Croatia, as an EU Member State, applies the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Companies providing crypto-asset services professionally must obtain CASP authorization unless they can rely on a valid transitional regime. Croatian CASP authorization allows EU passporting, but the application requires strong governance, capital, AML/CFT, IT, risk management, and consumer protection arrangements.
General information
| Regulator | Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa) and Croatian National Bank (CNB / HNB) |
| License Type | Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorization under MiCA. Covers exchange, custody, transfer, execution of orders, portfolio management, advice, and operation of trading platforms |
| Minimum Capital | €50,000 / €125,000 / €150,000 depending on services, or one quarter of annual fixed overheads (whichever is higher) |
| Time to Obtain | Several months on average under MiCA procedures, depending on application completeness, business model, and regulatory review |
| Passporting (EU) | Yes. CASP authorisation allows provision of services across the EU under the MiCA passporting regime |
| Local Office | Required. Company must be established in Croatia (or another EU member state) with real presence, effective management, and adequate governance and compliance structure |
Why it’s worth applying a crypto-license in Croatia
The Croatian’s government is extremely lenient towards companies that seek to obtain a license for cryptocurrencies in Croatia. This country has a stable economic and political situation, so crypto businesses should not be afraid to launch their business here.
- EU jurisdiction with MiCA passporting.
- Recognized supervisory framework.
- Access to EU market after passporting.
- Clear capital categories under MiCA.
- Established financial supervision by HANFA/HNB.
- Possibility to serve clients across the EEA after authorization and notification.
As you can see, Croatia is a good place to start an interaction in this environment because it has a good situation, a loyal government, and a cryptocurrency association that will help you in your first steps in this field.
Benefits of a Croatian crypto-license
Registration of the permission of a cryptocurrency trading in Croatia will let legal-entities to actively accomplish movements in this sphere. Croatian license will provide several advantages to its holders, namely:
- with this permission, it is possible to provide a full range of services including storage, sale, and transfer of crypto-currency to holders;
- the document allows conducting exchange-operations using global and Croatian platforms;
- the license allows you to work with companies throughout the EU;
- the license gives access to trading or providing services to private-individuals and legal-entities.
This document allows the company to freely provide its services on the Croatian market and other territories that serve under the EU legislation.
What is needed to lay for a crypto-currency permission
To spread a cryptocurrency license in Croatia, a corporation must go through considerable steps, including the following:
- EU/Croatian legal entity;
- management body with good repute, sufficient knowledge, skills and experience;
- clear ownership and UBO structure;
- initial capital of EUR 50,000 / 125,000 / 150,000, depending on services;
- own funds equal to the higher of initial capital or one quarter of fixed overheads;
- business plan and programme of operations;
- AML/CFT policies;
- ICT and cybersecurity framework;
- safeguarding of client assets;
- complaints-handling procedures;
- outsourcing policy, where applicable;
- recovery/continuity arrangements;
- internal control and risk management framework.
Businesses may also be required to submit a business plan as proof of their seriousness and willingness to operate in the long term. In addition, they may be required to establish departments to safeguard consumers from fraudsters. Most Croatians companies receive a license within 3 months. After this period, the controller has to decide whether to grant the license, deny it, or send the docs to correct the errors.
Who can help with its registration
For companies that plan to obtain Croatia Cryptocurrency permission, it is crucial to enter the market as soon as possible and start earning. Any delay in lost revenue and the possibility of getting more competitors. Therefore, co-owners of companies in this field want to obtain licenses faster than the three-month deadline and without the need for amendments.
To put the right application package the first time, we recommend contacting our experts. All of our employees have repeatedly submitted documents to Croatian regulatory authorities. We help prepare a complete and regulator-ready application package, reduce the risk of deficiencies, and support communication with the regulator throughout the process. We are a team of true professionals and can look at your application package at the first meeting and point out any errors in it.
To consult with our experts, please contact us in any convenient way.
Is crypto controlled in Croatia?
Yes. Crypto-asset services in Croatia are regulated under MiCA. HANFA is the key competent authority for CASP authorization and supervision, while HNB/CNB has a role for specific areas such as asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens.
Does Croatia tax crypto?
Crypto-currency is subject to income-tax of 10% of the amount of income-received.