How to Obtain a Crypto License in Estonia
Estonia now issues a single, unified Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license covering exchange, wallet, and other virtual-asset activities — merged from the old two-license system.
BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements before you commit to anything.
At a glance
- Entity
- OÜ
- Corporate tax
- 22% — on distributed profits only
- License type
- Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) License
- Authority
- Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
- Min. license capital
- €100,000+ — may be higher depending on the scale of services offered
- Review timeframe
- 60–90 days
What you need
- An Estonian legal entity with a physical presence in the country Required
- Directors and compliance officers with relevant experience, residing in Estonia Required
- A physical office and key personnel residing in Estonia Required
- An effective AML/KYC framework Required
- Adequate operational infrastructure, IT systems, and compliance controls Required
Steps to obtain the license
Register your Estonian company
Typically a Private Limited Company (OÜ); submit formation documents to the Estonian Business Register and appoint local directors or board members residing in Estonia.
Prepare your documentation
Business plan, AML/KYC procedures, management and beneficial-owner information, internal control rules, and proof of capital.
Open a bank or payment institution account
In the EU, to deposit the required share capital.
Submit your application to the FIU
With all documentation, proof of the application fee, and risk assessments.
Await review
The FIU conducts background checks and assesses compliance procedures — typically 60 to 90 days depending on completeness.
Obtain your VASP license
Authorizing crypto services in Estonia and, under passporting rights where conditions are met, across the EU.
Common questions
Is the old two-license system (exchange + wallet) still in effect?
No — this has been merged into a single, unified VASP license covering exchange, wallet, and other virtual-asset services, including ICOs and DeFi platforms.
Does e-Residency mean I can run this remotely?
No. VASP licensing specifically requires a physical office and locally-residing key personnel in Estonia — this is separate from, and stricter than, standard company formation via e-Residency.
What ongoing obligations apply?
Regular AML reporting to the FIU, annual audits and policy reviews, immediate reporting of structural changes, and maintaining an Estonian office with locally-resident management.
Ready to apply for a crypto license in Estonia?
BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements and current timelines for your Estonia crypto license before you commit to anything.
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