BaFin Crypto Custody Licence
Cost
Substantial, comparable to BaFin investment firm licensing
Timeline
9-18 months
Capital
€125,000+ depending on activity
Kryptowerte-Verwahrgeschäft regulated by Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin).
Who it suits
Crypto custodians serving German institutional and retail clients. Germany was the first major EU country to formally license crypto custody under banking supervision (2020).
Compliance load
KWG-aligned (German Banking Act), strict consumer-protection focus, robust AML.
The acquiring angle
BaFin licensing is the gold-standard for institutional crypto custody. Acquirer acceptance is moderate (institutional flow vs retail card volume).
Notes and pitfalls
Process is exceptionally slow, most crypto operators license in Lithuania or France instead and passport.
Reference information, not legal advice. Figures are typical ranges as of 2026.
BaFin Krypto questions.
How do acquirers view the BaFin Krypto licence?
Acquirer acceptance is Moderate. BaFin licensing is the gold-standard for institutional crypto custody. Acquirer acceptance is moderate (institutional flow vs retail card volume).
What does the BaFin Krypto cost and how long does it take?
Cost: Substantial, comparable to BaFin investment firm licensing. Timeline: 9-18 months. Capital: €125,000+ depending on activity. These are typical ranges as of 2026; verify with the regulator before budgeting.
Does BZNpay help with BaFin Krypto applications?
No. We are an introducer to acquirers, not a licensing agent. We can tell you how this licence plays with the acquirer pool and introduce you to the partners whose appetite covers it.