How to Get a copyright License in the EU: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

How to Get a copyright License in the EU: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

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The copyright industry is booming in Europe, but with growing interest comes growing regulation. If you're planning to launch a copyright exchange, wallet service, or token platform in the EU, securing a copyright license is your first major step toward legal compliance and long-term success.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a copyright license in the European Union—what it is, who needs it, where to apply, and how to succeed.

What Is a copyright License?

A copyright license is a legal authorization issued by a financial regulatory authority that allows your business to operate copyright-related services in a compliant and secure manner. Depending on your activities, this can include:

• Buying and selling cryptocurrencies

• Managing a copyright wallet platform

• Offering custody of digital assets

• Launching or marketing tokens

• Running copyright payment solutions

Licensing ensures that your platform operates under the rules of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), data protection, and consumer safety.

Why You Need a copyright License in the EU

The European Union is rapidly evolving its regulatory framework for digital assets, most notably with the introduction of the MiCA regulation (Markets in copyright-Assets). Under this new regulation, copyright businesses operating in the EU will be required to hold a valid copyright license to continue servicing customers.

Benefits include:

• ✅ Legal permission to operate across all EU states (passporting rights)

• ✅ Increased trust from clients and partners

• ✅ Easier access to banking services

• ✅ Higher chance of attracting investors

• ✅ Avoiding fines, shutdowns, or criminal penalties

Who Needs a copyright License?

You need a copyright license in the EU if you offer any of the following services:

• copyright-to-fiat or copyright-to-copyright exchange

• Custodial wallet services

• Token issuance (ICO, STO, IEO)

• Investment advisory services in copyright

• Order execution and brokerage

• Operating an NFT or DeFi platform with custodial elements

Even if your business is registered outside of Europe, you must apply for a license if you plan to target or serve EU customers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a copyright License in the EU

Step 1: Choose the Right Jurisdiction

Popular EU countries for copyright licensing include:

• Lithuania – Fast, affordable, English-speaking regulators

• Estonia – Strong regulatory history for VASPs

• France – Well-developed financial laws, but more expensive

• Germany – Very strict but credible (BaFin license)

Most copyright businesses choose Lithuania for its speed, flexibility, and passporting rights across the EU.

Step 2: Register a Legal Entity

You’ll need to set up a legal company (typically an LLC or UAB in Lithuania). This company must have:

• A physical business address

• At least one EU-resident director or compliance officer

• Clearly defined ownership structure

• Corporate bank account (even in a copyright-friendly bank)

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

A strong application depends on thorough documentation. You’ll need:

• Detailed business plan

• AML/KYC policy

• Internal control procedures

• Risk management strategy

• Personal documents and CVs of directors/shareholders

• Proof of professional experience in finance or compliance

• IT security and data protection policies

These documents show regulators that your business can operate safely and ethically in the financial sector.

Step 4: Appoint Key Personnel

Your company must appoint a compliance officer or MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) who understands EU regulations and has experience in financial services.

Some countries also require a local director or shareholder, so it’s crucial to work with a legal service that understands the local requirements.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Once your company is incorporated and your documents are ready, you can submit the application to the local financial regulator, such as:

• FCIS in Lithuania

• FIU in Estonia

• AMF in France

• BaFin in Germany

Regulators typically take 30–90 days to review and approve the application.

Step 6: Begin Operations

After receiving your copyright license, you are authorized to legally conduct copyright-related business throughout the EU (thanks to passporting rules). You must:

• Maintain ongoing compliance

• Submit regular reports (monthly, quarterly, or yearly)

• Stay up to date with changes in EU regulation (e.g., MiCA updates)

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs vary by country and business complexity, but here’s a rough estimate:

You can reduce costs by choosing the right jurisdiction and working with an experienced licensing partner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documents

• ❌ Underestimating the time required for setup

• ❌ Hiring an unqualified compliance officer

• ❌ Operating before your license is granted

• ❌ Using vague or outdated AML policies

Licensing is not a checkbox—it’s a serious legal framework. A single mistake can delay your application or result in a rejection.

Final Thoughts

If you want to launch a copyright exchange, payment gateway, or DeFi platform in Europe, getting a copyright license is essential. It proves that your business meets high standards of security, ethics, and transparency—and opens the doors to 27 EU countries.

Ready to get started?
Visit adamsmith.lt to learn how our experts can help you register your business, prepare your documents, and secure your copyright license in the EU—fast and with full compliance.

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