Crypto license in Portugal

Last Update: 31.01.2026

Portugal has become one of the most attractive European jurisdictions for cryptocurrency and blockchain businesses due to its innovation-friendly environment, clear regulatory structure, and competitive tax opportunities. The country actively promotes fintech development while maintaining compliance with European Union regulatory standards.

Bergerslegal provides full legal support for obtaining a crypto license in Portugal, assisting clients with company formation, CASP authorization, compliance preparation, and interaction with regulatory authorities.

Portugal combines progressive digital policy, EU market access, and regulatory clarity, making it a strategic location for crypto exchanges, token projects, custodial providers, and Web3 companies.

Portugal Crypto Regulatory Framework

As a member of the European Union, Portugal applies the MiCA Regulation (EU) 2023/1114, which establishes unified rules for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs).

The main supervisory authority is:

• Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal) — responsible for registration, AML supervision, and regulatory monitoring of crypto operators.

Additional authorities involved:

• Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) — supervision of tokens classified as securities;
• Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) — anti-money laundering enforcement.

Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in Portugal. However, electronic money tokens (EMT) are regulated under specific payment legislation and require authorization as credit institutions.

Key legislation governing crypto activities includes:

• Law No. 83/2017 — AML/CFT framework;
• MiCA Regulation;
• Law No. 91/2018 — payment services and EMT regulation;
• EU payment services directive (PSD2);
• Decree-Law No. 330/90 and CMVM Circular 010/2023 — crypto advertising rules;
• Decree-Law No. 67/2021 — technological free zone (ZLT) for innovation testing.

Portugal also introduced a regulatory sandbox environment supporting experimental blockchain projects with government backing.

Advantages of a Crypto License in Portugal

Portugal offers a combination of regulatory transparency and economic incentives.

Access to the EU market

CASP authorization enables companies to operate throughout the European Union under passporting rights without additional national licenses.

Government support for blockchain innovation

Portugal actively promotes blockchain adoption through national development programs and innovation initiatives such as BLOCKCHAIN.PT.

Growing crypto ecosystem

The country demonstrates increasing adoption of digital assets among businesses and investors, supported by venture capital participation.

Access to investment funding

Portugal hosts active venture funds investing in blockchain and fintech startups, encouraging ecosystem expansion.

Favorable tax opportunities

• corporate tax standard rate — 21%;
• Madeira International Business Centre — reduced corporate tax rate of 5%;
• no VAT applied to most crypto exchange services.

Innovation infrastructure

Technology clusters, regulatory sandbox programs, and startup ecosystems facilitate rapid project development.

Clear European compliance standards

MiCA implementation ensures predictable regulation and investor confidence.

Requirements for Obtaining a Crypto License in Portugal

Authorization as a CASP requires compliance with national and EU regulations.

Legal entity establishment

Applicants must:

• register a Portuguese company (typically Lda or SA);
• obtain a tax identification number;
• maintain an official registered address.

Registration with the Bank of Portugal

All crypto activities must be approved by the regulator. Operating without registration may result in significant financial penalties.

Qualified management

Management must demonstrate:

• professional experience in finance or compliance;
• knowledge of AML procedures and blockchain operations;
• proven professional reputation.

AML/KYC compliance system

Mandatory implementation of:

• customer identification procedures (CDD/EDD);
• transaction monitoring;
• reporting obligations to UIF;
• internal compliance controls.

Financial stability

Companies must demonstrate sufficient capital depending on services and verify the lawful origin of funds.

IT security infrastructure

Requirements include:

• secure data storage systems;
• cybersecurity policies;
• risk monitoring procedures;
• encrypted wallet and transaction protection mechanisms.

Service Packages for Crypto License in Portugal

Basic Package

Designed for companies meeting minimum regulatory requirements.

Includes:

• company formation assistance;
• tax number registration;
• beneficial owner registration;
• legal address for one year;
• crypto license application submission;
• corporate documentation preparation;
• standard AML/KYC policies.

Advanced Package

Suitable for companies preparing operational launch.

Includes everything from Basic plus:

• corporate account opening assistance;
• translated and legalized corporate documents;
• enhanced AML/KYC framework;
• recruitment assistance for AML officer.

Full Package

Turnkey setup for operational crypto businesses.

Includes:

• full company incorporation support;
• licensing сопровождение;
• AML/KYC policy development;
• integration with KYC/KYT providers;
• local substance setup;
• accounting services for one year;
• legal opinion preparation;
• assistance with office premises;
• AML officer recruitment and employment support.

Process of Obtaining a Crypto License in Portugal

Step 1 — Define business activities

Selection of crypto services determines capital requirements and compliance structure.

Step 2 — Company registration

Incorporation in the Portuguese Commercial Register and tax authority registration.

Timeline: approximately 1–5 business days.

Step 3 — Documentation preparation

Preparation of:

• AML/CFT policies;
• internal risk management procedures;
• business plan and financial forecasts;
• IT infrastructure description.

Step 4 — Application submission

Submission of licensing documentation to the Bank of Portugal, including:

• corporate documents;
• shareholder information;
• AML officer details;
• management qualification confirmation;
• compliance procedures.

Step 5 — Regulatory review

The regulator conducts:

• fit & proper assessment;
• compliance verification;
• IT system evaluation.

Review period: approximately 3–6 months.

The authority may request additional documentation during assessment.

Comparison: Crypto License in Portugal vs Spain

Key differences between jurisdictions:

Portugal

• regulator: Bank of Portugal + CMVM;
• MiCA-aligned registration system;
• corporate tax: 21% (5% in Madeira zone);
• VAT on crypto exchange services: not applied;
• crypto-friendly banking environment;
• innovation zones supporting blockchain startups.

Spain

• regulator: Bank of Spain;
• MiCA framework implementation;
• corporate tax: 25%;
• stricter operational bureaucracy;
• more conservative banking approach toward crypto businesses.

Government Fees and Taxation

Portugal applies standard taxation rules to crypto companies.

Licensed companies must:

• maintain accounting records;
• submit tax declarations;
• file AML/KYC reports;
• undergo regulatory audits when required.

Ongoing Obligations for Licensed Companies

After obtaining authorization, companies must maintain continuous compliance.

Key obligations:

• ongoing AML monitoring;
• regulatory reporting to authorities;
• maintenance of cybersecurity standards;
• internal compliance updates;
• transparency of ownership and operations;
• cooperation with supervisory inspections.

Conclusion

Portugal has positioned itself as a progressive European hub for blockchain and crypto innovation. The combination of MiCA regulation, supportive government initiatives, and competitive tax opportunities makes the jurisdiction attractive for international crypto businesses.

However, access to these advantages is available only to companies that successfully complete the licensing process and maintain strict regulatory compliance.