8 October 2026
Open a Cryptocurrency Company in Belgium
Our attorneys in Belgium describe the main issues to consider by investors who want to enter a cryptocurrency business.
Investors can open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium to offer a wide range of services related to trading and exchanging or storing digital currencies. Our lawyers in Belgium assist those who want to open a company in this business sector and understand the current EU laws for crypto and blockchain.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency seen as legal tender (Yes/No) | No |
| Local regulatory agency | The Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) |
| Special licenses for those who open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium | As per the FSMA rules and EU rules in some cases |
| Special licenses for crypto exchanges in Belgium | Authorisation by the FSMA as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) under MiCA |
| Anti-money laundering rules | The Anti-Money Laundering Law of 18 September 2017 (plus the EU AML rules) |
| Special requirements for investors who open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium | Observe the FSMA requirements and any other regulations or circulars issued by the National Bank of Belgium. |
| Residency requirements for investors | Not applicable |
| Types of companies used by those who open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium | Limited liability company (SRL) and Corporation (SA) |
| Minimum capital for a cryptocurrency company in Belgium | 61,500 euros for the SA |
| Minimum number of shareholders | 1 for the SRL |
| Minimum number of directors | 1 for both the SRL and the SA (the SA may have a sole director) |
| Business license | CASP authorisation under MiCA (the former national VASP registration regime no longer applies) |
| Mandatory requirements for the cryptocurrency company | Compliance with anti-money laundering rules, other regulations and licensing. |
| Cryptocurrency company taxation | 25% corporate income tax (20% on the first EUR 100,000 for qualifying SMEs) |
| Reasons to open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium | Access to the large and uniform EU market and no restrictions on foreign ownership. |
Who can open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium?
There are no limitations or restrictions. Foreign investors can easily open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium by following the applicable company formation regulations. At our law firm in Belgium, we provide assistance throughout the registration process.
What services does a crypto company provide?
A virtual asset service provider, sometimes referred to as a VASP company in Belgium, can engage in a variety of services. In practice, companies will focus on offering one or two of the following:
- Crypto trading and exchange platform;
- Crypto wallet;
- Payment processing and gateways;
- Blockchain solutions.
How are crypto companies regulated in Belgium?
Crypto companies and VASP companies in Belgium follow local and European laws and regulations. Our team of lawyers in Belgium lists some of the main principles and requirements below:
- The European Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) applies to all EU Member States in which these types of companies operate;
- The law covers offerings of crypto-assets to the public made by crypto companies. These can refer to token trading and the provision of crypto-asset services;
- Under the MiCA rules, the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) grants CASP authorisations (the MiCA transitional period ended on 1 July 2026).
Do I have to obtain a special license for a crypto company in Belgium?
Licensing is provided under the MiCA regulation. In most cases, applicants obtain a crypto-asset service provider authorization from the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority, which is the regulatory body for their intended types of financial services.
You can find more details in the infographic below:
How do I open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium?
Our team lists the most important steps for investors who are looking to start a VASP company in Belgium:
- Select a legal entity: this can be a private or public limited company. Our lawyers can assist with a comparison of the most used business forms and the minimum requirements for each;
- Select a company name and verify its availability. Reserve the name if available;
- Decide on the company’s particulars: the shareholding structure, its registered address in Belgium. This is also the stage during which you will open a corporate bank account in Belgium;
- Prepare the company documents: the scope of the business and its information (as determined during the previous steps) will be included in the Articles of Incorporation;
- File for registration: once completed, the notary files the deed with the Enterprise Court registry and the company is registered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises;
- Once you’ve registered, the company comes into existence, and it will be subject to certain automatic updates and registrations with the Belgian authorities. You will have to apply for VAT identification, if subject to this, with the FPS Finance.
We invite you to watch the following video on opening a cryptocurrency company in Belgium:
How fast can I open a crypto company in Belgium?
You should plan for one week or more, provided that all the documents are in order.
Contact the experts at our law firm in Belgium for complete assistance during the private limited company incorporation phases when you open a cryptocurrency company in Belgium.