MiCA CASP authorisation in Ireland
Ireland authorises crypto-asset service providers under MiCA through the Central Bank of Ireland. The Central Bank authorised ten CASPs in 2025, eight of which were already registered as Irish VASPs, and expects a similar number in 2026. Applications now run through the Central Bank portal, and the Central Bank expects strong governance and consumer protection from the start.
Facts under review · last checked 2026-10-08 · confirm figures with the regulator before relying on them
Regulator · Central Bank of Ireland ↗
Key facts
- Minimum own funds (permanent capital)
- €50,000, €125,000 or €150,000 depending on the class of crypto-asset servicesMiCA-Art-67as of 2026-10-08Source ↗
- End of transitional period (EU)
- 1 July 2026: only authorised CASPs may provide servicesMiCA-Art-143(3)as of 2026-10-08Source ↗
- Passporting
- Authorisation allows services across the EU/EEA after notificationMiCA-Art-65as of 2026-10-08Source ↗
- CASPs authorised in 2025
- Ten, of which eight were already registered in Ireland as VASPsas of 2026-10-08Source ↗
Realistic timeline
Who does what, and how long each phase usually takes once work starts. The regulator’s share is outside anyone’s control.
- HartsizScoping and gap analysis2–4 weeks
- YouCompany set-up, hires and application pack6–12 weeksHartsiz drafts the pack; the client supplies people, capital and decisions
- RegulatorCentral Bank completeness check and assessment16–36 weeksOutside our control; depends on queue and the quality of answers
Estimated end to end: 6–12 months. Not a guarantee.
What the regulator expects to see
- Management body with sufficient good repute, knowledge and time commitment (MiCA Art. 68)
- Registered office in Ireland, place of effective management in the EU and at least one EU-resident director (MiCA Art. 59(2))
- AML/CFT compliance function under the Irish Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act
- ICT risk-management framework under DORA
Questions we get
Can we keep operating while our application in Ireland is pending?
No. Since 1 July 2026 the MiCA transitional periods have ended across the EU, so only an actual authorisation allows a firm to provide crypto-asset services.
Will we also need a payment institution licence?
Possibly. The Central Bank notes that, following the EBA's June 2025 No Action Letter, some firms providing transfer or custody services with e-money tokens need both a CASP authorisation and a payment services authorisation.
Changes affecting this route
- European Union · Crypto · high impact
MiCA transitional periods end across the EU
ESMA confirmed that the last MiCA grandfathering periods expire on 1 July 2026. From that date, any entity providing crypto-asset services to EU clients without MiCA authorisation is in breach of EU law and must have implemented its wind-down plan. Firms without a licence now need a new application or the acquisition of an authorised CASP.
Source ↗