The workflow for a Romania cryptocurrency license launched in the context of the MiCA is enforced as the first comprehensive EU-wide regulatory framework governing crypto-asset services .
The VASP license in the Romania — former VASP licence — is now being replaced by CASP authorization Romania with EU passporting.
Under crypto regulation Romania MiCA, local regulators — Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) and National Bank of Romania (NBR) — will now oversee crypto operations. In practice, most CASP authorisations fall under ASF, while NBR involvement is limited to EMTs, ARTs and payment-related crypto services. The oversight includes the enforcement of adherence with EU standards apart from consumer and investment safeguard.
Before VASP to CASP transition, the governmental authorities kept a simple AML adherence submission workflow for VASPs. Now, it has totally removed this limited model and replaced it with MiCA’s CASP regime which contains a fully structured licensing system.
Effective December 30, 2024, CASP authorization EU shall be secured by all organisations within this region. The authorization thereby licenses functioning not only in this region but also throughout the EEA based on multinational authorization privileges.
General Information
| Regulator | Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) – main authority for non-bank crypto-asset service providers; National Bank of Romania (BNR) for credit institutions and certain token issuers; Authority for Digitalisation of Romania (ADR) for technical approval of IT systems |
| 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 provided, or one quarter of annual fixed overheads (whichever is higher) |
| Time to Obtain | The timing and conditions for commencing operations should be assessed in light of MiCA, Romanian implementing measures, and any applicable transitional provisions. |
| Passporting (EU) | Yes. CASP authorisation under MiCA allows provision of services across the EU after notification |
| Local Office | Required. A company must be established in Romania or another EU member state with real presence, local management, and compliant governance and IT infrastructure |
Categories of CASP license in Romania
In line with MiCA legislative base, the authorisation may be applied for Romanian CASP intermediaries contingent upon the particular offerings they intend to perform their functioning. There are particular functional and risk-aware Romania CASP requirements for each category.
| MiCA license Romania Category | Description |
| Operation of a virtual currency exchange | Virtual currency exchange means an organisation where transaction requests are matched, comprising trade settlement, post-trade settlement, and delivery of a marketplace that bring together two or more third parties in the purchase or sale of any class of digital currency |
| Fiat-to-digital asset conversion | Facilities involving the conversion of fiat currency to crypto-assets and vice-versa (e.g., BTC–EUR). |
| Exchange of crypto-assets | Servicesby which two different cryptocurrencies are offered as swap pairs (e.g., ETH–USDT). |
| Management and safekeeping of tokens | Safe keeping of client digital tokens holdings, private keys, wallets. |
| Execution of order handling on behalf of users | Acting as a middle person in carrying out client instructions to acquire or dispose of crypto-assets. |
| Placement of blockchain assets | Propose or distribution of new crypto-assets (e.g., ICOs, tokenized securities). |
| Order reception and transmission | Passing on users transactions requests to outside parties (brokers or marketplaces). |
| Advice on crypto assets | Provision of asset allocation recommendations or advice related to crypto assets. |
| Portfolio management of crypto assets | Discretionary portfolio management of digital currencies under client mandates. |
| Transfer services for crypto-assets | Ensure traceability and adherence to AML outlines |
Extra Romania crypto MiCA regulation
Depending on the type of offerings, crypto exchange Romania MiCA will drop under the oversight of:
- ASF — for trading, depository provisions, asset allocation solutions, advisory, and digital assets placement operations.
- NBR — for provisions in crypto-assets (EMTs), asset-referenced tokens (ARTs), and crypto-payment operations overlapping financial intermediation.
License sub-categories for blockchain asset issuers
Besides these certifications, MiCA introduces two various categories for token issuers that may as well be applicable within Romania:
- Issuer of ARTs — entities releasing tokenised assets that are connected to a basket of holdings (for example, commodities, fiat or other crypto).
- Issuer of EMTs — entities issue single fiat currency stablecoin.
Such issuers will in most cases demand a Romania license crypto from the NBR and have to observe equity, leadership, and redemption requirements similar to e-payments firms.
- MiCA entered into force on 29.06. 2023.
- Provisions for ARTs and EMTs apply from 30.06.2024.
- The full CASP framework was implemented from 30.12.2024.
Existing providers may rely on transitional arrangements until 1 Jul 2026, provided they timely file for CASP .
New crypto license under MiCA guidelines shall be issued by ASF and NBR in the first part of 2025. The guidelines shall define reauthorization, process, and supervision coordination arrangements.
Main Requirements for MiCA compliant crypto company
The applicant should obtain a cryptocurrency exchange license in Romania:
- Being set up as per Law 31/1990;
- Hold an official headquarter in Romania or another EU Member State;
- Hold a bank account in Romania for conventional money transactions;
- Pay up equity within the minimum range of EUR 50,000–150,000 depending on the type of service to be offered;
- Show proof of residency fit and proper leading team and financial soundness;
- Set AML/CTF practices in place by engaging a locally based AML/KYC officer;
- Maintain cybersecurity and data protection practices (GDPR compliance);
- Obtain the technical feedback from the authorities.
Most of the organisations engaged in such activities choose to incorporate as SRL (limited liability companies) because of their flexible structure and low equity demands.
Fiscal regime
- Firm-level taxation: 16%
- Micro-company tax: 1% or 3% of turnover (subject to conditions)
- Crypto is not legal tender, but monetary returns from virtual currency engagements are taxable.
Advantages of Obtaining a Crypto License in Romania
This region stands out as an attractive jurisdiction for setting up Romania crypto exchange
and crypto-asset storage solutions because of:
- EU regulatory alignment under MiCA;
- Relatively low setup costs and easy company incorporation;
- EU passporting rights for licensed CASPs;
- Talented IT and blockchain specialists;
- Stable financial system with ASF/NBR supervision;
- Supportive tax regime for small and medium-sized enterprises.
AML conformity
Organisations must cope with Romania’s AML regulations, overseen by the competent authorities.
CASPs have to apply the Travel Rule, making sure that information about the sender and beneficiary goes with every blockchain-based transfer.
Steps to obtain a Romania crypto exchange license and get listed in the register:
- Incorporate an SRL (LLC);
- Open a corporate bank account in Romania;
- Draft AML/KYC practices and governance documentation;
- Designate directors and a governance officer;
- Fulfil the submission to CASP authorization to ASF or NBR;
- Undergo cybersecurity evaluation by the authorities;
- Receive crypto license Romania and enter the Romania crypto license register;
- Work within the EU-wide operational rights.
Conclusion
Since the MiCA framework has been totally accepted and submitted, Romania’s regulations regarding blockchain-based assets have conspicuously changed. What used to be known as the Romania exchange license framework is now the CASP authorization framework that permits licensed entities to access markets of all investor-protective member countries in which a fully transparent framework has been adopted across the EU. The legislation makes Romania a pleasing compliance- and credibility-seeking direction among these organizations functioning cross-border within the EU.
They can opt to go for one or another type of license, depending on their business models. Choices range from e-currency conversion operations and storage solutions to token issuance, portfolio management, and other related crypto-asset services. This, in turn, allows market demand to define how services will be structured as long as they are fully compliant with the regulatory demands.
A rapidly growing ecosystem, strong institutional oversight from both the ASF and the NBR, plus first-mover advantage for regulated crypto organizations operating under EU law make Romania’s fintech particularly promising. Combination of such clear legal frameworks, investor protections, and access to pan-European markets is indeed compelling for novelty, investment, and growth in digital finance.
Also, the legislation provides a base for fintech originality giving startups and big players confidence and security to introduce new products, develop tokenized assets and offer advanced crypto asset services. With an increasing pool of tech talent, supportive legal infrastructure, and a strategic location within the EU market opportunities Romania is rapidly becoming one of the most favorable jurisdictions in Europe for different offerings.High-quality crypto license application support plays a decisive role for businesses operating under strict EU digital-asset rules. Our experienced crypto law firm delivers structured crypto licensing legal services converting supervising obligations into compliant operational frameworks. Through focused MiCA legal services, firms align governance models, capital adequacy, and internal policies with harmonized EU-authorization standards. Robust CASP compliance services address AML/KYC-implementation, transaction monitoring, risk controls, IT-governance, and supervisory reporting. Ongoing crypto regulation consulting assists firms in navigating regulatory updates, managing cross-border exposure, and sustaining operational permit validity. With our highly-professional CASP passporting legal support, authorized entities can lawfully extend activities across EU member states while maintaining supervisory consistency. Each engagement is guided by a skilled crypto lawyer who ensures precise legal positioning, minimizes compliance risk, and supports durable growth within the digital-asset ecosystem.
Do I need a license to trade crypto in Romania?
Yes. Organisations offering conversion, storage, or wallet solutions have to receive a certification. Private individuals are not demanded to be one for personal trading.
How much is a crypto license in Romania?
Costs vary but typically involve capital of EUR 50,000–150,000, plus licensing and compliance expenses.
Does Romania allow crypto?
Yes. Crypto is regulated as a legal activity in the country but it is not considered conventional tender.
Is Romania tax free for crypto?
Fiscal treatment of crypto income for organisations and individuals.