Obtaining crypto licenses, white label consulting,
ICO/STO, supporting NFT marketplaces, drafting policies
for crypto projects, DAOs, and gamify projects
The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is here, ushering in a new era of clarity and legitimacy for the digital asset industry. For crypto businesses looking to operate across the entire EU, securing a Crypto Licence in Ireland, CASP license is no longer just an option — it’s the golden ticket.
And when it comes to choosing your base for EU operations, one jurisdiction stands out: Ireland.
Why Ireland for Your CASP License?
Ireland has rapidly established itself as a premier fintech and blockchain hub, combining a pro-business environment with a regulatory framework that is both robust and welcoming. Cryptocurrency Licence in Ireland means positioning your company at the gateway to Europe.
11 licenses have been issued as per now: Kraken, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange; Kraken Digital Asset Exchange (Kraken); Legend Trading; Push/Aave Push; Ramp Network; Skrill, NETELLER; CoinJar; Confirmo Limited; Webot; StoneX; Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited.
Clear legislation, lots of additional guidances issued, unambiguous requirements regarding the substance requirements, ICT systems, etc.
Quick Facts: Ireland CASP License
- Regulator: Central Bank of Ireland
- Regulatory Framework: MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation)
- License Type: CASP
- Passporting Rights: Full access to the entire European Economic Area (EEA)
- Ideal For: Exchanges, wallet providers, custodians, and other crypto-asset services.
Types of Activities with a CASP License in Ireland
A CASP license in Ireland is comprehensive, allowing you to offer a wide range of services under a single, respected authorization. These activities include:
- ensuring the operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets,
- exchanging crypto-assets for funds or other crypto-assets,
- providing custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients,
- providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.
- placing of crypto-assets,
- the reception or transmission of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients,
- the execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients,
- providing advice on crypto-assets
- providing portfolio management of crypto-assets.
Advantages of Obtaining a CASP License in Ireland
Why are forward-thinking crypto companies choosing Ireland?
- A MiCA Licensing in Ireland isn’t just for Ireland. It provides a “passport” to offer your services across all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
- MiCA provides a clear, uniform rulebook across Europe. Ireland’s Central Bank is known for its high standards, and obtaining a license here signals to partners and clients that you are a trustworthy, compliant operator.
- Ireland is home to a vast pool of tech talent, a supportive government, and a mature financial services sector. You’ll be in good company alongside global tech leaders and innovative startups.
- As a common law, English-speaking country, Ireland offers a familiar and accessible legal and business environment for international founders.
- Ireland’s Central Bank has already processed numerous CASP applications and continues to issue licenses under the MiCA framework
- The country boasts a deep talent pool of legal, compliance, and technology professionals with specialized expertise in crypto-assets and financial services. From blockchain developers to AML compliance officers, you’ll find the skilled workforce needed to build and scale your operations.
- Unlike some jurisdictions where crypto businesses struggle to open and maintain bank accounts, Ireland offers a mature and accessible banking environment. Major banks and specialized payment institutions are increasingly welcoming of regulated CASPs, understanding that a MiCA license represents institutional-grade compliance and risk management.
Step-by-Step: CASP Licence Application in Ireland (MiCA)
Navigating the application process is a significant undertaking, but understanding the roadmap is the first step to success with obtaining CASP Licence in Ireland.
- Initial engagement stage
- Initial engagement meeting.
- A presentation on the Applicant’s proposal to be submitted at least ten working days in advance of the arranged meeting date. The Central Bank will provide details on the expected content of this presentation.
- At the meeting the Central Bank will outline:
- The stages of the authorisation process
- Its authorisation and supervision expectations: and
- The detail and purpose of the Key Facts Document (KFD).
- Following the meeting, the Central Bank will communicate any issues identified that need to be addressed if the application is to proceed to the KFD stage.
- KFD stage
- The Applicant will submit a KFD (using the standard template and associated guidance). The CASP KFD supports a robust assessment in the pre-application stage.
- To facilitate and support firms in progressing applications under new Regulations, including Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), this KFD provides for a more prescriptive level of detail.
- The ability of firms to engage in robust discussions on their proposal at this stage will have a critical impact on the timelines.
- The Central Bank will perform an assessment of the KFD to determine if the application aligns with the Central Bank’s authorisation and supervision expectations. There will be continuous engagement with the Applicant and additional information may be required.
- The Central Bank will communicate any issues identified that need to be addressed if the application is to proceed to the application phase.
- CASP Key Facts Document
- Formal Applications Submission Stage
- The Applicant will be invited to submit a CASP Application Form
- Review of completeness by Central Bank within 25 working days
- Any outstanding items to be submitted within the timeframe set by the Central Bank.
- CASP Application Form
- Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Financial Sanctions Pre-Authorisation Risk Evaluation Questionnaire.
- Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Financial Sanctions Pre-Authorisation Risk Evaluation Questionnaire * Only applicant firms which are not Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in Ireland must complete the Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Financial Sanctions Pre-Authorisation Risk Evaluation Questionnaire.
- Potential refusal to review (incomplete application)
- In accordance with Article 63 (3) MiCAR the Central Bank may refuse to review applications which remain incomplete after expiry of the timeframe set by the Central Bank to submit outstanding items.
- Assessment stage (complete application)
- The Central Bank will begin the 40 working day assessment of the application
- Additional information may be requested from the Applicant, resulting in one suspension of the assessment period (of no more than 20 working days).
- Decision
- Communication of the outcome of the Central Bank’s assessment to the Applicant within 5 working days of the decision to grant or refuse authorisation.
- Potential CASPs Applicants should commence engagement with the Central Bank in good time by emailing: [email protected]
National Legislation of Ireland
While MiCA Licence in Ireland provides the overarching EU regulation, it is supplemented by national Irish legislation that fills in specific gaps, such as designating the competent authority (the Central Bank of Ireland) and setting out certain national powers and penalties. Your compliance framework must adhere to both the EU-level regulation and these local implementing measures.
Requirements for Obtaining a CASP License in Ireland
The Central Bank of Ireland sets a high bar to ensure market integrity and consumer protection. Key requirements include:
- Robust Governance: A clear organizational structure with well-defined, transparent, and consistent lines of responsibility.
- Fit and Proper Management: All members of the management body and shareholders with qualifying holdings must demonstrate they are of good repute, have sufficient knowledge and skills, and can commit sufficient time to their duties.
- Prudential Safeguards: Holding adequate own funds (minimum capital requirements depend on the services provided) and having professional indemnity insurance in place.
- Secure IT Systems: Resilient and secure IT infrastructure to safeguard client assets and data, with business continuity plans and incident management procedures.
- Comprehensive AML/CFT Framework: Policies, procedures, and controls to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, including customer due diligence (CDD), transaction monitoring, and reporting obligations.
Taxes in Ireland
Resident companies are taxable in Ireland on their worldwide profits (including gains). Profits of a trade carried on in Ireland can generally avail of the 12.5% rate of corporation tax, whereas other categories of income are liable at the higher rate of 25%. Non-trading (passive) income includes dividends from companies tax resident outside Ireland (with some exceptions), interest, rents, and royalties.
Legislation provides that certain dividend income (e.g. income from foreign trades) is taxed at 12.5% . The higher rate (i.e. 25%) also applies to income from a business carried on wholly outside Ireland and to income from land dealing, mining, and petroleum extraction operations. An additional ‘profit resource rent’ tax applies to certain petroleum activities. Depending on the profit yield of a site, the tax rate applicable can range from 25% to 40%.
Close companies may be subject to additional corporate taxes on undistributed investment income (including Irish dividends) and on undistributed income from professional services.
Non-resident companies are subject to Irish corporation tax only on the trading profits of an Irish branch or agency and rental income from Irish property.
Non-resident companies are also subject to Irish income tax (currently at a rate of 20%) on certain Irish-source income, which is generally collected by way of withholding taxes. Capital gains arising to a non-resident company in respect of Irish real estate or Irish mineral or exploration rights, and shares deriving 50%+ of their value from the aforementioned, are subject to Irish capital gains tax (currently at a rate of 33%).
Obtain a CASP Licence in Ireland with SBSB FinTech Lawyers
The MiCA framework is transforming the European crypto landscape, and Ireland is the ideal launchpad for compliant, ambitious businesses. Whether you’re an exchange, a wallet provider, or an institutional trading desk, obtaining an Irish CASP license is your key to unlocking the full potential of the EU market.
Contact us today to begin your CASP license application journey in Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CASP Licence in Ireland under MiCA
How long does it take to get a CASP license in Ireland?
The Central Bank of Ireland does not publish a statutory timeline, but the process from application to authorization typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the complexity and completeness of the application.
Can I passport my Irish CASP license to other EU countries?
Yes. This is one of the primary advantages. Once authorized in Ireland, you can provide your services across the entire EEA without needing further authorizations in each member state.
What is the minimum capital requirement?
The requirement varies depending on the type of services you offer. For example, custodians have higher requirements than simple exchange services. Requirements typically range from €50,000 to €150,000.
Is it mandatory to have a physical office in Ireland?
Yes. To be authorized as a CASP in Ireland, you must have your registered office and effective management in Ireland.
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