non-employment income: the first 12 average wages (≈€27,700 in 2026) are taxed at 15%, with progressive rates of 20-32% above - per the State Tax Inspectorate.15% to ≈€27.7k of gains (2026), progressive above.
Loss carry-forward
Losses carry forward with a 70% offset cap per year under the 2026 rules. Plan the first loss-making build years accordingly.70% offset cap per year under the 2026 rules.
DAC8 from 2026
EU-wide crypto reporting under DAC8 applies from January 2026. We build the reporting flows into your compliance from day one.EU-wide crypto reporting. Built into your compliance day one.
Tax summary
Corporate tax rate17%
Small companies7%
VAT on crypto exchangeExempt
Personal gains (2026)15% to ≈€27.7k · then 20-32%
Loss carry-forward70% cap / year
DAC8 reportingfrom 2026
Tax treaties55+
*Company-level figures; personal rates apply to individual holders. Keep records and file on time to preserve licensed status.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the application file to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with in-depth expertise in MiCA and an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: Lithuanian UAB, AML/KYC policy pack, capital structure and tax registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a live, authorised CASP.
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Lithuania · MiCA CASP
Launch your crypto project in the EU with expert support.
Full-service assistance - from Lithuanian company registration to CASP authorisation and passporting.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is Lithuania the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, CASP class, or licensing route fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The Lithuanian CASP licence: quick answers.
What licence does a crypto business need in Lithuania?+
A CASP authorisation under MiCA (Regulation (EU) 2023/1114), issued by the Bank of Lithuania. The old VASP registration regime is closed - since 1 January 2026 only authorised CASPs may provide crypto-asset services.
What are the CASP classes and capital requirements?+
Class 1 (€50,000) covers execution, transmission of orders, advice, portfolio management and transfers; Class 2 (€125,000) adds custody and exchange; Class 3 (€150,000) covers operating a trading platform. The tiers are fixed by MiCA Annex IV.
How long does authorisation take?+
The statutory clock is 25 working days for the completeness check plus 40 working days for the assessment (MiCA Article 63). With Newcomer pre-meetings and regulator Q&A rounds, a well-prepared file lands in about 5-7 months.
Can I serve clients across the EU with a Lithuanian licence?+
Yes. Under Article 65 of MiCA a Lithuanian CASP passports its services to any EU member state by notification - no additional licences, with the Bank of Lithuania remaining your single home regulator.
Do I need real presence in Lithuania?+
Yes: a Lithuanian UAB with a registered office, and part of management and the compliance function actually in the country. The Bank of Lithuania screens out letterbox arrangements at the assessment stage.
What happened to the old VASP-era companies?+
Lithuania hosted hundreds of VASP registrations before MiCA. The transition - originally to 1 June 2025, extended to 1 January 2026 for those who applied - is over. New entrants apply for a full authorisation before launching.
What AML obligations apply?+
The Lithuanian AML/CTF Law: an appointed MLRO, KYC and monitoring, reporting to the FNTT, plus travel-rule compliance under the EU Transfer of Funds Regulation. AML readiness is examined inside the authorisation file.
How is the company taxed?+
17% corporate income tax from 2026 (7% for small companies under 10 employees and €300,000 revenue); crypto-to-fiat exchange operations are VAT-exempt under the ECJ's Hedqvist ruling.
And the founders personally?+
From 2026, personal crypto gains fall under Lithuania's reformed GPM: 15% on the first 12 average wages (≈€27,700) of annual non-employment income, then progressive 20-32% rates above - per official VMI guidance. Salaries and dividends follow standard Lithuanian rules.
Why Lithuania rather than the Czech Republic or Estonia?+
The rulebook is identical - MiCA, so the difference is execution: the most approachable regulator in the region (Newcomer programme, English files), a fintech ecosystem of almost 300 licensed firms, and a 7% small-company tax runway. The Czech Republic offers a lower-touch 21% wrapper; Estonia's supervisor is experienced but demanding.
What licence do I need?+
A CASP authorisation under MiCA from the Bank of Lithuania. Since 1 January 2026 only authorised CASPs may operate.
Classes and capital?+
Class 1 - €50k; Class 2 (custody, exchange) - €125k; Class 3 (trading platform) - €150k. MiCA Annex IV.
How long does it take?+
25 + 40 working days by statute; 5-7 months in practice.
Can I work across the EU?+
Yes - Article 65 passporting to all 27 states by notification.
Do I need local presence?+
Yes: UAB, office, part of management and compliance in-country.
What about old VASP companies?+
Transition closed on 1 January 2026 - a full authorisation is required now.
AML obligations?+
AML/CTF Law: MLRO, KYC, FNTT reporting, travel rule.
Company taxes?+
17% CIT (7% small companies), VAT-exempt exchange.
Founder taxes?+
15% to ≈€27.7k of gains (2026); 20-32% above.
Why Lithuania vs Czech or Estonia?+
Same MiCA rules - best regulator dialogue in the region and a 7% small-company runway.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Boris.. and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Boris went above and beyond to assist me with my residency needs. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly stood out. I highly recommend working with Boris and the team!”
Google
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Get a free legal opinion on your project - our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, CASP class, or licensing route fits your business.Free legal opinion: which CASP class fits your project and what it will cost.
✓Written legal opinion within 2-5 business days - free of charge✓A clear recommendation on the right CASP class, not a sales pitch✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU · ES speaking team
Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Bank of Lithuania or any other public authority. Authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.