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Crypto License in Poland

Bitcoin scales illustration with Poland flag background for cryptocurrency regulation

Today, Poland stands as a highly attractive jurisdiction for setting up a crypto business. The most recent reports indicate that by the end of 2024, the country had attracted 1,407 crypto firms, being the second most appealing jurisdiction in the world.

The country is regarded for its relatively stable regulatory climate, with changes in crypto legislation introduced gradually and predictably. From the moment EU Regulation 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) became effective, the old VASP authorization framework has been replaced with a unified Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) regime. The country has extended its grandfathering window until July 1, 2026, allowing existing VASPs to transition to CASP status and passport their services across all 27 EU Member States.

Accordingly, an entity seeking to act as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) in the country must first secure a Poland crypto license. Although MiCA has increased regulatory requirements and costs for crypto businesses across the EU, the Polish framework continues to be relatively flexible and cost-effective.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Poland CASP License?

Obtaining a Poland crypto license offers various advantages for blockchain and cryptocurrency businesses. Among the most important are:

  • Harmonized Access to the EU Market. A Polish MiCA license opens the door to all 27 EU member states, enabling cross-border operations without separate national authorizations and giving access to a market projected to reach USD 22.87 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.94%.
  • Cost-efficiency. In Poland, the overall cost of obtaining a cryptocurrency license is typically lower than in many other European countries. This advantage comes from notably lower operational expenses; due to relatively low wage levels and office rental costs, Poland is one of Europe’s most affordable crypto licensing options.
  • Attractive & Transparent Taxation. Obtaining a crypto license in Poland allows businesses to operate under a competitive tax regime with clear compliance requirements. The corporate tax rate stands at 9% for annual revenues up to EUR 2 million and 19% for higher income. Coupled with Poland’s extensive network of 85+ double tax treaties, this framework significantly reduces the risk of an additional tax burden.
  • Client and Investor Trust. Establishing a crypto firm in Poland, one of the EU member states, demonstrates to clients, investors, and partners that the company upholds rigorous regulatory standards, elevating their trust and confidence in the company. Such positioning is critical in a highly volatile crypto ecosystem, where investors increasingly prefer licensed entities that can offer legal certainty and peace of mind to know their funds are protected under Polish jurisdiction.
Europe cryptocurrency market outlook, 2025–2033 (in USD billion)
Source: Market Data Forecast

Cost of Obtaining a Crypto License in Poland

Once Poland fully implements the Act on Crypto Assets and the MiCA by mid-2026 (expected), the cost of establishing and getting a crypto license in the country is expected to increase, although it still remains among the lowest across the EU.

The cost structure of a CASP license in Poland includes:

I. Pre-Registration Costs

Before applying for a Poland crypto license, companies must conduct a few additional actions.

This includes company incorporation, which is necessary to obtain a license, including the creation of necessary legal documentation, relevant identification documents, and robust AML/CFT mechanisms.

All of these may require additional investment, depending on the legal service provider chosen.

II. Application Costs

The company can be incorporated through the S24 portal or the National Court Register. Currently, registering via the S24 portal costs PLN 250 (approximately EUR 82) plus PLN 100 for publication in the Court and Economic Monitor, while the National Court Register costs PLN 600 for court fees plus publication (approximately EUR 141). A Poland LLC (limited liability company) must have a minimum share capital of PLN 5000 (approximately EUR 1180).

When it comes to licensing, before the introduction of MiCA, registration as a VASP required the payment of PLN 616 (approximately EUR 143). In general, together with the company registration, the estimated costs of getting a VASP Poland license previously ranged from PLN 5,866 to PLN 6,116 (approximately EUR 1,364 to EUR 1,423), excluding legal services fees.

The next day, MiCA enters into full force, and the application fee paid to the regulator alone will rise to EUR 4,500. Further, there are plans to introduce recurring supervision charges set at 0.4–0.5% of total revenue. Combined, all licensing and compliance costs in Europe have exceeded EUR 60,000 since December 2024, Coincub reports. This is compared to less than EUR 10,000 previously, a more than 6 times increase.

Costs of licensing and compliance for crypto startups in the EU after MiCA
Source: Coincub

III. Operational Costs

Historically, after being granted a cryptocurrency license in Poland, companies were obliged to allocate extra funds to operate effective AML/CFT systems and comply with relevant local legislation's requirements (soon: MiCA EU-wide). Additional costs may arise in connection with the submission of annual financial statements and, in certain circumstances, the conduct of annual audits.

As a result of MiCA and DORA, CASPs now face considerably higher regulatory expectations, particularly in AML and accounting, leading to a notable increase in the overall compliance spend.

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Obtaining a Poland Crypto License: Key Requirements

Previously, the regulatory oversight was shaped by the Act of 1 March 2018 on counteracting money laundering and financing of terrorism alone. Now, all digital asset-related activities are required to comply with MiCA and the Polish Act on Crypto Assets in order to obtain a Poland crypto license. Below are the main requirements to get a CASP license in Poland:
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1. Company Formation in Poland

Running a crypto business is only possible through a duly established legal entity. Typically, this will be a limited liability company (z.o.o. in Polish) registered with the National Court Register (KRS) or incorporated via the S24 Portal.

2. Necessary Documentation

The application must include company incorporation documents, a detailed business plan, background checks of directors, shareholders, and key personnel, detailed financial documents according to the requirements, evidence of the contribution of share capital of not less than the minimum (Class I: €50,000; Class II: €125,000; Class III: €150,000), and internal compliance policies, including AML/KYC procedures, data protection, and IT.

3. Eligibility Criteria

CASPs in Poland and throughout Europe are required to maintain real substance in their jurisdiction of registration. When it comes to Poland, this means having a physical office in the EU, ensuring at least one director is resident in the EU, and appointing management with relevant professional experience and no criminal or regulatory issues in the financial or economic sectors.

4. Compliance Obligations

Meeting the EU’s NIS2 Directive requirements, which include strong data protection measures, advanced firewalls, and other cybersecurity safeguards, alongside robust KYC/AML procedures, risk management frameworks, operational resilience mechanisms, and full DORA compliance.

1. Company Formation in Poland

Running a crypto business is only possible through a duly established legal entity. Typically, this will be a limited liability company (z.o.o. in Polish) registered with the National Court Register (KRS) or incorporated via the S24 Portal.

2. Necessary Documentation

The application must include company incorporation documents, a detailed business plan, background checks of directors, shareholders, and key personnel, detailed financial documents according to the requirements, evidence of the contribution of share capital of not less than the minimum (Class I: €50,000; Class II: €125,000; Class III: €150,000), and internal compliance policies, including AML/KYC procedures, data protection, and IT.

3. Eligibility Criteria

CASPs in Poland and throughout Europe are required to maintain real substance in their jurisdiction of registration. When it comes to Poland, this means having a physical office in the EU, ensuring at least one director is resident in the EU, and appointing management with relevant professional experience and no criminal or regulatory issues in the financial or economic sectors.

4. Compliance Obligations

Meeting the EU’s NIS2 Directive requirements, which include strong data protection measures, advanced firewalls, and other cybersecurity safeguards, alongside robust KYC/AML procedures, risk management frameworks, operational resilience mechanisms, and full DORA compliance.

The Process for Obtaining a MiCA License in Poland

Obtaining a crypto exchange license in Poland is one of the most straightforward ways to conduct crypto business in the EU, enhancing credibility and fostering financial growth. Overall, the process of getting a Poland crypto license can take anywhere between 3 and 6 months, depending on the current documentation status.

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  1. At this stage, businesses need to establish a legal entity in Poland, typically a limited liability company (Sp.z.o.o.), through the S24 Portal or Court Registers Portal. Obtain necessary tax IDs and report beneficial ownership. Secure a physical office, appoint key personnel, and obtain essential credentials.

  2. Prepare documents that outline at least a 3-year business plan, articles of association, a description of the management structure, AML/CFT policies, procedures for segregating client assets, data protection, cybersecurity, incident response management, risk management, and market abuse prevention.

  3. The MiCA white paper must be drafted in full compliance with the relevant annexes (e.g., Annex I for utility tokens).

  4. Once all documents and internal processes are in place, you submit the application for a CASP license to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) and wait for regulatory review. The licensing authority will review the application for compliance with MiCA standards.

  5. Once licensed and before publicly offering the crypto-asset, the company must notify the regulator (only for utility tokens) at least 20 working days beforehand. Additionally, all CASPs must comply with regular reporting and auditing requirements, as well as ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory obligations.

How Inteliumlaw Can Assist With Getting a Crypto License in Poland

Inteliumlaw offers end-to-end support in getting a MiCA license in Poland, enabling your crypto project to operate confidently in the country and throughout the rest of the European Union. Our dedicated team of legal professionals has a strong track record in helping crypto startups launch and operate in Europe in full compliance at every stage of their lifecycles, which is why we are best positioned to help you scale in Poland and the broader EU market.

Unique Approach

No two businesses are alike. That’s why Inteliumlaw offers a bespoke strategy that is precisely aligned with each business’s needs. 
 
With an unwavering commitment to excellence in delivering expert solutions, we have supported the success of over 50 high-level business endeavors around the globe.

Big 4-Caliber Expertise

Bringing years of experience from top-tier legal firms, Inteliumlaw minimizes time spent learning the client’s business model while maximizing efforts to address the legal matter(s).
 
We recognize the value of your time and strive to expedite the licensing procedure without compromising the thoroughness required for regulatory approval.

Full-Fledged Support

Inteliumlaw goes beyond obtaining licenses; we provide ongoing support to keep you informed and compliant with any regulatory changes. 
 
This includes opening bank account(s) abroad, legal and tax advice during global expansion, dispute resolution, representing clients’ interests before regulatory and financial institutions, and more.

Access to Network of Relevant Connections

Through years of supporting businesses’ sustainable growth, Inteliumlaw has built a robust network of partners ranging from software developers and gaming technology providers to operators and white-label businesses – all designed to offer our clients immediate access to industry-leading solutions.

License-related questions?

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Elena Sadovskaya

Managing Partner at Inteliumlaw

Languages: English/Ukrainian

Poland MiCA License FAQs

Is crypto regulated in Poland?

Yes. Crypto-asset activities in Poland are regulated, with the previous VASP regime being replaced by the EU-wide MiCA framework and the forthcoming Polish Act on Crypto Assets, overseen primarily by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).

Which types of crypto activities are covered by the MiCA license in Poland?

Holders of a MiCA license in Poland can conduct crypto business activities such as executing and transmitting client orders in crypto-assets, placing and exchanging crypto-assets, providing custody and administration, portfolio management, investment advice, and operating trading platforms.

How long does it take to obtain a Poland CASP license?

In practice, obtaining a Poland CASP license typically takes around 3–6 months from the moment documents are prepared and sent with the application. Yet, the overall time to get a Poland crypto license might vary depending on the complexity of the business model and possible delays in regulatory review.

What types of crypto license in Poland are available today?

Polish crypto licenses have the same types as other EU licenses, including:

  • Class I (Low Risk): Advisory services and client order transmission (minimum share capital: €50,000);
  • Class II (Medium Risk): Custodial wallet services, exchange of crypto for fiat or other crypto (minimum share capital: €125,000);
  • Class III (High Risk): Operation of crypto trading platforms/exchanges (minimum share capital: €150,000).

How much does it cost to obtain a crypto license in Poland?

The cost of a Poland crypto license includes company formation expenses, minimum share capital (from €50,000 to €150,000 depending on the activity), a €4,500 regulatory application fee, and maintenance fees of 0.4–0.5% of revenue, plus legal and compliance advisory fees.

Contact us at [email protected] for more details and professional assistance in getting a crypto license in Poland.

What is the process of company formation for a Poland crypto license?

Before applying for entry into the Poland crypto license register, one must first complete the standard procedure for company incorporation in Poland:

  1. Prepare necessary documents for registration, including partnership agreements, relevant resolutions, and proof of share payments;
  2. Submit registration application via the S24 Portal or the Court Registers Portal;
  3. Complete post-application requirements, including reporting beneficial ownership and paying registration tax.

What are the key legal and tax considerations for getting a MiCA license in Poland?

Key considerations include full compliance with MiCA, including the minimum share capital requirement (PLN 5000 (approx. EUR 1162), but higher capital is needed for a CASP license according to the respective “Class”), and a corporate tax framework of 19% (9% for revenues under PLN 2 million) plus 19% withholding tax on dividends for non-residents (potentially reduced by tax treaties).

What are the penalties for conducting a crypto business without a license in Poland and the broader EU?

Operating a crypto-asset business without the required CASP license may lead to substantial administrative fines of up to EUR 5 million (or 10% of the annual turnover, depending on which one is higher), a mandate to cease any activity in Poland, potential criminal liability for responsible persons, and a total ban on offering services across the entire European Union.

How can Inteliumlaw help me get a Poland CASP license?

Inteliumlaw provides end-to-end support, including structuring and company formation, preparation of MiCA-compliant documentation and white papers, and acting as liaison between the company and the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF). Additionally, Inteliumlaw offers the ongoing post-licensing compliance service for crypto firms to ensure their Poland CASP license remains valid and operations are uninterrupted.

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