CASP License in Austria (MiCA)
Last Update: 23.04.2026
A CASP licence in Austria typically requires €125,000–€150,000 in regulatory capital, an estimated 6–11 months authorisation timeline, and total setup costs generally ranging from €50,000 to €100,000, depending on the CASP class and supervisory assessment.
Austria aligned its national regulatory framework with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) on 20 July 2024, becoming one of the first EU jurisdictions to formally accept CASP applications. Authorisation is carried out by the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) and follows a full supervisory review of governance, AML/CFT controls, operational setup, and local substance.
As a result, Austria is typically selected by CASPs that prioritise regulatory credibility, supervisory clarity, and long-term EU market access, rather than accelerated licensing timelines. The Austrian CASP regime is generally suited to projects prepared to meet MiCA requirements in full from the outset.
Quick Facts: Austria CASP License
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Financial Market Authority (FMA) |
| Legal framework | MiCA (EU Regulation 2023/1114) |
| License type | CASP authorization |
| Minimum capital | €125,000–€150,000 |
| Estimated timeline | 6–11 months |
| Estimated setup cost | €50,000–€100,000 |
| Annual ongoing cost | €20,000–€40,000 |
| Corporate tax | 24-25% | Individual gains: 27.5% (withholding) |
| EU passporting | Yes (EEA) |
| Local substance | Required |
What Is a CASP License in Austria
A CASP license in Austria is an authorization under the EU MiCA framework that allows crypto service providers to operate legally and passport services across the EEA.
Under MiCA, companies providing crypto-asset services such as custody, exchange, brokerage, execution of orders, or transfer of crypto-assets must obtain CASP authorization from the competent authority of an EU member state. In Austria, this authorization is issued and supervised by the Financial Market Authority (FMA).
The CASP authorization replaced Austria’s former VASP registration framework when MiCA became fully applicable in 2024. Once authorized, an Austria-based CASP may passport its services across all EEA countries through the MiCA notification mechanism.
Austria and MiCA: Regulatory Context
Austria implemented MiCA in July 2024, positioning the FMA as one of the earliest EU supervisors to review CASP applications under the new framework.
Austria was among the first EU member states to operationalise MiCA at the national level, enabling CASP licensing under FMA supervision. This positioned Austria alongside jurisdictions such as France and Estonia as early adopters, with the FMA beginning application reviews several months ahead of the general EU transition period.
The FMA applies a prudential and substance-focused supervisory approach, placing emphasis on governance, AML compliance, risk management, and operational resilience rather than purely formal criteria.
Gofaizen & Sherle assists in obtaining a pan-European CASP license in Austria.
Choosing a MiCA CASP Jurisdiction: Austria vs Malta vs Lithuania
Austria is typically chosen for regulatory credibility and banking alignment, while Malta often appeals to firms prioritising a mature VFA-to-MiCA ecosystem, and Lithuania to cost-sensitive structures seeking faster operational setup.
Quick comparison (MiCA CASP)
| Jurisdiction | Typical timeline | Typical setup cost | Minimum capital | Corporate tax | Transition period notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | 6–11 months | €50k–€100k | €125k–€150k | 24–25% (corporate); 27.5% withholding for Austrian retail clients’ crypto gains | Early implementation; strong supervisory depth |
| Malta | 8–12 months | €60k–€120k | ~€150k | 35% (effective 0-10% with refunds depending on structure) | Longer transition framework used in practice |
| Lithuania | 4–7 months | €30k–€60k | ~€125k | ~15% (standard), incentives possible depending on structure | Historically faster setups, banking varies case-by-case |
CASP License Requirements in Austria
To obtain a CASP license in Austria, applicants must meet MiCA capital, governance, AML, and local substance requirements under FMA supervision.
To qualify for CASP authorisation, an applicant must be established as a legal entity within the European Union and demonstrate operational readiness in line with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). In Austria, compliance is assessed by the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA), which acts as the national competent authority for CASPs.
Core regulatory requirements include:
- Minimum own funds
€125,000 for Class 1 CASPs and €150,000 for Class 2 CASPs, depending on the scope of crypto-asset services provided. - Governance and management
At least two fit-and-proper managing directors, a clear organisational structure, and defined internal control and compliance functions. - AML/CFT compliance
Appointment of an AML officer, implementation of risk-based AML/KYC policies, and transaction monitoring procedures aligned with EU AML standards. - Local substance
A real operational presence in Austria, including effective management, decision-making capacity, and staff proportionate to the business model. - IT and operational resilience
Documented ICT systems, security controls, and incident management procedures consistent with EU operational resilience expectations.
In practice, insufficient local substance or underdeveloped governance documentation is one of the most common reasons for extended review timelines in Austria.
Step-by-Step: CASP Application Process in Austria (MiCA)
The Austrian CASP licensing process is conducted under the supervision of the Financial Market Authority (FMA) and typically takes 6–11 months. Although the CASP framework is harmonised at EU level under MiCA, Austria applies a detailed supervisory review, with strong focus on governance, AML/CFT, operational resilience, and local substance. The overall timeline depends primarily on the applicant’s level of preparedness and documentation quality.
Step 1: Regulatory Scoping and CASP Class Selection
At the outset, the business model is assessed against MiCA-regulated activities.
This step determines:
- the applicable CASP class,
- permitted services,
- minimum capital requirements,
- FMA expectations on governance and substance.
Incorrect scoping at this stage is the most common cause of delays later in the process.
Step 2: Corporate Structuring and Local Substance Planning
The Austrian entity structure is finalised, including:
- governance framework,
- level of local substance (directors, key functions, office),
- outsourcing arrangements (where applicable).
FMA expects substance to be demonstrable at the time of application, not deferred to post-authorisation.
Step 3: Appointment of Key Function Holders
Key control functions are appointed, typically including:
- Compliance Officer,
- MLRO,
- Risk Management,
- Internal Audit (in-house or outsourced).
All appointees must meet fit and proper standards and be actively involved in operations.
Step 4: Preparation of the CASP Application File
This phase covers the preparation of the full MiCA application dossier, including:
- CASP application forms,
- governance and internal control policies,
- AML/CFT framework,
- risk management and incident response documentation,
- IT security and outsourcing documentation,
financial projections and capital confirmation.
The quality of this file largely determines the number and length of regulatory review rounds.
Step 5: Formal Submission and Completeness Review
The application is formally submitted to the FMA.
An initial completeness check is conducted, and the authority may request clarifications before starting the substantive review.
Step 6: Substantive Regulatory Review and Q&A Rounds
The FMA performs a detailed assessment covering:
- governance effectiveness,
- AML/CFT controls,
- risk management,
- IT and operational resilience,
- adequacy of local substance.
Typically, 1–3 written Q&A rounds are issued.
Each clarification round may extend the timeline by 4–6 weeks.
Step 7: Internal Decision and CASP Authorisation
Following completion of the review, the FMA issues the CASP authorisation.
In some cases, approval may be subject to limited conditions to be satisfied before commencing operations.
Step 8: EEA Passporting (Optional)
After authorisation, the CASP may initiate EEA passporting to provide services in other EEA Member States via the notification procedure.
CASP Activities and License Classes in Austria
Austria applies MiCA-based CASP classification, with capital requirements determined by the type and risk level of crypto-asset services provided.
Under MiCA, CASPs are authorized based on the specific services they offer. Austria follows the standard MiCA classification model, distinguishing between lower-risk service providers and higher-risk providers engaged in custody or trading platform activities.
CASP License Classes in Austria
| CASP Class | Minimum Capital | Core Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | €125,000 | Reception and transmission of orders, execution of orders, crypto-asset advice, transfer services |
| Class 2 | €150,000 | Custody and administration of crypto-assets, operation of trading platforms, exchange services |
Class 1 CASP authorization is generally suitable for providers offering advisory, brokerage, execution, or transfer-related crypto services without holding client crypto-assets.
Class 2 CASP authorization applies to providers engaged in custody, safekeeping of crypto-assets, or operation of trading platforms. The capital difference between Class 1 (€125,000) and Class 2 (€150,000) reflects the increased operational and consumer protection obligations for custody and trading platform providers under MiCA.
What Usually Delays CASP Licensing in Austria
CASP applications in Austria are most often delayed due to governance gaps, insufficient local substance, or incomplete AML documentation.
Austria does not apply arbitrary licensing practices; however, the FMA is known for its structured and detail-oriented supervisory approach. As a result, delays usually arise from internal readiness issues rather than regulatory uncertainty.
Common delay factors include:
- Weak local substance
Nominal presence without effective management or operational capacity in Austria. - Incomplete governance frameworks
Unclear allocation of responsibilities, insufficient segregation of duties, or missing internal controls. - AML/KYC shortcomings
Generic policies that are not tailored to the specific crypto-asset services provided. - IT and security documentation gaps
Insufficient description of system architecture, access controls, or incident response processes. - Capital confirmation issues
Delays in demonstrating availability and lawful source of the required €125,000–€150,000 own funds. - Late engagement with supervisory expectations
Attempting to address FMA questions reactively instead of through structured pre-application preparation.
In practice, applicants that invest sufficient time in upfront structuring and regulatory alignment significantly reduce the risk of prolonged review cycles.
Taxation and CARF Reporting for CASPs in Austria
Austria applies standard corporate income tax rules to crypto-asset service providers licensed under MiCA. There is no separate “crypto tax regime” for CASPs; instead, crypto-related revenues are taxed in the same manner as other financial or service-based income. This approach provides legal clarity but results in a higher effective tax burden compared to some other EU jurisdictions.
From January 1, 2026, Austria will also implement the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), introducing mandatory transaction and customer reporting obligations for CASPs. These requirements significantly increase post-licensing compliance responsibilities and are a key consideration when selecting Austria as a licensing jurisdiction.
Corporate taxation of CASPs
Austria applies its standard corporate income tax rate of 24–25% to crypto-asset service providers licensed under MiCA, in accordance with the Austrian Corporate Income Tax Act (KStG). There is no separate “crypto tax regime” for CASPs; instead, crypto-related revenues are taxed as ordinary business income under general corporate tax rules.
CASPs must also act as withholding agents for the 27.5% capital gains tax applicable to crypto profits realised by Austrian retail clients, as as provided for under the Austrian Income Tax Act (EStG). This obligation applies at the client level and is distinct from the CASP’s own corporate tax liability.
This dual structure — corporate tax on CASP profits plus withholding responsibilities for client gains — increases administrative complexity but provides legal clarity regarding tax treatment.
Taxation & Reporting Overview for CASPs in Austria
| Tax / Obligation | Details |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax (CASP entity) | 24–25% standard Austrian corporate tax rate |
| Individual capital gains tax | 27.5% on crypto gains of Austrian residents |
| Withholding obligations | CASPs must withhold 27.5% from Austrian retail clients’ crypto gains |
| Crypto tax regime | No separate regime; CASPs taxed as ordinary businesses |
| Corporate capital gains | Included in taxable profit at corporate rate |
| VAT on crypto services | VAT treatment follows EU VAT Directive principles; exchange services generally exempt (case-by-case assessment required) |
| CARF reporting start date | January 1, 2026 |
| CARF scope | Customer identification, transaction reporting, asset transfers |
| Reporting authority | Austrian tax authorities (Finanzamt) |
| Automatic exchange of information | Yes — via OECD CARF to 40+ jurisdictions |
| Penalties for CARF non-compliance | Up to €200,000 for intentional or severe breaches |
| Ongoing filings | Annual corporate tax return + CARF reports + FMA regulatory reporting |
| Substance impact | Strong local substance increases tax audit and supervisory scrutiny |
CARF reporting obligations (from 2026)
From January 1, 2026, Austria will implement the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). Under CARF, Austria-licensed CASPs must identify reportable users, collect and verify tax-relevant information, and report crypto-asset transactions to Austrian tax authorities for automatic exchange of information (AEOI) with other participating jurisdictions.
CARF reporting obligations apply in parallel with MiCA supervisory requirements and significantly increase post-licensing compliance expectations for CASPs operating in or servicing Austria.
Is Austria the right MiCA CASP jurisdiction for your business?
Austria is best suited for CASPs prioritising regulatory credibility, banking alignment, and long-term EU operations, rather than low-cost or fast-track licensing.
Austria is typically suitable for:
- Institutional-focused CASPs requiring strong regulatory positioning and supervisory credibility.
- CASPs prioritising EU banking access and stable relationships with regulated financial institutions.
- Custody providers and trading platforms that benefit from structured supervisory engagement.
- Businesses pursuing long-term EEA operations through MiCA passporting.
Austria is generally not suitable for:
- Cost-sensitive or short-term projects seeking minimal setup costs or rapid authorisation.
- Light-touch compliance models expecting limited supervisory involvement.
- Non-EU-focused businesses without a clear need for EEA market access.
- Retail-heavy models lacking compliance automation, particularly for withholding and CARF reporting.
Austria is typically chosen by CASPs willing to invest in governance, substance, and compliance infrastructure in exchange for long-term regulatory stability and institutional credibility.
About Gofaizen & Sherle and CASP Licensing in Austria
Gofaizen & Sherle is an international consulting and legal firm advising regulated business models across crypto, digital assets, fintech, payments, and tokenization. The firm operates across 50+ jurisdictions and has supported the structuring and licensing of 800+ regulated projects worldwide, including crypto-asset service providers under EU and non-EU regulatory frameworks.
Under the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), Gofaizen & Sherle advises international clients on CASP authorisation in Austria, supporting projects from regulatory scoping and CASP class selection through authorisation and post-licensing compliance. The firm’s approach focuses on aligning business models with the supervisory expectations of the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA), with emphasis on governance, local substance, and operational readiness.
Conclusion
Austria is a credible MiCA jurisdiction for crypto-asset service providers seeking stable, long-term access to the European market. As one of the early EU states to implement MiCA, Austria offers a clear authorisation process under the supervision of the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA), with strong emphasis on governance, substance, and operational readiness.
With capital requirements of €125,000–€150,000, a typical timeline of 6–11 months, and standard corporate taxation, Austria positions itself as a compliance-focused jurisdiction rather than a fast or low-cost option. EU passporting enables authorised CASPs to operate across all EEA countries once licensed.
At the same time, enhanced supervisory scrutiny, withholding obligations for Austrian retail clients, and CARF reporting from 2026 mean Austria is best suited for institutional-oriented CASPs with established compliance capabilities. For such businesses, an Austrian CASP licence provides regulatory certainty, supervisory credibility, and sustainable access to the EU crypto market under MiCA.
FAQ: CASP License in Austria
What is a CASP license in Austria?
A CASP license in Austria is an authorisation under the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) issued by the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA). It allows crypto-asset service providers to legally offer regulated crypto services in Austria and across the EEA. The licence covers activities such as custody, exchange, trading platforms, brokerage, and crypto-asset advice.
Who issues CASP licences in Austria?
CASP licences in Austria are issued and supervised by the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA), which acts as the national competent authority under MiCA. The FMA is responsible for reviewing applications, assessing governance, substance, AML/CFT frameworks, and ensuring ongoing compliance.
How long does it take to obtain a CASP license in Austria?
Most CASP applications in Austria take 6–11 months from submission to final authorisation. The timeline depends on the complexity of the business model, the licence class (Class 1 or Class 2), the quality of documentation, and the applicant’s responsiveness to supervisory questions. Custody and trading platform models typically require longer review periods.
What are the minimum capital requirements for CASPs in Austria?
Minimum capital requirements range from €125,000 to €150,000, depending on the type of services provided. Lower-risk service providers fall under the lower threshold, while custody and trading platform operators are subject to higher capital requirements reflecting increased operational and consumer protection risks.
Can an Austria-licensed CASP passport services across the EU?
Yes. Once authorised, an Austria-based CASP may passport its services across all 30 EEA countries through the MiCA notification mechanism. This allows cross-border operations without the need to obtain separate licences in each EEA jurisdiction.
Is local substance required in Austria?
Yes. Austria requires genuine local substance, including effective management presence, real decision-making capacity, and staff proportionate to the business model. The FMA actively assesses whether the Austrian entity is operationally independent and not a letterbox structure. Core functions such as compliance, AML, and risk management should have real Austrian presence.
What is the corporate tax rate for CASPs in Austria?
CASPs are subject to Austria’s standard corporate income tax rate of 24–25%, applied to crypto-related revenues as ordinary business income. There is no separate or preferential crypto-specific corporate tax regime for licensed CASPs.
Do CASPs have withholding obligations for Austrian clients?
Yes. CASPs serving Austrian retail clients must act as withholding agents for the 27.5% capital gains tax applicable to crypto profits realised by individuals. This obligation applies at the client level and is separate from the CASP’s own corporate tax liability.
When does CARF reporting apply in Austria?
Mandatory reporting under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) applies from January 1, 2026. CASPs must report customer identification data, transaction details, and crypto-asset transfers to Austrian tax authorities for automatic exchange of information.
What penalties apply for CARF non-compliance?
Failure to comply with CARF reporting obligations may result in administrative penalties of up to €200,000, depending on the severity and intent of the violation. Repeated or intentional breaches may also trigger enhanced supervisory scrutiny.
How much does an Austria CASP license cost in practice?
Total setup costs typically range from €50,000 to €100,000, including legal and compliance advisory, AML/KYC systems, IT infrastructure, and application preparation. Ongoing annual costs are usually €20,000–€40,000, covering supervisory fees, audits, compliance personnel, and system maintenance.
What crypto services require CASP authorisation in Austria?
CASP authorisation is required for custody and administration of crypto-assets, operation of trading platforms, crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchange services, reception and transmission of orders, execution of orders on behalf of clients, crypto-asset advice, placement, and transfer services. Any provider offering these services to EU clients must obtain authorisation before commencing operations.
Can non-EU founders apply for an Austria CASP license?
Yes. Non-EU founders may apply, but the CASP must be established as an Austrian legal entity with genuine local substance. Non-EU ownership is permitted; however, management, decision-making, and core operational functions must demonstrate real presence in Austria to satisfy supervisory expectations.
Is Austria a fast or low-cost MiCA jurisdiction?
No. Austria is generally chosen for regulatory credibility, supervisory stability, and EU banking alignment rather than accelerated authorisation timelines or minimal setup costs. The jurisdiction is best suited for CASPs with long-term EU operating strategies and established compliance capabilities.
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