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 ASF decision, including banking and payment rails.
Get a crypto license in Romania.
Romania licenses crypto under MiCA, with the ASF as the competent authority. It pairs a full EU passport with one of the bloc's lowest corporate rates and one of its deepest engineering talent pools - a place to license and to actually build the team. 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
Romania in brief
Low tax, deep talent, full EU passport.
Romania transposed MiCA through Government Emergency Ordinance 10/2025, in force from 13 March 2025, which names the Autoritatea de Supraveghere Financiară - the ASF - as the primary competent authority for crypto-asset service providers, with the National Bank of Romania (BNR) handling e-money tokens issued by credit and e-money institutions. The ASF is Romania's single point of contact with ESMA; the transitional period for existing providers runs to 1 July 2026. It is a full authorisation regime, cleanly assigned, with the roles between the two regulators set out in the ordinance.
Where Romania stands apart inside the EU is the operating maths. Corporate profits are taxed at a flat 16%, among the lowest headline rates in the bloc, and the country holds one of Europe's largest and best-trained software engineering talent pools - Bucharest, Cluj and Timișoara have supplied developers to the continent for two decades, at costs well below Western Europe. For a crypto firm that has to license and then build a real technical and compliance team, Romania lets you do both in one place. One ASF authorisation passports into all 27 EU states. We build files for it end to end - and we are candid about the ongoing 0.5% regulatory fee that comes with the regime.
Romania licenses crypto under MiCA via GEO 10/2025, with the ASF as primary authority and the BNR for e-money tokens. Transition runs to 1 July 2026.
The edge is operating maths: a flat 16% corporate rate and one of Europe's deepest engineering talent pools. License and build the team in one place - passport to 27 states.
Licence classes
One authorisation, scoped to your services.
MiCA defines ten crypto-asset services across three capital classes. The ASF 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.
Ten MiCA services in three capital classes - the ASF authorises the exact scope you apply for.
01 - CASP · CLASS 1-2
Core crypto services
For brokers, exchangers and custodians - execution, exchange and safekeeping of client crypto-assets under one ASF 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 ASF 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
16% corporate · EU 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 from a low-tax, talent-rich base.
The highest MiCA tier - a trading venue with €150,000 capital, passportable from a low-tax, talent-rich base.
- ✓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 ASF - for all 27 states
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. Beyond statutory application fees, the ASF regime carries an ongoing 0.5% monthly regulatory fee - we set it out plainly so the operating model is honest from day one.
Why Romania
License and build the team in one place.
The framework rests on MiCA and GEO 10/2025, supervised by the ASF - inside a low-tax EU state with an unusually deep engineering base.
✓
16% flat corporate tax
Among the lowest headline corporate rates in the EU. For a business that keeps and reinvests profits, the difference against Western Europe compounds year after year - a real figure in the model.Among the lowest headline rates in the EU.
✓
One of Europe's deepest talent pools
Romania has supplied software engineers to the continent for twenty years, with strong technical universities in Bucharest, Cluj and Timișoara. You can hire real compliance and engineering staff here, at sane cost.Twenty years supplying developers to Europe.
✓
A cleanly assigned regime
GEO 10/2025 sets the roles: the ASF for CASPs and most crypto-assets, the BNR for e-money tokens from banks and EMIs. No overlapping registers - one rulebook, clearly divided.ASF for CASPs, BNR for EMTs - no overlap.
✓
EU and Schengen
Romania is an EU member inside the Schengen area, so goods, people and passporting move freely. The licence reaches all 27 states, and the country sits on the bloc's eastern edge without friction.Free movement; passport to all 27 states.
✓
Low operating costs
Office space, salaries and running costs sit well below the EU average, which matters when a MiCA build needs sustained substance and staff rather than a nameplate.Salaries and space below the EU average.
✓
One passport, from the East
A single ASF authorisation passports into all 27 EU states after notification - the low-cost base and the full-market reach in the same package.Low-cost base, full-market reach.
How it compares
How Romania differs from other routes.
Romania is the low-tax, high-talent EU base - a place to license and to build. The honest comparison is below, including the regulatory fee.
Romania vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Romania | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory regime | MiCA CASP under the ASF | National regimes or lighter desks |
| Corporate tax | 16% flat - among EU's lowest | Often 20-30%+ |
| Engineering talent | Deep and cost-effective | Scarcer or pricier |
| Ongoing fee | 0.5% monthly regulatory fee | Varies |
Regulatory regime
RomaniaMiCA CASP under the ASF
Other jurisdictionsNational regimes or lighter desks
Corporate tax
Romania16% flat - among EU's lowest
Other jurisdictionsOften 20-30%+
Engineering talent
RomaniaDeep and cost-effective
Other jurisdictionsScarcer or pricier
Ongoing fee
Romania0.5% monthly regulatory fee
Other jurisdictionsVaries
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romania | MiCA CASP (ASF) | 16% flat corporate | Low cost, deep talent |
 Bulgaria | MiCA CASP (FSC) | 10% flat corporate | Low tax, EU base |
 Lithuania | MiCA CASP (Bank of Lithuania) | 17% CIT (2026) | Fast, but strict AML practice |
 Poland | MiCA CASP (KNF) | 19% CIT | Large market, thorough |
RomaniaLicense typeMiCA CASP (ASF)
Taxation16% flat corporate
RequirementsLow cost, deep talent
BulgariaLicense typeMiCA CASP (FSC)
Taxation10% flat corporate
RequirementsLow tax, EU base
LithuaniaLicense typeMiCA CASP (Bank of Lithuania)
Taxation17% CIT (2026)
RequirementsFast, but strict AML practice
PolandLicense typeMiCA CASP (KNF)
Taxation19% CIT
RequirementsLarge market, thorough
Before you apply
Requirements for the ASF authorisation.Requirements for ASF authorisation.
The ASF reviews a CASP file completely, to the MiCA standard. The checklist below is what a file that passes actually contains - built to MiCA, GEO 10/2025 and the ESMA technical standards.
01
Romanian entity - an SRL or SA with its registered office and effective management in Romania.
02
Substance - decision-making, compliance and at least part of operations genuinely in the country; letterbox setups fail.
03
Fit & proper management - 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 ASF can interrogate.
06
AML/CFT framework - KYC, EDD, monitoring and reporting to the ONPCSB, 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
Regulatory-fee planning - the ongoing 0.5% monthly fee built into the financial model, not discovered later.
11
Wind-down plan - credible, funded and documented.
01
Romanian SRL/SA with effective management here.
02
Real substance - compliance and decisions on the ground.
03
Fit & proper directors.
04
Own funds €50k-€150k by class.
05
Programme of operations + 3-year plan.
06
AML/CFT with named officer, ONPCSB reporting.
07
ICT resilience under DORA.
08
Segregation and custody of client assets.
09
Ownership disclosed up to UBOs.
10
0.5% monthly fee built into the model.
11
Credible, funded wind-down plan.
Reflects MiCA, GEO 10/2025 and ASF administrative practice as of 2026. The transitional period runs to 1 July 2026 - operating outside authorisation once it closes is unlawful.MiCA + GEO 10/2025, ASF practice as of 2026. Transition to 1 July 2026.
How it works
From first call to the ASF register.
01
Perimeter and strategy
We map your services to the MiCA classes and fix scope, capital and timeline in writing - including the tax and regulatory-fee model.MiCA classes, capital, tax and fee model - in writing.
02
Romanian company and substance
SRL or SA formation, registered office, directors and the local team - the presence the ASF assesses behind the file.SRL/SA, office, team - 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 ASF standards.Programme, AML, DORA, wind-down - ASF-grade.
04
ASF review
The MiCA clock is 25 working days to completeness plus 40 for assessment - 6-10 months in practice. We answer every question round.25+40 wd statutory; 6-10 months in practice.
05
Authorisation and passport
Entry in the ASF 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
RegulatorASF (BNR for EMTs)
FrameworkMiCA + GEO 10/2025
Capital€50k / €125k / €150k
Statutory clock25 + 40 working days
In practice6-10 months
Transition ends1 July 2026
Ongoing fee0.5% monthly
PassportAll 27 EU states
The statutory clock starts when the ASF deems the file complete - completeness quality is where timelines are actually won.
On the ground in Romania
Run from our Dubai office, with Romanian counsel.
Prifinance - Romania desk
Bucharest · Romania
Bucharest, Romania
01
Romanian company formation
SRL or SA incorporation, registered office and the corporate layer the ASF expects - registered and structured for the application.SRL/SA, registered and 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 ASF's question rounds.Programme, AML, DORA - defended through review.
03
Team build and substance
Compliance and engineering hiring, office arrangements and the genuine local presence MiCA demands - assembled where the talent actually is.Hiring where the talent actually is.
04
Cost and fee modelling
The 16% tax position and the 0.5% regulatory fee modelled together, so the running economics are clear before you commit.16% tax and 0.5% fee, modelled together.
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 Romania.
One of the EU's lowest corporate rates at a flat 16%, with a small-company regime alongside it - the reason Romania competes on operating economics as much as on talent cost.
16% flat corporate rate
Standard corporate profit tax is a flat 16% - among the lowest headline rates in the EU. For a profit-retaining business, the gap against Western European rates compounds meaningfully.Among the EU's lowest headline rates.
A micro-enterprise regime
Small companies under a revenue threshold can fall within a reduced turnover-based regime. Whether a licensed CASP qualifies depends on structure and size - we check it against your model rather than assume it.By eligibility - checked against your model.
VAT-exempt exchange
Crypto-to-fiat exchange is VAT-exempt as a financial service under the Hedqvist line - the 19% standard rate touches only ordinary supplies.Hedqvist line; 19% on ordinary supplies.
Private investors: 16%
From 2026, resident individuals' crypto gains are taxed at 16%. An owner-level matter we model alongside the company position, so the whole picture is planned.Owner-level, modelled with the company.
The regulatory fee, counted in
The ASF regime carries an ongoing 0.5% monthly fee. We put it in the model next to the 16% rate, because an honest operating economics beats a headline that unwinds later.0.5% monthly - in the model, not a surprise.
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 tax16% flat
Micro-enterprise regimeBy eligibility
Private investors16% (2026)
VAT on crypto exchangeExempt
Standard VAT19%
Regulatory fee0.5% monthly
*Figures as of 2026. Micro-enterprise eligibility depends on structure and revenue - we check it against your model.
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: Romanian SRL or SA, 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, ASF-authorised business.
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Romania · ASF
Launch your crypto project in Romania with expert support.
Full-service assistance - from company registration to ASF authorisation and ongoing compliance.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is Romania 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 Romanian crypto licence, answered.
What licence does a crypto business need in Romania?+
CASP authorisation from the ASF under MiCA, as transposed by GEO 10/2025 - required for exchange, brokerage, custody, transfer, advice and trading-platform services. The BNR handles e-money tokens issued by banks and EMIs.
Who is the competent authority - ASF or BNR?+
Both, by role. The ASF is the primary authority for CASPs and most crypto-assets, and Romania's ESMA point of contact. The BNR covers e-money tokens issued by credit and e-money institutions. GEO 10/2025 divides the two cleanly.
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.
What is the 0.5% regulatory fee?+
The ASF regime carries an ongoing monthly regulatory fee of 0.5%. It is a real running cost, so we model it next to the 16% tax rate up front rather than letting it surprise the operating economics later.
How long does ASF authorisation take?+
The MiCA clock is 25 working days to completeness plus 40 for assessment, but the ASF's completeness bar is the real timeline. Well-prepared files land in 6-10 months; the transitional period runs to 1 July 2026.
What substance does the ASF expect?+
A Romanian SRL or SA with effective management in the country: competent directors, a compliance function on the ground, a real office and systems that demonstrably run. Romania's talent pool makes genuine substance easy to staff.
Why Romania rather than another low-tax EU state?+
Talent plus tax. Bulgaria's rate is lower, but Romania pairs a competitive 16% with one of Europe's deepest engineering labour markets - so you can license and build a real technical and compliance team in the same place.
Does the Romanian licence passport across the EU?+
Yes - one ASF authorisation covers all 27 EU member states through MiCA passporting after a notification, with no re-licensing, from a low-cost base inside the Schengen area.
What licence is needed?+
ASF CASP authorisation under MiCA (GEO 10/2025).
ASF or BNR?+
ASF for CASPs; BNR for e-money tokens.
Capital?+
€50k / €125k / €150k by service class.
The 0.5% fee?+
Ongoing monthly regulatory fee - modelled up front.
How long?+
6-10 months; transition to 1 July 2026.
Substance?+
SRL/SA, directors, real office and compliance.
Why Romania?+
16% tax plus deep engineering talent.
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 Romanian 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 ASF, the BNR or any other public authority. Authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.