Crypto License in Lithuania
Expert Crypto Licensing Service to Obtain Lithuanian Crypto License
Lithuania offers one of the EU’s most direct paths to regulated crypto-asset services. A Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license issued by the Bank of Lithuania gives a licensed entity the right to provide crypto exchange, custody, and portfolio management services with full EU passporting rights across all 27 member states. LegalBison handles the complete process: from incorporating a Lithuanian private limited liability company (UAB) through to license approval and post-licensing compliance support.
The MiCA regulation deadline has passed. From January 1, 2026, operating crypto-asset services in Lithuania without a valid CASP license carries legal exposure. The time to apply is now.
Experts in fintech and crypto licensing worldwide.
Aaron Glauberman specializes in crypto and FinTech licensing, MiCA and PSD2 frameworks, and cross-border corporate structuring.
Crypto License in Lithuania Explained
The Lithuanian crypto license authorizes legal entities to provide cryptocurrency exchange, custody, and portfolio management services within a defined regulatory framework. Under the legacy regime, the VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) license governed most crypto activities in Lithuania. That framework has been superseded.
The MiCA Shift (2026)
The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation came into full force across the EU in late 2024, with a transitional grandfathering period running through December 31, 2025. As of January 1, 2026, all entities providing crypto-asset services in Lithuania must hold a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license authorized by the Bank of Lithuania. Operating without valid CASP authorization is now illegal and subject to enforcement by both the Bank of Lithuania and the Financial Crime Investigation Service.
How Much Is a Crypto License in Lithuania
The total cost of obtaining a crypto license in Lithuania depends on the class of CASP activities the applicant intends to offer. The three license classes carry different minimum capital requirements, which represent the primary financial variable. Beyond capital, costs cover professional fees for company formation, compliance documentation, local substance arrangements, and regulatory representation throughout the application review. LegalBison provides scoped project proposals once the intended service scope is defined.
Crypto Activities by Class with Lithuanian Crypto License
The MiCA framework structures CASP authorization across three license classes based on service scope and risk profile. Each class sets a minimum fully paid-up share capital requirement.
| License Class | Min. Capital | Key Activities |
| Class 1 | EUR 50,000 | Order reception & transmission, portfolio management, advice |
| Class 2 | EUR 125,000 | All Class 1 + custody/admin + fiat-to-crypto & crypto-to-crypto exchange |
| Class 3 | EUR 150,000 | All Class 1 & 2 + trading platform operation |
Class 1 (EUR 50,000 Minimum Capital)
Class 1 covers the reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets, the provision of crypto-asset portfolio management, and the provision of crypto-asset advice. This is the appropriate authorization class for advisory-focused or order-routing businesses.
Class 2 (EUR 125,000 Minimum Capital)
Class 2 includes all Class 1 activities and adds custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients, along with fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto exchange services. This class is the standard authorization for businesses offering exchange and custodial wallet services.
Class 3 (EUR 150,000 Minimum Capital)
Class 3 encompasses all Class 1 and Class 2 services and adds the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets. This is the most comprehensive class and carries the most extensive compliance obligations. For businesses offering on/off-ramping services and full trading platform functionality, Class 3 is the applicable authorization.
Where Does This License Allow You to Operate?
A CASP license from the Bank of Lithuania is a passport to the entire European single market. One authorization grants the right to provide licensed crypto-asset services across all 27 EU member states and the European Economic Area without obtaining additional national permits from each country.
Lithuania operates as a recognized fintech and digital-asset hub within the EU. The Bank of Lithuania has established a reputation for structured, transparent licensing that gives applicants clear criteria before submission. That predictability, combined with full EU market access, has made Lithuania one of the primary registration destinations for crypto businesses seeking European regulatory authorization. A company licensed here can target clients in Germany, France, the Netherlands, or any other EU market from day one.
Why Choose Lithuania for Your Crypto Business
Clear Regulatory Environment
Lithuania fully integrated MiCA standards ahead of the January 2026 enforcement deadline. The result is a predictable legal framework. Applicants know what the Bank of Lithuania requires before submitting, which reduces application risk compared to jurisdictions still developing their MiCA implementation rules.
Attractive Corporate Taxation
The standard Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate in Lithuania is 15%. Small companies with fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover below EUR 300,000 may qualify for a reduced rate of 0% to 5%. Crypto exchange services are generally not classified as financial services under Lithuanian tax law and are therefore exempt from VAT. For groups with token issuance activities or structured digital-asset operations, Lithuania’s tax position deserves close attention during jurisdictional planning.
Accessible Banking Infrastructure
Lithuania hosts a well-developed network of Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) and fintech payment providers that specialize in onboarding crypto companies. EMI accounts provide access to SEPA payment rails, a practical requirement for most EU-facing crypto businesses. Finding a compliant banking partner is one of the most common operational hurdles for crypto companies in Europe. In Lithuania, the financial infrastructure is built for this profile.
100% Foreign Ownership
Foreign nationals can own 100% of a Lithuanian UAB. There is no local shareholder requirement. This structure provides founders with full control from incorporation, with the flexibility to bring in local management for substance compliance purposes through separate employment arrangements.
Our clients' words: they say it better than us
I highly recommend Legal Bison to any entrepreneur or business seeking top-notch services for their company formation. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is truly commendable.
Quick set-up and straightforward process. It was a smooth process, we are happy to have chosen LegalBison as our Partner for incorporations, globally.
Best company for Crypto Licenses! Kudos to the team for making the incorporation of our company really smooth
Our packages for the Crypto License in Lithuania
Pricing for the registration of a Lithuania Crypto License.
Aaron Glauberman specializes in crypto and FinTech licensing, MiCA and PSD2 frameworks, and cross-border corporate structuring.
+44 20 4577 0974
30 minutes call with one of our experts of FinTech lawyers to guide you.
-
Initial consultation with one of our experts
-
Turnkey Company Formation
-
Registered legal company address for 1 year
-
Registration as VASP with the Regulator
-
Basic (mandatory) AML/KYC Policy
-
Full communication with VASP Issuing authority for obtainment of authorization
-
Translated and apostilled set of corporate documents
-
Assistance in opening Business account for crypto operating activity
-
Assistance in formulating requirements, finding, interviewing and written agreement with AML/MLRO for your crypto company
Basic package to get your project started with the Lithuanian crypto license.
-
Initial consultation with one of our experts
-
Turnkey Company Formation
-
Registered legal company address for 1 year
-
Registration as VASP with the Regulator
-
Basic (mandatory) AML/KYC Policy
-
Full communication with VASP Issuing authority for obtainment of authorization
-
Translated and apostilled set of corporate documents
-
Assistance in opening Business account for crypto operating activity
-
Assistance in formulating requirements, finding, interviewing and written agreement with AML/MLRO for your crypto company
Full turnkey crypto company formation and support in all necessary aspects.
-
Initial consultation with one of our experts
-
Turnkey Company Formation
-
Registered legal company address for 1 year
-
Registration as VASP with the Regulator
-
Basic (mandatory) AML/KYC Policy
-
Full communication with VASP Issuing authority for obtainment of authorization
-
Translated and apostilled set of corporate documents
-
Assistance in opening Business account for crypto operating activity
-
Assistance in formulating requirements, finding, interviewing and written agreement with AML/MLRO for your crypto company
Ready-made crypto company in Lithuania
Ready made crypto company in Lithuania for immediate sale.
Purchase an existing licensed company to start operating faster.
Get a quote from our consulting team now.
How to obtain a crypto license in Lithuania
LegalBison manages each phase of the Lithuanian CASP licensing process, from initial company formation through to license approval and post-grant compliance support.
Step 1: Company Incorporation
The process begins with forming a Private Limited Liability Company (UAB) in Lithuania. This legal structure limits shareholder liability and is well-regarded by banks and regulators in the jurisdiction. LegalBison prepares the registration documentation and manages the submission to the Lithuanian company registry.
Step 2: Capital Deposit and Bank Account Opening
After incorporation, a corporate bank account is opened, typically with an EMI in Lithuania, to deposit the mandatory minimum share capital. The required amount (EUR 50,000, EUR 125,000, or EUR 150,000) is determined by the intended CASP class. Capital must be fully paid up before the license application is submitted to the Bank of Lithuania.
Step 3: Establishing Local Substance
The Bank of Lithuania requires genuine local substance, not a registered address arrangement. LegalBison assists with securing a physical office in Lithuania and recruiting a qualified AML Compliance Officer who meets the Lithuanian residency requirement. Board governance arrangements are structured to satisfy the experience criteria during review.
Step 4: Compliance Documentation
LegalBison drafts the complete documentation package: a 3-year business plan, financial projections, AML/KYC policies aligned with FCIS expectations, IT security protocols, and client fund segregation procedures. This package forms the core of the application and is reviewed in detail by the Bank of Lithuania during the assessment phase.
Step 5: Submission and Regulatory Liaison
The completed application is submitted via the Bank of Lithuania’s electronic portal. LegalBison acts as the primary regulatory contact throughout the review period, responding to queries from the BoL and providing supplementary documentation as requested. The engagement continues until the CASP license is officially granted.
Reach out now for a free consultation
- Contact our team to receive a free invitation to a video call, in order to assess your project and design the most efficient solution around it.
Virtual Asset Service Provider license in Lithuania
- Crypto Law and Regulation
Who Needs It and Who Regulates It?
Who Must Apply
Any legal entity intending to engage professionally in crypto-to-fiat exchanges, crypto-to-crypto exchanges, or custodial wallet services in Lithuania must hold a CASP license. Businesses with GameFi components or token issuance programs that cross into regulated crypto-asset territory should assess their MiCA licensing position independently.
The Regulators
The Bank of Lithuania (BoL) acts as the single licensing window. It reviews applications, grants authorizations, and conducts ongoing prudential supervision of all licensed CASPs. The Financial Crime Investigation Service (FCIS, or FNTT in Lithuanian) operates independently, monitoring AML/CTF compliance, conducting audits, and reviewing transaction data across the licensed sector.
Key Personnel Required
The company must appoint a dedicated AML Compliance Officer who is a permanent tax resident of Lithuania. The AML Officer requirement is absolute; no exemptions exist. The board of directors must demonstrate an impeccable track record and at least three years of management experience in the crypto or financial services sector. These personnel requirements are verified during the application review.
When Should You Start Applying for a Lithuanian Crypto License
The 2026 MiCA Deadline
The answer is: without delay. The transitional grandfathering period ended on December 31, 2025. Operating without a full CASP license in Lithuania from January 1, 2026 is illegal and subject to enforcement action by both the Bank of Lithuania and the FCIS. Businesses that have not yet applied are already in breach of MiCA compliance requirements.
Timeline to Launch
| Phase | Duration | Activity |
| Company Formation | 1 to 2 weeks | UAB registration |
| Document Preparation | 3 to 8 weeks | Business plan, AML/KYC policies, financial model |
| BoL Application Review | 3 to 6 months | Regulatory assessment and queries |
| Total Estimated Timeline | 4 to 7 months | From instruction to license grant |
Total time from instruction to license: plan for a minimum of 4 to 7 months under standard conditions. Incomplete or inadequate applications are returned with requests for supplementary information, adding material time to the process.
Ongoing Compliance and Reporting
Holding a CASP license in Lithuania creates continuing obligations. Licensed entities must perform Customer Due Diligence (KYC/CDD) on all clients, implement the Travel Rule for crypto-asset transfers across counterparties, and undergo annual financial audits. Transactions above EUR 15,000 must be reported to the FCIS. Suspicious activity reports are a standing requirement under AML/CTF compliance obligations. Governance structures and capital adequacy levels are subject to periodic review by the Bank of Lithuania. Treating licensing as a one-time project rather than the start of a compliance program creates material supervisory risk at the first regulatory review cycle.
How LegalBison Can Help You Obtain Your Crypto License in Lithuania
Obtaining a crypto license in Lithuania involves concurrent workstreams: corporate formation, banking access, local substance, compliance documentation, and ongoing regulatory engagement. Each creates its own dependencies and deadlines. A single weak link in the application package extends the review process by months.
LegalBison is a global boutique legal and business services firm and a licensed Corporate Service Provider with direct experience in Bank of Lithuania CASP applications. The firm's team includes crypto lawyers, compliance specialists, and regulatory advisors who have managed licensing processes across more than 50 jurisdictions. That range gives the team a precise understanding of how Lithuanian requirements compare to other EU frameworks and where specific application risks arise.
For crypto licensing in Lithuania, CASP authorization, MiCA compliance structuring, and broader digital-asset regulatory strategy, contact LegalBison through legalbison.com.
Alternatives to a crypto license in Lithuania
Our team has curated the following jurisdictions as being worthy alternatives to a crypto licensed company in Lithuania
Crypto License in Czech Republic
from 4.200 €-
EU jurisdiction
-
Light requirements
-
No residency required
Crypto License in Estonia
from 1.420 €-
0% Corporate Income Tax
-
Cheap and fast process
-
No travel needed
Crypto License in Poland
from 3.650 €-
Fastest licensing process
-
Lowest price in 2024
-
Available ready-made companies
Crypto License in Austria
on request-
Prestigious financial center
-
Recommended for Security Tokens
-
Smooth transition to MiCA
Crypto License in France
on request-
MiCA compliant
-
Allows portfolio management
-
High reputation
Crypto License in Hong Kong
on request-
Prestigious license
-
Low taxation
-
Comprehensive framework
MiCA Regulation in Lithuania
The Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR or MiCA for short) is an European regulation that started to apply to every European Union jurisdiction in June 2024. The last leg of the regulation has been enforced since December 2024. Since then, member states of the EU are liable to enforce these regulations, applicable to crypto licensed company in Europe. The full implication of the passing of this regulation is expected that, over the course of 18 months and until December 2024, EU countries will progressively align on the requirements and conditions of the Estonian and French crypto licenses.
LegalBison is monitoring carefully the progressive enforcement of MiCA and is adjusting its guidance accordingly. Our experts are familiar with the regulation and its application, and are able to design an up-to-date solution for your project that takes MiCA into consideration.
About Crypto License in Lithuania
The VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) license was Lithuania’s domestic licensing regime under national law, which applied until the EU’s MiCA framework came into full enforcement. The CASP license is the MiCA-compliant replacement, issued directly by the Bank of Lithuania under EU regulation. Since January 1, 2026, the VASP regime no longer applies. All crypto businesses in Lithuania must hold a Bank of Lithuania-issued CASP authorization to operate legally
Yes. Foreign nationals can own 100% of a Lithuanian UAB with no local shareholder requirement. Ownership structure and governance structure are distinct considerations: foreign ownership is permitted, but the AML Compliance Officer must be a Lithuanian tax resident and the board must meet specific experience criteria. These governance requirements apply regardless of where shareholders are based.
From initial incorporation to license grant, plan for a minimum of 4 to 7 months under standard conditions. Company formation takes 1 to 2 weeks; documentation preparation takes 3 to 8 weeks; and the Bank of Lithuania’s review period runs 3 to 6 months. Applications that are incomplete at submission can add several months to the process.
The minimum capital depends on the CASP class: EUR 50,000 for Class 1, EUR 125,000 for Class 2, and EUR 150,000 for Class 3. All capital must be fully paid up and deposited in a corporate account before the application is submitted to the Bank of Lithuania.
Cryptocurrency exchange services are generally exempt from VAT in Lithuania, as they are not classified as financial services under Lithuanian tax law. Corporate income is subject to the standard 15% CIT rate, with reduced rates of 0% to 5% available to qualifying small companies.
Yes. The Bank of Lithuania requires genuine local substance. A virtual office address does not satisfy this requirement. The company must maintain a physical office and appoint a locally resident AML Compliance Officer.
The Travel Rule requires licensed CASPs to collect and transmit originator and beneficiary information alongside crypto-asset transfers above defined thresholds. It applies to all CASP-licensed entities in Lithuania and is monitored by the FCIS as part of ongoing AML/CTF compliance supervision.
No. The CASP license is issued to a Lithuanian-registered legal entity. Foreign companies seeking Lithuanian CASP authorization must first incorporate a UAB in Lithuania, satisfy the local substance requirements, and apply in the name of the Lithuanian entity.
Start your crypto company in Lithuania today
Request more information regarding the crypto license in Lithuania and how to get it. Our consultants will answer all your questions and detail the process, personalized for your specific project. Leave a request now, and we will call you back within 24 business hours.
Experts in fintech and crypto licensing worldwide.
Aaron Glauberman specializes in crypto and FinTech licensing, MiCA and PSD2 frameworks, and cross-border corporate structuring.