CASP License in Poland

A CASP license is required for the legal operation with crypto assets in the EU. It confirms that a company is officially authorized to provide services in the field of digital assets — from exchange and secure storage of cryptocurrency to wallet management and executing transactions on behalf of clients.

Poland differs from other European states by offering a fast and transparent CASP licensing procedure. Flexible regulation enables companies to adapt to MiCA standards and successfully operate in the international cryptocurrency market. In addition, this jurisdiction is respected among international partners and investors for its high level of legal protection and stability.

What is a CASP License

CASP (Crypto Asset Services Provider) is a license granted to companies working with crypto assets. The authorization confirms the legality of business operations and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) requirements, while ensuring client protection and operational transparency. This license is regulated by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) under the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework.

All companies engaged in digital assets must obtain CASP status. These services include: cryptocurrency exchange for fiat or other crypto assets, custody and management of crypto assets on behalf of clients, execution of transactions on behalf of third parties, and participation in the placement or sale of crypto assets. Companies providing such services without a license risk fines and other sanctions.

Requirements for Companies

The license is regulated by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF - Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego). It is responsible for ensuring that authorization and subsequent activities are carried out in accordance with MiCA and national legislation.

Applicant requirements

Impeccable business reputation of beneficiaries and management.
Internal AML/CFT policy aligned with FATF recommendations and EU requirements.
Proof of income.
Minimum share capital of EUR 50,000.
Office presence in Poland.

Types of CASP Licenses

CASP Class 1 - Basic Services. Companies may manage a portfolio of crypto assets and place them without a firm commitment to repurchase. Suitable for small startups that do not operate exchange platforms. Minimum share capital: EUR 50,000.
Services include: execution of client orders; placement of crypto assets; transfer services on behalf of clients; receipt and transmission of client orders for crypto assets; crypto asset advisory; portfolio management.
CASP Class 2 - Extended Services. Holders of this class may store crypto assets or access keys on behalf of clients, perform exchanges, and handle token transactions. Minimum share capital: EUR 125,000. Appropriate for crypto exchanges, custodial services, and OTC platforms. Services include: custody and administration of crypto assets for clients; exchange of crypto assets for fiat; exchange of crypto assets for other crypto assets.
CASP Class 3 - Full License. In addition to the functions of Classes 1 and 2, companies with this license are permitted to operate trading platforms. Minimum share capital: EUR 150,000. They are authorized to provide all Class 2 services as well as operate a crypto asset trading platform.

Procedure for Obtaining a CASP License

Incorporating the Company (sp. z o.o.)

A company must be incorporated in Poland, most commonly as a sp. z o.o. (equivalent of a limited liability company).
Appoint a Local Manager or Director

A mandatory requirement for filing an application is the presence of a local manager or director.
Prepare Required Documents

The application for a financial license in Poland must be submitted to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), along with a comprehensive set of supporting documents.
Submit the Application to the KNF

The application is submitted to the Financial Supervision Authority together with the full document package.
Review and Evaluation by the KNF

On average, the procedure takes from 2 to 4 months.
Receive the Decision from KNF

Following the review, the KNF issues a decision on granting the license.

Law&Trust assists with document preparation, notarization, and translation.

Required documents for obtaining CASP-license

Business plan;
AML/CFT policy and KYC procedures;
Internal control and risk management system;
Proof of funds origin;
Information on ultimate beneficiaries and directors;
Lease agreement or proof of registered address.

Our Services

Law&Trust provides comprehensive support at all stages of obtaining a CASP license in Poland and other jurisdictions. We offer professional consultations, help select the optimal jurisdiction for your business specifics, support company registration, and carefully prepare the document package.

Our services include:

Consultations on CASP licensing;
Company registration in Poland;
Preparation of the complete application package;
Support during submission and communication with regulators;
Ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.

If you plan to develop your project in Europe, legal assistance is essential. Our experts will help you find the optimal solution, guiding you at every stage - from idea to license acquisition and successful business launch.