Expert Legal Consulting for Obtaining CASP License in Poland
The year 2026 has brought a new era of clarity for the European digital asset market. Poland has emerged as a top-tier destination for businesses seeking a Poland CASP license, which is essential for operating legally in the EU market. This authorisation allows companies to operate across the entire European Union with a single permit. It provides the legal certainty needed to build long-term trust with both customers and traditional financial institutions.
Poland aims to implement the MiCA Regulations through the proposed Crypto Asset Market Act, which will establish a new licensing framework for crypto businesses.
MiCA compliance is now a key requirement for businesses seeking to operate across the EU market, ensuring adherence to unified crypto regulations. The CASP license allows companies to provide crypto services across all EU member states due to the passporting rights established by MiCA.
Quick Facts: CASP License in Poland
| Feature | Details |
| Regulatory Authority | Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) – provisional |
| Primary Legislation | MiCA Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 |
| Minimum Share Capital | 50,000 EUR / 125,000 EUR/ 150,000 EUR |
| Application Fee | Approximately 4,500 EUR |
| Corporate Tax Rate | 19% (reduced to 9% for small startups) |
| Processing Timeline | 6 to 9 months |
| Operational Scope | All 27 EU Member States via Passporting |
| Transitional Period for VASPs | Entities registered as virtual asset service providers (VASPs) may continue operating for up to 9 months after MiCA takes effect, provided they apply for a CASP license within the first 3 months. Reauthorization as a CASP is required. |
Note: The CASP license will be mandatory for all crypto service providers in Poland starting from 2025. The MiCA regulation comes into effect on December 30, 2024. Companies currently registered as VASPs must be reauthorised as CASPs under the new regulations.
Are you ready to scale your crypto business across the world’s largest integrated market? Navigating the transition from old national rules to the new European framework requires a partner who understands the local nuances in Poland. LegalBison provides a turnkey solution that handles everything from company formation to final license approval. Our experts ensure your application meets the high standards of the Polish regulator on the first attempt.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
Blockchain enthusiast and expert on cryptocurrency and FinTech related laws.
Regulatory Overview: Crypto Assets Services Provider registration in Poland under MiCA
In 2026, the Polish crypto market is governed by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority. This body is known locally as the Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego or KNF. The regulatory framework is based on Polish law and the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, with the KNF overseeing the licensing and regulation of CASPs in Poland under the MiCA framework. MiCA is directly applicable across all EU member states.
The KNF official website provides the latest updates on national implementation and supervisory expectations. Poland is currently transitioning away from the simple VASP registration system to the CASP framework introduced under MiCA. Today, every firm must prove its operational resilience and financial health before it can accept a single client. Crypto compliance, anti-money laundering, and consumer protection are key regulatory priorities for CASPs operating in Poland.
The license allows you to conduct a wide range of profitable activities. You can offer digital asset custody, operate a full-scale trading exchange, or provide investment advice. Existing virtual asset service providers (VASPs) must transition to CASP status to continue operating, and this transition is part of aligning Polish law with EU standards. Crypto asset market oversight is a key responsibility of the KNF, ensuring that the sector operates within the legislative framework and upholds regulatory standards.
Developing a strong business model is essential for any crypto asset service provider seeking a CASP license in Poland. Your business model should clearly define the range of services you intend to offer — such as portfolio management, trading platforms, and custody and management services — while identifying your target market and outlining your revenue streams. Regulatory compliance is a cornerstone of the licensing process, so your business plan must demonstrate how you will adhere to MiCA and all other applicable laws.
In Poland, the preferred legal structure for a crypto asset service provider is typically a limited liability company. This structure offers flexibility, scalability, and a clear framework for effective management and growth. When applying for a CASP license in Poland, you will need to present a comprehensive business model that details your management services, operational procedures, and strategies for maintaining compliance. A well-prepared business plan not only increases your chances of obtaining a CASP license but also sets the foundation for long-term success in the dynamic crypto assets market.
Key Advantages of a Polish Crypto License
Poland is among the most beneficial locations for establishing a strong foothold in the European market.
- MiCA Compliant CASP License: The Polish license is a MiCA-compliant CASP license, enabling companies to provide crypto asset services and provide services across all 27 EU countries. This eliminates the need to apply for separate licenses in markets like France, Germany, or Italy;
- Enhanced Banking Relationships: A licensed CASP is recognised as a regulated financial institution. This status makes it significantly easier to open and maintain corporate bank accounts with Tier-1 European banks;
- Operational Cost Efficiency: Poland offers highly skilled labour and office spaces at a lower cost than Western European hubs. You get the benefit of an EU-standard license while maintaining a leaner operational budget;
- Institutional Reputation: The KNF is a respected regulator with a thorough vetting process. Holding their approval signals to investors and partners that your firm is safe, stable, and professionally managed;
- Favourable Tax Framework: Small companies in Poland can benefit from a reduced 9% corporate tax rate. Even the standard 19% rate remains competitive within the European landscape.
Obtaining a CASP status in Poland means that you have built a credible, trustworthy, and future-proof crypto business, recognised across all 27 Member States through the passporting right. This allows you to scale quickly and expand the global presence of your company.
They trusted LegalBison for support with crypto licensing
As a result of the fruitful cooperation with LegalBison, Yellow Card obtained a VASP registration, fast and without any legal complications.
Quick set-up and straightforward process. It was a smooth process, we are happy to have chosen LegalBison as our Partner for incorporations, globally.
LegalBison helped us navigate a space that’s often uncertain and complex, which gave us the confidence to move forward with our project.
Key Requirements for Obtaining a CASP License in Poland
Before applying for the CASP license in Poland, it is crucial that you understand the requirements. You must meet each of the following conditions and stick to a streamlined procedure to obtain your Polish CASP permit. LegalBison’s assistance will increase your chances of getting licensed on the first try.
See also: our Guide to MiCA Compliance
Corporate Entity
You must establish a local Polish company, typically a Limited Liability Company known as a sp. z o.o. Only entities registered in Poland are eligible to apply for a CASP license. The company must have its registered office and its place of effective management within Poland. This means your core business decisions should be made locally.
Share Capital
The capital requirement depends on the services you intend to provide. For advisory and order transmission, you need 50,000 EUR. For custody and exchange services, the requirement is 125,000 EUR. If you wish to operate a full trading platform, you must have 150,000 EUR. This capital must be fully paid in and maintained at all times.
Local Presence
You are required to have a physical office in Poland where company records are kept. At least one member of the management board must be a resident of the European Union. Furthermore, you must employ local staff to handle key functions such as AML compliance and internal audit.
Fit-and-Proper & Documentation
All directors and shareholders with a stake of 10% or more must pass a background check. This includes providing a clean criminal record from their home country and a detailed CV. You must also submit a three-year business plan and comprehensive internal policies. These documents must cover everything from client asset protection to market abuse prevention.
Other Requirements
There is no requirement to have held a prior crypto license in another jurisdiction. However, you must implement the Travel Rule for all crypto transfers as per current EU standards. You must also prove that your IT systems are resilient against cyber threats as required by the Digital Operational Resilience Act.
LegalBison is here to help you navigate through all the incorporation and licensing requirements with ease. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, we make sure that not a single compliance condition is overlooked.
How Long Is the Poland CASP License Process and Timeline
LegalBison facilitates the process of obtaining the Polish CASP license by a mile. Our consultants guide you through each step with ease and deal with all the legal work on your behalf. The whole procedure can be broken down into 4 comprehensive steps.
Preparation & Company Formation
In this first stage, we incorporate your Polish legal entity and register it with the National Court Register. We also assist in opening the local bank account needed for the share capital deposit.
Application Submission
Our legal team drafts the full application dossier, including all AML and operational policies. We then submit the complete package to the KNF and pay the required administrative fees.
Regulatory Review
The KNF reviews the application for completeness and substantive quality. During this period, the regulator may request additional information or invite the management board for interviews.
License Issuance
Once the regulatory authorities are satisfied, they issue the official decision granting the CASP license. Your company is then added to the interim MiCA ESMA register of authorised providers.
Cost for Obtaining CASP License in Poland
The fee of approximately 4,500 EUR is a one-time payment you have to make to the KNF at the time of submission. You must also account for the required share capital, which ranges from 50,000 EUR to 150,000 EUR depending on your service class. This capital remains with your company and is used for its operations.
Professional service fees vary based on the complexity of your business model and the number of services you wish to license. Please contact us for a tailored quote, as our service packages start from competitive rates for new startups.
Additionally, CASPs must pay an annual contribution to cover the costs of crypto-asset market oversight. This annual supervisory fee is based on the average value of crypto-asset service revenues over the last three fiscal years and is typically a small percentage of your annual revenue, often around 0,4 per cent. These costs are associated with providing such services.
Post-Licensing Compliance for Polish Crypto Companies
Ongoing compliance is vital to keeping your license in good standing. You must submit regular reports to the KNF regarding your financial status and transaction volumes. Annual audits by external firms are required to verify that your IT systems and internal controls remain effective. You must also ensure that you maintain your local substance in Poland, including your office and resident staff.
Common Misconceptions about getting a CASP license in Poland
One common mistake is believing that the process only takes a few weeks. In the reality of 2026, a high-quality application takes months to prepare and review.
Another misconception is that you can run the company entirely from outside the EU. The KNF strictly enforces the requirement for local management and a physical office.
Finally, some think that a simple AML registration is enough. That era has ended, and only a full CASP license allows for legal operations today.
At the same time, VASP companies that were registered before December 30, 2024, benefit from a grandfathering clause allowing them to operate under the old rules until July 1, 2026, or until they are granted or refused a MiCA license.
Cost for Obtaining CASP License in Poland
The fee of approximately 4,500 EUR is a one-time payment you have to make to the KNF at the time of submission. You must also account for the required share capital, which ranges from 50,000 EUR to 150,000 EUR depending on your service class. This capital remains with your company and is used for its operations.
Professional service fees vary based on the complexity of your business model and the number of services you wish to license. Please contact us for a tailored quote, as our service packages start from competitive rates for new startups.
Additionally, CASPs must pay an annual contribution to cover the costs of crypto-asset market oversight. This annual supervisory fee is based on the average value of crypto-asset service revenues over the last three fiscal years and is typically a small percentage of your annual revenue, often around 0,4 per cent. These costs are associated with providing such services.
Post-Licensing Compliance for Polish Crypto Companies
Ongoing compliance is vital to keeping your license in good standing. You must submit regular reports to the KNF regarding your financial status and transaction volumes. Annual audits by external firms are required to verify that your IT systems and internal controls remain effective. You must also ensure that you maintain your local substance in Poland, including your office and resident staff.
Common Misconceptions about getting a CASP license in Poland
One common mistake is believing that the process only takes a few weeks. In the reality of 2026, a high-quality application takes months to prepare and review.
Another misconception is that you can run the company entirely from outside the EU. The KNF strictly enforces the requirement for local management and a physical office.
Finally, some think that a simple AML registration is enough. That era has ended, and only a full CASP license allows for legal operations today.
At the same time, VASP companies that were registered before December 30, 2024, benefit from a grandfathering clause allowing them to operate under the old rules until July 1, 2026, or until they are granted or refused a MiCA license.
FAQ about the crypto license (CASP) in Poland
The total timeline usually falls between 6 and 9 months. This includes company formation, document preparation, and the regulatory review period.
It allows for custody of assets, operating an exchange, providing investment advice, and managing portfolios. It also covers the execution of orders on behalf of clients.
Standard corporate income tax is 19%. However, many new startups and small businesses can qualify for a reduced 9% rate on their operating income.
Yes. The government has created a clear and stable legal framework that follows EU standards. This makes Poland one of the most predictable and safe environments for crypto innovation in 2026.
Why Choose LegalBison
Having helped over a hundred clients obtain their crypto licenses across the EU and the world, the LegalBison team knows the ins and outs of regulatory compliance. When it comes to Poland, we understand exactly what the KNF looks for in a business plan and how to structure your internal policies to avoid delays. Our deep roots in the Polish market allow us to handle the bureaucracy while you focus on building your product. We maintain a high success rate by ensuring every detail is perfect before submission.
Are you ready to secure your future in the European crypto market? Contact our experts to review your business model and provide a clear roadmap for your licensing journey.
Legal experts in designing solutions for crypto licensing worldwide.
Blockchain enthusiast and expert on cryptocurrency and FinTech related laws.