Crypto license in Lithuania 2026

Under the single European regulatory framework established by MiCA, Lithuania continues to be one of the most attractive EU jurisdictions to obtain a Crypto license in Lithuania. The legal background for Lithuania has been significantly shifted, as there was access to a vasp license in Lithuania through a simple registration process. As of 2026 it follows the Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) regime to undertake all crypto-related business activities. This establishes that any company intending to provide custody or cryptocurrency exchange services in Lithuania or perform crypto transaction services is required to secure full regulatory authorization. Eternity Law International provides worldwide legal support when acquiring a license for the crypto industry in Lithuania – from obtaining CASP authorization, corporate structuring and the related aspects of AML compliance to interacting with regulators. We have assisted over 500 international clients, since 2017, with their crypto startup preparations. Today, we assist clients to migrate from the past VASP license in Lithuania model to the new MiCA-compliant environment.

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Lithuania Crypto License: Benefits 

Lithuania remains an important strategic gateway to the EU crypto market. Under the legislation of Lithuania crypto license, licensed entities benefit from the following::

• full access to the EU market through passporting rights;
• an easily comprehensible and consistent legal system;
• robust regulatory credibility in the EU;
• the next generation of fintech infrastructure and payment systems;
• availability of eligible AML/compliance professionals.

As compared to the previous VASP license of the Lithuania system, the credibility gains for Lithuania are huge compared to this system, giving it more credibility, thus making Lithuania a more attractive country for institutional investors and regulated crypto projects. Crypto exchange license in Lithuania is now seen as not only a legal license but also a product of EU quality in regulation, a sign of quality in the EU space.

Lithuania’s cryptocurrency regulation: MiCA approach

Lithuania cryptocurrency license regime is now fully in compliance with MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). This framework provides harmonized rules across all EU member countries. MiCA categorizes crypto-assets into specific categories:

• asset-referenced tokens;
• e-money tokens;
• utility tokens.

Supervisory norms and rules for each category are determined according to its function and economic nature. CASP framework is different from a previous VASP license in Lithuania, which primarily discussed AML-obligations, but adds:

• prudential norms;
• governance standards;
• investor protection measures;
• operational resilience rules.

This not only changes the regulatory character of a crypto license in Lithuania; it’s a full financial authorization. 

Supervisory Structure: Lithuanian Bank and FCIS functions 

Central authority today is to supervise the crypto businesses in Lithuania.

1. Bank of Lithuania – as issuer of a Lithuania crypto license, the organ of business conduct direction and MiCA compliance.
2. FCIS – AML/CFT surveillance, suspicious transaction monitoring, and financial crime prevention.

While the historical Lithuania crypto licensing register was a form under the regime of VASP, MiCA companies must go through a licensing process, not simply be registered in a register. FCIS continues to act as the AML/CFT supervisory authority, particularly in relation to financial crime monitoring and reporting obligations.

Permitted CASP License-approved Activities

A crypto exchange license in Lithuania grants business licenses for the provision of a broad range of regulated services, such as:

• operation of a Lithuania crypto exchange platform;
• custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of a client;
• exchange of cryptocurrency for fiat currency and vice versa;
• exchange of virtual assets between each other;
• execution of client orders;
• transfer of crypto-assets between accounts;
• portfolio management and advisory services. 

Every service must have explicit details in the license application underpinning compliant infrastructure. CASP framework adds a new set of stringent requirements for each type of activity compared to the old VASP license in Lithuania. 

Normative Provisions for a Lithuanian Crypto Permit

In order to achieve cryptolicense in Lithuania, we require applicants to go through a robust range of legal and operational norms. The basic rules of a Lithuania crypto license are:

• incorporation of a Lithuanian legal entity;
• minimum capital of €50,000 to €150,000+, depending on services;
• establishment of a physical and operational presence;
• implementation of AML and other internal control systems;
• appointment of qualified directors and compliance officers;
• segregation of client funds and protection of assets;
• establishment of secure IT-infrastructure and transaction monitoring systems. 

Authorisation is granted subject to the regulator’s assessment of the applicant’s operational, governance and risk management capabilities. 

Approval of Crypto Exchange License in Lithuania

On crypto exchange licenses, in Lithuania it usually goes like this.

1. Company registration in Lithuania. 
2. Internal policy development (AML/risk policy/compliance policies). 
3. Preparation of documentation and business model description. 
4. Application made to the Bank of Lithuania. 
5. Regulatory review, such as due diligence and risk evaluation. 
6. Final approval and issuance of Lithuania crypto-license. 

The average timeframe is 3-6 months, with the more complex business-models being more difficult to operate and time-consuming.

Lithuanian Basics of Crypto Taxation

Lithuania provides a competitive tax climate for crypto businesses:

• corporate income tax: 15%;
• reduced rate: 0-5% for small enterprises;
• VAT exemption for certain cryptocurrency exchange services. 

Taxation depends on the classification of the cryptocurrency, the nature of the transaction, and whether income is derived from trading, custody, or advisory services.

AML regulatory compliance is still a key piece of legislation. Each company must:

• identify each client (KYC-procedures);
• monitor all transactions;
• report suspicious activity to FCIS;
• keep internal risk assessment systems in place. 

The AML-framework applies to all virtual asset service activity and must be proportionate to the scale and nature of the business-activities. Ignoring AML-obligations may carry the risk of suspension or revocation of a permit.

Cost of Crypto Permit in Lithuania

The cost depends on:

• type of license (exchange, custody, advisory);
• complexity of business-model;
• infrastructure required for compliance. 

In reality, the cost of securing a crypto exchange license in Lithuania typically starts from €15,000–€30,000+, excluding required capital.

Get a crypto license in Lithuania with Eternity Law

Eternity Law International provides full legal support to:

• get a Lithuanian crypto permit;
• structure your crypto-business in compliance with MiCA;
• prepare documentation and liaise with regulators.

We assist clients in launching compliant and scalable crypto projects within the EU.

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