Crypto Licenses/Latvia (MiCA)
🇱🇻 EU MiCA CASP License

Latvia MiCA CASP License

Obtain a European Union crypto-asset service provider license through Latvia's MiCA framework — with full EU passporting rights to serve clients across the European Economic Area.

Supervised by Latvijas Banka (Bank of Latvia) — Latvia's financial regulator with dedicated MiCA CASP authorization guidance.

License Overview

What is a Latvia MiCA CASP License?

A Latvia MiCA CASP license authorizes a company to provide regulated crypto-asset services from Latvia and, through MiCA passporting, across the broader European Union. Latvijas Banka identifies the following as regulated services requiring authorization:

Custody and administration of crypto-assets
Operation of crypto trading platforms
Crypto-to-fiat exchange services
Crypto-to-crypto exchange services
Execution of crypto-asset orders
Placement of crypto-assets
Reception and transmission of orders
Crypto-asset advisory services
Crypto portfolio management
Transfer services for crypto-assets
Key Advantages

Why Latvia?

EU Passporting Rights

A Latvia-authorized CASP can use MiCA's EU passporting framework to provide authorized crypto-asset services across EU and EEA markets from a single member-state authorization.

Practical Baltic Fintech Jurisdiction

Latvia offers a cost-conscious EU base for fintech, payments, crypto, and digital asset companies seeking access to the European market.

Experienced Financial Regulator

Latvijas Banka has published specific CASP authorization guidance and developed a licensing roadmap for crypto-asset service providers.

Access to European Banking & Payments

A Latvia CASP structure can be paired with EU banking, EMI, SEPA, payment institution, custody, and fiat settlement infrastructure.

Alternative to Saturated EU Jurisdictions

Latvia may offer a balanced combination of EU credibility, regulator engagement, and operating cost efficiency compared to more saturated EU licensing hubs.

Single Authorization

Depending on scope, a single CASP license can support multiple regulated crypto activities throughout the European Union.

Capital Requirements

MiCA Capital Requirements

MiCA establishes minimum own-funds requirements based on the authorized service class. CASPs may also need to maintain own funds based on fixed overhead requirements where that amount is higher than the minimum threshold.

Class 1 CASP

€50,000

Advice, portfolio management, order reception/transmission, order execution, placement, transfer services.

Class 2 CASP

€125,000

Class 1 services plus custody and administration, crypto-to-fiat exchange, crypto-to-crypto exchange.

Class 3 CASP

€150,000

Class 2 services plus operation of a crypto-asset trading platform.

Requirements

Key Regulatory Requirements

Applicants seeking CASP authorization in Latvia should generally expect to satisfy the following requirements:

Latvian legal entity structure
Program of operations
Business plan and financial projections
Fit-and-proper directors and management
AML/KYC compliance framework
Transaction monitoring procedures
Travel Rule implementation
Sanctions screening
Governance and internal controls
Cybersecurity and ICT risk controls
Business continuity planning
Client asset safeguarding procedures
Complaints handling process
Outsourcing and vendor management policies
Local substance and compliance personnel
Common Use Cases

Who Uses This License

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Launch regulated crypto exchanges serving customers throughout Europe.

Custody Providers

Provide institutional custody, wallet infrastructure, and safeguarding solutions.

OTC Trading Desks

Operate regulated liquidity, execution, and brokerage businesses.

Crypto Brokerage Platforms

Provide order execution, reception and transmission, and customer-facing brokerage services.

Tokenized Asset Platforms

Support tokenized RWAs, funds, securities-adjacent instruments, and digital investment products.

Stablecoin & Payments Infrastructure

Support stablecoin settlement, treasury workflows, and fiat-to-crypto payment architecture.

Our Services

Scope of Services

We provide end-to-end advisory and implementation services for obtaining and operationalizing a Latvia MiCA CASP license.

Phase 1

Regulatory Strategy & Structuring

  • Business model analysis
  • MiCA classification review
  • CASP activity determination
  • Latvia vs. other EU jurisdiction comparison
  • EU passporting strategy
  • Corporate structuring recommendations
Phase 2

Latvia Company Formation

  • Latvian company formation coordination
  • Shareholder and director structuring
  • Governance implementation
  • Registered office coordination
  • Local substance planning
  • Beneficial ownership documentation
Phase 3

Compliance Framework Development

  • AML/KYC policies
  • Transaction monitoring procedures
  • Travel Rule framework
  • Sanctions compliance program
  • Risk assessment methodology
  • Internal controls
  • Compliance manuals
Phase 4

CASP Application Preparation

  • Program of operations
  • Business plan preparation
  • Financial projections
  • Governance documentation
  • Capitalization planning
  • Regulatory correspondence
  • Application management
Phase 5

Banking & Payments Infrastructure

  • EMI introductions
  • Banking introductions
  • SEPA infrastructure planning
  • Stablecoin treasury architecture
  • Custody provider introductions
  • Fiat settlement workflows
Phase 6

Operational Launch Support

  • Terms of service
  • Customer agreements
  • Risk disclosures
  • Vendor onboarding
  • Compliance training
  • Regulatory reporting support
  • Ongoing advisory services
Infrastructure

Banking & Financial Infrastructure Support

Obtaining a MiCA license is only one component of building a successful crypto business. We assist clients with:

Banking introductions
EMI relationships
SEPA connectivity
Stablecoin treasury architecture
Custody integrations
Liquidity provider introductions
Fiat on-ramp/off-ramp solutions
Cross-border payment infrastructure
Why Us

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Blockrunner

Deep Regulatory Experience

We advise on crypto, payments, securities, banking, and digital asset regulations globally.

Payments & Banking Expertise

We operate at the intersection of digital assets, banking, payments, compliance, and capital markets.

End-to-End Execution

From licensing and compliance to banking, custody, tokenization, and operational launch — comprehensive implementation support.

Multi-Jurisdictional Licensing Expertise

Latvia MiCA CASP
Lithuania MiCA CASP
Estonia MiCA CASP
Poland MiCA CASP
Ireland MiCA CASP
Cyprus MiCA CASP
El Salvador DASP
BVI VASP
Seychelles VASP
Curaçao VASP
Antigua DABA
Bermuda DABA
Switzerland SRO Structures
Canada MSB
U.S. MSB & state money transmission frameworks
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates CASPs in Latvia?

Latvijas Banka, the Bank of Latvia, is responsible for authorizing crypto-asset service providers in Latvia under MiCA.

What is the minimum capital requirement?

Depending on the authorized services, MiCA generally requires minimum own funds of €50,000, €125,000, or €150,000.

Can a Latvia CASP serve customers throughout Europe?

Yes. MiCA authorization generally allows a CASP to passport its authorized services across the EU and EEA.

What services require authorization?

Latvijas Banka identifies custody, trading platform operation, exchange, order execution, placement, advice, portfolio management, order reception/transmission, and crypto transfer services as requiring authorization.

Is local substance required?

Yes. A Latvia CASP applicant should expect to demonstrate real governance, compliance resources, AML controls, management suitability, operational capability, and appropriate local presence.

Launch Your European Crypto Business with Blockrunner

Whether you are launching a crypto exchange, custody platform, OTC desk, tokenized asset marketplace, stablecoin infrastructure provider, or institutional digital asset business — a Latvia MiCA CASP license can provide a practical gateway into the European market.