Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right licence scope and leads the file all the way to the AMF decision, including banking and payment rails.
Get a crypto license in France.
France pioneered crypto registration with the PSAN regime, and now licenses under MiCA through the AMF. The transitional window closes on 1 July 2026 - authorisation is the way in, and existing PSANs get a fast-track. We build that file end to end.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
France in brief
The PSAN pioneer, now on MiCA.
France moved early on crypto. The PACTE law of 2019 created the PSAN regime - digital-asset service provider registration with the Autorité des marchés financiers, the AMF - with mandatory registration for custody, crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchange, and trading-platform operation. That head start means the AMF supervised a real crypto sector years before MiCA, and it now runs CASP authorisation with that experience behind it. The transitional window for PSANs to convert closes on 1 July 2026; after that, providing crypto-asset services without MiCA authorisation is a criminal offence, carrying up to two years' imprisonment and a €30,000 fine.
For firms already in the French system, the path is smoother than starting cold: the AMF published a simplified MiCA authorisation procedure, and holders of the enhanced PSAN registration benefit from a fast-track review. France is one of the EU's largest economies, with deep capital markets, an active fintech scene in Paris and an AMF stamp that carries real weight across the bloc. Corporate profits are taxed at 25%, and private investors keep the clean 30% flat rate on crypto gains. We build the file end to end, whether you are converting a PSAN or applying fresh.
France pioneered crypto registration with PSAN (PACTE 2019) and now licenses under MiCA via the AMF. The transition closes 1 July 2026 - authorisation is the way in.
Existing PSANs convert on a simplified fast-track. One of the EU's largest markets, a heavyweight regulator, 25% corporate tax and the clean 30% flat rate for investors.
Licence classes
One authorisation, scoped to your services.
MiCA defines ten crypto-asset services across three capital classes. The AMF authorises the exact scope you apply for, and the scope drives capital, systems and the depth of the file. We fix the perimeter first, then build once - and use the PSAN fast-track where it applies.
Ten MiCA services in three capital classes - the AMF authorises the exact scope, with a PSAN fast-track where it applies.
01 - CASP · CLASS 1-2
Core crypto services
For brokers, exchangers and custodians - execution, exchange and safekeeping of client crypto-assets under one AMF 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 AMF 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
PSAN fast-track availableTrading 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. Enhanced-PSAN holders convert on a fast-track.
The highest MiCA tier - a trading venue with €150,000 capital; enhanced-PSAN holders convert on a fast-track.
- ✓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 - the AMF - for all 27 states
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. Existing PSAN registrants convert via the AMF's simplified procedure; new entrants build the full file - both scoped individually in your quote.
Why France
An early mover with a heavyweight regulator.
The framework rests on MiCA and the PSAN transition, supervised by the AMF - inside one of the EU's largest and deepest economies.
✓
One of the EU's largest markets
Deep capital markets, a large domestic base and an EU passport from a founding member. The licence covers all 27 states from an economy counterparties cannot ignore.Deep markets; the passport from a founding member.
✓
The AMF stamp carries weight
Experienced, thorough and respected across the bloc. Having supervised PSANs since 2019, the AMF brings real crypto expertise - and its authorisation reads as a serious approval, not one that needs explaining.PSAN experience since 2019 - a serious approval.
✓
The PSAN fast-track
France's head start means existing registrants convert through a simplified AMF procedure, with enhanced-PSAN holders on a fast-track. If you are already in the system, the path to CASP is shorter.Existing registrants convert faster.
✓
A real fintech ecosystem
Paris is a genuine fintech and Web3 hub, with talent, capital and events. A licensed crypto business finds partners, hires and counterparties here rather than closed doors.Paris - talent, capital, counterparties.
✓
The clean 30% flat rate
Private investors pay a flat 30% on crypto gains - the prélèvement forfaitaire unique - simple and predictable. Founders relocating know exactly where they stand at the owner level.Private crypto gains at a flat PFU.
✓
One passport, founding member
A single AMF authorisation passports into all 27 EU states after notification. Groups that want a heavyweight home stamp from the bloc's core choose France for exactly this.All 27 EU states by notification.
How it compares
How France differs from other routes.
France is the early-mover EU heavyweight with a PSAN fast-track. The honest comparison is positioning: a respected stamp from a founding member, with a smoother path for existing registrants.
France vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  France | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory regime | MiCA CASP under the AMF | National regimes or lighter desks |
| Head start | PSAN since 2019 · fast-track | Cold-start authorisation |
| Home market | One of the EU's largest | Smaller home markets |
| Weight of the stamp | Heavyweight, EU-respected | Varies |
Regulatory regime
FranceMiCA CASP under the AMF
Other jurisdictionsNational regimes or lighter desks
Head start
FrancePSAN since 2019 · fast-track
Other jurisdictionsCold-start authorisation
Home market
FranceOne of the EU's largest
Other jurisdictionsSmaller home markets
Weight of the stamp
FranceHeavyweight, EU-respected
Other jurisdictionsVaries
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | MiCA CASP (AMF) | 25% · 30% flat private | Thorough; PSAN fast-track |
 Germany | MiCA CASP (BaFin) | ~30% effective | Thorough, document-heavy |
 Luxembourg | MiCA CASP (CSSF) | ~24.94% corporate | Institutional, fund-grade |
 Lithuania | MiCA CASP (Bank of Lithuania) | 17% CIT (2026) | Fast, but strict AML practice |
FranceLicense typeMiCA CASP (AMF)
Taxation25% · 30% flat private
RequirementsThorough; PSAN fast-track
GermanyLicense typeMiCA CASP (BaFin)
Taxation~30% effective
RequirementsThorough, document-heavy
LuxembourgLicense typeMiCA CASP (CSSF)
Taxation~24.94% corporate
RequirementsInstitutional, fund-grade
LithuaniaLicense typeMiCA CASP (Bank of Lithuania)
Taxation17% CIT (2026)
RequirementsFast, but strict AML practice
Before you apply
Requirements for the AMF authorisation.Requirements for AMF authorisation.
The AMF reviews a CASP file completely, to a real financial standard. The checklist below is what a file that passes actually contains - built to MiCA, the French implementation and the ESMA technical standards.
01
French entity - typically an SAS or SARL with its registered office and effective management in France.
02
Substance - decision-making, compliance and at least part of operations genuinely in the country; letterbox setups fail.
03
Fit & proper management - at least two competent directors with clean records and relevant experience.
04
Own funds - €50,000, €125,000 or €150,000 by service class, or a quarter of fixed overheads if higher.
05
Programme of operations - services, target markets, volumes and a three-year business plan the AMF can interrogate.
06
AML/CFT framework - KYC, EDD, monitoring and reporting to TRACFIN, with a named compliance officer.
07
ICT and DORA compliance - resilience testing, incident reporting, a register of ICT providers and exit plans.
08
Safeguarding of client assets - segregation of client crypto and funds, custody policy and key-management design.
09
Governance - ownership disclosed up to UBOs, qualifying holdings declared, conflicts and complaints procedures.
10
PSAN mapping - for existing registrants, the current file aligned to the CASP standard via the simplified procedure.
11
Wind-down plan - credible, funded and documented.
01
French SAS/SARL with effective management here.
02
Real substance - compliance and decisions on the ground.
03
Two fit & proper directors.
04
Own funds €50k-€150k by class.
05
Programme of operations + 3-year plan.
06
AML/CFT with named officer, TRACFIN reporting.
07
ICT resilience under DORA.
08
Segregation and custody of client assets.
09
Ownership disclosed up to UBOs.
10
PSAN file mapped to CASP where relevant.
11
Credible, funded wind-down plan.
Reflects MiCA, the French implementation and AMF practice as of 2026. The PSAN transition closes on 1 July 2026 - operating without CASP authorisation after that is a criminal offence.MiCA + French implementation, AMF practice as of 2026. PSAN transition ends 1 July 2026.
How it works
From first call to the AMF register.
01
Perimeter and strategy
We map your services to the MiCA classes, fix scope, capital and timeline in writing - and check whether the PSAN fast-track applies to you.MiCA classes, capital, PSAN check - in writing.
02
French company and substance
SAS or SARL formation, registered office, directors and the governance layer - the presence the AMF assesses behind the file.SAS/SARL, office, directors - the presence behind the file.
03
The application file
Programme of operations, AML/CFT framework, ICT and DORA documentation, safeguarding and wind-down - assembled to AMF standards.Programme, AML, DORA, wind-down - AMF-grade.
04
AMF review
The statutory MiCA clock plus the AMF's question rounds - 6-12 months for a full file, shorter on the PSAN fast-track. We answer every round.6-12 months; faster on the PSAN fast-track.
05
Authorisation and passport
Entry in the AMF register, ESMA notification and passporting into all 27 EU states - plus ongoing reporting we can keep running.Register entry, then all 27 EU states.
Quick facts
RegulatorAMF
FrameworkMiCA + PSAN transition
Capital€50k / €125k / €150k
Transition ends1 July 2026
In practice6-12 months (faster if PSAN)
Prior regimePSAN (PACTE 2019)
Corporate tax25%
PassportAll 27 EU states
The AMF's completeness bar is the real timeline - PSAN registrants start well ahead, which is where the fast-track pays off.
On the ground in France
Run from our Dubai office, with French counsel.
Prifinance - France desk
Paris · France
Paris, France
01
French company formation
SAS or SARL incorporation, registered office and the corporate layer the AMF expects - structured for the application.SAS/SARL, structured for the file.
02
The authorisation file
Programme of operations, AML pack, ICT/DORA documentation and capital planning - drafted by us and defended through the AMF's question rounds.Programme, AML, DORA - defended through review.
03
PSAN conversion
For existing registrants, the simplified MiCA procedure and fast-track - the current file mapped to CASP without redoing what already works.Simplified procedure and fast-track.
04
Directors and substance
Director search, compliance staffing and office arrangements - the substance French law demands, assembled pragmatically.Director search, staffing, office.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of crypto companies in France.
No crypto-specific corporate levy - profits carry the 25% corporate rate, while private investors keep the clean 30% flat rate on crypto gains. Both are settled law.
25% corporate rate
France's standard corporate income tax is 25% on company profits. Ordinary deductions apply; a reduced rate exists for small companies on an initial tranche of profit.Standard rate; reduced tranche for small firms.
Private: 30% flat (PFU)
Private investors pay a flat 30% on crypto gains - the prélèvement forfaitaire unique, combining income tax and social levies. Simple, predictable and the same whatever the size of the gain.Simple, predictable, whatever the gain.
Crypto-to-crypto deferral
For private investors, tax generally arises on conversion to fiat or goods rather than on crypto-to-crypto swaps - a settled position that simplifies record-keeping.Tax on conversion to fiat or goods (private).
VAT-exempt exchange
Crypto-to-fiat exchange is VAT-exempt as a financial service under the Hedqvist line - the 20% standard rate touches only ordinary supplies.Hedqvist line; 20% on ordinary supplies.
A researchable regime
France's crypto tax rules are codified with administrative guidance behind them, so positions on trading, staking and disposals are researchable rather than guesswork.Codified rules, administrative guidance behind them.
DAC8 reporting from 2026
EU-wide crypto reporting applies from January 2026 - CASPs report client transactions to tax authorities automatically. Compliance is built into your setup from day one.Automatic CASP reporting, EU-wide.
Tax summary
Corporate income tax25%
Private flat rate (PFU)30%
Crypto-to-crypto swapDeferred (private)
VAT on crypto exchangeExempt
Standard VAT20%
DAC8 reportingfrom 2026
*Figures as of 2026. We model both company and owner levels before you commit.
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 an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: French SAS or SARL, 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, AMF-authorised business.
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France · AMF
Launch your crypto project in France with expert support.
Full-service assistance - from company registration to AMF authorisation and ongoing compliance.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is France the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The French crypto licence, answered.
What licence does a crypto business need in France?+
CASP authorisation from the AMF under MiCA - required for exchange, brokerage, custody, transfer, advice and trading-platform services. The old PSAN registration is being phased out; MiCA is the route in.
What happens to my PSAN registration?+
The PSAN regime transitions to MiCA, and the window closes on 1 July 2026. The AMF offers a simplified authorisation procedure, and enhanced-PSAN holders get a fast-track. We map your existing file straight onto the CASP standard.
How much capital is required?+
MiCA's three classes: €50,000 for advice and order services, €125,000 for exchange, execution and custody, €150,000 for a trading platform - or a quarter of annual fixed overheads if that is higher.
How long does AMF authorisation take?+
The statutory MiCA clock plus the AMF's completeness bar sets the pace - 6-12 months for a full new file, and shorter for enhanced-PSAN holders on the fast-track. Preparation quality decides it.
What substance does the AMF expect?+
A French SAS or SARL with effective management in France: at least two fit-and-proper directors, a compliance function on the ground, a real office and systems that demonstrably run. Letterbox structures are rejected.
What happens if I operate without authorisation after July 2026?+
It becomes a criminal offence - up to two years' imprisonment and a €30,000 fine. The transition is firm, which is exactly why converting or applying on time matters.
How are crypto companies and investors taxed?+
Companies pay the 25% corporate rate. Private investors pay a flat 30% on crypto gains - the prélèvement forfaitaire unique - with crypto-to-crypto swaps generally deferred. Crypto-fiat exchange is VAT-exempt; DAC8 reporting applies from 2026.
Does the French licence passport across the EU?+
Yes - one AMF authorisation covers all 27 EU member states through MiCA passporting after a notification, with no re-licensing, from a founding member with a heavyweight regulator.
What licence is needed?+
AMF CASP authorisation under MiCA - the route in.
My PSAN registration?+
Transitions to CASP; simplified fast-track, closes 1 July 2026.
Capital?+
€50k / €125k / €150k by service class.
How long?+
6-12 months; faster if enhanced-PSAN.
Substance?+
SAS/SARL, two directors, real office and compliance.
Unlicensed after July 2026?+
Criminal - up to 2 yrs and €30,000.
Taxes?+
25% corporate; 30% flat PFU for investors.
EU passport?+
Yes - all 27 states by notification.
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
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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, licence scope, or route fits your business.Free legal opinion: which French route 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 licence scope, 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 AMF or any other public authority. Authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.