EMI License in Estonia
Estonia offers many business opportunities that allow companies in this country to grow and increase their capital. One of them is electronic money services: by obtaining a license, entrepreneurs can operate throughout the European Union. Estonia also has a simplified tax system — the corporate tax rate is 20%, and retained earnings are not taxed at all.
To legally operate in the EU, companies need an electronic money license: in Estonia, this permit is called the Electronic Money Institution (EMI) License. Once obtained, companies are allowed to issue their own virtual currencies, including cryptocurrencies.
A company engaged in various electronic money operations can gain access to cooperation with almost 500 million customers and 20 million companies. This is one of the main reasons why legal entities seek to obtain an Estonian EMI license.
What opportunities does an electronic money license in Estonia provide?
By obtaining this permit, you will be legally entitled to:
- issue your own electronic currency;
- provide various payment services to clients;
- create and maintain payment systems;
- carry out other services related to the company’s operations (including those not directly connected to electronic money).
Electronic money license in Estonia: application requirements
All applicants must meet several conditions set for this type of licensing. Specifically, you must:
- register a company in Estonia;
- provide proof of a share capital of at least €350,000;
- prepare a relatively large package of documents required for licensing: company charter, business plan, description of technical security measures for funds, and others.
You can clarify the full list of documents required to obtain an electronic money license in Estonia during a consultation call. We will also provide detailed information regarding the requirements and conditions that apply to your specific company.
Contact us if you want to quickly and easily obtain a license for a company engaged in issuing and servicing electronic money. We will provide legal advice, handle document preparation, and assist at every stage of the licensing process.
Comparison other jurisdiction to Estonia
Estonia is a strong benchmark, and these jurisdictions share EU-market access, licensing credibility, and fintech-friendly regulatory features.
| Name | Short description |
| Malta | EMI license Malta offers EU passporting, an English-speaking business environment, and a mature financial sector; like Estonia, it supports cross-border fintech operations, but Malta is often chosen for tax efficiency and established regulatory experience. |
| UK | UK EMI license provides high credibility, strong regulatory reputation, and access to a sophisticated financial ecosystem; compared with Estonia, it is similar in its support for payments businesses, though it is now outside the EU framework. |
| Lithuania | Lithuania EMI license is known for fast processing, fintech-friendly supervision, and a practical setup for growing firms; like Estonia, it appeals to digital businesses, but Lithuania is often favored for speed and cost efficiency. |
Free initial consultation on legal issues, related to the daily activities of the business
E-Money license Malta
The Republic of Malta is one of the top three countries by the number of issued EMI licenses. Increased interest in this jurisdiction and the status of e money license Malta is caused by certain factors, among which are the single European passport, tax preferences, loyal attitude to foreign investors, and all-round active government support to suppliers and users of financial services.
learn more
E-Money license UK
The United Kingdom continues to be one of the top jurisdictions for obtaining an EMI (Electronic Money Institution) financial license. Please note that this permission is a prerequisite for legal activities related to the growing popularity of electronic payments.
learn more
E-Money license Lithuania
Financial institutions planning to provide services related to the issuance and turnover of electronic money in the European Union must have an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.incluence.com/emi-license">Electronic Money Institution license</a>. This is a requirement of the EU directive 2015/2366. An EMI (Electronic Money Institution) license is a legal document issued by a designated regulatory authority.
learn moreFrequently Asked Questions:
To obtain an EMI license in Estonia, you must prepare a business plan, AML policy, and other documents, register a company, and hire professionals for mandatory positions (director, AML officer, etc.). Essential elements also include a bank account and paid share capital.
To obtain an EMI license in Estonia, you must provide: the company’s statutory documents, copies of passports and CVs of its participants, a business plan, AML policy, and other documents. The exact list of required documents will depend on the specifics of your future activity, and can be clarified with our specialists.
The final cost of obtaining an EMI license in Estonia depends on various factors (the region of the future payment system’s operations, projected turnover, etc.). You can find out the exact cost of obtaining an EMI license in Estonia by consulting our specialists.
The timelines depend on how quickly company participants provide documents, whether staff must be hired, opening a bank account, contributing share capital, and the regulator’s review of the application. The approximate timeframe for obtaining a license is 6 months.
Let's discuss
Cookie
This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience.