COREDO > Licensing > Cryptocurrency licence in Switzerland

Cryptocurrency licence in Switzerland

Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO)

Regulation of cryptocurrency activities in Switzerland is based on a functional approach and depends on the company’s specific business model. Depending on the type of services provided, activities involving digital assets may require a licence or registration with a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) in accordance with AMLA requirements. This approach combines strict financial supervisory standards with clear regulatory requirements set by FINMA, creating a stable and predictable legal environment for crypto businesses.

Switzerland attracts crypto companies due to its stable financial system, strong investor protection, and flexible legal framework, which ensures operational transparency and facilitates cooperation with banks and international partners.

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Cost of the service
from 56 000 EUR

Switzerland has established itself as one of the key hubs for cryptocurrency businesses thanks to its progressive regulation and openness to innovation in digital finance. A clear legal and regulatory framework ensures a stable and predictable environment for crypto companies.

A favourable tax regime with competitive corporate tax rates, along with a well-developed financial infrastructure and strong startup support, fosters the dynamic growth of cryptocurrency enterprises in the country.

Switzerland’s political and economic stability, combined with a high level of intellectual property protection, makes it an attractive destination for long-term investment in the crypto sector.

Legal and regulatory framework

In Switzerland, cryptocurrency-related activities are authorised and supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Companies seeking to obtain a cryptocurrency licence must submit an application to this body, which not only grants authorisations but also ensures compliance with both local and international standards aimed at combating financial crime. The main legislative acts governing this area are the Federal Act on the Adaptation of Federal Law to Developments in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT Act) and the Federal Act on the Regulation of Distributed Ledger Technology, which establish the legal foundations for conducting cryptocurrency business in the country.

In Switzerland, only companies that are members of a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) are permitted to provide financial services, including those involving cryptocurrencies. SRO membership enables companies to carry out operations with digital assets, such as converting cryptocurrencies into fiat currencies and vice versa, offering cryptocurrency wallets, and managing digital assets. This allows companies to operate legally within the cryptocurrency sector.

Types of activities permitted under an SRO licence in Switzerland

01Payment services (fiat and cryptocurrency):

Facilitating and processing payments.
Transfers of funds/cryptocurrency (excluding security tokens, securities, and derivatives).
Receipt and transmission of third-party assets.
Electronic transfers.

02Cryptocurrency custody:

Segregated wallets – no restrictions.
Omnibus wallets – up to CHF 1 million (subject to additional notification).

03Provision of crypto services:

Conducting ICOs, STOs, and ISPOs.
Issuance of stablecoins (1:1 ratio, backed by a bank guarantee, for identified holders).
Issuance of commodity-backed tokens.

04Issuance and management of payment cards:

Issuance and management of credit/debit cards.
Payment instruments and services.

05Deposit-accepting (Sandbox):

Up to CHF 1 million (with additional notification).
No limits – for institutional investors.

06Fiat/cryptocurrency exchange (CEX/FX):

Deposits and withdrawals of fiat and cryptocurrency.
Exchange of fiat to fiat, fiat to cryptocurrency, and cryptocurrency to cryptocurrency.

07Brokerage and asset management services:

Trading in cryptocurrency, fiat currencies, metals, and commodities (excluding security tokens).
Management of crypto assets.

08Lending and credit operations:

Mortgages, leasing, commercial and consumer loans (some require additional authorisation).

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Advantages of obtaining an SRO licence in Switzerland

Obtaining an SRO (self-regulatory organisation) licence in Switzerland offers broad opportunities for conducting cryptocurrency and financial business.

Its key advantages include:

Robust regulation.
Companies operate within a clearly defined and transparent legal framework under effective supervision.

Access to capital.
Businesses can attract investment through venture capital funds, business angels, crowdfunding, and token issuance (ICO, STO).

Strong ecosystem.
Switzerland is a hub for the blockchain and fintech industries, home to leading companies such as SDX, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Tezos, Amina & Sygnum Bank, and Bitcoin Suisse.

Government support.
Authorities take a pragmatic approach, fostering a business- and innovation-friendly environment.

Qualified professionals.
A high standard of education and training ensures access to skilled experts in finance and technology.

Stability and trust.
Switzerland’s political and economic stability makes it a reliable jurisdiction for doing business.

High quality of life.
Switzerland offers modern infrastructure, safety, scenic landscapes, and widespread use of English.

Favourable taxation.
Low corporate tax rates and no capital gains tax.

Services and cost of obtaining an SRO licence in Switzerland

01. SRO license obtaining

56 000 EUR + VAT

Company registration and incorporation in accordance with legal requirements.
Legal address for one year.
Payment of state fees related to registration.
Capital deposit account opening.
The signatory mandate for 1 year.
Support with SRO membership.
Preparation of the business case, AML policy and regulatory assessment.

02. Additional services

from 800 EUR

Company domicile – 4 500 EUR/year.
Signatory mandate – 7 000 EUR/year.
Board member mandate – 12 000 EUR/year.
Go-live package SumSub – 12 000 EUR.
Customer information sheet – 950 EUR.
Token classification – 7 000 EUR.
SAFT agreement – 5 000 EUR.
FINMA non-action letter – 9 000 EUR.
Customised Terms & Conditions – 5 000 EUR.
Privacy & Data Protection Policy – 2 600 EUR.

03. External AML officer

Basic package – from 1 500 EUR/month

Full AML coverage provided by a qualified external specialist.
The process of admission of the external AML provider to an SRO.
Coverage of SRO costs related to the certification of the AML officer and any costs arising from a change of the AML officer.
Regular updates of AML policies.
Preparation of quarterly reports for management.
Access to a secure data exchange platform hosted on a Swiss server (including all applicable fees).
Ongoing regulatory updates on relevant changes in Switzerland.
Access to a professional network and partner infrastructure.

The price may vary depending on the specific case and does not include the FINMA state fee – 2,000 Swiss francs.

Timeframe for obtaining the license

Preparation

2–4 weeks

Business case, company and team formation, AML procedures, SRO application.

SRO review

2–3 months

The timeframes may vary depending on the specific case (e.g., additional questions from the regulatory authority or bank).

Key requirements for obtaining an SRO licence in Switzerland

Capital:

For a GmbH (LLC) – CHF 20,000
For an AG (LTD) – CHF 100,000
Capital may be contributed in cryptocurrency. Capital may also be used in the course of operations.

Local presence:

Minimal requirements apply.

Regulation:

Compliance is required only with AML standards.

Company structure:

Board of directors – at least one member with sole signatory rights who is a Swiss resident.
AML officer – must be based in Switzerland (if outsourced, must be supervised by a local board member).
Shareholders – may be non-residents.
Registered office – must be located in Switzerland for both AG (LTD) and GmbH (LLC) structures.

Documents and information required for obtaining an SRO licence in Switzerland

Corporate documents

Financial services offering

Application form

Business case – business model description

AML policies

Regulatory assessment

Other documents/information depending on the business model

Documents required to start cooperation with COREDO

Company name – three proposed options

Management documents

Passport and ID/driving licence scans of all directors, founders and beneficial owners.

Proof of address

Bank statement, phone or utility bill (issued within the last 3 months).

Proof of funds

A bank statement for the last 3 months or a tax return.

Business model description

Information about management and AML officer – CVs

Completed and signed KYC form

Any additional documents required for company registration

COREDO’s support in obtaining SRO licence in Switzerland

Pavel Kos

Head of the legal department

Basang Ungunov

Lawyer at Legal Department

Daniil Saprykin

Head of Customer Success Department

By working with COREDO, you benefit from:

In-depth expertise

We understand all the nuances of crypto regulation across different jurisdictions.

End-to-end support

We handle the entire licensing process — from application to registration.

Tailored approach

We customise our solutions to your business model, covering exchanges, brokers, DeFi projects, and other structures.

Post-licensing support

We provide advice on AML, reporting, and regulatory compliance.

Transparency and trust

We operate fully within the law, strengthening your reputation with banks and business partners.

If you are ready to launch your cryptocurrency business in Switzerland, COREDO offers a full range of services to support your licensing process and successful start.

Contact us today and our experts will guide you through every step of licensing and ensure full compliance with the country’s legal requirements.

Do you still have questions about obtaining a licence for your business? Get a consultation on SRO licence in Switzerland today.

Our expert will contact you and explain how to obtain a licence for your business without unnecessary delays.

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