Get a Crypto License in Poland

Obtaining a crypto license in Poland: Access to the EU market through MiCA

Poland is considered one of the promising jurisdictions for obtaining a cryptocurrency license under the new pan-European MiCA regulation. Such a license provides direct access to legal operations with cryptocurrencies and virtual assets throughout the EU.

Key features:

• The license is issued in accordance with MiCA – a mandatory regulation for all EU countries.
  
• It allows official operations with digital assets, acceptance of funds, and management of cryptocurrency transactions.
  
• Polish regulation is clearly aligned with MiCA and differs from jurisdictions with vague or incomplete licensing rules.
  
• MiCA grants priority status to licensed companies and introduces mandatory client protection measures.
  
• A license ensures a transparent, objective, and controlled registration process.

Obtaining a crypto license in Poland is especially relevant for companies planning to develop a legal structure in the virtual asset sector and benefit from operating in the regulated EU market.

Advantages of obtaining a crypto license in Poland

Obtaining a crypto license provides companies with access to the regulated European market and creates strategic opportunities under the MiCA, which applies across EU member states.

Regulatory clarity and compliance

• Poland fully adheres to MiCA standards, ensuring a unified, transparent, and fair regulatory framework for all cryptocurrency service providers.
  
• Holding a cryptocurrency license confirms compliance with European standards, reduces regulatory risks, and increases consumer trust.
  
• The license is issued by Polish financial regulators, who also oversee company activities within the established legal framework.

Strategic location and EU market access

• Poland serves as a “gateway” to Europe: having a license grants companies access to over 400 million consumers within the EU.
  
• Through the MiCA passporting mechanism, companies licensed in Poland can offer services in other EU countries without needing additional authorizations.
  
• Poland’s fintech ecosystem is actively growing, and increasing demand for cryptocurrencies creates substantial opportunities for business expansion.

Favorable business environment

• Poland offers competitive business conditions compared to Western European countries: lower corporate tax rates and access to a skilled workforce at a lower cost.
  
• The licensing procedure is simplified: with compliance to local regulations, minimal documentation is required, and interaction with the regulator is efficient.
  
• A developed digital infrastructure and crypto-friendly banking services provide additional support for companies in this sector.

Security and consumer protection

• To obtain a license, companies must meet strict security requirements, including AML/KYC compliance and a reliable IT infrastructure.
  
• Regulators conduct continuous supervision of licensed companies, helping to identify risks in a timely manner and ensuring customer confidence in the provided services.

Main advantages of the Polish crypto license

Advantage	Description
Regulatory clarity	Full compliance with EU MiCA requirements
Market access	Pan-European operations through MiCA passporting
Cost efficiency	Competitive operational costs and favorable tax rates
Business environment	Supportive and growing fintech ecosystem
Security and compliance	Strong consumer protection, AML/KYC adherence, and IT standards

Obtaining a cryptocurrency license is not only a regulatory requirement but also a strategic business decision that enables companies to build a sustainable competitive advantage and establish a strong presence in the European digital asset market.

Poland vs other jurisdictions: How to choose a country for a crypto license

When selecting a jurisdiction for obtaining a crypto license, Poland holds a strong position within the European Union. However, it’s important to compare it with other popular global options before making a decision. Below is a comparison of licensing options with a focus on key aspects.

Jurisdiction	License type	Regulatory authority	License fees	Launch time	Compliance burden	Market access	Access to banking
Poland (EU – MiCA)	MiCA CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider)	Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)	Moderate	3–6 months	Medium	Entire EU, global	Generally good
Germany (EU – BaFin)	MiCA CASP	BaFin	High	4–8 months	High	Entire EU, global	Strong
United Kingdom	FCA Cryptoasset Registration	Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)	Moderate–high	4–8 months	High	UK + limited EEA	Complex
Singapore	Major Payment Institution (MPI)	Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)	High	4–6 months	High	Asia-Pacific region, global	Good
USA	MSB and State-Level	FinCEN & state regulators	Very high	6–18 months	Very High	US only	Complex
Offshore (e.g., BVI)	VASP	Local authorities	Low	1–3 months	Low	Global (limited banking options)	Often difficult

Poland

Offers competitive licensing costs and moderate compliance requirements under MiCA, while providing direct access to the entire European Union financial landscape.

Germany and the United Kingdom

Regulations in these countries are considered mature and stable; however, they come with higher costs and significantly stricter compliance obligations.

Singapore

Provides excellent opportunities for regional access but involves high costs and heightened demands for ongoing regulatory compliance.

United States

Regulation is fragmented, complex, and expensive. Additionally, there are serious structural issues within the regulatory system.

Offshore jurisdictions

Often offer a faster and cheaper licensing process, but come with limited access to banking services and reputational risks.

A crypto license in Poland is a balanced solution for companies planning to operate in Europe. Combined with regulatory compliance, optimal costs, and reliable access to the EU ecosystem, a MiCA-based license ensures legal clarity and convenience for scaling a business across the European Union.

Requirements for obtaining a crypto license in Poland

The process of obtaining a crypto license is carried out in accordance with the European Union’s MiCA and national regulatory requirements under the supervision of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).

An applicant seeking a license must meet a set of legal, operational, and financial requirements designed to ensure transparency, security, and integrity in market operations.

Requirement	Description
Legal entity	Register the company with local authorities.
Capital requirements	Minimum capital varies by activity type, generally starting from €125,000.
Management and staff	Appointment of fit and proper directors and compliance officers with relevant experience.
AML/KYC compliance	Comprehensive anti-money laundering and know-your-customer policies with ongoing monitoring.
Internal controls	Implementation of risk management, IT security, and audit systems tailored to crypto-related risks.
Business plan	A detailed plan outlining all intended crypto exchange operations and related services.
Documentation	Full submission of corporate documents, ownership structure, and background checks.
Application gees	Payment of the relevant license application and annual fees set by the KNF.
Physical presence	Proof of operational presence in Poland or the EU, including office and local staff.

Notes:

• For certain types of activities, such as asset custody, trading, or providing advisory services, separate licenses or permissions may be required.
  
• Compliance with the pan-European MiCA ensures uniform and harmonized rules across all EU member states.
  
• As part of the application review process, the Polish regulator may request additional information or conduct interviews with the applicant.

Overview of key requirements

Category	Requirement for a crypto license in Poland
Legal entity	Company registered in Poland
Minimum capital	€125,000+
Management	Fit and proper personnel
AML/KYC	Mandatory, ongoing compliance
Documentation	Full disclosure and comprehensive due diligence
Local presence	Office and staff in Poland or the EU
Fees	Application and annual regulatory fees
Reporting	Regular submission of regulatory documents

Registration of a crypto company in Poland: Timeline and procedure

Obtaining a crypto license in Poland under the MiCA regulation is a multi-stage process involving cooperation with the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF – Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego) and strict adherence to detailed regulatory requirements. The timeline for licensing depends on the completeness of submitted documents, the complexity of the review, and the nature of the intended crypto activities.

Main licensing stages

1. Preliminary consultation and preparation

• Define the exact scope of planned activities (e.g., exchange, asset custody, trading, advisory);
  
• Prepare a full legal and compliance documentation package (including a business plan and AML/KYC policy);
  
• Set up the appropriate legal structure and meet capital adequacy requirements.
  

2. Company registration

• Incorporate the company in Poland or another EU jurisdiction recognized by the KNF;
  
• Appoint directors, compliance officers, and other required key personnel.

3. Application submission

• Submit the complete application package, including all required information and payment of state fees, to the KNF.

4. Application review and clarifications

• KNF reviews the application and, if needed, requests additional documents, clarifications, or organizes an interview;
  
• A site inspection or audit may be conducted to verify the applicant’s physical presence.

5. Approval and license issuance

• If the outcome is positive, the KNF issues the crypto license;
  
• The company gains the right to legally conduct crypto activities in Poland and other EU countries.

6. Post-licensing supervision and reporting

• License holders must maintain continuous compliance with AML/KYC and operational standards;
  
• Regular reporting and audits must be conducted and submitted to the KNF in accordance with MiCA and national regulations.

Stage	Estimated duration
Preparation and company formation	4–6 weeks
Application submission	—
Regulatory review	3–6 months
License issuance	2–4 weeks
Total estimated time	4–7 months

Factors influencing the timeline for obtaining a license

The review period for a crypto license application may vary depending on several key factors:

• completeness and accuracy of the submitted documentation;
  
• complexity of the proposed activity (e.g., simple exchange vs. multifunctional platform);
  
• speed of communication and timely responses to KNF’s inquiries;
  
• experience and professional qualifications of the management team, including their familiarity with regulatory requirements.

Taxation of companies with a crypto license in Poland

Poland applies a tax framework relevant to companies authorized to provide cryptocurrency services under the MiCA regulation and the broader EU regulatory framework.

Understanding the tax system is crucial for crypto exchange businesses, it enables operational efficiency and ensures full legal compliance.

Key tax features for crypto companies in Poland

Type of tax	Description and rates
Corporate Income (CIT)	Standard rate: 19%; reduced rate of 9% for small taxpayers and startups, subject to qualifying income thresholds.
Value-added (VAT)	Generally applied at 23%; however, many cryptocurrency exchange and wallet services may be exempt or zero-rated under EU VAT directives.
Personal income (PIT)	Progressive rates of 17% and 32% for individuals; applies to employees and shareholders.
Capital gains	Taxed under corporate income rules; income from crypto-related activity is typically classified as business income.
Withholding	No tax on dividends if the EU parent company meets exemption criteria; otherwise, treaty-based rates apply under double taxation agreements.

Tax implications and advantages

Harmonization with EU legislation

Poland’s tax regime fully complies with the requirements of the MiCA regulation, which is in force across the entire European Union. This ensures legal certainty and predictable taxation for cross-border crypto operations.

No separate cryptocurrency tax

Cryptocurrency transactions fall under existing tax regulations, corporate income tax and VAT. A special, separate tax regime for cryptocurrency assets is not introduced, which simplifies the legal qualification of operations.

Tax incentives 

Poland offers a wide range of tax incentives for startups and innovative companies. These measures may also apply to cryptocurrency businesses operating under a crypto license.

Double taxation treaties

An extensive network of international tax treaties minimizes the risk of double taxation and facilitates the entry of crypto companies into foreign markets.

Tax compliance considerations

• Maintaining full and transparent accounting and operational records for cryptocurrency transactions;
  
• Timely submission of corporate and personal tax returns, including reporting on cryptocurrency asset transactions;
  
• Daily documentation of all AML/KYC and financial compliance activities in accordance with the requirements of regulatory authorities, including the tax office.

Overview of crypto company taxation

Type of tax	Rate / description
Corporate Income	19% standard rate, 9% reduced rate
VAT	23% standard rate, exemptions may apply
Personal Income	17% / 32% progressive rates
Capital Gains	Taxed as business income
Withholding	Subject to applicable tax treaties

Key facts about obtaining a cryptocurrency license in Poland

Category	Description
Regulatory framework	EU MiCA, oversight by KNF (Polish Financial Authority)
Licensed activities	Cryptocurrency exchange, asset custody, wallets, trading, token issuance, cryptocurrency payment
License issuance time	From 3 to 6 months
Minimum capital investment	Depends on business scope, must cover operational risks
Physical presence	Mandatory: registered office in Poland, substance, local manager and compliance officer
Foreign ownership	Allowed up to 100%, subject to AML/KYC and operational control requirements
Taxation	Standard corporate income tax and VAT apply, no separate “cryptocurrency tax”
Tax advantages	Incentives for startups and innovative businesses, double taxation treaties
Passporting	Yes, under MiCA: license valid throughout the EU
Post-licensing supervision	Continuous AML/KYC compliance, financial reporting, auditing, risk management
Liability for illegal activity	Fines, criminal liability, business closure, reputational damage
Poland’s competitive advantages	Fast licensing, moderate requirements, transparency, favorable taxation, access to the entire EU market

 

Professionals with international expertise

Behind every successfully executed project stands a team of experts with deep knowledge of the crypto market, European regulations, and MiCA requirements. Our specialists possess high-level legal and financial qualifications, along with years of hands-on experience supporting clients through all stages of obtaining a crypto license, from jurisdiction selection to regulator interaction and AML/KYC compliance.

We work regularly with international clients and understand the specifics of cross-border regulation, which enables us to find optimal and legally sound solutions even in the most complex cases. By choosing us, you gain a partner with an impeccable reputation and proven results.

Unlock the European market for your crypto business

We will prepare, submit, and guide your application to success – with full consideration of all nuances of Polish regulation.

FAQ: Cryptocurrency regulation and the crypto license procedure in Poland

1. What is a crypto licenсe in Poland and who issues it?

A crypto licenсe in Poland is an official authorization issued under the EU’s MiCA regulation. It legalizes the operation of a cryptocurrency exchange, wallet, or other virtual asset services within Poland. The license is issued and supervised by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority – KNF (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego).

2. What cryptocurrency activities are covered by the Polish crypto licenсe?

The licenсe covers operations related to running a cryptocurrency exchange, trading, asset custody, crypto wallets, issuance of virtual assets, and providing crypto-based payment services.

3. How long does it take to obtain a crypto license in Poland?

The process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the speed of interaction with the regulator during the review phase.

4. What are the capital requirements for applying?

Minimum capital requirements depend on the scope of declared activities. Companies must hold sufficient capital to cover operational risks and meet the regulatory standards set by MiCA.

5. Is it necessary to open a physical office in Poland?

Yes, the applicant must have a registered office in Poland and meet “substance” requirements, including the appointment of qualified management and compliance personnel.

6. Can foreign investors fully own a crypto company in Poland?

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted, provided that all regulatory requirements, including AML/KYC and operational controls – are fully met.

7. What are the compliance obligations for license holders?

Companies must implement and maintain effective AML/KYC policies, ensure regular financial reporting, comply with cybersecurity standards, protect client assets, and perform ongoing risk assessments.

8. Does a Polish crypto licenсe grant the right to operate in other EU countries?

Yes, through passporting mechanisms, a license issued in Poland allows business-to-consumer (B2C) operations throughout the EU.

9. What are the consequences of operating a crypto business without a licenсe?

Operating without an authorization is illegal and may result in fines, criminal liability, business closure, and significant reputational risks.

10. How does Poland’s cryptocurrency regulation compare with other EU countries?

Poland fully adheres to the MiCA regulation, ensuring legal alignment with other EU member states. This makes the jurisdiction stable, regulated, and investor-protective, with full EU market access, positioning Poland as a competitive European option.