Crypto License in Poland: 2025 Guide to Legal Cryptocurrency Operations

Introduction

Poland has emerged as one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the European Union, offering a fast, transparent, and cost-effective framework for cryptocurrency businesses. With increasing demand for compliant crypto operations in Europe, obtaining a crypto license in Poland has become a top choice for exchanges, wallet providers, and other virtual asset service providers (VASPs).

This guide will cover everything you need to know in 2025 about registering a crypto company in Poland, licensing requirements, tax implications, compliance, and more.

Why Choose Poland for a Crypto License in 2025

Poland offers a strong legal foundation, EU access, and an efficient licensing process. Here are some of the key advantages:

✅ Fast & Simple Registration

Obtaining a VASP registration in Poland takes 2 to 4 weeks and requires minimal bureaucracy compared to other EU countries.

✅ Full Legal Clarity

Poland has implemented crypto regulations aligned with the EU’s AMLD5 (Anti-Money Laundering Directive 5), ensuring a compliant and legitimate environment for VASPs.

✅ Low Setup Costs

Launching a crypto business in Poland is cheaper than in countries like Estonia, Germany, or Malta, making it accessible for startups.

✅ EU Market Access

As a member of the European Union, Poland provides passporting options for crypto firms to serve customers across the EU.

Types of Crypto Activities That Require Licensing

The Polish legal framework requires registration for companies involved in:

• Crypto-to-fiat exchange services

• Crypto-to-crypto exchange

• Custodial wallet services

• Intermediary services in crypto transactions

• Virtual currency transfers

These activities fall under the regulation of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and must be registered in the Polish Register of Virtual Currencies.

Polish Crypto License: Legal Framework

📜 Regulatory Authority:

The Polish Tax Administration Chamber in Katowice supervises the register of virtual asset service providers.

📜 Applicable Law:

• The Act on Counteracting Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (Ustawa AML)

• EU AMLD5 and upcoming MiCA Regulation (2025+)

📜 VASP Definition in Poland Includes:

• Buying/selling cryptocurrencies

• Intermediating in exchanges

• Safeguarding private keys and wallets

Requirements for Obtaining a Crypto License in Poland

To be legally registered as a VASP in Poland in 2025, your crypto company must meet the following conditions:

✅ Company Formation

• Legal form: Sp. z o.o. (Limited Liability Company)

• Polish business address required

• Company name must not be misleading or conflict with existing trademarks

✅ Company Structure

• Minimum 1 shareholder and 1 director (can be the same person)

• Shareholders/directors can be non-residents

• No capital requirement, but at least 5,000 PLN (~€1,200) is recommended

✅ AML Compliance

• Appoint an AML Compliance Officer

• Draft internal AML/CFT policies

• Conduct KYC/EDD on clients

• Maintain risk assessment documentation

✅ Education & Experience

All company directors and the AML officer must:

• Have a clean criminal record

• Provide proof of relevant experience or qualifications in finance, AML, or IT

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Crypto License in Poland

1. Company Incorporation

Form a Polish limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.). Required documents:

• Passport copies

• Company name

• Business address in Poland

• Notarized articles of association

2. Appoint Key Personnel

Designate:

• A managing director

• An AML officer (can be the same person)

• Company accountant (in-house or outsourced)

3. Open a Bank or EMI Account

Necessary for company operations and regulatory filings. Options include:

• Polish banks (strict AML)

• European EMIs (e.g., WISE, Revolut, Paysera)

4. Submit VASP Application

File the registration with the Virtual Currency Business Register via ePUAP (online government platform). Include:

• Company documents

• AML policies

• Proof of experience

5. Approval & Registration

If all documents are correct and complete, registration is typically granted within 14–30 days.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations

Once registered, Polish crypto companies must maintain ongoing compliance:

✅ AML Compliance:

• Maintain updated AML/CFT policies

• Conduct ongoing customer due diligence

• Monitor transactions for suspicious activity

• File SARs (Suspicious Activity Reports) when necessary

✅ Reporting:

• Annual financial statements

• Reporting of suspicious transactions to GIIF (Polish Financial Intelligence Unit)

✅ Transparency:

• Submit and update UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) information to the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (CRBR)

Crypto Taxation in Poland (2025 Update)

✅ Corporate Tax:

• 9% on revenue up to €2 million annually

• 19% standard rate for higher revenue

✅ VAT:

• Cryptocurrency exchange services are exempt from VAT

✅ Personal Tax:

• 19% flat tax on capital gains for individual crypto traders

• No progressive taxation for crypto activities

Poland’s friendly crypto tax regime and double-tax treaties with over 80 countries make it ideal for international operations.

Banking Options for Polish Crypto Companies

Crypto firms face challenges with traditional banks, but viable alternatives include:

• EMIs (Electronic Money Institutions) in Lithuania, UK, and Estonia

• Polish banks with prior compliance vetting

• Crypto-friendly banks in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Czech Republic

Costs of Setting Up a Crypto Company in Poland

Advantages of Crypto Licensing in Poland

✔ Benefits:

• Fast, online registration process

• No high capital requirements

• Competitive tax rates

• Strong EU reputation

• Legal certainty and regulatory transparency

• No blacklisting or offshore stigma

✘ Limitations:

• Must comply with EU AML standards

• Local representation required

• No full financial license (only VASP scope)

Comparison with Other EU Jurisdictions

Poland offers a balanced, fast, and accessible path to launching a legal crypto business in Europe.

MiCA Regulation & Future Outlook

The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation will apply across the EU starting from late 2025. Poland is preparing to align its crypto regulatory regime with MiCA, which will:

• Create uniform licensing requirements across the EU

• Require whitepapers for token issuers

• Introduce consumer protection measures

• Increase regulatory reporting obligations

Polish crypto firms licensed before MiCA will benefit from a transitional grace period and may adapt their operations accordingly.

Use Cases: Who Should Consider a Crypto License in Poland?

• Crypto exchanges & brokers

• Crypto payment gateways

• DeFi aggregators operating under regulated framework

• Wallet service providers

• Blockchain developers running token-based platforms

• Companies launching utility or payment tokens in the EU

FAQ: Crypto License in Poland

❓ Is a Polish crypto license valid in other EU countries?

Yes, thanks to EU directives, you may use passporting rights to operate across the EU.

❓ Is it mandatory to have a Polish resident director?

No, but at least one local contact person or representative is strongly recommended.

❓ How long does the process take?

Typically 2–4 weeks, provided all documents are in order.

❓ Does Poland allow crypto custody and wallets?

Yes. Custodian wallet providers must register under the same VASP regulation.

❓ Do I need a separate financial license for crypto operations?

No, the VASP registration covers standard crypto business models (exchange, wallets, etc.)

Conclusion: Is Poland Right for Your Crypto Business in 2025?

Poland is rapidly becoming a leading European destination for crypto entrepreneurs, offering a fast-track, low-cost, and regulation-compliant path to launching a digital asset business.

Whether you’re building a crypto exchange, DeFi service, or wallet platform, a Polish crypto license grants legal protection, European credibility, and long-term growth potential in a dynamic global market.