MiCA rules are the same in all 27 countries, but regulators are not. Some respond quickly and predictably, some scrutinise substance more closely, others make banking easier. That is why choosing the home country for a CASP license is a strategic decision: it drives launch time, annual costs and how fast you open accounts.
In short: do not look for the "cheapest" country. Look for one where the regulator clearly understands your model, the talent market has specialists and banks open accounts for crypto firms. Passporting will open the rest of the EU anyway.
Why the home country still matters
MiCA harmonised the requirements, not the practice. Your home regulator will supervise you permanently: reviewing reports, approving new directors and shareholders, assessing changes to the business model. You are not choosing a one-off procedure, you are choosing a partner for years.
Six selection criteria
- Regulator experience with crypto. How many CASPs it has licensed, whether guidance is public and pre-application meetings are possible.
- Substance requirements. How many staff must be local, who must be resident, what can be outsourced.
- Cost of ownership. Office rent, compliance salaries, audit and supervisory fees.
- Tax. Corporate tax rate, holding regimes and double tax treaties.
- Banks and payment partners. Whether local banks and EMIs work with crypto companies.
- Language and communication. Whether you can file and correspond in English.
Typical jurisdiction profiles compared
We do not publish "country rankings": regulator practice changes every quarter. But jurisdictions fall into a few recognisable profiles.
| Profile | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Baltic fintech hubs | Experienced regulators, English, moderate costs | Strict AML and substance checks |
| Island financial centres | Mature ecosystem, tax regimes | Higher team and audit costs |
| Large EU markets | Trust from banks and institutions | Longer timelines, expensive staff |
| Smaller CEE jurisdictions | Low office and staff costs | Less precedent, harder banking |
How we run the selection
We start by describing your model: which services, which clients, where traffic comes from, what volumes. Then we compare 3–4 suitable countries against the six criteria, estimate the first-year budget and check which banks are actually ready to open an account. The result is a short report with a recommendation and a filing plan. This stage can be ordered on its own as jurisdiction selection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move my license to another country later?
A license cannot be transferred: you would need a new one in another country and migrate clients. Make the choice once and make it well-founded.
Do I have to relocate to the license country?
The founder does not. But the company needs real management in the EU: directors, compliance and key functions on site or within the Union.
Which countries are chosen most often?
Lithuania, Malta, Cyprus, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and France are frequently considered. The right answer depends on your model, not on popularity.
Want a comparison for your project? Send a request on the MiCA CASP licensing page and we will prepare a country shortlist, budget and roadmap. If you need the company first, see company registration.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice.