Why Choose Poland for a Crypto License
Ready to legalize your crypto business in Europe? Poland is your key! The country is actively transitioning to MiCA regulation, fundamentally changing the rules. We'll help you obtain and maintain a cryptocurrency license in Poland, navigating all the nuances.
Poland is accelerating MiCA implementation, so you'll need to secure your crypto license in Poland faster than elsewhere in the EU. This gives a competitive edge to those who submit their Poland crypto license application promptly.
Thanks to the MiCA transition, a legal crypto license in Poland now ensures not only AML compliance but also consumer protection and market integrity. This makes the Polish market more reliable for investors and businesses.
Poland is a thriving fintech hub with talented professionals and consumers open to innovation. It's the ideal launching pad for your crypto business. Are you ready to take the first step towards a legitimate crypto license in Poland?
What Is a Polish Crypto License (CASP)
The world of crypto services in Poland is undergoing a fundamental shift: from simple national VASP registration, we're moving to full CASP crypto licensing under EU standards. Forget outdated VASPs – now, obtaining a crypto license is key in Poland, ensuring full MiCA compliance. This transition raises the bar, demanding significantly more from companies than mere registration, but it also promises greater market reliability and trust.
With the new Poland crypto license under MiCA, the range of permitted activities expands significantly, covering everything from custody and trading to advisory and crypto-asset portfolio management. Moreover, recent changes in Polish law lifted the ban on crypto lending, opening new opportunities for innovative platforms and DeFi services. This means your cryptocurrency exchange license or other service licenses will now offer you much greater flexibility in Poland.
Previously, crypto activities were primarily regulated by the Anti-Money Laundering Act. However, with MiCA's full implementation, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) takes over the primary role in overseeing the Poland crypto license register, gaining significantly broader powers and authorizations. Be prepared for increased scrutiny, as the KNF will regulate the crypto sector on par with traditional financial institutions.
How to Get a Crypto License in Poland
The first step to securing your Poland crypto license involves forming a legal entity in Poland, like an LLC (Sp. z o.o.). Іt's the foundation for all subsequent work, demanding precise company type selection and appropriate activity codes (PKD). While remote incorporation is possible, navigating the intricacies of Polish corporate law without local expertise could be challenging, risking significant delays on your path to a crypto license in Poland.
Historically, VASP providers registered with GIIF under the AML Act, but this registration is being actively phased out by October 2025. This means that while past AML obligations remain, the primary focus has now shifted to the Poland crypto license register under KNF oversight. For those who held a VASP license before December 30, 2024, a transitional period has been provided. However, remember, by midnight on December 31, 2025 (or even earlier in Poland), your VASP registration might just turn into a pumpkin. Don't wait to secure your crypto license in Poland!
Obtaining a CASP license in Poland from the KNF is a far more complex undertaking than the previous VASP registration, requiring extensive documentation and meticulous preparation. While the KNF can't formally accept applications yet until the national law is enacted, time is of the essence: Poland has shortened its transition period. So, to get a CASP license in Poland and leverage full EU passporting rights, it's crucial to prepare all documents now and be ready to submit them instantly the moment the doors open.
Requirements for Licensing
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To secure a crypto license in Poland, your company must be a legal entity with its headquarters established in an EU Member State. The most popular choice in Poland is the Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.) due to its flexibility and limited shareholder liability.
A core requirement for a Poland CASP license is the designation of an employee responsible for AML/CTF, along with the implementation of robust internal AML and KYC policies. This includes diligent customer identification, ongoing monitoring, and the integration of the Travel Rule (TFR) into company systems, effective December 30, 2024. Businesses must not merely comply but proactively identify, assess, and mitigate money laundering risks.
Obtaining a CASP license in Poland mandates a physical office presence in the country, signifying a tangible local footprint, unlike the previous VASP registration. The company must establish a dedicated compliance team and possess a comprehensive set of internal documents, including a detailed business plan and risk management procedures. Additionally, at least one director must reside in an EU member state, and the company's place of effective management must also be located within the EU.
The minimum share capital requirements for a Poland crypto license are tiered based on service class, ranging from €50,000 for basic operations to €150,000 for a full trading platform, emphasizing financial robustness. Beyond capitalization, founders and key operational staff must demonstrate relevant experience or training, along with a good business reputation and no criminal record. This ensures high standards of professionalism and reliability across all operational aspects, crucial for acquiring a CASP license in Poland.
Timeline and Costs
Obtaining a CASP license in Poland is a multi-stage process, with the KNF application review potentially taking up to a few months.
The cost of a CASP license in Poland has significantly increased, requiring share capital from €50,000 to €150,000 and annual fees based on your revenue. This reflects increased KNF oversight, making meticulous financial planning critical.
Beyond initial investment, maintaining your Poland crypto license requires ongoing compliance expenses, banking fees, and reporting. Continuous adherence to AML/CTF, software updates are key to ensuring your legal crypto license in Poland remains current and effective.
Taxation of Crypto Companies in Poland
Polish corporate tax (CIT 19%, 9% for small companies) classifies crypto revenue as capital gains. Regarding VAT, crypto-to-fiat exchange is 0%, but other crypto-paid goods/services incur 23% VAT.
Individuals face a 19% flat tax on crypto profits as capital income, with crypto-to-crypto trades generally tax-free. All transactions and deductible costs must be accurately recorded (PIT-38 for individuals, Company Tax Returns for entities). Excess costs can be carried forward.
Withholding Tax (WHT) of 19-20% applies to certain payments to non-residents. Double Tax Treaties can reduce or exempt this, requiring careful analysis. For large inter-company payments, a "Pay & Refund" mechanism may also be applicable.
How Icon Partners Can Help
Icon Partners offers a full spectrum of expert support to navigate the complex Poland crypto regulation consulting.
This includes comprehensive legal and compliance assistance, covering MiCA implementation, development of robust AML/KYC policies, and risk management frameworks.
We also aid with complete company setup in Poland, from selecting the optimal legal structure like Sp. z o.o. to its registration, and facilitate corporate bank account opening.
Furthermore, we provide detailed tax consulting on all aspects, including VAT and WHT for international transactions, ensuring full compliance and optimized financial outcomes.
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"Their adept use of technology for communication and project management streamlined the entire process."
Thanks to Icon.Partners' efforts, the client was able to integrate with major platforms, such as Google, Facebook, and Stripe, and optimize their platform. The team was highly supportive and responsive from a workflow standpoint, and internal stakeholders were particularly impressed with the service provider's flexibility, professionalism, and technical prowess.
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CEO, VorfahrQR UG
Germany📍
Apr 10, 2024
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