Why buy an existing EMI licence instead of applying fresh?

A fresh EMI licence application in Lithuania takes 6–12 months and requires €350,000 minimum initial capital. In the UK, FCA EMI authorisation takes 12–24 months. Buying an existing licensed entity compresses this to 2–6 weeks. The cost premium is almost always recovered within the first quarter of operation.

Can the EMI issue IBANs to third-party clients?

Yes. A full EMI licence authorises the issuance of e-money accounts and IBANs to clients. The IBAN programme requires a BIN sponsorship arrangement and SEPA membership or a correspondent banking relationship. We assist with setting up the IBAN programme as part of the EMI transfer and post-transfer services.

What is BIN sponsorship and do I need it?

BIN sponsorship is required to issue payment cards (Visa/Mastercard) under an EMI licence. BIN sponsorship is a relationship with a principal member of Visa or Mastercard who allows the EMI to issue cards under their BIN range. We can introduce you to BIN sponsors during the post-transfer setup phase.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements for an EMI?

EMIs face substantial ongoing compliance obligations: quarterly prudential reports to the regulator, annual audited financial statements, AML annual report, safeguarding obligations (client funds must be safeguarded separately from operational funds), CRO/MLRO notifications, and regulatory capital maintenance. We offer ongoing compliance retainers for EMI operators.

What is the minimum capital requirement for a Lithuanian EMI?

Lithuanian EMI minimum initial capital is €350,000. The entity must maintain ongoing own funds at the higher of €350,000 or a percentage of payment volumes. The regulatory capital must be fully unencumbered and verifiable to the Bank of Lithuania at all times.

What is the typical cost of purchasing an existing EMI license in 2026?

The acquisition cost for an established EMI license typically ranges from EUR 150,000 to EUR 500,000 depending on the jurisdiction, client base, and annual transaction volume. Additional costs include legal due diligence (EUR 15,000-30,000), regulatory transfer fees (EUR 5,000-20,000), and integration expenses. Prices in EU jurisdictions like Lithuania and Malta tend to be lower than Swiss or UK equivalents.

How long does it take to complete the purchase and regulatory transfer of an EMI license?

The entire process typically requires 8-16 weeks from purchase agreement to regulatory approval. The financial regulator (such as the Financial and Capital Market Commission in Latvia or the Swiss FINMA) must approve the change of ownership, which usually takes 6-12 weeks after submission of complete documentation. Integration and system migration can add an additional 2-4 weeks post-approval.

What documents are required from the buyer during EMI license acquisition?

You will need to provide proof of beneficial ownership, certified management CVs, detailed business plans for 2026-2028, audited financial statements for the last two years, and proof of initial capital requirements (typically EUR 125,000-500,000 depending on jurisdiction). The regulator will also require an anti-money laundering assessment, proof of compliance infrastructure, and a detailed information security audit.

Are there tax implications when buying an existing EMI license in Switzerland?

In Zug, Switzerland, the acquisition is subject to cantonal transfer tax (typically 1-2% of purchase price) and federal stamp duty does not apply to the license transfer itself. However, VAT at 8.1% applies to advisory services and regulatory consultation fees. The EMI's ongoing profits are taxed at approximately 11.6% cantonal rate in Zug plus federal income tax, making Switzerland more expensive than Lithuanian alternatives.

What banking relationships do I need to establish after acquiring an EMI license?

You must establish at least one segregated settlement account with a clearing bank for client funds, typically through correspondent banking relationships in major EU financial centers. Most acquiring businesses also establish a business account for operational expenses and may need additional accounts for different currencies or regional operations. Establishing these relationships takes 4-8 weeks and requires bank compliance approval of your AML/KYC procedures.

What are the key risks of acquiring an existing EMI license versus starting new?

The primary risks include inheriting legacy compliance issues, staff retention problems, and client portfolio concentration. You may face regulatory scrutiny if the previous owner had poor compliance records, requiring remediation plans. Additionally, legacy technology systems can be expensive to upgrade, and client attrition during ownership transition can be 15-30% if not managed carefully.

How often must an EMI license be renewed, and what does renewal in 2026 involve?

EMI licenses do not have fixed renewal dates but require continuous compliance with regulatory standards and annual financial reporting to authorities. You must file audited annual reports by June 30 each year and demonstrate ongoing capital adequacy, typically verified through external audit. Regulatory oversight is ongoing rather than renewal-based, with the regulator conducting periodic compliance reviews every 2-3 years.

EMI License for Sale — Ready-Made E-Money Institution 2026

An EMI (Electronic Money Institution) licence is the regulatory foundation for issuing electronic money accounts, IBANs, and payment services. A Lithuanian EMI can issue SEPA IBANs and passport payment services across all EU member states. A UK FCA EMI can operate in the UK market. A Georgian NBG-licensed EMI provides payment services in Georgia and access to certain CIS markets.

Fresh EMI licence applications are among the most demanding and time-consuming regulatory processes in financial services. Lithuania requires 6–12 months; the UK FCA takes 12–24 months with no guarantee of approval. During that period, you cannot issue accounts or accept deposits. For businesses with urgent IBAN issuance or payment processing requirements, a ready-made EMI is almost always the faster and more reliable option.

The ongoing capital requirement for an EMI is also significant (€350,000 minimum for a Lithuanian EMI). When buying a licensed entity, you take on these capital requirements — but you avoid the upfront regulatory preparation and waiting time costs of a fresh application.

Jurisdiction	Regulator	Licence Type	EU Passporting	Transfer Time
🇱🇹 Lithuania	Bank of Lithuania	EMI (Full)	Yes — all EU/EEA	4–6 weeks
🇬🇧 UK	FCA	Authorised EMI	No (post-Brexit)	6–10 weeks
🇬🇪 Georgia	NBG	Payment Service Provider	No (non-EU)	2–4 weeks

Owning an EMI licence does not automatically result in operational IBAN issuance — you need to establish the technical and banking infrastructure. After transfer, we assist with:

IBAN Programme: Connection to a SEPA-accessible settlement bank or the local central bank payment system. Lithuanian EMIs typically connect to the Bank of Lithuania's CENTROlink SEPA gateway or use a correspondent bank for settlement. Georgia NBG licensees connect to the Georgian interbank payment system.

BIN Sponsorship: To issue Visa or Mastercard-branded cards, you need a BIN (Bank Identification Number) sponsorship arrangement from a principal member of the relevant scheme. We have introductions to BIN sponsors for both Lithuanian and UK EMI operators.

Visa/Mastercard Membership: Large-scale EMIs may seek direct membership of Visa or Mastercard rather than sponsorship. This requires meeting volume thresholds, capital requirements, and technical certification. We advise on the timeline and requirements for scheme membership.

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