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In the EU, national crypto-asset laws have recently been replaced by the uniform EU regulation covering all 27 member states. Thanks to the changes, increasing legal certainty, the administrative burden has been reduced, and expansion of businesses across the EU has become easier.
France had early rules for crypto-assets, created in 2019. It is one of the best places to obtain a crypto license due to the clear guidance for compliance provided by government agencies. The SBSB team of fintech lawyers offers assistance with CASP licensing in France to legally serve clients in Malta, Germany, and other EU member states.
What Is a CASP License in France?
To run a crypto-asset business in the EU, service providers must hold a crypto license, which is regulated by the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 is a binding law. As stated in Article 3, paragraph 1 of MiCA, crypto-asset services involve the following:
- providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets;
- exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
- exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;
- execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- placing of crypto-assets;
- receiving and transmitting orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
- providing advice on crypto-assets;
- providing portfolio management on crypto-assets;
- providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients
The CASP authorisation has replaced France’s old DASP/PSAN regime. The transitional period ended on July 30, 2026.
How Is Cryptocurrency Regulated in France?
In France, cryptocurrency is fully legal to own, buy, and sell. CASP businesses are regulated by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) under a strict framework governed by MiCA, which is a game-changer in the EU crypto market.
The AMF handles CASP licenses. The Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) and the Banque de France authorise and exercise oversight over entities that create and manage electronic money and asset-referenced tokens.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Crypto License in France?
Getting a crypto license in France is not completely easy, as it involves deep legal, financial, and technical evaluations through the AMF. The procedure requires rigorous anti-money laundering controls. As a result, a strict check of applicants contributes to higher market trust.
What Are the Advantages of a CASP License in France?
The CASP License in France allows legally offer crypto-asset services across 27 EU member states without local approvals. Official status matters for an easy opening of corporate bank accounts here. It builds instant credibility with global business partners.
Also, France can be considered the blockchain hub of the European Union. Here, the regulator is highly supportive. A mature and thoroughly developed local regulatory framework is easy to follow and understand. It ensures long-term predictability for taxes and accounting. Moreover, France hosts major international blockchain and Web3 conferences that enable cross-border partnerships. Direct contacts with regulators are possible at closed-door round tables.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a CASP License in France?
To obtain a CASP license in France, a service provider registers the local company with an office address and physical office space in France. The local substance is mandatory. A local AML officer must be appointed to manage regulatory compliance. At least one EU-resident board member must be appointed. An applicant is expected to prepare a set of documents to submit. The file includes the following:
- business plan outlining the full scope of service in all jurisdictions and pricing policy;
- organisational structure with described duty responsibilities and attestations for directors;
- compliance documentation;
- AML/CFT internal policies and risk management strategy;
- documents describing IT systems and security measures.
The above list of documentation is not final. To get the detailed and personalised information, you can reach out to us for consultation. At the revision stage, the local regulator can require additional documents to clarify certain issues.
What Are the Capital and AML/KYC Requirements for CASPs in France?
The AMF requires all CASPs to comply with strict AML and KYC rules. They must collect legal names, residential addresses, and other personal information about clients. The data must be backed by photos of official documents. The same is performed when corporate clients are verified. Suspicious activities must be reported.
Service providers must hold minimum capital reserves in an amount that depends on the type of services. There are three license classes requiring initial capital, equal to €50 000, €125 000, and €150 000, respectively.
How Does the CASP Licensing Process Work in France?
The application review typically lasts ~3–6 months, with a detailed check and communication between the applicant and the regulator. The timeline is longer and more demanding than in most other EU states. For instance, in the Netherlands, the regulator reviews applications more quickly.
What Are the Steps to Apply for a CASP License in France?
The licensing process starts with examination of the applicant’s file. To pass through this rigorous check, we invite businesses to get a consultation with legal experts from the SBSB team of fintech lawyers. We’ll support our clients throughout all the stages of obtaining a CASP license in France, including:
- Document preparation. To submit, a company drafts internal policies, such as AML, risk management, etc., develops a business plan, collects the data about directors, and finally fills out the authorisation application.
- Submission. The prepared set of documents is submitted to the regulator for revision.
- Review. The regulator thoroughly examines the application with documentation. It can request additional information about the business model, source of funds, etc.
- Approval. Once the application is reviewed, the regulator grants the authorisation.
The Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance must be approved by ACPR, the administrative and supervisory arm of the Bank of France.
How Is a CASP Company Incorporated in France?
To register a legal entity in France, an individual should choose a company name and a legal structure. Then, the articles of association are drafted. The initial share capital must be deposited into a bank account. The transaction completed successfully is confirmed with a deposit certificate. Publishing a legal notice is required to inform third parties of the company’s formation. At last, the registration application is submitted online to obtain the Kbis extract, which certifies the company’s incorporation.
How Does the Application Submission to AMF Work?
An applicant submits his file by uploading the completed official MiCA application form and required documents through the designated AMF online portal. In about 2–5 working days, he receives a written acknowledgement of receipt.
How Does the AMF Review Process Work?
In France, the full licensing procedure that includes the initial consultation and the final authorisation typically takes ~3–6 months. However, the exact timeframe depends on the complexity of the business and documentation accuracy.
What Happens After CASP License Approval in France?
In France, after CASP license approval, a CASP receives official notification of its authorisation in writing. A formal decision is issued by the AMF. Following notification, the AMF adds a new CASP to the official public AMF White Lists of authorised CASPs.
What Is the Tax Regime for Crypto Businesses in France?
The tax regime for crypto businesses in France depends on specific scenarios, business activities, and сalculation methods. The standard corporate tax rate is 25%. Small and medium-sized enterprises meeting specific turnover conditions pay a reduced 15% rate. If you want to know exactly your expenses, you can reach out to our lawyers and calculate an individual case.
What Should You Know Before Applying for a CASP License in France?
When applying for a CASP license in France, you should know that upon authorisation, you can immediately expand your operations across EU member states without spending extra on local licenses. But submitting the application and communicating with the regulator during the review process can be quite challenging. Our team of experienced lawyers will help you develop a clear strategy. We ensure your MiCA compliance and prepare all the papers required to submit.
FAQ About CASP License in France
Who regulates CASP licenses in France?
The main regulator for CASP licenses in France is the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). Depending on the business model, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) may also be involved for services overlapping with payment or e-money activities.
How long does it take to obtain a CASP license in France?
For a well-prepared application, the standard review period is usually around three months, although the exact timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the business and the quality of the documentation submitted to the AMF.
Which crypto services require a CASP license in France?
Under MiCA, services such as operating a crypto-asset trading platform, exchanging crypto-assets for funds or other crypto-assets, providing custody and administration of crypto-assets, and executing orders on behalf of clients typically require CASP authorisation.
Can an existing VASP registration be converted into a CASP license?
Yes, France provides a transitional regime that allows existing VASP-registered (PSAN) providers to migrate to full CASP authorisation, subject to meeting MiCA requirements and the AMF’s additional national rules before the transition deadlines.
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Daria Lysenko
Senior lawyer
Valeriia Kozel
Customer manager
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