Crypto License in Switzerland
Legal assistance in getting a Switzerland crypto license. Cost and personalized offer on request.
- Flexible framework
- Low taxes
- High prestige
- Crypto-friendly country
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
Blockchain enthusiast and expert on cryptocurrency and FinTech related laws.
Issuing stablecoins with a Swiss crypto license
In the context of the European regulation “Markets in Crypto Assets” (MiCA) adding strong requirements and rules to stablecoin issuers in EU member jurisdictions, it may be very interesting for token issuers to look at the different framework permitted by the Swiss regulator, the FINMA, on that matter.
The process, in addition to forming a crypto licensed company in Switzerland, consists of submitting a dedicated inquiry to the FINMA. This inquiry shall detail the collateral and mechanisms of the stablecoin, with very accurate and specific figures and schemes. The stabilization mechanism in particular will be cautiously scrutinized.
Issuing a stablecoin in Switzerland requires proper legal validation, upfront of submitting a formal inquiry to the FINMA:
- Compliance of the company with the Anti Money Laundering Act (SR 955.0);
- Potential licensing obligation, as per the Banking Act (SR 952.0);
- Potential licensing obligation, as per the Collective Investment Schemes Act (SR 951.31);
- In case of payment facilitation, a licensing obligation as per the Financial Market Infrastructure Act (SR 958.1).
The FINMA categorization for stablecoins includes several possible types of backing assets:
- Based on currencies;
- Based on commodities;
- Based on real estate;
- Based on securities.
Cost of a Crypto License in Switzerland
Our packages to assist you in securing a Switzerland Crypto Exchange License.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
+44 20 4577 0974
Blockchain enthusiast and expert on cryptocurrency and FinTech related laws.
+44 20 4577 0974
Receive detailed guidance on the Switzerland cryptocurrency license
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Initial consultation with a cryptocurrency licensing expert
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Turnkey Company Formation
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Registration as VASP with the Regulator
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Registered legal company address for 1 year
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Basic (mandatory) AML/KYC Policy
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Full communication with VASP Issuing authority for obtainment of authorization
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Translated and apostilled set of corporate documents
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Assistance in opening Business account for crypto operating activity
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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 a cryptocurrency licensing expert
-
Turnkey Company Formation
-
Registration as VASP with the Regulator
-
Registered legal company address for 1 year
-
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
Words of triumph from our clients
General information about the Switzerland Crypto License
What digital asset services can I offer with a crypto license in Switzerland?
A licensed crypto company in Switzerland can provide a wide range of virtual asset services. For the most common cases, we can for example list the following:
- Custody;
- Crypto exchange (on-off ramping);
- ICO and Token Sale;
- DeFi projects.
Other, more sophisticated business models are possible with the Swiss crypto license. Request more details to our team in a free consultation call.
Who regulates crypto companies in Switzerland?
The crypto companies in Switzerland are authorized and monitored by the FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority).
The FINMA is a well-established, highly trusted regulators, when it comes to financial services. This now encompasses digital assets, as Switzerland can rely on its vast experience of the financial industry to further expand its hospitality to cryptocurrency companies.
What are the minimum requirements to obtain a crypto license in Switzerland?
To properly prepare an application to the Switzerland VASP license, a company shall at least have the following sorted out:
- Incorporation of a legal structure in Switzerland;
- Local substance: an office space with domestic employees;
- Detail business plan including a 3 years budgeting and cash flows forecast;
- Legal documents describing internal risk policies according to local AML laws;
- Description of services offered to customers within the first 3-9 months after granting of license;
- Extensive background check of all participants, including a certificate of non criminal record, a review of the resume and possible interviews;
- Deposited share capital in a corporate account.
What is the procedure to obtain a crypto license in Switzerland?
We can break down the licensing process in Switzerland in the six following steps:
- Register a company in Switzerland, preferably an AG;
- Rent an office and hire workers within Switzerland;
- Appoint a lawyer for your company;
- Prepare your business model and AML policies, compliant with the FINMA regulations;
- Set an appointment with the FINMA for presentation and authorization;
- Start your crypto business in Switzerland.
- Suitable activities with this license
- Regulatory authorities in Switzerland
- Requirements
- Licensing Process
What digital asset services can I offer with a crypto license in Switzerland?
A licensed crypto company in Switzerland can provide a wide range of virtual asset services. For the most common cases, we can for example list the following:
- Custody;
- Crypto exchange (on-off ramping);
- ICO and Token Sale;
- DeFi projects.
Other, more sophisticated business models are possible with the Swiss crypto license. Request more details to our team in a free consultation call.
Who regulates crypto companies in Switzerland?
The crypto companies in Switzerland are authorized and monitored by the FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority).
The FINMA is a well-established, highly trusted regulators, when it comes to financial services. This now encompasses digital assets, as Switzerland can rely on its vast experience of the financial industry to further expand its hospitality to cryptocurrency companies.
What are the minimum requirements to obtain a crypto license in Switzerland?
To properly prepare an application to the Switzerland VASP license, a company shall at least have the following sorted out:
- Incorporation of a legal structure in Switzerland;
- Local substance: an office space with domestic employees;
- Detail business plan including a 3 years budgeting and cash flows forecast;
- Legal documents describing internal risk policies according to local AML laws;
- Description of services offered to customers within the first 3-9 months after granting of license;
- Extensive background check of all participants, including a certificate of non criminal record, a review of the resume and possible interviews;
- Deposited share capital in a corporate account.
What is the procedure to obtain a crypto license in Switzerland?
We can break down the licensing process in Switzerland in the six following steps:
- Register a company in Switzerland, preferably an AG;
- Rent an office and hire workers within Switzerland;
- Appoint a lawyer for your company;
- Prepare your business model and AML policies, compliant with the FINMA regulations;
- Set an appointment with the FINMA for presentation and authorization;
- Start your crypto business in Switzerland.
Alternatives to a crypto license in Switzerland
Our team has curated the following jurisdictions as being worthy alternatives to a crypto licensed company in Switzerland
About the Crypto License in Switzerland
Getting a crypto license in Switzerland requires minute preparation and sound legal advice. Switzerland is a country notorious for its prestige and for the robustness of its financial institution, hence the need for any actor willing to join the Swiss financial landscape to play along these rules. Concretely speaking, this means that a project should settle its company in Switzerland physically and ensure the compliance with all the legal and financial requirements that we laid out on this page.
Our consulting team can assist with the matter and answer your questions on the Switzerland crypto license, for personalized answers.
Switzerland is considered one of the most financially advanced country in the world. As it is not part of the European Union and has its monetary sovereignty, Switzerland enjoys regulatory freedom and can safely explore its own path regarding the matter of virtual assets. Which it does, as the Swiss crypto license has already gained considerable popularity, and Switzerland being already recognized as an ideal place to create a crypto company or foundation.
Yes, as your business is required to be registered in the AG form and to have substance in Switzerland, a resident director is necessary. Generally speaking, a project willing to consider getting a crypto license in Switzerland must plan for relocation within the country.
Yes. Your company must have substance in Switzerland, which in turn means you need to have a physical office, not just a letterbox.
Yes. The main advantages of getting a positive approval by the FINMA is that it allows you to open a bank account in Switzerland.
Yes, we are able to design a business plan for you. Speak to our professionals to get a quote.
The crypto framework in Switzerland is notable for its flexibility. It adapts to a wide range of crypto activities and business models, providing suitable rules and compliance expectations to entrepreneurs. For this reason, there is no one-size-fits-all pricing for a Swiss crypto exchange license. We invite you to discuss your crypto project with our consulting team, for an assessment of the cost of a crypto company in Switzerland for your exact business model.
No, the MiCA regulation does not apply to Switzerland. This regulation is only enforced in countries of the European Union and may expand to countries of the European Economic Area. Switzerland is a part of none of them.
The whole process of crypto licensing in Switzerland from scratch takes a minimum of 6 months.
Start your Swiss crypto company today
Would you like to receive more information about the crypto license in Switzerland?
Our legal team will consult you for free on your project and provide you with a personalized roadmap and quotation.
Book a call today and receive a response within 24 business hours.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
Blockchain enthusiast and expert on cryptocurrency and FinTech related laws.