How to Get a Crypto License in France Step-by-Step for 2026

France has become a leading hub for crypto innovation in Europe, with a clear regulatory framework under the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). If you are a crypto founder looking to operate legally in France, you need to obtain a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) registration, which is mandatory for most crypto activities. This guide explains how to get a crypto license in France step-by-step for 2026, covering costs, timelines, capital requirements, and more. Whether you are launching an exchange, custody service, or trading platform, understanding the French regime is essential.

France offers a stable and respected regulatory environment, but the process can be complex. Consulting24 has extensive experience helping crypto firms secure licenses across Europe, including in Panama and other jurisdictions. While we do not directly handle French applications, we provide advisory and coordination services to help you choose the best route. This page is for educational purposes and reflects the regulatory landscape as of 2026.

What Is the French Crypto License?

The French crypto license refers to the mandatory registration as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) with the AMF. Since 2020, all companies providing services such as custody, exchange, trading, or advisory related to digital assets must be registered. In 2026, the regime is fully aligned with MiCA, meaning that the DASP registration is a prerequisite for obtaining a CASP (Crypto Asset Service Provider) license under EU-wide rules. The AMF oversees compliance, while the ACPR (Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority) handles anti-money laundering checks.

Key characteristics of the French DASP regime:

• Mandatory for most crypto activities
• Requires a minimum capital of EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000 depending on services
• Includes AML/KYC obligations and regular reporting
• Valid throughout France and, under MiCA, can be passportable to other EU states

France was one of the first EU countries to implement a comprehensive crypto framework. The DASP registration is not a license in the traditional sense but a mandatory registration that proves compliance with French law. For companies that also want to offer services across the EU, the MiCA CASP license is the next step. The AMF has published detailed guidelines on what constitutes a digital asset service, and the list is updated regularly. For example, services like initial coin offerings (ICOs) are also regulated if they involve tokens that qualify as digital assets. The regime is designed to protect consumers while fostering innovation.

Who Needs a French Crypto License?

Any company offering digital asset services in France or to French residents must obtain a DASP registration. This includes startups, established financial firms, and foreign entities looking to expand into the French market. The license is required for:

• Crypto exchanges (order book or peer-to-peer)
• Custody wallet providers
• Brokerage services (buying/selling crypto for fiat)
• Market making and algorithmic trading
• Advisory services on digital assets
• Portfolio management of digital assets

If you are a foreign company targeting French clients, you must either set up a French subsidiary or obtain a DASP registration directly. For many founders, comparing France with other jurisdictions like Panama can help decide the most efficient route. Consulting24 advises on the best fit for your business model. It is important to note that even if your company is based outside France, if you actively market services to French residents, you are likely caught by the French regulations. The AMF has been proactive in enforcing against unregistered firms, so compliance is not optional. For example, a crypto exchange based in Malta that accepts French users without a DASP could face penalties.

License Type and Regulator

The French crypto license is a single registration category: Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP). The regulator is the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), which is responsible for supervising financial markets and protecting investors. The ACPR assists with AML/CFT supervision. In 2026, the DASP registration is the gateway to the MiCA CASP license, which will eventually replace national regimes. However, France has chosen to maintain its DASP as a complementary registration for certain services.

Key points:

• Regulator: AMF (main) and ACPR (AML)
• License type: DASP (registration) / CASP under MiCA
• Services covered: custody, exchange, trading, advisory, portfolio management

The AMF is known for its rigorous approach. It requires detailed documentation on the business model, risk management, and internal controls. The ACPR focuses on AML/CFT and may conduct on-site inspections. For companies that also want to offer services in other EU countries, the MiCA CASP license allows passporting, meaning you can serve clients across the EU without additional national licenses. France has also introduced a optional enhanced license (agrément) for firms that want to demonstrate higher standards, but this is not mandatory for most activities.

Cost and Timeline

The cost of obtaining a crypto license in France varies based on the complexity of your business and the services offered. Below is a typical breakdown. Exact figures are confirmed in a consultation.

Timeline: 6 to 12 months from start to registration. This includes company incorporation, AML documentation, and AMF review. The AMF has a statutory deadline of 6 months to process a complete application, but delays can occur if additional information is requested. For a faster and more cost-effective option, consider Panama where the fixed cost is EUR 6,000 and timeline is 2-3 months. The timeline in France can be longer if you need to set up a local entity from scratch. If you already have a French company, the process may be slightly shorter. It is advisable to start the bank account opening process early, as it can take 2-3 months on its own.

Capital Requirement

The minimum capital requirement for a DASP in France depends on the services you provide. Under MiCA, capital tiers are:

• EUR 50,000 for custody and advisory services
• EUR 125,000 for exchange and brokerage services
• EUR 150,000 for trading platforms and full-service providers

These must be fully paid up and maintained throughout the license period. The capital can be in cash or liquid assets. For comparison, Panama has no minimum capital requirement, making it an attractive alternative for startups. The capital must be deposited in a French bank account and cannot be withdrawn without AMF approval. It serves as a buffer against operational risks. For companies offering multiple services, the highest capital requirement applies. For example, if you offer both custody and exchange services, you need at least EUR 125,000. The capital requirement is one of the highest in Europe, which can be a barrier for small startups.

Tax Treatment

France applies a corporate income tax of 25% (standard rate) on profits from crypto activities. VAT is not applicable on crypto-to-crypto transactions, but fiat-to-crypto trades may be subject to VAT. Capital gains tax for individuals is 30% (flat tax). For companies, crypto gains are treated as ordinary income. France has no specific crypto tax regime, but the general tax rules apply. It is essential to consult a tax advisor for your specific situation. For a more favourable tax environment, some founders choose Panama, which has no corporate tax on offshore income. Additionally, France has a wealth tax (IFI) that may apply to crypto assets held by individuals, though crypto is not explicitly included in the tax base. The tax treatment of staking and lending rewards is also evolving, and the French tax authority (DGFiP) has issued guidelines that treat these as income from movable capital. For companies, it is important to account for VAT on fees charged for services. The complexity of the French tax system is a factor to consider when choosing a jurisdiction.

Allowed Activities

With a French DASP registration, you can offer the following services:

• Custody of digital assets
• Exchange of digital assets for fiat currency
• Exchange of digital assets for other digital assets
• Brokerage (order execution on behalf of clients)
• Portfolio management of digital assets
• Advisory services on digital assets
• Market making (if registered as a DASP)

Activities not covered include mining, software development, and pure blockchain consulting. If you plan to offer services beyond these, you may need additional licenses. For example, if you also offer payment services, you may need a payment institution license. The AMF has clarified that DeFi services are not automatically covered, but if they involve custody or exchange, they may require registration. The list of allowed activities is exhaustive, and any new service must be reviewed by the AMF. For companies that want to offer a wide range of services, the DASP registration is a good starting point, but you may need to apply for additional licenses for activities like lending or derivatives.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Pre-incorporation: Choose a legal structure (SAS or SARL) and prepare a business plan. The business plan must detail your services, target market, and risk management.
2. Company incorporation: Register your company in France with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS). This typically takes 1-2 weeks.
3. AML/KYC program: Develop a comprehensive anti-money laundering policy, including customer due diligence and transaction monitoring. The program must be tailored to your business and approved by the ACPR.
4. Capital deposit: Deposit the required minimum capital in a French bank account. The bank will provide a certificate of deposit.
5. Submit application: File the DASP application with the AMF, including all required documents (business plan, AML policy, organisational structure, and proof of capital).
6. ACPR review: The ACPR will assess your AML compliance and may request additional information. This step can take 2-4 months.
7. AMF decision: The AMF will issue a decision within 3-6 months. If approved, you receive your DASP registration.
8. Ongoing compliance: Submit regular reports and maintain AML procedures. You must also appoint an external auditor for annual AML audits.

For a simpler process, consider Panama where the entire setup can be done in weeks. The French process is heavily document-intensive. For example, the AML policy must include detailed procedures for customer identification, risk assessment, and suspicious transaction reporting. The ACPR may also require a physical presence in France, such as a registered office and a compliance officer based in France.

Banking and Payments

Opening a bank account for a crypto company in France can be challenging. Many traditional banks are cautious about crypto-related businesses. However, France has several fintech-friendly banks and payment institutions that accept DASP-registered firms. Options include:

• Neobanks like Qonto and Shine
• Traditional banks with crypto divisions (e.g., Société Générale)
• EMI (Electronic Money Institution) accounts

You will need to provide your DASP registration and AML documentation. For a jurisdiction with easier banking, Panama offers a more straightforward process. In France, you may also need to open a separate account for client funds (segregated account) if you offer custody services. The banking process can take 2-3 months, so it is important to start early. Some banks may require a minimum deposit or turnover. It is advisable to approach multiple banks to increase your chances. Consulting24 can advise on banking options in France, but we do not guarantee account opening.

Benefits of a French Crypto License

• High regulatory credibility and trust among clients and partners
• Passporting rights under MiCA to serve clients across the EU
• Access to the French fintech ecosystem and talent pool
• Clear legal framework reduces uncertainty
• Potential for government support and innovation grants

However, the high cost and long timeline may not suit all businesses. For a faster and cheaper alternative, many founders compare France with Panama or Estonia. The French license is particularly beneficial for companies that want to establish a strong European presence and work with institutional clients. The AMF's recognition can also help in negotiations with banks and partners. Additionally, France has a vibrant crypto community and events like Paris Blockchain Week, which can provide networking opportunities.

Compliance and Ongoing Obligations

Once registered, you must comply with ongoing obligations:

• Annual AML audit by an external auditor
• Quarterly transaction monitoring reports to the ACPR
• Annual financial statements and capital maintenance
• Notification of any changes in management or ownership
• Client asset segregation and custody rules

Failure to comply can result in fines or revocation of the license. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Always consult a compliance expert. The ongoing compliance costs can be significant. For example, an annual AML audit may cost EUR 5,000 to 15,000. You also need to maintain a compliance officer who is based in France. The AMF may conduct periodic inspections, and you must be prepared to provide documents on short notice. It is important to keep detailed records of all transactions and client due diligence for at least five years.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating the AML program complexity - it must be tailored to your business
• Choosing the wrong legal structure - an SAS is often better for flexibility
• Insufficient capital - ensure you have the required amount before applying
• Delaying bank account opening - start early as it can take months
• Not considering alternative jurisdictions - compare France with Panama, Lithuania, or Estonia for cost and speed
• Ignoring the need for a local compliance officer - the AMF requires a person in France responsible for compliance
• Failing to update the AMF on changes - any change in management or services must be notified

Avoiding these mistakes can save time and money. For example, many applicants submit an AML policy that is too generic, leading to rejection. It is better to hire a local compliance consultant who knows the AMF's expectations. Also, some founders try to cut costs by using a virtual office, but the AMF may require a physical presence in France.

Alternatives and Comparison

France is not the only option for crypto licensing. Here is a comparison with two popular alternatives:

For many startups, Panama offers the best balance of cost, speed, and simplicity. Consulting24 delivers directly in Panama and can help you set up quickly. Lithuania is also a popular choice for its low cost and fast process, but it has lower regulatory credibility compared to France. If you need to serve EU clients, France or Lithuania (under MiCA) are good options. However, if your target market is global and you want to minimise costs, Panama is hard to beat.

Why Choose Consulting24?

Consulting24 (X24Consulting OU) has obtained over 500 crypto licenses worldwide. We deliver directly in Estonia, Lithuania, and Panama, and advise on all other jurisdictions including France. Our team of experts guides you through the entire process, from company setup to license application. For France, we provide advisory and coordination services to ensure your application is complete and compliant. If you want a faster, more cost-effective solution, we recommend Panama where we offer a flat fee of EUR 6,000 and a streamlined process. Contact us today to discuss your project and find the best jurisdiction for your crypto business.

Official sources

• Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF)

Related jurisdictions

Mardo Soo · CEO, Consulting24Personally advises on jurisdiction selection. 500+ crypto licenses across Estonia, Lithuania & Panama. LinkedIn →

General guidance, not legal advice. Rules and fees evolve — we confirm current requirements for your case.