Opening a cryptocurrency company in Liechtenstein requires the registration of an enterprise followed by obtaining a specific business license, in accordance with the current legislation. Both procedures – Liechtenstein company formation and licensing – can be completed with the help of our local agents, who can ensure compliance with the applicable laws.
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Registering a cryptocurrency business in Liechtenstein
The limited liability company is perhaps the proper structure which can be used to open a cryptocurrency company in Liechtenstein. The owner will need a minimum share capital of CHF30,000 in order to register the company. Following the preparation of the constitutive documents of the Liechtenstein company, one must file them with the Trade Register in order to receive the business license.
The last step when setting up a Liechtenstein cryptocurrency business is to have the software which will be used to create the currency and implement the security programs which will allow its trade.
Our company registration advisors in Liechtenstein can assist with the formation procedure of the business. We can also help you establish a company in Bahrain, through our local affiliates. The incorporation process may take 6 weeks in this country.
Types of crypto licenses in Liechtenstein
There are 4 types of licenses a crypto business can obtain in Liechtenstein, as follows:
- the crypto exchange license, which is issued for the exchange of virtual and fiat money;
- the crypto broker permit for companies that intermediate crypto transactions;
- the crypto trading authorization for companies trading virtual money;
- the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license, issued to companies offering several digital assets-related services, including exchange, storage, and transfer of cryptocurrencies.
Our company formation agents in Liechtenstein can assist with the procedure for filing for the desired type of crypto license.
Documents to obtain a cryptocurrency license in Liechtenstein
VASP licenses in Liechtenstein are issued by the Financial Market Authority (FMA), which requires the following documentation:
- the company’s statutory documents (Articles of Association);
- information about the shareholders and directors;
- a business plan that presents financial forecasts for the enterprise;
- the Anti-Money Laundering and Know-Your-Client regulations;
- the plan of the IT infrastructure and security measures of the platform;
- the FMA 2020/1 form;
- proof of payment of the licensing fees.
Please note that the company must also have a local bank account at the time of the application for the Liechtenstein cryptocurrency license, as proof of depositing the share capital must also be submitted with the FMA.
Share capital requirements for obtaining a crypto license
Here are the minimum capital requirements to consider when setting up a crypto company in Liechtenstein:
- CHF50,000 to CHF250,000 for token issuers (the amount depends on the total value of the token issued during a year);
- CHF100,000 for custodian companies;
- CHF30,000 to CHF100,000 for exchange service providers, depending on the value of the transactions during a calendar year;
- CHF125,000 to CHF250,000 for physical validators, depending on the value of the digital assets these companies guarantee.
The license is issued in about 3 months, provided all documents are in order. To ensure that you have all the papers, you can rely on our company registration agents in Liechtenstein.
What is cryptocurrency according to the Liechtenstein legislation?
Cryptocurrency is a virtual currency that is not controlled by a specific authority. The most well-known cryptocurrency available is Bitcoin, which is also acknowledged in Liechtenstein. The use of cryptocurrencies in Liechtenstein is allowed if a blockchain is created.
Relying on a stable financial system and good regulations related to establishing a financial company, Liechtenstein has taken the next step to adopt cryptocurrencies. Moreover, Liechtenstein, through the Financial Market Authority (FMA), now acknowledges the creation of cryptocurrency companies as a business model.
Our company formation agents in Liechtenstein can offer information on the legislation related to the financial industry, including the use of cryptocurrency.
Investors who want to open a cryptocurrency business in Liechtenstein are not subject to specific requirements, which is why setting up this type of business is quite advantageous.
Legislation related to selling cryptocurrency in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein has one of the most developed financial technology industries in Europe at this point, thanks to the fact that it is one of the best financial centers in the region.
In order to be allowed to sell or buy cryptocurrency, a Liechtenstein company must comply with the anti-money laundering and the tax evasion legislation imposed by the authorities. Investors who want to open a company in Liechtenstein with the purpose of trading cryptocurrency can obtain more information on the legislation related to these activities from our local consultants.
Crypto companies in Liechtenstein must adhere to:
- the 2020 Law on Tokens and Trusted Technology Service Providers;
- the 2025 Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), if they want to operate at the level of the European Union and European Economic Area.
Please contact us if you want to set up a cryptocurrency business in Liechtenstein.