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MiCA Compliance Belgium

The EU Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation creates a single licensing framework for crypto companies across all EU member states. We help you prepare for and obtain MiCA CASP authorisation through the Belgian FSMA.

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MiCA EU crypto regulation compliance documents

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA, EU 2023/1114) is the EU's comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto-assets and their service providers. For companies operating in or from Belgium, MiCA replaces the national VASP registration with a more robust authorisation regime — but also provides EU-wide passporting rights. As part of our crypto licensing services, LawSupport guides companies through the MiCA authorisation process with the Belgian FSMA.

MiCA Timeline

DateEvent
June 2023MiCA regulation published in EU Official Journal
June 30, 2024Stablecoin provisions (Title III + IV) apply — ART and EMT issuers
December 30, 2024Full CASP authorisation regime (Title V) applies
Up to July 1, 2026Transitional period for existing nationally-registered VASPs

CASP Services Under MiCA

MiCA defines 10 crypto-asset services requiring CASP authorisation:

  1. Custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients
  2. Operation of a trading platform for crypto-assets
  3. Exchange of crypto-assets for funds (fiat currency)
  4. Exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets
  5. Execution of orders for crypto-assets on behalf of clients
  6. Placing of crypto-assets
  7. Reception and transmission of orders for crypto-assets
  8. Providing advice on crypto-assets
  9. Providing portfolio management of crypto-assets
  10. Providing transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients

MiCA Authorisation Requirements

RequirementDetails
Legal entityEU-registered entity (Belgian BV/SRL or NV/SA)
Registered officeIn an EU member state where at least some services are provided
Minimum capital€50,000 (advisory/placement), €125,000 (custody/exchange/execution), €150,000 (trading platform)
GovernanceFit & proper management body, internal controls, risk management
AML/CFTFull compliance with EU AML framework (AMLD6)
Prudential safeguardsOwn funds requirements (higher of fixed overheads or min. capital)
Consumer protectionFair treatment, clear disclosures, complaint handling, conflict of interest policies
IT & cybersecurityICT risk management per DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)
OutsourcingOutsourcing policy, due diligence on critical service providers
Business continuityBCM plan, data recovery, wind-down plan

MiCA vs Belgian VASP Registration

FeatureVASP (Belgian)MiCA CASP
ScopeBelgium onlyAll 27 EU member states
PassportingNoYes — single authorisation for all EU
Capital€50,000€50,000–€150,000 (service-dependent)
Consumer protectionBasicComprehensive (disclosure, suitability)
Market abuse rulesNoYes (insider trading, manipulation)
White paperNot requiredRequired for token offerings
Stablecoin rulesNo specific rulesDetailed ART/EMT framework

How to Prepare for MiCA

  1. Gap analysis — assess current compliance against MiCA requirements
  2. Entity structure — ensure you have (or register) a Belgian/EU legal entity
  3. Capital planning — meet minimum capital and own funds requirements
  4. Governance upgrade — appoint compliant management body, establish committees
  5. AML/CFT framework — update to align with AMLD6 and MiCA-specific requirements
  6. IT/DORA compliance — implement ICT risk management per DORA regulation
  7. Consumer protection policies — disclosure documents, suitability assessments, complaint procedures
  8. Application filing — submit to FSMA with full documentation package

For companies without existing VASP registration, we recommend applying directly for MiCA authorisation rather than pursuing the national VASP route first.

Pieter van den Berg — Legal Advisor at LawSupport

Pieter van den Berg

Legal Advisor — Banking & Compliance

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Related Services

Crypto License

Overview of all crypto licensing options in Belgium.

VASP Registration

Current Belgian national VASP regime with the FSMA.

Fintech License

Payment institution, e-money, and other fintech licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, EU 2023/1114) is the EU-wide regulatory framework for crypto-asset service providers and issuers. It creates a harmonised licensing regime across all EU member states, replacing national frameworks like Belgium's VASP registration.
MiCA's stablecoin provisions applied from June 30, 2024. The full CASP authorisation regime applies from December 30, 2024. Transitional provisions allow existing VASPs to continue operating for up to 18 months (until July 1, 2026) while applying for MiCA authorisation.
A CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) is any entity providing crypto-asset services as defined by MiCA: custody, trading platforms, exchange, execution, placement, transfer, portfolio management, and advisory services. CASPs must be authorised by their home member state's competent authority.
MiCA is more comprehensive: higher capital requirements, stricter governance, mandatory white papers for token issuers, consumer protection, market abuse rules, and EU passporting rights. VASP registration is simpler AML-focused registration without passporting.
MiCA sets minimum capital based on service type: €50,000 for advisory and placement; €125,000 for custody, exchange, execution, and transfer; €150,000 for operating a trading platform.
Yes. Once authorised as a CASP in one EU member state (e.g., Belgium), you can provide services across all 27 EU/EEA member states through passporting notification. No separate national registration needed.
MiCA allows member states to grant existing VASPs a transitional period of up to 18 months (until July 1, 2026) to obtain full MiCA CASP authorisation. During this period, existing VASPs can continue operating under their national registration.
The FSMA is the competent authority for CASP authorisation under MiCA in Belgium. The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) handles stablecoin issuers that are credit or e-money institutions.

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We guide crypto companies through gap analysis, compliance framework development, and FSMA authorisation.

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