Estonia is a great place for businesses involved with virtual currencies. In a short time, it has become known as a "cryptocurrency haven" because of its forward-thinking laws. Estonia was the first country in the EU to regulate cryptocurrency businesses. In the past five years, over 2,000 businesses have received a cryptocurrency license, with many opening physical offices in Estonia.
Many entrepreneurs choose Estonia for crypto businesses, Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), and Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs). Even with changes to the law in 2021, getting an Estonia cryptocurrency license is still cheaper than in other countries. The strict rules are actually an advantage because they provide a safer and more trusted market. Cryptocurrencies in Estonia are treated just like regular money, which is better than in places where they are still in a legal "gray area." Estonia is also seen as a strong alternative to Malta and Switzerland due to its friendly legal rules, good tax policies, and lower licensing costs.
According to the latest update to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act, all crypto businesses (including those applying for a license) must give the necessary documents to the regulator, have a physical office, and provide local management. The Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) issues the license for virtual value service providers. Company details, license numbers, and information about the person responsible for compliance are publicly available in the online register. Once registered, a crypto business gets Financial Institution (FI) status. The new law combines several types of licenses into one called "Virtual Asset Service Provider," which covers:
Allows companies to exchange digital currency for regular money or other cryptocurrencies, charging a fee.
Includes managing cold and online wallets for cryptocurrency storage, creating and storing encrypted client keys.
Upon Request
Price
1-2 weeks
Duration
Cryptocurrency activities are fully legal in Estonia, with well-defined regulations, providing a stable and secure environment for businesses to operate.
Estonia offers lower registration and setup costs compared to countries like the US, Switzerland, and the UK, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses.
Estonia’s tax system includes a 0% corporate income tax on reinvested profits, allowing businesses to grow without heavy tax burdens.
As a digital leader, Estonia has a well-developed infrastructure that supports efficient online business operations, including e-Residency, which allows global entrepreneurs to manage companies remotely.
Businesses can obtain a crypto license in 2-3 months through a streamlined application process, benefiting from the same level of protection and regulation as traditional financial institutions.
Estonia’s strong banking system, regulatory support, and compliance with AML/CFT laws enhance its reputation, instilling high customer trust and credibility in the crypto market.
Result: The company is registered, a local director is appointed, and a corporate account is opened.
Steps to start:
A scanned copy of your current passport is needed.
A brief business plan (1-2 pages) is required.
Provide your preferred company name.
Budgets and project details are confirmed after the first meeting.
Alparanjo’s team will send a Power of Attorney (PoA) and next steps to you.
Company formation:
Once the documents arrive at the Estonian office, they are translated into Estonian.
A notary appointment is set, and the company is registered in the commercial register within 5 days.
All corporate documents are prepared.
A corporate account is opened, and you transfer the share capital to the company.
Result: The company meets the Estonian VASP requirements. The AML/KYC policy is ready, and employees are prepared.
Preparation of Documents
Here are some of the documents you need to prepare:
Description of the company structure
Compliance documents (AML/KYC/KYT)
Business plan, financial documents, and forecasts
Details of the technical solutions
Internal control procedures
Setting up partnerships and hiring employees
Other Steps
Hire an AML Officer and other staff
Find an office and sign a rental agreement
Make early agreements with partners (liquidity providers, KYC/KYT solutions, custody solutions, etc.)
Train the staff
Result: The company has received the VASP license and is ready to offer virtual currency services.
Steps to apply for the license:
Preparing the application
Collecting extra documents needed by the regulator
Contacting the regulator
Helping with the licensing process
Negotiations with the regulator:
Explaining the business model and set policies
Making changes to documents and giving more information if needed
Result: The company is fully set up and the VASP license holder is ready to operate.
This step helps keep everything running smoothly and may include:
Complete set of official company documents for opening an account (Register Card, AoA, MoA)
Internal control services
Accountant with experience in cryptocurrency
Help with customer complaints
Review of AML/KYC procedures
Regular employee training
Representation during regulator inspections
Preparation of legal opinions
Choose the best package of services for obtaining a Crypto
license in Estonia (Polish VASP)
We offer a wide range of services all in one place, helping clients quickly plan and prioritize their strategies, even with limited resources. We provide services like consulting, legal help, and company formation, all aimed at implementing business strategies effectively.
Our highly qualified team has many years of experience, so you’ll receive top-notch legal and management consulting services. We support each client in growing their business, tailoring our help to their specific needs and the laws of their country.
We focus on creating strong, trustworthy relationships with our clients. The ongoing cooperation we have with our customers shows the high quality of service that Alparanjo provides.