Crypto Licence in Estonia (CASP) – 2026 Complete Guide by SBSB FinTech Lawyers

Crypto License in Estonia is now officially issued as a CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) license under the EU-wide Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Since 2024–2026 reforms, Estonia has transformed from a mass-registration VASP jurisdiction into a fully supervised EU financial regime controlled by the Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority (FSA).

At SBSB FinTech Lawyers, we structure, prepare, and obtain Estonian CASP licenses for crypto exchanges, custodians, token issuers, and Web3 infrastructure providers targeting the EU market.

What Is a Crypto License in Estonia?

A Crypto License in Estonia (CASP) is a regulatory authorization allowing companies to legally provide crypto-asset services across the European Union in compliance with MiCA.

From July 1, 2026:

• CASP becomes the only valid crypto authorization format
  
• Former VASP licenses are no longer valid
  
• Full MiCA compliance is mandatory

Why Estonia Remains a Top EU Crypto Jurisdiction

1. MiCA-Compliant EU Authorization

Estonia provides a fully harmonized EU regulatory framework, enabling passporting within the European Economic Area.

2. High Regulatory Reputation

Strict supervision enhances credibility with:

• European banks
  
• EMIs and PSPs
  
• Institutional partners
  
• Investors
  

3. Transparent Legal Environment

Regulation is based on:

• Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)
  
• Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
  
• National Crypto Asset Market Act
  
• AML/CFT legislation aligned with FATF
  

4. Corporate Tax Efficiency

• 0% corporate tax on retained profits
  
• 22% tax on distributed dividends
  

5. Advanced Digital Infrastructure

Estonia’s e-government ecosystem simplifies corporate administration and regulatory interaction.

What Activities Does the Estonian CASP License Cover?

An Estonia crypto license allows:

• Crypto-to-fiat exchange
  
• Crypto-to-crypto exchange
  
• Custody and wallet services
  
• Transfer of crypto assets
  
• Execution of client orders
  
• Operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets
• Placing of crypto-assets;
• Reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
• Providing advice on crypto-assets;
• Providing portfolio management on crypto-assets

Estonia Crypto License Requirements (2026)

Share Capital

• €50,000 – Crypto-asset service provider authorised for the following crypto-asset services:

execution of orders on behalf of clients;

placing of crypto-assets;

providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;

reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;

providing advice on crypto-assets; and/or

providing portfolio management on crypto-assets.

• €100,000 — exchange and custody
  
• €150,000 — operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets included
  

Capital must be fully paid and verifiable.

Local Substance

• Registered Estonian company (OÜ)
  
• Physical office in Estonia
  
• Local director
  
• Local AML Officer
  
• External EU-accredited auditor
  

Governance & Compliance

• Minimum two board members
  
• Segregation of compliance functions
  
• Clean criminal record
  
• Demonstrated crypto/financial expertise
  

AML & Risk Framework

• AML/KYC policies
  
• Transaction monitoring
  
• Sanctions screening
  
• Risk assessment model
  
• Internal control system
  

IT & Security (DORA)

• Secure custody infrastructure
  
• Client asset segregation
  
• Cyber incident response system

Timeline to Obtain a Crypto License in Estonia

State application fee: €3,000
Annual supervision fee: approx. 2% of annual transaction volume

Taxation of Crypto Companies in Estonia

Corporate tax
0% on undistributed profits
22% on distributed profits

VAT
Crypto exchange services — VAT exempt

Personal income tax
Crypto gains taxed at 22%

Risks & Compliance Obligations

CASPs must:

• Conduct continuous AML monitoring
  
• Submit regulatory reporting
  
• Undergo annual audits
  
• Store customer data for 5 years
  
• Comply with EU sanctions rules
  
• Maintain digital operational resilience
  

Sanctions for non-compliance may reach:

• €5M+ fines
  
• 5–15% of annual turnover
  
• License revocation

Is Estonia the Right Jurisdiction for Your Crypto Business?

Estonia is suitable for:

• EU-focused crypto exchanges
  
• Institutional custody providers
  
• Token issuers seeking MiCA compliance
  
• Regulated Web3 platforms
  

It is not suitable for startups seeking minimal capital or light regulation.

Why SBSB FinTech Lawyers?

SBSB FinTech Lawyers specializes exclusively in:

• Crypto regulation
  
• FinTech licensing
  
• iGaming regulation
  
• Investment structures
  

For Estonia CASP licensing, we provide:

• Corporate structuring strategy
  
• Capital planning
  
• Full MiCA-compliant AML framework
  
• Local director & AML officer coordination
  
• Auditor coordination
  
• Application drafting & submission
  
• Regulator communication
  
• Post-license compliance support
  

We do not sell templates. We build regulator-ready crypto institutions.

Crypto License in Estonia — 2026 Conclusion

The Estonian CASP license is no longer a simple registration. It is a full EU financial authorization aligned with MiCA and DORA.

For companies seeking long-term EU credibility, regulatory stability, and institutional-level compliance, Estonia remains one of the strongest crypto jurisdictions in Europe.

If you want to obtain a Crypto License in Estonia, our team at SBSB FinTech Lawyers will structure and lead your licensing process from strategy to approval.

Book a consultation yuliya_barabash@sb-sb.com to assess your eligibility and project timeline.