Ready Made Singapore Crypto License: Your Fast Track to Asia’s Premier Crypto Hub
Singapore has emerged as one of the most attractive jurisdictions for crypto businesses, offering a clear regulatory framework under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). A ready made Singapore crypto license refers to a pre-prepared company structure that has already applied for or secured a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license under the Payment Services Act (PSA). This option allows founders to bypass the initial setup delays and focus on compliance and operations from day one.
As of 2026, the MAS continues to refine its licensing regime, requiring crypto service providers to hold a license for activities such as digital payment token (DPT) exchange, custody, and cross-border transfers. Consulting24 advises and coordinates the acquisition of a ready made Singapore crypto license, leveraging our network of local partners to streamline the process. While we do not file directly in Singapore, we provide end-to-end advisory, from entity selection to regulatory submission, ensuring your business meets MAS expectations.
What Is a Ready Made Singapore Crypto License?
A ready made Singapore crypto license is a corporate vehicle that has already been incorporated and has either submitted a license application to the MAS or obtained in-principle approval. This structure is designed for crypto entrepreneurs who want to enter the market quickly without waiting 4-6 weeks for company incorporation and the subsequent license application queue.
The license itself is typically the Major Payment Institution (MPI) license, which permits a wide range of payment services including digital payment token dealing, custodial services, and money transfer. The MAS regulates these activities under the Payment Services Act (PSA), which was amended in 2021 to bring DPT services under its purview.
Key features of a ready made structure include:
- Pre-registered company with a local director and secretary
- Registered address and bank account in principle
- Compliance framework aligned with MAS guidelines
- Accelerated timeline compared to starting from scratch
Who Needs a Ready Made Singapore Crypto License?
This solution is ideal for founders who require immediate market presence, such as those launching a crypto exchange, custody service, or payment gateway targeting Asia-Pacific users. It also suits firms that have secured funding and need to demonstrate regulatory compliance to investors quickly.
Typical candidates include:
- Exchanges offering spot trading of DPTs
- Custodial wallet providers
- OTC desks handling large volumes
- Cross-border remittance services using crypto
- Stablecoin issuers (subject to MAS stablecoin framework)
If your business model involves any of these activities, a ready made license can save 3-6 months of setup time. However, the MAS still conducts thorough due diligence, so the entity must be ready to demonstrate compliance from day one.
License Type and Regulator
The relevant license is the Major Payment Institution (MPI) license under the Payment Services Act (PSA). The regulator is the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which oversees all payment services including digital payment tokens.
There are two tiers of licenses:
- Standard Payment Institution (SPI): For lower-volume businesses, with monthly transaction limits below SGD 3 million for specific services.
- Major Payment Institution (MPI): For higher-volume businesses, with no transaction cap but subject to more stringent capital and compliance requirements.
Most crypto businesses apply for the MPI license due to the flexibility. The MAS also introduced a separate framework for stablecoins in 2023, which applies to issuers of single-currency stablecoins pegged to SGD or G10 currencies.
Cost and Timeline
The cost of a ready made Singapore crypto license varies depending on the provider and the stage of the application. As of 2026, typical costs range from SGD 50,000 to SGD 150,000 for a company with an in-principle approval. The timeline from acquisition to full license approval is usually 6-12 months, though the ready made structure itself can be transferred within 2-4 weeks.
| Item | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Ready made company (with in-principle approval) | 50,000 - 100,000 |
| MAS application fee | 10,000 - 20,000 |
| Compliance setup (AML/CFT, policies) | 15,000 - 30,000 |
| Legal and advisory fees | 10,000 - 30,000 |
| Total estimated range | 85,000 - 180,000 |
Exact pricing depends on the complexity of your business model and whether the ready made entity already has a compliance framework. Consulting24 provides a detailed cost breakdown during our initial consultation.
Capital Requirement
For an MPI license, the MAS requires a minimum base capital of SGD 250,000 (approximately EUR 170,000). This capital must be maintained at all times and can be in the form of cash or liquid assets. For SPI licenses, the requirement is lower at SGD 100,000.
Additionally, the MAS expects the company to have sufficient operational funds to cover at least 6 months of expenses. The capital must be held in a Singapore bank account and cannot be used for trading or investment purposes. Consulting24 advises clients on structuring capital contributions to meet MAS requirements efficiently.
Tax Treatment
Singapore offers a territorial tax system, meaning only income sourced in Singapore is taxable. Corporate tax rate is a flat 17%, but there are significant exemptions for new companies (75% exemption on first SGD 100,000 of chargeable income). Capital gains are not taxed, which benefits crypto trading profits if structured correctly.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has issued guidelines on the tax treatment of digital tokens. Generally, businesses are taxed on income from trading, mining, and staking, while long-term holdings may be considered capital gains. GST (VAT) is not applied to DPT transactions, but advisory services may be subject to 9% GST.
For a ready made license, the company may already have a tax residency certificate, which can be used to access Singapore's extensive double tax treaty network.
Allowed Activities
Under the PSA, an MPI license allows the following activities:
- Digital payment token exchange (spot trading)
- Digital payment token custody
- Cross-border money transfer using DPTs
- Domestic money transfer (including merchant acquisition)
- E-money issuance (subject to limits)
- Stablecoin issuance (if compliant with MAS stablecoin framework)
Activities not covered include derivatives (regulated by the Securities and Futures Act) and lending/borrowing of crypto assets (may require a separate license under the Securities and Futures Act if structured as securities). The MAS has also indicated that decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols may fall under existing regulations if they involve an intermediary.
Step-by-Step Process
Obtaining a ready made Singapore crypto license involves the following steps:
- Initial consultation: We assess your business model and determine the appropriate license type.
- Selection of ready made entity: We identify a pre-approved company that matches your profile and budget.
- Due diligence: The MAS conducts background checks on directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners. You must provide proof of source of funds and clean criminal records.
- Compliance setup: We help implement AML/CFT policies, risk assessment frameworks, and internal controls aligned with MAS guidelines.
- Submission of license application: The ready made entity's existing application is updated with your details and submitted to MAS.
- MAS review and approval: The MAS typically takes 6-9 months to process MPI applications. In-principle approval may be granted earlier.
- Post-approval compliance: Ongoing reporting, audit, and annual compliance reviews.
Throughout the process, Consulting24 provides advisory support and coordinates with local legal and compliance partners.
Banking and Payments
Opening a corporate bank account in Singapore is a critical step. Major banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB accept crypto-related businesses, but due diligence is rigorous. A ready made entity often comes with an existing banking relationship or a letter of intent from a bank.
Alternative options include digital banks like Revolut Business or neobanks that offer multi-currency accounts. For payment processing, you can integrate with local payment gateways such as Stripe or PayPal, though crypto-specific gateways may be limited. The MAS requires all licensees to maintain a settlement account with a Singapore bank for fiat transactions.
Consulting24 advises on banking strategies and can introduce you to our network of banking partners.
Benefits of a Ready Made Singapore Crypto License
The primary advantage is speed. Instead of spending 3-6 months on company incorporation and initial application, you can acquire a ready made entity with an existing application queue position. This can reduce your time to market by up to 50%.
Other benefits include:
- Established corporate history (useful for banking and partnerships)
- Pre-vetted compliance framework
- Access to Singapore's strong legal and financial ecosystem
- Strong reputation for regulatory compliance, which attracts institutional investors
- Tax efficiency with no capital gains tax and low corporate tax
Singapore also offers a stable political environment and a skilled workforce, making it a hub for crypto innovation in Asia.
Compliance and Trust
The MAS is known for its rigorous enforcement. Licensees must comply with ongoing obligations including:
- Transaction monitoring for suspicious activity
- Regular audits (annual and ad-hoc)
- Capital maintenance at all times
- Reporting of breaches within 24 hours
- AML/CFT training for staff
Failure to comply can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the license. Consulting24 provides ongoing compliance advisory to ensure your entity remains in good standing. Note that this is general guidance, not legal advice. You should engage a Singapore-qualified lawyer for specific legal matters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Founders often underestimate the due diligence process. The MAS scrutinizes the background of all directors and shareholders, so any adverse history can delay or derail the application. Another common mistake is insufficient capital - the SGD 250,000 minimum must be demonstrably available and not borrowed.
Other pitfalls include:
- Using a ready made entity with a poor compliance history
- Not having a local director with relevant experience
- Failing to implement adequate AML/CFT controls before applying
- Overlooking the need for a physical office in Singapore
Consulting24 helps you avoid these mistakes by conducting thorough pre-acquisition due diligence on the ready made entity.
Alternatives and Comparison
While Singapore is a leading jurisdiction, it may not suit every business. Alternatives include:
- Estonia: Offers a crypto license with lower capital (EUR 12,000 for CASP) and faster setup (3-6 months). However, it is EU-based and subject to MiCA regulations, which may impose higher compliance costs. Estonia crypto license is a popular choice for European markets.
- Panama: A flat fee of EUR 6,000 for a crypto license with no minimum capital and no tax on foreign income. Panama is ideal for businesses targeting Latin America. Panama offers a cost-effective alternative, though it lacks Singapore's regulatory prestige.
- Dubai: VARA-regulated, with a capital requirement of AED 500,000 (approx. EUR 125,000). Dubai provides access to the Middle East and a growing crypto ecosystem. See our Dubai crypto license page for details.
Each jurisdiction has trade-offs. Consulting24 helps you compare options and choose the best fit for your business. For a broader overview, visit our jurisdictions page.
Why Choose Consulting24?
With over 500 licenses obtained across Estonia, Lithuania, and Panama, Consulting24 has deep expertise in crypto licensing. For Singapore, we advise and coordinate with local partners to deliver a smooth experience. Our services include:
- Entity selection and due diligence
- Application preparation and submission support
- Compliance framework design
- Banking introductions
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
We do not guarantee approval, but our track record demonstrates a high success rate. Contact us to discuss your project.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ready made Singapore crypto license?
A ready made Singapore crypto license is a pre-incorporated company that has already applied for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license under the Payment Services Act. It allows you to acquire a license-ready entity quickly, bypassing initial setup delays.
How long does it take to get a ready made license?
The transfer of the ready made entity takes 2-4 weeks, but full MAS approval typically takes 6-12 months from the date of application. The ready made structure gives you a head start on the application queue.
What is the minimum capital requirement for an MPI license?
The MAS requires a minimum base capital of SGD 250,000 (approx. EUR 170,000) for an MPI license. This capital must be maintained at all times and held in a Singapore bank account.
Can I use a ready made license for a crypto exchange?
Yes, the MPI license covers digital payment token exchange services, including spot trading. However, derivatives or margin trading may require additional licensing under the Securities and Futures Act.
What are the tax implications for a Singapore crypto license?
Singapore has a territorial tax system with a corporate tax rate of 17%. Capital gains are not taxed. New companies enjoy tax exemptions on the first SGD 100,000 of chargeable income.
Is a ready made license guaranteed to be approved by MAS?
No, the MAS conducts its own due diligence and may reject applications. A ready made entity only provides a head start; you still need to meet all regulatory requirements. Consulting24 advises on compliance but cannot guarantee approval.
What activities are not allowed under the MPI license?
Activities such as crypto derivatives, lending, and staking may not be covered. These may require a separate license under the Securities and Futures Act or other regulations.
Do I need a physical office in Singapore?
Yes, the MAS requires licensees to have a physical office in Singapore. The ready made entity typically includes a registered address, but you will need a proper office for day-to-day operations.
How does Singapore compare to Panama for crypto licensing?
Panama offers a flat fee of EUR 6,000 with no minimum capital and no tax on foreign income, making it cheaper and faster. However, Singapore provides stronger regulatory credibility and access to Asian markets. See our Panama page for details.
Can Consulting24 help with a Singapore license directly?
Consulting24 advises and coordinates the process through local partners. We do not file directly in Singapore, but we manage the entire advisory workflow, from entity selection to compliance setup.
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