Licensing Criteria and Procedures for Applying for Estonian Cryptocurrency Exchange License
General information
Company structure
- At least one shareholder is required, who can be an individual or a corporate entity.
- A minimum of one local director is required. The director must be a resident of Estonia.
Confidentiality
- Beneficial owners' details – disclosed to the Authorities
- Shareholders' details – part of public record
- Directors' details – part of public record
Taxation
Estonia offers a favorable tax regime with no tax on reinvested profits. Corporate tax is 20% on distributed profits only.
Accounting requirements
- Filing annual report is obligatory
Secretary - Required
Registered office - A physical office in Estonia is mandatory. This ensures compliance with local regulatory requirements and facilitates business operations.
The application process for a crypto license involves several steps:
- Company Registration: Register the company with the Estonian Commercial Register. This involves providing a preferred company name, business model, and initial documents.
- Pre-Licensing Preparation: Develop and submit AML/KYC policies, a business plan, and other necessary documents. Hire an AML officer and secure a physical office.
- Application Submission: Submit the application to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), including all required documentation. The process may take approximately 5 months.
- Approval: After the review, if all criteria are met, the license will be granted.
Key documents required for the application include:
- Company Charter and Articles of Association
- Proof of Identity for Directors and Shareholders
- AML/KYC Policies
- Business Plan and Financial Projections
- Proof of Local Office and Lease Agreement
- Certificates of No Criminal Record for Key Personnel