In 2026 the CySEC license becomes not just a formal tool for entering the European market, but a strategic asset for financial companies seeking international growth. According to the latest data from the European Commission, the volume of transactions in digital assets and investment services supervised by the Cypriot regulator has increased by more than 40% over the past three years.
Why does obtaining a Cypriot license raise questions?
What will you find in the article?
In this article I, Nikita Veremeev, share the practical experience of COREDO: from analyzing requirements and preparing documents to strategies for minimizing risks and accelerating the process. If you are looking not for theory but for working solutions – read to the end. Here you will find not only answers to key questions, but also tools for successfully launching a business with a CySEC license in 2026.
What is a CySEC license and why is it needed in 2026?
CySEC: the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, a recognized regulator of the financial sector that, since 2004, ensures Cypriot companies comply with EU standards, and since 2012 has been a key player in the regulation of crypto-assets and fintech services.
For companies from the EU, Asia and the CIS, a Cypriot license for financial firms opens access to the European Union market thanks to CySEC’s EU passporting mechanism. This means that, having obtained a license in Cyprus, a company can legally provide investment and financial services in all EU countries without needing to obtain separate licenses in each jurisdiction.
COREDO’s experience confirms: having a Cypriot license significantly increases trust from banks, payment systems, institutional clients and partners from Europe, Asia and the CIS. This is especially relevant for companies working with digital assets, investment products and fintech solutions.
Key CySEC requirements for licensing in 2026
The key CySEC requirements for licensing in 2026 are associated with tightened supervision, ensuring financial resilience and investor protection. Companies seeking to obtain a license must not only comply with organizational and operational standards but also meet strict capital and financial metrics.
Requirements for capital and business resilience
In 2026, CySEC’s capital requirements have become even more differentiated. The following minimum capital levels apply to different license categories:
| License type | Minimum capital (EUR) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Forex broker | from 125 000 | Increased reporting and transparency requirements |
| Crypto asset service provider (CASP) | from 15 000 | Enhanced AML, cybersecurity, MiCA compliance |
| Investment advisers | from 15 000 | Specific CySEC requirements |
| Fintech companies | from 125 000 | Additional IT and information security requirements |
| Large investment firms | from 730 000 to 2 000 000+ | Increased supervision, internal control requirements |
Requirements for company structure and shareholders
CySEC imposes strict requirements on ownership structure transparency. All shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners undergo thorough vetting: documents are provided confirming the source of funds, absence of criminal records and sanctions, as well as compliance with ESG principles. For international companies and firms from Asia and the CIS, special attention is paid to the legality of capital origin and the transparency of the corporate structure.
This approach not only speeds up the licensing process but also facilitates subsequent account opening and international settlements.
Internal policies and procedures
In 2026, internal AML and KYC policies have become particularly important. CySEC requires the implementation of comprehensive client identification procedures, transaction monitoring and reporting of suspicious operations. For CASPs (crypto asset service providers) and fintech companies, cybersecurity procedures are mandatory in accordance with Circular C462 and GDPR standards.
CySEC supervision includes regular inspections, audits and mandatory reporting, which requires continual improvement of internal processes.
Obtaining a CySEC License in 2026
procedure for obtaining a license CySEC in 2026 begins with strict compliance with regulatory requirements and the preparation of a comprehensive package of documents for the application. At each stage it is important to strictly follow the established steps and confirm the company’s readiness to meet CySEC standards, which ensures operational transparency and investor confidence.
Preparation of documents for submitting the application
Key stage: assembling a complete package of documents. For different types of licenses the list varies, but it basically includes:
- Financial statements and confirmation of minimum capital
- A detailed business plan with a risk analysis and an AML strategy
- Shareholder and beneficiary documents (KYC, proof of source of funds)
- Internal policies and procedures on AML, KYC, and cybersecurity
- Confirmation of qualified personnel (director, compliance officer, MLRO)
Stages of submitting the application
The process of submitting an application to CySEC is fully digitalized: documents are uploaded via the online portal. After the initial review there may be requests for clarification or provision of additional data. The timeframes for obtaining a CySEC license in 2026 range from 3 to 9 months depending on the complexity of the structure and the type of license.
License costs and renewal fees
The cost of a CySEC license consists of several components:
- Registration fee (from 7,000 to 25,000 euros depending on the license type)
- Annual supervisory fees (for example, for CASP: from 5,000 euros)
- CySEC license renewal fees, which may be adjusted depending on the volume of operations and the license category
Licensing of financial companies: categories and requirements
licensing specifics for different categories of financial companies directly depend on the type and specifics of their activities, as well as the requirements of regulators in the chosen jurisdiction. Different categories of financial organizations face unique procedures, standards and conditions for obtaining licenses, which is reflected in the required documents, capital level and risk management measures.
CySEC license for Forex brokers
For Forex companies, a CySEC license is the industry standard. Main requirements include a minimum capital of EUR 125,000, qualified personnel and the implementation of comprehensive risk management procedures. CySEC supervision provides for regular inspections, audits and mandatory reporting on transactions and client funds.
CySEC license for crypto-assets
Since 2024, registration and licensing of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) in Cyprus are regulated under MiCA standards. This means new capital requirements (from EUR 15,000 for basic operations up to EUR 150,000 for custodial and exchange services), enhanced AML controls and mandatory implementation of cybersecurity.
CySEC license for investment advisors and fintech
For investment advisors the minimum capital starts at EUR 15,000. On the other hand, a key factor is the professional experience and qualifications of key personnel. For fintech companies and digital asset providers, CySEC imposes additional requirements on IT infrastructure, data protection and the implementation of innovative AML solutions.
How to obtain a CySEC license in 2026
- Choosing the license type: Analyze your business model and development strategy to select the optimal type of license (CASP, forex, investment services, etc.). COREDO’s solution – conducting a preliminary audit and modeling growth scenarios.
- Preparing a business plan: A detailed business plan with risk analysis, financial models and an AML strategy significantly increases the chances of the application being approved.
- Compliance with AML and ESG: Implement automated KYC/AML systems, train staff, and integrate ESG principles into corporate culture.
- Document preparation: Check the completeness and accuracy of all documents, taking into account specifics for companies from Asia and the CIS (proof of legal source of funds, transparency of structure).
- Interaction with CySEC: Ongoing communication with the regulator, timely responses to requests and revisions are key to accelerating the licensing process.
- Choosing a partner: COREDO’s experience shows that a reliable legal and consulting partner minimizes risks and provides comprehensive support at all stages.
Key takeaways and steps for entrepreneurs and executives
Key takeaways and practical steps for entrepreneurs and executives form the basis for decision-making in a rapidly changing market. To properly structure work and achieve sustainable results, it is important to take current requirements and deadlines into account in a timely manner.
Summary table of requirements and deadlines
| License type | Minimum capital (euro) | Timeframes for obtaining (months) | Annual fees (euro) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex broker | from 125 000 | 6–9 | from 10 000 | Increased supervision, EU passporting |
| CASP (crypto assets) | from 15 000 | 4–8 | from 5 000 | MiCA, AML, cybersecurity |
| investment advisor | from 15 000 | 3–6 | from 3 000 | Professional requirements for staff |
| Fintech company | from 125 000 | 6–9 | from 10 000 | IT and AML, innovative solutions |
Checklist for licensing preparation
- Conduct an audit of the business model and choose the license type
- Prepare the full document package (KYC, AML, business plan, capital confirmation)
- Implement internal policies on AML, KYC, ESG and cybersecurity
- Appoint qualified directors and compliance officers
- Submit the application through the CySEC online portal
- Prepare for possible requests and revisions
Recommendations and advice
Solutions implemented by COREDO for international clients prove: comprehensive support, deep analysis of requirements and flexibility in adapting internal procedures allow not only obtaining a license but also creating a foundation for long-term growth.