Why buy an existing crypto licence instead of applying fresh?

Buying an existing crypto licence saves 3–12 months of application time and avoids the risk of rejection. In jurisdictions with regulatory backlogs (Estonia, Lithuania) or high application bars, a ready-made licensed entity lets you begin operations immediately. The cost premium over a fresh application is typically recovered in the first few months of earlier revenue.

What jurisdictions are available for ready-made crypto licences?

Our current inventory includes licensed entities in SVG (VASP registered), Seychelles (FSA VASP), Anjouan (MWALI offshore crypto licence), Estonia (VASP — FIU), and Lithuania (VASP — Bank of Lithuania). Availability changes as entities are sold, so we recommend enquiring early about your preferred jurisdiction.

What is included in a crypto licence transfer?

Every crypto licence transfer includes: the licensed corporate entity, the licence certificate, change of directors/shareholders documentation, regulator change-of-control notification, AML programme documentation, bank/PSP introduction, and full due diligence report on the entity's prior history.

Are there ongoing compliance obligations after buying a licensed entity?

Yes. Licensed entities have ongoing compliance obligations including annual regulatory reports, annual licence fees, AML programme maintenance, fit-and-proper updates for new directors, and MiCA compliance obligations for EU entities. We offer ongoing compliance retainer services to manage these obligations after transfer.

Can I change the company name and branding after buying a licensed entity?

Yes. After transfer of ownership, you can change the company name subject to company register requirements. For licensed entities, a name change must also be notified to the regulator — most regulators accept name changes with straightforward notification. We manage name change filings as part of the transfer service.

What is the typical cost range for purchasing a ready-made crypto licence in Switzerland in 2026?

Ready-made crypto licences in Switzerland typically range from CHF 80,000 to CHF 250,000 depending on the regulatory tier and previous compliance history of the entity. Additional costs include legal transfer fees (CHF 5,000-15,000), due diligence expenses (CHF 3,000-8,000), and potential remediation costs if the entity requires updates to meet current FINMA standards. The final price is also influenced by how recently the licence was issued and the entity's operational track record with Swiss authorities.

How long does the transfer process typically take from purchase to operational control?

The typical transfer timeline ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, provided all documentation is complete and there are no compliance gaps. FINMA requires notification of beneficial ownership changes and must approve new management structures, which accounts for approximately 3-4 weeks of the process. If remediation work is needed to align the entity with 2026 regulatory requirements, the timeline can extend to 10-12 weeks.

What documentation do I need to provide to complete the purchase and transfer?

You will need to submit proof of identity, source of funds documentation, a detailed business plan, beneficial ownership declarations, CVs of key management personnel, and compliance certifications for all officers. Switzerland's Anti-Money Laundering Act requires thorough KYC verification for all parties involved in the transfer, and FINMA may request additional documentation based on your specific crypto activities. A qualified Swiss legal advisor can compile and organize these documents to ensure compliance with 2026 requirements.

What are the tax implications of buying an existing crypto licence versus starting fresh?

Purchasing an established entity may trigger capital gains tax on the goodwill premium paid above the company's net asset value, though this is typically minimal for shell entities. The entity itself will be subject to standard Swiss corporate income tax (ranging from 11-22% depending on the canton) and wealth tax on retained earnings. Zug offers preferential tax treatment for financial services companies, with an effective corporate tax rate around 11.9%, which provides significant savings compared to other Swiss cantons or acquiring a new licence elsewhere.

Will the purchased licensed entity automatically have banking relationships, or do I need to arrange these separately?

Most ready-made crypto licences do not transfer with active banking relationships, as Swiss banks require their own due diligence on new beneficial owners and operators. You will need to arrange new banking relationships with crypto-friendly institutions such as Sygnum, Ledger Vault, or other Swiss banks that serve the digital assets sector, a process that typically takes 2-4 weeks. Some vendors may provide introductions to banking partners, but final approval depends entirely on the bank's assessment of your business model and compliance framework.

What happens if the purchased entity has compliance issues discovered after the transfer?

The seller is typically required to warrant that all representations are accurate as of the transfer date, and you may have recourse through purchase agreements if latent compliance violations emerge within a specified period (usually 12 months). However, as the new beneficial owner, you become responsible for remediation with FINMA immediately upon transfer, regardless of who caused the issue. It is critical to conduct thorough pre-purchase compliance audits and obtain comprehensive representations and warranties in your purchase agreement to mitigate this risk.

How often must I renew a crypto licence in Switzerland, and what are the renewal costs?

FINMA does not issue crypto licences with fixed expiry dates; instead, licences remain valid as long as you maintain compliance with the Financial Market Infrastructure Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act. However, you must submit annual compliance reports and may face audits at any time, with costs ranging from CHF 2,000-6,000 annually depending on your operation's complexity. Major regulatory changes or updates to your business model may require you to file amendments with FINMA, which typically cost CHF 3,000-10,000 and can be processed within 4-6 weeks.

Crypto License for Sale — Ready-Made Licensed Companies 2026

A fresh crypto VASP licence application in Estonia takes 3–6 months minimum, costs €15,000–30,000 in professional fees and capital requirements, and carries the risk of rejection if your application is not perfectly prepared. A Lithuanian VASP licence takes 2–4 months and requires similar investment. During that entire period, your business cannot operate legally.

Buying a ready-made licensed entity compresses that 3–6 month wait into 1–4 weeks. The total cost is typically higher than a fresh application, but the value of 2–5 months of earlier operational time — revenue, partnerships, banking relationships, market timing — usually far exceeds the premium. For businesses with urgent commercial needs, it is frequently the only viable option.

Additionally, some jurisdictions have effectively closed to new applications or have backlogs that make timelines unpredictable. A ready-made entity bypasses the queue entirely.

Jurisdiction	Licence Type	Regulator	Typical Transfer Time	Indicative Price
🇻🇨 SVG	VASP Registration / IBC	SVGFSA / FSA	1–2 weeks	$15,000–$35,000
🇸🇨 Seychelles	VASP (FSA)	Financial Services Authority	2–4 weeks	$25,000–$55,000
🇰🇲 Anjouan (MWALI)	Offshore Crypto Licence	MWALI IORC	1–2 weeks	$15,000–$30,000
🇪🇪 Estonia	VASP (Virtual Currency)	FIU (Finantsinspektsioon)	3–5 weeks	€45,000–€100,000
🇱🇹 Lithuania	VASP	Bank of Lithuania	3–5 weeks	€40,000–€90,000

The transfer process for a ready-made crypto-licensed entity follows a clear sequence. Understanding this sequence helps set realistic expectations about timeline and requirements.

Step 1 — Buyer KYC: We collect full KYC documentation from all incoming directors and shareholders (passport, address proof, bank reference, source of funds/wealth declaration, CV). This is required both by our internal AML policy and by the regulator for change-of-control notification.

Step 2 — Due Diligence Report Review: We provide the buyer with the entity's full due diligence report. Buyer confirms acceptance of the entity history.

Step 3 — Share Transfer Deed and Director Changes: Share transfer deed executed. New directors appointed. Corporate registers updated. Registered agent notified.

Step 4 — Regulator Notification: Change of control notification filed with the relevant regulator. For EU regulators (Estonian FIU, Bank of Lithuania), this typically requires submission of new UBO/director KYC documentation. Regulators generally acknowledge within 2–4 weeks.

Step 5 — AML Programme Update: AML programme updated to reflect new ownership, business description, and risk profile. New AML officer appointed where required.

Crypto Licence for Sale

Time vs Cost — Why Buy Existing

Crypto Licence Types Available

What's Included in the Transfer

Change of Ownership Procedure

Ready-Made Crypto Licences in 2026

Cost Structure for Ready-Made Crypto Licences

Frequently Asked Questions

Enquire About Crypto Licences

Practical Licensing Insight

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