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Licensing & authorisations
Preparing an application with CySEC, other EU regulators or offshore authorities sets the tone for your relationship with the regulator. It establishes your firm's credibility and competence from the very beginning.
01
Structure your model
We set up your business model in the most cost-efficient and compliance-effective way, reducing expense while achieving strong compliance results.
02
Build the package
A tailored application package, including your Regulatory Business Plan and Internal Procedures Manual, that reflects your business accurately.
03
Direct the application
We lead the submission, liaise with the regulator and answer their questions, supporting you until your licence is granted.
At a glance
Capital and timelines in Cyprus.
Minimum initial capital and typical timeframes for the two most requested Cyprus licences.
Investment firm (CIF) · CySEC
Minimum initial capital by licence scope
Crypto-asset provider (CASP) · CySEC
Minimum initial capital by class
Typical timeframe to authorisation
Month 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Timelines depend on the regulator and the completeness of your application. We confirm a realistic plan after scoping.
Jurisdictions
Choose a licence type.
Select a jurisdiction to see timeframes, capital and requirements where we've published them.
Investment firm and fund licences across the EU, UK and selected third-country hubs.
CY
Cyprus
CySEC
UK
United Kingdom
FCA
AE
United Arab Emirates
SCA Category 5
MU
Mauritius
FSC
SC
Seychelles
FSA
BS
Bahamas
Investment firm licence
KY
Cayman Islands
Investment firm licence
KM
Comoros
Investment firm licence
Electronic money institution licences for payments and e-money businesses in the EU and UK.
CY
Cyprus
Central Bank of Cyprus
EE
Estonia
EMI licence
LT
Lithuania
EMI licence
UK
United Kingdom
EMI authorisation
Crypto-asset service provider registrations and licences in established and emerging hubs.
CY
Cyprus
CySEC · CASP
EE
Estonia
FIU
SC
Seychelles
FSA
MU
Mauritius
FSC
Investment firm licence
Cyprus – CySEC
Timeframe
Approx. 4–6 months
Law
Cyprus Investment Firms Law 87(I)/2017
Passporting
EU single passport, no additional capital
Capital requirements
- €75,000 · Reception & transmission, execution of orders, portfolio management, investment advice (without holding client funds)
- €150,000 · STP licence
- €750,000 · Market maker licence, including dealing on own account, underwriting and operating an MTF
Requirements
- Incorporate the company in Cyprus
- Appoint four directors (two executive, two non-executive), at least three Cyprus residents, all passing CySEC's fit and proper test
- Hire local resident staff full-time for key functions
- Establish a fully operational office in Cyprus
Electronic money institution
EMI – Cyprus
Regulator
Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC)
Eligibility
Legal entities with head office in Cyprus
Cyprus has aligned its legislation with EU directives governing Payment Institutions and Electronic Money Institutions. E-money services may only be offered by institutions licensed by the CBC.
How we help
- Preparing and submitting the complete application package to the CBC
- Advising on the optimal business structure and operational setup
- Selecting the right Board members and employees
- Training Board members and key staff
- Full support during the application, including regulator questions
- Post-licensing support for smooth operations
Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) registration
Crypto – Cyprus – CySEC
Regulator
CySEC
Timeframe
Typically up to six months
Licence classes
- Class 1 · €50,000 · Investment advice
- Class 2 · €125,000 · Class 1 plus order reception, transmission and execution, crypto/fiat exchange, offerings and portfolio management
- Class 3 · €150,000 · Classes 1 and 2 plus custody and transfer of crypto-assets, underwriting and operating multilateral trading systems
Key requirements
- Incorporation in Cyprus
- Four directors (two executive, two non-executive), at least three Cyprus residents, all fit and proper
- Full-time local staff for key functions
- A fully operational office in Cyprus