Malta continues to attract innovators who value not only favorable taxation but also the reputation of a well-regulated European jurisdiction that treats crypto as a serious business, not a passing trend. The land of sea and sun has long had a reputation as one of the most progressive European hubs for crypto entrepreneurs. It’s no wonder Malta is often called «Blockchain Island», where cutting-edge technologies meet clear legal frameworks. Nowadays, as investors actively consider ready-made cryptocurrency licenses, seeking a quick start, the country’s regulatory landscape has undergone significant changes. And we’ll now take a closer look at them.
Recent regulatory changes
Malta has transitioned from the national VFA perimeter to the EU-wide MiCA framework; VFA arrangements are now subject to MiCA transitional provisions and CASP authorization. The market is undergoing rapid changes and new modern options appear on it. The transformation has made Malta’s approach more predictable and transparent, thus giving investors a clear path instead of fragmented interpretations that existed before.
Something else drastically changes too – the guidelines. The new perimeter, defined by the pan-European regulation Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), has completely changed the rules of the game.
Under MiCA, the MFSA is the competent authority in Malta for CASP authorization (MiCA). It is the MFSA that acts as the only competent body that has the authority to license Crypto-Asset Service Providers. Therefore, the previous ideas about the VFA as the ultimate goal are no longer relevant, although transitional provisions are provided for existing companies. Now the crypto license in Malta is fully integrated into the European MiCA space.
New regulatory reality: what to expect?
As we noted earlier, changes have been happening very quickly lately, but they have only good consequences, because they are working on making the system as transparent as possible, and therefore safe for all further activities within the market.
The MiCA regulation defines the scope of CASP activities – in particular, custody/safeguarding of crypto-assets, operating a trading platform, exchange services (fiat↔crypto; crypto↔crypto), execution/receipt/transmission of orders, placing, advice, portfolio management, and transfers for clients (MiCA scope). The MFSA has already published official MFSA MiCA circulars, which explain in detail the new Malta crypto license requirements and the transition mechanisms for existing operators.
Therefore, companies planning to obtain a crypto license Malta must comply with new corporate standards, consistent with European legislation in the field of management and control. All this is subject to strict supervision.
It is not just a bureaucratic formality but a full strategic step that demands clarity of business vision, financial transparency, and responsible governance.
How to Get a CASP License in Malta
The process of obtaining a Malta crypto license is multi-stage and requires careful preparation. Let’s look at them attentively:
- Company Registration: Founders must first register a company in Malta – create a legal entity in accordance with corporate law. It is important to immediately consider the issue of residency for key employees and directors.
- Documentation Preparation: Next, a full package of documents is developed, including AML policies, financial forecast, risk management plan and KYC procedures.
- Submission of an Application to the MFSA: The company submits an official application to the MFSA, which assesses the “fit and proper” (compliance and integrity) of the founders and management.
- Obtaining Authorization: After successfully passing the checks, the company receives a permit and is included in the Malta crypto license register.
Such a permit can cover various types of activities. For instance, a company that plans to engage exclusively in exchange will need a Cryptocurrency exchange license in Malta. This will allow you to create a full-fledged Malta crypto exchange. A wider range of VASPs (Virtual Asset Service Providers) – now replaced by the term CASP under MiCA – require a corresponding CASP permit.
Sometimes in international sources you can find the outdated term vasp license in Malta, but the essence of the permit issued by the MFSA remains the same.
Why choose Malta: real benefits or just the popularity of a choice?
The terminology might change, but Malta’s core idea remains constant — building a safe, transparent, and business-friendly ecosystem for digital finance. Despite the increased severity of regulation, the Malta crypto license remains attractive to investors, because modern Malta crypto licence regulation is a combination of European quality and local flexibility. Cryptocurrency license in Malta opens access to full-fledged work in the EU digital asset market.
Advantages of the jurisdiction that are worth considering:
- The possibility of a quick start: Some entrepreneurs consider ready-made cryptocurrency licenses for sale (or buying a ready-made company with an existing Malta exchange license) as an option for immediate entry into the market.
- Legal work within the EU: A license issued by the MFSA opens the way to serving clients throughout the European Union.
- Support for Fintech: The authorities actively promote the development of the innovative fintech sector.
- Favorable Conditions: Relatively simple residency requirements for shareholders and directors.
- Tax Regime: Malta offers a favorable tax regime.
Once authorized, the company can fully provide cryptocurrency services, manage account, and conduct exchange transactions in accordance with the requirement of the Malta crypto exchange license.
Bank Accounts for Crypto Companies
Opening corporate accounts has long been a challenge for crypto companies. However, the situation is changing for the better. Crypto-friendly banks and financial institutions have appeared on the market, which actively cooperate with companies that have a Malta license crypto.
Several banks/EMIs are open to authorized CASPs on a case-by-case basis. Expect enhanced due diligence, client-money segregation models, and ongoing reviews. This improves access to payments while maintaining AML/CFT standards
Our capabilities: We turn your business idea into a global, stable empire
Need advice? We specialize in transforming ideas into profitable businesses. Our experts ensure a smooth and hassle-free start (from idea to full implementation). We simplify your path, maximizing profits, and bureaucracy for us is just an obstacle that we always overcome.
We turn your business idea into a global, stable empire. Our end product is stability and trust: full legality under Maltese and EU law, giving you unconditional access to global markets.
How do we do it?
- Malta and Beyond: Your Global Launch Made Easy. We leverage our in-depth knowledge of the financial framework to ensure swift licensing and the establishment of your business anywhere in the world.
- Full Document Delegation. Don’t worry about paperwork. We handle the entire documentation process from start to finish. All you have to do is collect the results.
- Seamless Regulatory Communication. We lead the dialogue with all regulatory authorities, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted process.
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- Strategic Consulting. Take advantage of our legal and financial consultations, resulting in a personalized and precise action plan, guaranteeing the success of your efforts.
Another thing, we also offer full support at the stage of obtaining a CASP license in Malta for those who are interested in providing services related to virtual assets. In practice this document opens access to work within the MiCA perimeter and allows you to officially serve clients throughout the EU. This is a great opportunity to do this business without breaking any laws. It also increases the level of trust and therefore your services attract more clients.
FAQ
Is cryptocurrency allowed in Malta?
Actually, cryptocurrency is officially allowed. Moreover, local authorities regularly update their guidance to ensure that innovation goes hand in hand with consumer protection and financial transparency. To your attention, Malta was one of the first to develop a full-fledged regulatory system and introduce legal regulations for cryptocurrency services and VASPs (now CASP).
Do you need a license for cryptocurrency?
Any business offering cryptocurrency services (for example, an exchange) must have a license. For exchangers, this is the Cryptocurrency exchange license in Malta, and for the full range of services, the corresponding Crypto license in Malta (CASP license), issued by the MFSA. Depending on your goal and request, the form may vary.
What is the Malta crypto license?
This is a necessary license issued by the MFSA, confirming the company’s right to provide crypto-asset services within the MiCA perimeter. Such a license guarantees legal operation in the EU market.
Which bank is crypto friendly in Malta?
There are a number of crypto-friendly banks and fintech providers on the market that are ready to open accounts for companies with a Malta cryptocurrency license. They specialize in working with virtual currency and integrating with crypto services.
How to avoid crypto tax in Malta?
Malta has a favorable tax system. Profits from cryptocurrency transactions that are not the main trading activity of the company are usually not subject to capital gains tax. However, active trading may be subject to corporate tax. To create the optimal structure, it is always worth consulting with a tax advisor.