MiCA CASP License in Malta
A detailed legal guide on the MiCA license in Malta. Secure a CASP status in Malta with the help of a trusted legal advisor.
- Proactive crypto-friendly jurisdiction
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- Minimum substance requirements
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CASP license in Malta - MiCA license in Malta
Who is the NCA for MiCA implementation in Malta?
The National Competent Authority (NCA) for MiCA implementation in Malta is the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). This is the same regulator that was previously responsible for registering VASP entities in Malta. Therefore, the new rules for licensing applications are based on the existing VASP framework, which has been revamped in order to comply with MiCA.
How much time do you have to apply for a CASP MiCA license in Malta?
If you own a VASP entity in Malta that was registered before December 30th of 2024, you can benefit from a so-called grandfathering right. This is a defined period of time given to you for either preparing your transition to the CASP status (forming and submitting an application to the MFSA) or revoking your license and halting operations in Malta.
In Malta, the grandfathering period for VASPs is 18 months, as per MiCA Article 143. It means that local crypto companies have until 1 July 2026 to finalize their CASP transitions.
How to register a MiCA company in Malta?
If you don’t own a Maltese company yet but want to apply for CASP status, you will need to establish an LLC first. With the assistance of LegalBison’s team, it is possible to form a company in Malta in around 5-10 working days or up to 2 working weeks if done remotely.
In order to incorporate a legal entity in Malta, you will have to submit a set of documents and provide additional information, including:
- Identity documents of all beneficiary owners, directors, and shareholders;
- 3 options for the company’s desired name;
- The company’s email address;
- Short outline of the company’s activity;
- A notarized Power of Attorney (POA) in case of remote incorporation.
LegalBison has provided a detailed guide to forming an LLC in Malta on its dedicated page. There are no residency requirements for incorporating a Maltese LLC. The only substance requirement is having a registered company address.
What is the corporate income tax for CASPs in Malta?
As of 2025, the corporate income tax (CIT) rate in Malta is 35%, but the country offers certain incentives. Malta has adopted a full imputation system, which eliminates the double taxation on local companies’ profits. It is among the few countries in the world where the paid-out dividends give the right to an imputation credit.
After the application of tax incentives, the effective corporate tax rate ranges between 0% and 10% in most cases.
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Best company for Crypto Licenses! Kudos to the team for making the incorporation of our company really smooth
Quick set-up and straightforward process. It was a smooth process, we are happy to have chosen LegalBison as our Partner for incorporations, globally.
The team of LegalBison was very helpful and fast in supporting my company’s structural set up. They are undoubtedly top-level experts when it comes to licensing and registrations in the crypto and web3 industry. Highly recommend!
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Very proactive, responsive, and able to provide solutions and advice. The firm is familiar with the new industry of blockchain and cryptocurrency
Cost & Timeline for CASPs in Malta
Start your transition to CASP status or build a new company in Malta with the help of our experts. LegalBison offers a free first consultation, during which our consultants draw a roadmap for your project and assess the available licensing options. Choose your itinerary and contact us today to secure a CASP entity in Malta.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
+44 20 4577 0974
Experienced crypto and FinTech MLRO with company structuring and PI onboarding.
+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 Malta.
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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 Malta — How to Apply
The MFSA has issued the Authorisation Process Service Charter with guidelines for applying for a MiCA-compliant license in the country. Entities that belong to Category A (entities that have been granted a license under the VASP framework prior to 30 December 2024) may apply for the CASP status according to the Charter’s guidelines. Below, we have described the key points of the authorization process for the MiCA license in Malta.
INCORPORATE A COMPANY IN MALTA
The procedure starts with incorporating an LLC with a registered address in Malta. For it, you will have to:
- Provide basic identity information on beneficiaries, directors, and shareholders
- Provide the name of your company, corporate email address, and a short description of the company’s activities
- Submit a notarized Power of Attorney (if incorporating remotely)
- Pay an incorporation fee
The only economic substance requirement in Malta by date is having a registered office in the country. The beneficiary and the director must be two separate people, but they are not required to be Maltese residents.
LegalBison provides assistance with the full package of documents for incorporating a Malta company. We also conduct remote incorporation on behalf of the client within a timeframe of approximately 2 weeks.
FORM AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE MFSA
After an LLC is formed, the company’s representative must prepare a CASP licensing application and submit it to the MFSA through the MFSA Licence Holder Portal (‘LH Portal’). While Malta is still amending its authorization process for CASPs, the main requirements are likely to be as follows:
- Company’s formation details and proposed name
- A diagram of the actual or proposed shareholding structure
- Indication of any previous regulatory history, including applications filed with other regulators
- Identity info and contacts of the company’s representative (where applicable)
- Proposed organizational structure and info on the directors and key employees
- An outline of the business structure, strategy, local substance, and potential risks
Forming this documentation properly requires a high level of legal know-how. LegalBison is ready to assist you with the paperwork and its submission to the regulator and free you of the hassle.
EXPECT YOUR APPLICATION TO BE VERIFIED AND APPROVED
After the submission of the intention and payment of the application fee, the MFSA will need 5 working days to verify the application. If the MFSA establishes that the application has not been submitted in full, the applicant will have 20 working days to identify and bridge the existing gaps.
SECURE A BANK ACCOUNT FOR YOUR MALTESE CASP
Incorporating an LLC in Malta includes a paid-up share capital requirement. Consequently, it is also necessary to secure a bank account to deposit the share capital. We advise you to contact LegalBison for prompt and effective assistance in registering with a bank of your choice.
Building a CASP company in Malta?
LegalBison provides free consultations on a daily basis. We help with both transitioning from VASP to CASP and forming CASP companies from scratch. If you need personalized assistance, now is the best time. Leave your request on this page, and we will get back to you within 24 working hours.
Alternatives to a CASP license in Malta
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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Top economy
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Secure and trusted
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Compoundable license
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Fastest crypto license in Asia
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Free Zone setup with no taxes
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Very simple requirements
Crypto License in Argentina
on request-
Simple framework
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Low price
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Fast VASP set-up
Crypto License in Anjouan
on request-
Very fast licensing process
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Low requirements
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Recognized by banking institutions
Crypto License in Labuan
on request-
Reliable offshore jurisdiction
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Asian crypto license
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Low corporate tax
Crypto License in El Salvador
on request-
Bitcoin is legal tender
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Pro-crypto regulations
-
High reputation
About the CASP (MiCA) License in Malta
The CASP license in Malta cost depends mainly on the license class as stipulated by MiCA. The current fees are as follows: EUR 50,000 for Class 1, EUR 125,000 for Class 2, and EUR 150,000 for Class 3. Contact LegalBison directly, and we will estimate the exact cost of forming and licensing your project.
If done with the assistance of LegalBison’s team, you can incorporate a company in Malta and receive your CASP authorization in approximately 2-3 months.
First, you have to form an LLC with a local address in Malta. Then, you must prepare a package of documents and have your representative send it to the MFSA. LegalBison has sufficient experience with forming crypto companies on clients’ behalf and we can assist your project in obtaining its coveted CASP status in the shortest possible time.
Malta CASP is a multifaceted license that allows for many crypto-related activities under one umbrella. The jurisdiction itself is known for its high level of transparency and clear reputation, as well as progressive IT, FinTech, and crypto markets. Even though MiCA has complicated the process of obtaining the license, with a trustworthy legal partner, you will have nothing to worry about. If you still have doubts about whether Malta is right for your CASP business, we highly recommend contacting us directly for a free consultation.
Soon, we will issue a dedicated page on token issuance in Malta under MiCA. If you have urgent questions at the moment, feel free to contact us directly for a prompt answer and personalized legal advice.
Want to secure a CASP license in Malta? Let LegalBison assist you!
MiCA presents a world of opportunities for crypto companies to become credible and recognized in the international market. Still, it is highly challenging to navigate all of the new regulations without legal help.
Our team has over 5 years of prior experience in assisting companies with crypto licensing worldwide. Now, we are actively working on helping entrepreneurs integrate naturally into the MiCA landscape. Contact us today to schedule a free primary consultation on CASP licensing for your company.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
Experienced crypto and FinTech MLRO with company structuring and PI onboarding.