Ireland CASP License: Crypto License in Ireland – 2026 Guide
The implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) has fundamentally transformed the digital asset landscape across Europe, and Ireland has positioned itself at the very forefront of this regulatory evolution. Crypto assets, which are based on distributed ledger technology, are now subject to a harmonized EU-wide framework under MiCAR, replacing previously fragmented national law.
For businesses looking to establish a secure, reputable, and scalable presence in the European Union, securing a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorisation from the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) – which acts as the national competent authority for crypto-asset regulation in Ireland – is now the gold standard.
Quick Facts: Ireland CASP License
| Feature | Details |
| Regulator | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
| Applicable Law | Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCAR) & S.I. No. 607/2024 |
| Minimum Share Capital | EUR 50,000 – EUR 150,000 (depending on service class) |
| Passporting Rights | Yes, valid across the entire European Union |
| Local Presence Required | Yes (EU resident director & local effective management) |
Why Choose Our Services?
The European crypto market is now fully regulated under MiCAR, meaning unregulated operation is no longer an option. Securing an Irish CASP license not only ensures your compliance but grants you immediate passporting rights to offer your services to nearly 450 million consumers across all EU Member States without needing additional licenses. Navigating the Central Bank of Ireland’s stringent application process – including the Pre-Application Key Facts Document (KFD) and DORA cybersecurity requirements – demands expert precision. Our dedicated team of legal and regulatory specialists simplifies this complex process, safeguarding your capital and time. Partner with us to seamlessly transition your business into a fully authorised EU Crypto-Asset Service Provider.
4 Key Highlights of Our Service:
- End-to-End Project Management: From initial CBI meetings and KFD drafting to formal application submission;
- Regulatory & DORA Alignment: Complete structuring of your ICT and security arrangements to comply with the Digital Operational Resilience Act;
- Capital & Corporate Structuring: Expert guidance on fulfilling Ireland’s exact capital and corporate governance prerequisites;
- EU Passporting Facilitation: Strategic setup to ensure your Irish license grants immediate cross-border operational rights.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
Certified ACAMS consultant with 5+ years experience in compliance and FinTech regulations.
CASP license in Ireland
The crypto license in Ireland is issued by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) under the overarching framework of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCAR), which was given effect in Ireland through S.I. No. 607/2024 – European Union (Markets in Crypto-Assets) Regulations 2024. Ireland now requires all Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) to comply with MiCAR’s stringent standards regarding consumer protection, market integrity, and financial stability. Virtual asset service providers are subject to registration and supervision under both Irish and EU law.
Permitted Activities
By securing this license, your company can be authorised to perform a wide variety of lucrative crypto-asset services, including:
- Operation of a trading platform: Running an exchange where multiple third-party buying and selling interests interact;
- Exchange services: Exchanging crypto-assets for fiat funds or other crypto-assets using proprietary capital;
- Custody and administration: Safekeeping and controlling crypto-assets or private cryptographic keys on behalf of clients;
- Order Execution & Reception/Transmission: Executing orders on behalf of clients or transmitting them to third parties;
- Advisory & Portfolio Management: Providing personalised recommendations or discretionary management of crypto portfolios;
- Transfer services: Moving crypto-assets from one distributed ledger address to another on behalf of clients.
These activities are classified as virtual asset services under MiCAR. Depending on the business model, some crypto-asset activities may also fall under payment services regulations, subjecting entities to additional regulatory obligations under Irish Payment Services Regulations and EU frameworks.
CASPs must comply with robust anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) obligations. These requirements are rooted in Ireland’s criminal justice framework for anti-money laundering and terrorist financing, ensuring that virtual asset service providers operate within the broader criminal justice system.
The European Banking Authority has supervisory responsibilities for certain significant crypto-assets, such as asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and electronic money tokens (EMTs), under MiCAR.
- Seamless EU Passporting: Once authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland, your firm can provide crypto-asset services throughout the entire European Union. You can operate on a cross-border basis without needing a physical presence in host Member States;
- Tiered and Proportionate Capital Requirements: MiCAR adopts a proportionate approach. Depending on the exact services you provide, the permanent minimum capital requirement is tiered at EUR 50,000, EUR 125,000, or EUR 150,000, making market entry accessible for various business models;
- Supreme Legal Certainty: MiCAR replaces fragmented national laws with a unified, harmonised framework. This provides a clear, future-proof taxonomy for utility tokens, asset-referenced tokens (ARTs), and e-money tokens (EMTs), significantly reducing legal risks. During the transitional period, existing providers must either obtain authorisation or prepare to cease providing services. Firms not seeking authorisation are required to have clear wind down plans to ensure an orderly exit from the market;
- Elevated Consumer Trust: The CBI is renowned globally as a top-tier regulator. Operating under their supervision signals to institutional investors and retail clients that your firm adheres to the highest standards of market integrity, anti-money laundering (AML), and asset safeguarding;
- Thriving Innovation Ecosystem: Ireland maintains a supportive stance on technological innovation, actively featuring an Innovation Hub to help firms engage with regulatory expectations early on.
To successfully obtain a CASP authorisation from the CBI, applicants must meet a comprehensive set of prerequisites:
Corporate Entity
The applicant must be a legal person or other undertaking capable of ensuring a level of protection for third parties equivalent to that of a legal person. You must have a registered office in Ireland where you carry out at least part of your crypto-asset services.
Share Capital
Firms must maintain prudential safeguards equal to the higher of one quarter of their fixed overheads of the preceding year, or a permanent minimum capital requirement:
- Class 1 (EUR 50,000): For order execution, placing, transfer services, reception/transmission, advice, and portfolio management;
- Class 2 (EUR 125,000): For Class 1 services plus custody and administration, or exchange of crypto-assets for funds/crypto-assets;
- Class 3 (EUR 150,000): For Class 2 services plus the operation of a trading platform. (Note: These safeguards can be held in own funds or through a compliant insurance policy).
Local Presence
The applicant must have its place of effective management in the EU, and at least one of the directors must be resident in the EU. Furthermore, the CBI expects the Board to demonstrate true local autonomy, operating and making decisions independently within Ireland without becoming a mere letterbox entity.
Fit-and-Proper, Anti Money Laundering & Documentation
- Management Body: Members must be of good repute and possess the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience. They must have absolutely no criminal record relating to money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, or professional liability;
- Shareholders: Qualifying shareholders must also pass strict fit-and-proper tests and have clean criminal records;
- Documentation: You must provide a comprehensive programme of operations (business plan for 3 years), detailed AML/CFT frameworks, conflict of interest policies, and strict procedures for the segregation and safeguarding of client assets. Applicants must also provide a legal entity identifier (LEI) as part of their application documentation.
Other Specific Requirements
- DORA Compliance: Applicants must comply with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). You must complete an IT Risk Questionnaire (ITRQ) proving you have robust ICT systems, incident management procedures, and cyber-security audits in place;
- Wind-Down Plan: Firms must have an orderly wind-down plan to return customer assets efficiently in case of insolvency.
LegalBison undertakes the process from the ground up and conducts all communication with the regulator on your behalf. We help you comply with each of the requirements step by step, making sure that not a single stage is overlooked. As a result, you get a fully licensed CASP company in Ireland, ready to commence operations.
Testimonials from our many satisfied clients
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CASP in Ireland: Cost of Set-Up
Whether you want to license an existing company as a CASP or build a legal entity from scratch, we recommend starting with a thorough assessment of your options. LegalBison provides a free primary consultation with a lawyer for all kinds of businesses seeking CASP authorization. Get in touch with us today and have our in-house lawyers study your case and provide a personalized roadmap.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
+44 20 4577 0974
Certified ACAMS consultant with 5+ years experience in compliance and FinTech regulations.
+44 20 4577 0974
Strongly advised: a legal assessment of your project and feasibility under MiCA.
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Initial Consultation
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MiCA Compliance Assessment
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MiCA Operational Assessment
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CASP Licence Class Assessment
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Application Preparation
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Interaction with the NCA
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Company Formation
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Corporate Services for 1 year
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Bank Account Opening Assistance
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Legal Web3 Documents Package
Our expert assistance in successfully securing a CASP license for MiCA.
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Initial Consultation
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MiCA Compliance Assessment
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MiCA Operational Assessment
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CASP Licence Class Assessment
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Application Preparation
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Interaction with the NCA
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Company Formation
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Corporate Services for 1 year
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Bank Account Opening Assistance
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Legal Web3 Documents Package
Set-up of a complete, MiCA compliant CASP company in Ireland.
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Initial Consultation
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MiCA Compliance Assessment
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MiCA Operational Assessment
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CASP Licence Class Assessment
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Application Preparation
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Interaction with the NCA
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Company Formation
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Corporate Services for 1 year
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Bank Account Opening Assistance
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Legal Web3 Documents Package
MiCA license in Ireland — How to Apply
The CBI employs a structured two-phase approach to authorisation. With the assistance of LegalBison’s lawyers, you will be able to go through the entire procedure with minimum hassle.
Preparation & Pre-Application Phase
This involves an initial meeting with the Central Bank and the submission of a comprehensive Key Facts Document (KFD). The KFD outlines your business model, capital projections, governance, and ICT arrangements. The CBI expects firms to be fully transparent about their planned activities and group structure. Robust discussions with the CBI are encouraged during this phase to clarify expectations and address key issues, particularly at the KFD stage.
Output: Formal feedback from the CBI determining if the firm is ready to submit a formal application.
Application Submission
Once cleared from the pre-application phase, you submit the formal application. The CBI will assess the application for completeness within 25 working days. If incomplete, they will set a deadline for missing information.
Output: Complete Application Acknowledged by the CBI.
Regulatory Review & Assessment
Once deemed complete, the CBI has 40 working days to assess the application against MiCAR standards. During this period, the CBI may consult other authorities (e.g., AML/CFT units) and assess the suitability of the management body and shareholders. The CBI follows predetermined authorisation assessments, applying clear, regulated criteria and timelines throughout the process. As part of this stage, a formal authorisation assessment is conducted to ensure all requirements are met. The clock can be suspended for up to 20 working days if further information is required.
Output: Assessment Conclusion and Draft Decision.
License Issuance
Upon a successful assessment, the CBI grants the authorisation, specifying the exact crypto-asset services the firm is permitted to provide. The CBI will communicate this to ESMA within two working days for inclusion in the European register.
Output: Official CASP Authorisation Certificate.
Need assistance from a MiCA expert?
Our lawyers are available for a personalized free consultation. If you have any questions about CASP licensing in Ireland, no matter what they are, feel free to leave your request on this page or call us right away. Our in-house lawyers will study your case and provide you with the best solution for licensing your crypto company under MiCA’s framework.
Costs and Fees
- Government Application Fee: While standard regulatory assessment levies apply, specific application fee structures follow the CBI’s funding model for financial institutions. Contact us for the most up-to-date schedule;
- Required Share Capital: Ranging from EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000 depending on the services provided. This capital must be verifiable, usually demonstrated by a bank statement confirming the funds are deposited in the applicant’s account;
- Professional Service Fees: Legal, compliance, and IT auditing fees vary greatly depending on your operational complexity. Contact us for a tailored quote;
- Annual Fees and Taxes: Ireland offers a highly competitive corporate tax rate of 12.5% for active trading income. Regulated entities are also subject to annual industry funding levies determined by the CBI.
Post-Licensing Compliance
Once licensed, CASPs must adhere to strict ongoing obligations. These include keeping records of all crypto-asset services, orders, and transactions for five years (extendable to seven upon request). Firms must regularly monitor their ICT systems under DORA, continually assess the suitability of their management body, and report any suspicions of market abuse immediately to the CBI. Changes to the management body or significant business model shifts require prior notification to the regulator.
Common Misconceptions
- “I can easily upgrade my existing VASP registration in 1 week”. False. The CBI has explicitly noted that a standard VASP application takes at least 10 months to assess. They have officially advised firms to focus their efforts entirely on preparing for a full CASP application rather than seeking an outdated VASP registration;
- “I don’t need local staff if I have an EU company”. False. MiCAR explicitly demands that the place of effective management is within the EU, and the CBI requires demonstrable local autonomy, ensuring your Irish entity is not merely a letterbox. At least one director must be resident in the EU;
- “MiCAR only regulates crypto exchanges”. False. MiCAR covers a vast array of services, including custody, advisory, portfolio management, and even the simple reception/transmission of orders.
- CASP License in the Republic of Ireland
Costs and Fees
- Government Application Fee: While standard regulatory assessment levies apply, specific application fee structures follow the CBI’s funding model for financial institutions. Contact us for the most up-to-date schedule;
- Required Share Capital: Ranging from EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000 depending on the services provided. This capital must be verifiable, usually demonstrated by a bank statement confirming the funds are deposited in the applicant’s account;
- Professional Service Fees: Legal, compliance, and IT auditing fees vary greatly depending on your operational complexity. Contact us for a tailored quote;
- Annual Fees and Taxes: Ireland offers a highly competitive corporate tax rate of 12.5% for active trading income. Regulated entities are also subject to annual industry funding levies determined by the CBI.
Post-Licensing Compliance
Once licensed, CASPs must adhere to strict ongoing obligations. These include keeping records of all crypto-asset services, orders, and transactions for five years (extendable to seven upon request). Firms must regularly monitor their ICT systems under DORA, continually assess the suitability of their management body, and report any suspicions of market abuse immediately to the CBI. Changes to the management body or significant business model shifts require prior notification to the regulator.
Common Misconceptions
- “I can easily upgrade my existing VASP registration in 1 week”. False. The CBI has explicitly noted that a standard VASP application takes at least 10 months to assess. They have officially advised firms to focus their efforts entirely on preparing for a full CASP application rather than seeking an outdated VASP registration;
- “I don’t need local staff if I have an EU company”. False. MiCAR explicitly demands that the place of effective management is within the EU, and the CBI requires demonstrable local autonomy, ensuring your Irish entity is not merely a letterbox. At least one director must be resident in the EU;
- “MiCAR only regulates crypto exchanges”. False. MiCAR covers a vast array of services, including custody, advisory, portfolio management, and even the simple reception/transmission of orders.
Alternatives to a CASP license in Ireland
We encourage our readers and clients to acknowledge the MiCA regulation and to rely on our legal experts before making a move. Other jurisdictions outside of the EU may be worth your consideration.
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Low tax CASP license
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Reputed FinTech hub
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Easy remote operation
Estonia CASP License: MiCA Regulation (EU Framework)
from 1.420 €-
0% Corporate Income Tax
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Cheap and fast process
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No travel needed
Crypto License in Australia
on request-
Reputed jurisdiction
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Straightforward requirements
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Simple to operate
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Top economy
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Secure and trusted
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Compoundable license
Crypto License in El Salvador
on request-
Bitcoin is legal tender
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Pro-crypto regulations
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High reputation
About the CASP (MiCA) License in Ireland
No. MiCAR applies to natural and legal persons engaged in the issuance, offer to the public, or provision of services related to crypto-assets on a professional basis. Personal, individual trading does not require a CASP license.
The formal timeline includes a 25-working-day completeness check and a 40-working-day assessment period. However, including the pre-application KFD stage and potential clock suspensions, applicants should realistically prepare for a process spanning 6 to 10 months.
The license permits up to 10 distinct activities, including the operation of a trading platform, exchanging crypto for fiat/crypto, custody and administration, order execution, placing, and providing crypto-asset advice or portfolio management.
Yes. Credit institutions, investment firms, and electronic money institutions authorised under other EU Directives can provide equivalent crypto-asset services by simply notifying the CBI 40 working days before commencing operations, bypassing the full CASP authorisation process.
While you must consult the Revenue Commissioners for specific determinations, Ireland generally offers a highly attractive 12.5% corporate tax rate on active trading income, making it a premier financial hub in Europe.
Yes. Ireland provides a robust, clear, and transparent regulatory environment. The Central Bank of Ireland operates an Innovation Hub to help fintech and crypto firms engage with regulators early on, balancing technological innovation with strict consumer protection.
Under MiCAR’s transitional measures, crypto-asset service providers that provided services in accordance with applicable Irish law before 30 December 2024 may continue to do so until 30 December 2025 (or until their CASP authorisation is granted/refused).
The first step to get a CASP license in Ireland is to work with a reliable legal partner
Having helped numerous clients successfully navigate complex regulatory landscapes to obtain the Ireland crypto license, LegalBison’s team knows the ins and outs of the Central Bank of Ireland’s specific procedures and local compliance requirements. Our exceptionally high success rate in securing regulatory approvals across the European Union speaks for itself, and our clients consistently praise our team’s meticulous attention to detail, strategic foresight, and ability to turn a daunting bureaucratic process into a streamlined journey.
Contact LegalBison’s experts today to discuss your project, evaluate your specific capital and operational needs, and take the first step toward securing your future as a fully licensed EU Crypto-Asset Service Provider.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
Certified ACAMS consultant with 5+ years experience in compliance and FinTech regulations.
References
(1) https://www.centralbank.ie/
(2) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R1114
(3) https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/micar/application-form-for-authorisation-as-a-crypto-asset-service-provider.pdf
(4) https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/micar/guidance-note-crypto-asset-service-providers-key-facts-document.pdf
(5) https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/micar/micar-authorisation-and-supervision-expectations.pdf
(6) https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/how-we-regulate/fitness-probity/fitness-and-probity-standards-2025.pdf?sfvrsn=ef8f6f1a_2