Crypto License in Labuan

Crypto License in Labuan

Last Update: 18.03.2026

Labuan is one of the most attractive jurisdictions for international crypto businesses from a tax and structuring perspective. As a federal territory of Malaysia and an established international business and financial center, it offers a favorable regulatory framework, low taxation, and access to Asian markets.

Bergerslegal provides full legal support for registering cryptocurrency companies and obtaining crypto licenses in Labuan, including corporate structuring, licensing strategy, compliance preparation, and regulator-facing support.

Advantages of obtaining a cryptocurrency license in Labuan

Regulation and legal certainty

Cryptocurrency activities in Labuan are supervised by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA / LFSA), which gives market participants a regulated framework and improves trust among customers, partners, and counterparties.

Tax efficiency

Labuan is widely used because of its low business tax regime. For many international crypto businesses, the jurisdiction is significantly more tax-efficient than standard onshore alternatives.

Fast company setup

Company registration in Labuan can usually be completed quickly if the required corporate documents are prepared correctly.

100% foreign ownership

Foreign investors can fully own Labuan companies, and the jurisdiction also offers flexibility for international founders and managers.

Access to Asian markets

Labuan is well-positioned for businesses targeting Southeast Asia and broader Asian markets, including connections to Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and other regional economies.

Developed financial infrastructure

The presence of banks, financial institutions, and a specialized regulator makes Labuan attractive for companies that need a structured financial and compliance environment.

International business expansion

A Labuan license can support global service delivery, particularly for companies structuring digital asset services for international clients.

Crypto regulation in Labuan

Labuan has developed a formal legal environment for digital financial services, including crypto-related activities.

One of the key regulatory developments came when cryptocurrency exchanges were recognized under the Labuan framework and permitted to operate subject to licensing and supervision. Over time, this has led to a more structured environment for digital asset exchanges, token issuers, custodians, and related service providers.

Within Labuan, digital financial services can include:

• digital banking;
• digital insurance;
• digital intermediaries;
• robo-advisory activity;
• digital asset exchanges;
• cryptocurrency trading platforms;
• token-related structures;
• electronic payment solutions.

This positions Labuan as a specialized international financial center rather than merely a low-tax jurisdiction.

Legal framework for crypto businesses in Labuan

The main legal acts referenced in your source text include:

• Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001;
• Labuan Limited Liability Partnerships and Limited Partnerships Act 2010;
• Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010;
• Labuan Financial Services Authority Act 1996;
• Labuan Trusts Act 1996;
• Labuan Companies Act 1990;
• Labuan Islamic Financial Services and Securities Act 2010;
• Labuan Funds Act 2010.

Together, these laws form the regulatory basis for company incorporation, supervision, financial services licensing, governance, and AML/CFT compliance.

Licensing and registration

A crypto license in Labuan is an official authorization issued by the LFSA for digital asset-related activity. It confirms that the business has met the jurisdiction’s requirements for compliance, operational readiness, and transparency.

Before commencing activities, a company must obtain prior approval and comply with obligations related to:

• AML/CFT;
• operational transparency;
• asset protection;
• governance;
• audit and reporting;
• IT and data security.

The licensing framework in Labuan is structured by license category. According to your source text, key license types include:

• digital asset custodian license;
• token issuer license;
• initial exchange offering operator license;
• cryptocurrency exchange management license.

Each category has distinct capital, infrastructure, governance, and compliance requirements.

Register of crypto companies

All licensed virtual asset businesses in Labuan are entered into the official register maintained by the LFSA.

The register generally contains:

• company name;
• registered address;
• telephone number;
• email address;
• responsible representative.

This public register helps market participants verify whether a company is properly licensed and supervised.

Requirements for obtaining a cryptocurrency license in Labuan

Obtaining a VASP-style license in Labuan requires the applicant to meet a range of legal, financial, organizational, and technical standards.

Business reputation and relevant experience

Applicants must demonstrate a sound business reputation. According to your source text, experience in the crypto sector is expected, and already licensed companies from other jurisdictions may also be considered, subject to regulator approval.

Minimum paid-up capital

Capital requirements vary depending on the license type. The source text indicates examples such as:

• from approximately US$110,000 for custody;
• from approximately US$130,000 for virtual currency exchange;
• from approximately US$360,000 for brokerage and derivatives-related activity.

Office in Labuan

A registered office in Labuan is mandatory. The company must maintain local presence and use the Labuan office as part of its operational setup.

Corporate structure

The company must have:

• at least two directors who are natural persons;
• at least one shareholder;
• a Labuan resident secretary;
• local employees where required by the rules.

Company name

The name must comply with Labuan naming rules, be in Latin characters, and avoid restricted terms unless specifically permitted.

Financial transparency and audit

The company must appoint an external auditor, maintain proper records, and be ready to provide information to the regulator within the required timeframe.

AML/KYC compliance

The company must establish and maintain procedures for anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, customer due diligence, and transaction monitoring.

IT system security

The company’s infrastructure must include reliable systems for handling customer interactions and asset-related operations. Material incidents must be reported to the regulator.

Prior approval for major changes

Changes in shareholders, directors, office arrangements, or outsourcing structures generally require LFSA approval in advance.

Process and timing for obtaining a crypto license in Labuan

The licensing process is structured and generally takes around 4 to 6 months.

Step 1: Company registration

The first step is to establish the legal entity in Labuan. With proper documentation, this stage can usually be completed quickly.

Step 2: Preparation of documentation

This stage may take up to 2 months and generally includes:

• business plan;
• AML/KYC policies;
• internal controls;
• information on shareholders and directors;
• proof of business experience;
• company documents;
• evidence of office arrangements in Labuan.

Step 3: Submission of the application

Once the package is ready, the application is submitted to the LFSA. The source text states that the government application fee is US$1,500.

Step 4: Preliminary review and interview

The regulator reviews the materials and may request interviews with directors or controlling persons.

Step 5: Fulfilment of regulatory conditions

After preliminary approval, the company may need to complete further regulatory conditions, such as website disclosures, proof of paid-up capital, and additional compliance documentation.

Step 6: Grant of license

Once all conditions have been met, the regulator issues the license, often subject to ongoing compliance obligations.

Types of cryptocurrency licenses in Labuan

In Labuan, cryptocurrency activity is commonly regulated through the Digital Financial Services License (DFSL) framework.

Digital asset custodian license

Intended for businesses offering custodial storage and safekeeping of digital assets. This category requires secure custody architecture, strong access controls, and regular audit readiness.

Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) operator license

Required for platforms organizing token offerings. This category involves more substantial capital and operational requirements, including investor-facing protections.

Digital asset issuer license

Designed for projects issuing tokens, NFTs, or tokenized interests. Regulatory attention is placed on transparency, token structure, and market conduct.

Cryptocurrency exchange license

Allows the company to operate a trading platform for digital assets, including listing, matching, and exchange functionality. Additional custody-related services may also be offered where properly structured.

Company registration in Labuan

The company registration process is supervised by the LFSA and generally includes several stages.

Step 1: Reserve the company name

The company must choose a name that complies with Labuan’s naming rules and is acceptable to the registry.

Step 2: Prepare corporate documents

The incorporation package usually includes:

• passport copies;
• proof of address;
• questionnaires and declarations;
• CVs;
• incorporation documents;
• initial board resolutions;
• secretary and registered office details.

For foreign-company branch structures, additional parent-company documentation may be required.

Step 3: Implement AML/KYC procedures

Licensed activity requires internal AML/CFT and compliance procedures before the business can move toward final approval.

Step 4: Pay in the required capital

The minimum paid-up capital must be deposited and evidenced in the company’s corporate account.

Step 5: Open a corporate account

The company opens an account with an appropriate bank operating in or serving Labuan.

After the company is established, it may proceed with the crypto licensing process.

Overview of cryptocurrency regulation in Labuan

Digital asset regulation in Labuan

Labuan regulates cryptocurrency companies through the same broader financial services framework that applies to other regulated activities in the jurisdiction. The LFSA acts as the key supervisory authority and expects crypto businesses to meet the standards applicable to regulated financial entities.

This includes regulation of:

• licensing;
• operational conduct;
• asset handling;
• AML/CFT;
• internal controls;
• governance and audit.

As a result, crypto companies in Labuan are not operating in an unregulated or informal offshore environment; they are expected to maintain a regulated financial-services standard.

Taxation of cryptocurrency companies in Labuan

Labuan’s tax regime is one of the main reasons crypto businesses consider the jurisdiction.

Core tax position

Under the tax rules referenced in your source text, qualifying Labuan businesses may elect to be taxed at:

• 3% of audited net income, or
• a fixed amount, subject to the applicable statutory minimum mechanism described in the source text.

Additional tax advantages

The source text also highlights the absence of various taxes, including:

• capital gains tax;
• inheritance tax;
• stamp duty;
• import or similar indirect taxes in the listed context.

Labuan companies may also benefit from Malaysia’s treaty network, which can be relevant for international structuring and cross-border transactions.

Tax outcomes depend on whether the company satisfies the conditions for Labuan tax treatment and whether it remains outside restricted domestic-market activity.

Obligations for conducting crypto business in Labuan

Licensed crypto companies in Labuan are subject to ongoing operational, accounting, and compliance obligations.

Accounting obligations

The company must prepare proper financial statements and maintain accurate accounting for digital asset transactions. Crypto assets must be appropriately classified, and internal controls must be in place to protect against errors and misuse.

Audit obligations

An annual audit by an independent auditor is required. The audit typically covers:

• balance sheet;
• income statement;
• cash flow statement;
• notes to the financial statements.

Compliance obligations

The company must also maintain:

• AML/CFT controls;
• customer due diligence processes;
• suspicious transaction monitoring;
• appointment of a compliance officer;
• cybersecurity measures;
• updated internal procedures.

These obligations continue throughout the life of the license.

Liability for non-compliance

Your source text indicates that operating without the required authorization or breaching minimum capital and regulatory obligations may lead to severe legal and financial consequences.

Potential consequences include:

• termination of business activity;
• major financial penalties;
• imprisonment for responsible persons in serious cases;
• personal liability for owners or beneficial stakeholders in certain circumstances.

This underlines the importance of maintaining full compliance after licensing, not only at the application stage.

Conclusion

Labuan is one of the most attractive jurisdictions for crypto businesses due to its low taxation, transparent regulatory environment, international orientation, and possibility of full foreign ownership. A properly obtained crypto license allows a company to operate lawfully, strengthen investor confidence, and access international business opportunities from a recognized financial center.

At the same time, successful licensing in Labuan requires careful preparation of the business structure, local presence, AML/KYC framework, governance setup, and financial documentation.

Bergerslegal supports clients through the full process — from selecting the appropriate license category and setting up the company to preparing the documentation and managing communication with the regulator.