Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right GFSC registration and hosting arrangement and leads the file to launch, including banking and payment rails.
Get a crypto license in Guernsey.
Guernsey is a respected offshore finance centre with a real VASP regime - the GFSC registers virtual-asset business under the Lending, Credit and Finance Law 2022. It runs on a 0% company-tax base, from a regulator institutions trust, and it can often be hosted by a local regulated administrator - real oversight without relocating a team. We build the company and the registration end to end.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
Guernsey in brief
A respected centre, a lighter footprint.
Guernsey regulates virtual-asset business through the GFSC under the Lending, Credit and Finance (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2022, which the island passed in July 2022 and brought into full effect on 1 July 2023. Any Guernsey entity exchanging, transferring, safekeeping or issuing virtual assets must register as a VASP and meet AML, counter-terrorist-financing and counter-proliferation-financing obligations - the GFSC updated its financial-crime Handbook specifically to cover VASPs. It is a real, supervised regime from a top-tier offshore name.
Guernsey's practical edge is that a VASP can be set up without «boots on the ground» - the entity can be hosted by a local Guernsey regulated administrator that provides the regulatory and compliance support the regime requires. That means real oversight and a credible registration without relocating a team to the island. The base underneath is a 0% standard company tax rate, with 10% reserved for financial-services businesses. What you build is a Guernsey company, the GFSC registration for your activity, and the AML programme behind it - with or without a local administrator, as the model prefers.
A respected centre with a real VASP regime: the GFSC registers under the Lending, Credit and Finance Law 2022.
A 0% company base, and often hosted by a local regulated administrator - real oversight without relocating a team.
The registration
Register for the virtual-asset activity you run.
Guernsey registers VASPs by activity under the 2022 Law. We scope the registration to what the business genuinely does and build the file the GFSC expects.
Register by activity - exchange, transfer, custody, issuance - in-house or administrator-hosted.
01 - EXCHANGE / TRANSFER
Exchange and transfer
Exchanging virtual assets or transferring them for clients - the core VASP activities, registered with the GFSC under the Lending, Credit and Finance Law.
Exchanging virtual assets or transferring them for clients - the core VASP activities, registered with the GFSC under the Lending, Credit and Finance Law.
- ✓Exchange and transfer activity
- ✓AML/CFT/CPF obligations
- ✓GFSC financial-crime Handbook applies
02 - CUSTODY / ISSUANCE
Safekeeping and issuance
Safekeeping virtual assets for clients, or issuing them - registrable VASP activities, with the safeguarding and governance the GFSC looks for.
A Guernsey VASP can be hosted by a local administrator - no boots on the ground required.
- ✓Custody and safekeeping
- ✓Token issuance
- ✓Governance and safeguarding
03 - ADMINISTRATOR-HOSTED
No boots on the groundHosted registration
A Guernsey VASP can be hosted by a local regulated administrator providing the compliance support - real oversight without relocating a team to the island.
A Guernsey VASP can be hosted by a local regulated administrator providing the compliance support - real oversight without relocating a team to the island.
- ✓Local regulated administrator
- ✓Compliance support provided
- ✓No relocation required
GFSC application and annual fees apply, and the compliance build - in-house or administrator-hosted - is the real work. Confirmed for your case before any work begins.
Why Guernsey
Top-tier name, low footprint, 0% base.
A respected regulator, a genuine 0% company rate and the option to run without local staff - Guernsey is the practical premium offshore route.
✓
0% company tax
Guernsey's standard company tax rate is 0%, with 10% for financial-services businesses. For most virtual-asset structures the base is a genuine zero, and we confirm the classification.Standard 0%; 10% financial services.
✓
Administrator-hosted option
A VASP can be hosted by a local regulated administrator - real GFSC oversight and a credible registration without relocating a team. That flexibility is Guernsey's practical edge.No relocation required.
✓
A regulator institutions trust
The GFSC is a serious, long-established supervisor. A Guernsey VASP registration reads to banks and counterparties as a credible, well-run authorisation.GFSC - credible standing.
✓
A current, clear law
The 2022 Law is recent and purpose-built, with the GFSC's financial-crime Handbook updated for VASPs - settled rules rather than a moving target.Purpose-built 2022 Law.
✓
English-law heritage
A stable, common-law-influenced system with deep professional and fund infrastructure - practical to build and run in.Stable, deep infrastructure.
✓
The honest structure wins
The GFSC registers on the file - the governance and the AML programme. We build both to the standard the regulator and correspondent banks read as legitimacy.Registered on the file.
How it compares
How Guernsey differs from other routes.
Guernsey is the premium-name offshore registration with a low-footprint, hosted option on a 0% base. The honest comparison is below.
Guernsey vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Guernsey | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Model today | GFSC VASP registration | From registration to full licensing |
| Company tax | 0% (10% financial services) | 0% offshore, or 9-30% onshore |
| Local footprint | Can be administrator-hosted | From none to full teams |
| Setup | From ~4-6 months | Weeks to years |
Model today
GuernseyGFSC VASP registration
Other jurisdictionsFrom registration to full licensing
Company tax
Guernsey0% (10% financial services)
Other jurisdictions0% offshore, or 9-30% onshore
Local footprint
GuernseyCan be administrator-hosted
Other jurisdictionsFrom none to full teams
Setup
GuernseyFrom ~4-6 months
Other jurisdictionsWeeks to years
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guernsey | VASP registration (GFSC) | 0% (10% fin. services) | Administrator-hosted possible |
 Jersey | VASP registration (JFSC) | 0% (10% fin. services) | AML-grade, ~4 months |
 BVI | VASP registration by category (FSC) | 0% corporate | Authorised representative, ~4-6 months |
 Cayman | Registration + licence (CIMA) | 0% corporate | Custody/platform licensed, ~4-6 months |
GuernseyLicense typeVASP registration (GFSC)
Taxation0% (10% fin. services)
RequirementsAdministrator-hosted possible
JerseyLicense typeVASP registration (JFSC)
Taxation0% (10% fin. services)
RequirementsAML-grade, ~4 months
BVILicense typeVASP registration by category (FSC)
Taxation0% corporate
RequirementsAuthorised representative, ~4-6 months
CaymanLicense typeRegistration + licence (CIMA)
Taxation0% corporate
RequirementsCustody/platform licensed, ~4-6 months
Doing it properly
What the GFSC registration file contains.What the GFSC file contains.
A real regime with real AML duties - lighter on local footprint, not on compliance. The checklist below is what we build and file.
01
Guernsey company - incorporated with clean governance and ownership to the UBOs.
02
GFSC VASP registration under the Lending, Credit and Finance Law 2022 for the activity carried on.
03
An AML/CFT/CPF programme to the GFSC's updated financial-crime Handbook.
04
A compliance officer and a money-laundering reporting officer.
05
Fit-and-proper principals, with governance the GFSC can assess.
06
Either a local presence or a Guernsey regulated administrator hosting the entity.
07
Systems, records and safeguarding of client assets where custody is involved.
08
Consumer-protection and disclosure arrangements appropriate to the activity.
09
Preparation for crypto-asset reporting frameworks as they are implemented.
10
Ongoing GFSC reporting and supervision.
01
Guernsey company.
02
GFSC VASP registration (LCF Law 2022).
03
AML/CFT/CPF programme.
04
Compliance officer and MLRO.
05
Fit-and-proper principals.
06
Local presence or administrator host.
07
Safeguarding for custody.
08
Consumer-protection arrangements.
09
Reporting-framework readiness.
10
Ongoing GFSC reporting.
Reflects the Lending, Credit and Finance (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2022, in full effect since 1 July 2023, and the GFSC financial-crime Handbook, as of 2026.LCF Law 2022 + GFSC Handbook, as of 2026.
How it works
From first call to a GFSC registration.
01
Strategy and footprint
Which activity, hosted or in-house, the honest timeline and the AML plan - fixed in writing before anything incorporates.Activity, hosted or in-house - in writing.
02
The Guernsey company
Incorporated with clean governance and ownership transparent to the UBOs.Guernsey company, clean governance.
03
The GFSC file
The VASP registration, the AML/CFT/CPF programme and the compliance officer and MLRO.Registration, AML, officers.
04
Hosting and banking
The administrator or in-house function in place; accounts arranged on disclosure.Administrator/function; accounts.
05
Registration and run
The GFSC registers the VASP; ongoing reporting keeps it clean.GFSC registers; reporting keeps it clean.
Quick facts
RegulatorGFSC
LawLCF Law 2022
In effect1 July 2023
FootprintAdministrator-hosted possible
VehicleGuernsey company
Company tax0% / 10% fin. services
AML basisGFSC Handbook (VASPs)
SetupFrom ~4-6 months
Guernsey pairs a premium name with a low-footprint option - the AML file is the work, the 0% base, standing and hosted route are the reward.
On the ground for Guernsey
Run from our European and Gulf offices.
Prifinance - Guernsey desk
Run from our London office
7 Bell Yard, London, United Kingdom
01
Guernsey company
The vehicle the registration sits on - incorporated clean, owned transparently to the UBOs.The vehicle, built clean.
02
The GFSC registration
The activity, the AML programme and the governance, assembled the way the GFSC expects to read them.Activity, AML, governance.
03
Hosted or in-house
A local regulated administrator where you want a low footprint, or an in-house compliance build - whichever fits the model.Administrator or own footprint.
04
Banking and rails
Accounts or a licensed payment provider, arranged on full disclosure with a respected name behind you.Arranged on full disclosure.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
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 Guernsey.
A genuine zero for most companies, with a 10% band for financial-services businesses - we confirm which applies.
0% standard rate
Guernsey's standard company income-tax rate is 0%. Most virtual-asset structures fall here, so the activity runs untaxed at the Guernsey level.Most companies.
10% for financial services
A 10% rate applies to financial-services businesses. Whether a VASP falls into that band depends on the model - we assess and confirm it rather than assume.By classification.
No capital gains tax
Guernsey has no capital gains tax - disposals of virtual assets and other property carry no separate CGT charge.No capital-gains charge.
Only fees and classification
The real questions are the annual fees, the hosting arrangement and the 0%-versus-10% classification, not a heavy tax bill. We model them up front.The real questions.
Reporting frameworks ahead
Guernsey aligns with international crypto-asset reporting standards as they are implemented - we build the structure ready for them.Built ready.
Home-country tax still matters
A low Guernsey rate does not switch off tax where owners live and manage. We flag the residence and controlled-company questions up front.Owners' residence counts.
Tax summary
Standard company tax0%
Financial-services companies10%
Capital gains taxNone
Crypto-specific taxNone - general position
FootprintAdministrator-hosted possible
ClassificationConfirmed per model
*As of 2026. The 0%-versus-10% classification and the hosting choice are the key questions - we confirm both for your case.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the GFSC file to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: the Guernsey company, the GFSC VASP registration file and the AML/KYC policy set. His document sets are the reason reviews finish cleanly.
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 clean, registered business.
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Guernsey · GFSC
Launch your crypto project in Guernsey with expert support.
Full-service setup - the company, the GFSC registration and the AML file, hosted or in-house.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is Guernsey the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which activity, hosting arrangement or route fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The Guernsey crypto registration, answered honestly.
Is there a real crypto regime in Guernsey?+
Yes - the GFSC registers VASPs under the Lending, Credit and Finance Law 2022, in full effect since 1 July 2023. Exchange, transfer, safekeeping and issuing all require registration, with real AML obligations.
What is the administrator-hosted route?+
A Guernsey VASP can be hosted by a local regulated administrator that provides the compliance support - so you get real GFSC oversight and a credible registration without relocating a team to the island.
How is it taxed?+
Guernsey's standard company rate is 0%, with 10% for financial-services businesses and no capital gains tax. Whether a VASP is 0% or 10% depends on classification, which we confirm for your model.
Guernsey or Jersey?+
They are close - both respected Channel Islands regulators with 0% bases. Guernsey's practical edge is the administrator-hosted option and low footprint; Jersey has its own strengths and tokenisation guidance. We help you choose.
What are the AML duties?+
The GFSC updated its financial-crime Handbook to cover VASPs - KYC, monitoring, reporting and counter-proliferation-financing controls. We build the programme to that standard, hosted or in-house.
How long does it take?+
Realistically a few months once the file is complete. The AML and governance quality is what keeps the GFSC review moving rather than in queries.
Do I need staff on the island?+
Not necessarily - the hosted route means the local regulated administrator provides the footprint. Where you prefer an in-house presence, we build that instead.
Why Guernsey with you?+
Because the registration turns on the file and the hosting - the AML programme and the governance. We build Guernsey applications to the standard the GFSC and the banks read, which is what makes the registration usable.
A real regime?+
Yes - GFSC VASP registration (2022 Law).
Hosted route?+
Local administrator - no boots on the ground.
Tax?+
0% standard; 10% financial services.
Guernsey or Jersey?+
Close; Guernsey adds the hosted option.
AML duties?+
GFSC Handbook - KYC, reporting, CPF.
How long?+
A few months once complete.
Staff on island?+
Not necessarily - hosted covers it.
Why with us?+
File and hosting to GFSC and bank standard.
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
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Google
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Google
Start today
One message away from your Guernsey registration.
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 activity, hosting arrangement or route fits your business.Free legal opinion: Guernsey activity and hosting for your project, and what it will cost.
✓Written legal opinion within 2-5 business days - free of charge✓A clear recommendation on hosting and activity, 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 Guernsey Financial Services Commission or the States of Guernsey. Registrations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authority.