How to legally open a crypto exchange in Europe: requirements, licensing, and compliance

How to legally open a crypto exchange in Europe: requirements, licensing, and compliance

How to legally open a crypto exchange in Europe
Establishing a crypto exchange in the EU is only possible with a VASP/CASP license and an implemented AML/KYC system. European regulation based on directives Mica и AMLD6, makes the crypto business transparent and accessible to investors.

Jurisprudential Consulting Group develops and supports legal processes for opening crypto exchanges in Europe, from company registration to licensing and compliance.

1. Full support for VASP/CASP licensing
2. Legal structure under MiCA and AMLD6
3. Assistance with banks, audits, and AML policies

Consultation cost from 250 euros

Open a crypto exchange in Europe legally - means to build a structure that meets the standards MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) и AMLD6 (Anti-Money Laundering Directive 6).
Regulation of the crypto sector in the EU is aimed not at restricting, but at legitimizing the digital asset market through transparent rules and oversight.

1. Legal basis for the operation of crypto exchanges in the EU

To operate a crypto exchange or exchanger in Europe, registration is required as follows:

1. VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) — crypto asset service provider;
2. or CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) — a status introduced by the regulations MiCA (EU 2023/1114).

Regulation is carried out at the level of:

1. MiCA Regulation — general rules for all digital asset operators;
2. AMLD6 — AML/KYC control and anti-money laundering;
3. national regulators, for example FIU (Estonia), CNMV (Spain), AMF (France), KNF (Poland).

2. Basic steps to open a crypto exchange

To start operating in the EU, you must go through the following steps:

1. Registration of a legal entity
Choosing a country is key. The best options are: Estonia, Lithuania, Spain, Poland, and France.

2. Development of corporate structure
The owners, directors, compliance officer (MLRO) and auditors are determined.

3. Preparation of a package of documents
Constituent documents, business plan, AML/KYC policies, internal regulations, confirmation of capital.

4. Implementation of AML/KYC systems
Procedures are being established for customer verification, reporting, transaction monitoring, and sanctions checks.

5. Applying for a VASP/CASP license
Registration in a national register (e.g. FIU Estonia, CNMV Spain, AMF France, KNF Poland).

6. Connecting banking and payment solutions
Setting up work with banks and payment providers (SEPA, IBAN, EMI).

We offer a solution at the level of international standards

3. Capital and personnel requirements

For a crypto exchange license:

1. minimum capital from €5,000 to €100,000 (depending on services - exchange, storage, custody);
2. Resident Director in the EU;
3. compliance officer with AML/KYC experience;
4. office or registered address in the EU;
5. audit and IT system with secure transaction logging.

These requirements allow regulators to confirm the reliability and transparency of the company.

4. AML/KYC – the basis of legality

Without a system AML/KYC the license cannot be issued.
Key elements:

1. identification of clients and contractors;
2. checking against sanctions and PEP lists;
3. control of suspicious transactions (Suspicious Activity Reports);
4. data storage for at least 5 years;
5. Regular updating of policies and internal controls.

EU regulators require automation of these processes with the inclusion of risk-scoring and monitoring systems.

5. Countries where it is easiest to obtain a license

All licenses entitle you to passporting —providing services throughout the EU without re-registration.

6. MiCA Regulation and common EU standards

From 2025, all licensed crypto operators will be subject to the MiCA regulation , which introduces:

1. unified supervision ESMA;
2. strict requirements for capital and storage of client funds;
3. standards for stablecoin issuers;
4. enhanced compliance and reporting;
5. consumer protection and transparency.

MiCA is creating a legal infrastructure for crypto businesses, making Europe a leading region for digital asset regulation.

7. Support from Jurisprudential Consulting Group

Jurisprudential Consulting Group provides full support for crypto projects in the EU:

1. analysis of the business model and selection of the country of registration;
2. preparation of documents and compliance policies;
3. interaction with regulators and auditors;
4. obtaining a VASP/CASP license;
5. post-licensing support and audit.