MiCA CASP authorisation in Lithuania
Lithuania authorises crypto-asset service providers under MiCA through the Bank of Lithuania. Many firms that were on the old national VASP list have had to apply afresh or wind down. Since the EU transitional periods ended on 1 July 2026, only a full MiCA authorisation counts.
Facts under review · last checked 2026-10-08 · confirm figures with the regulator before relying on them
Regulator · Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos bankas) ↗
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 ↗
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
- RegulatorBank of Lithuania 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 Lithuania, place of effective management in the EU and at least one EU-resident director (MiCA Art. 59(2))
- AML/CFT compliance function under the Lithuanian AML law
- ICT risk-management framework under DORA
Questions we get
Can we keep operating while our application in Lithuania 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.
Does our old Lithuanian VASP registration still let us operate?
No. The national register did not convert into MiCA authorisation. Only a MiCA authorisation allows a firm to provide crypto-asset services now.
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 ↗