CASP Licence in Austria (MiCA) in 2026: Requirements, Costs & Application Process

Entering the EU crypto market in 2026 is no longer about choosing a “friendly” jurisdiction — it is about building a fully compliant business from day one.

Within this framework, obtaining a CASP License in Austria (MiCA) has become one of the most structured — and at the same time, most respected — entry points into the European market.

Austria is not the fastest or cheapest option. But for companies focused on long-term growth, regulatory credibility, and institutional trust, it is often one of the strongest choices.

What Is a CASP License in Austria (MiCA)?

A CASP License in Austria (in accordance with the pan-European MiCA regulation) is an authorization issued by the Austrian regulator (Finanzmarktaufsicht – FMA) that allows a company to provide crypto-related services across the EU.

This includes:

• crypto for funds and crypto for crypto exchange services
• custody of crypto-assets
• transfer of crypto-assets
• operation of trading platforms
• portfolio management and advisory
• and so on, as specified in MiCA

The key advantage is passporting — once licensed in Austria, a company can operate across all EU member states without obtaining additional licenses.

Why Austria Stands Out Under MiCA

Not all EU jurisdictions apply MiCA in the same way.

Austria follows a more conservative, “banking-style” approach. In practice, this means:

• detailed review of applications
• strong focus on governance and risk management
• high expectations for internal systems

At the same time, this creates a clear benefit: A CASP License in Austria (MiCA) is widely perceived as a mark of credibility.

For many companies, especially those targeting institutional clients or partnerships, this matters more than speed.

CASP Activities and Capital Requirements

Under MiCA, CASP licenses are divided into categories depending on services.

Class 1 — €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.

Class 2 — €125,000

Crypto-asset service provider authorised for any crypto-asset services under class 1 and:

• providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
• exchange of crypto-assets for funds; and/or
• exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets.

Class 3 — €150,000

Crypto-asset service provider authorised for any crypto-asset services under class 2 and:

• operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets.

The required capital depends directly on the scope of activities.

Key Requirements for a CASP License in Austria

Obtaining a CASP License in Austria (MiCA) requires more than documentation — it requires a fully operational setup.

Core requirements include:

• Austrian legal entity (typically GmbH)
• local presence and physical office
• EU-based director with relevant experience
• clear ownership structure (UBO disclosure)
• AML/KYC framework
• internal governance and risk management systems
• secure IT infrastructure

The regulator evaluates not only what is written, but how the business is actually structured.

Step-by-Step Process

The process of obtaining a CASP License in Austria (MiCA) follows a structured path:

1. Business model analysis

2. Company incorporation in Austria

3. Preparation of documentation

4. Submission to FMA

5. Completeness check

6. Regulatory review and feedback

7. Final decision

In practice, the process usually takes 8–10 months, depending on preparation quality and feedback rounds.

What Typically Delays the Application

Austria is known for its detailed approach.

Common issues include:

• incomplete documentation
• unclear ownership structure
• weak compliance framework
• lack of management experience
• underdeveloped technical setup

A CASP License in Austria (MiCA) is achievable — but only when every element is aligned.

Costs and Tax Considerations

Licensing Costs

• capital: €50,000–€150,000
• legal and compliance setup
• operational infrastructure

Taxation

• corporate tax: 23%
• dividend tax: up to 27.5%

There are no special crypto tax benefits — Austria follows standard corporate taxation rules.

Austria vs Other MiCA Jurisdictions

Choosing between Austria, Malta, or the Netherlands depends on priorities.

• Austria → strongest credibility, strict regulatory approach
• Malta → faster and more flexible
• Netherlands → similarly strict, multi-layer supervision

A CASP License in Austria (MiCA) is typically chosen by companies prioritizing reputation over speed.

Who Should Choose Austria

This jurisdiction is best suited for:

• mature crypto businesses
• companies targeting EU-wide operations
• projects working with institutional clients
• businesses prioritizing long-term credibility

Startups with limited resources often choose more flexible jurisdictions first.

Why Work with SBSB FinTech Lawyers

Obtaining a CASP License in Austria (MiCA) is not just a legal process — it is a strategic build of your entire business.

SBSB FinTech Lawyers provides:

• full MiCA licensing support
• business structuring and strategy
• preparation of all compliance documentation
• communication with the regulator
• support with banking and infrastructure

We guide clients from initial concept to full market entry.

Final Thoughts

A CASP License in Austria (MiCA) is not the easiest path into the EU crypto market — but it is one of the most solid.

It offers:

• regulatory clarity
• EU passporting
• strong market perception

For companies ready to operate at a high standard, Austria provides a stable and scalable foundation.

Get Your CASP License in Austria with SBSB

If you are considering obtaining a CASP License in Austria (MiCA), we invite you to discuss your project with our team.

We will help you structure your business, prepare all required documentation, and guide you through the entire licensing process.

To book a consultation, please contact: yuliya_barabash@sb-sb.com