Crypto license in Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar regulates crypto-asset businesses through its Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) licensing framework, administered by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) — often referred to internationally as a crypto/VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) licence. Under this regime, cryptocurrencies are recognised in…
| Jurisdiction | Gibraltar |
| License type | Crypto license |
| Regulator | Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) |
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Requirements
Before applying for a DLT/crypto licence, a business must first incorporate a Gibraltar company with Companies House Gibraltar, the registering authority responsible for incorporating and dissolving companies and maintaining the public company register. Companies House Gibraltar also administers related registers (Business Names, Limited Partnerships, LLPs, GEIGs, Trusts, Societas Europaea, Private Trust Companies, and Foundations), so a range of legal forms is available beyond the standard company (see the Basic company reference for the full list).
For licensing purposes, the recommended default vehicle is the Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd) — Gibraltar's standard limited-liability company form and the most commonly used and flexible corporate structure on the register.
Companies House Gibraltar provides an Online Incorporation Service for licensed Trust and Company Service Providers, along with an e-Registry portal for electronic filing, and a Forms page covering statutory incorporation forms as well as service requests such as company searches, certificates of good standing, name reservation, and the UID number application for the UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) Register — confirming that beneficial ownership disclosure is a required part of the incorporation process.
Once incorporated, a Gibraltar company can bank locally, including with Gibraltar International Bank, founded in 2013 and authorised and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission under the Financial Services Act 2019, or with NatWest International, which actively serves Gibraltar-based customers.
Gibraltar operates a dedicated legislative framework specifically designed for cryptocurrency and blockchain businesses, covering initial coin offerings (ICOs), cryptocurrency exchanges, and wallet providers — supervised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC). Key features that make Gibraltar attractive for crypto businesses include:
- Legal recognition of crypto as payment: cryptocurrencies are recognised in Gibraltar as a means of payment alongside fiat currency.
- Permitted activities: exchanges, cryptocurrency trading, token issuance, and ICOs are all permitted under the framework.
- Regulatory track record: Gibraltar has a demonstrated history of licensing sizeable, established cryptocurrency exchanges.
- AML/KYC compliance: all DLT/crypto businesses must comply with anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer procedures under GFSC oversight.
Get Your Crypto License in Gibraltar
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC)
Operates a dedicated legislative framework for cryptocurrency and blockchain businesses covering initial coin offerings, cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers, requiring compliance with AML/KYC procedures under its oversight. https://www.fsc.gi
Overview
Gibraltar regulates crypto-asset businesses through its Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) licensing framework, administered by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) — often referred to internationally as a crypto/VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) licence. Under this regime, cryptocurrencies are recognised in Gibraltar as a means of payment alongside fiat money, and the jurisdiction has an established track record of licensing sizeable cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet providers, and token issuers.
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Licensing Process
Step 1
Incorporate a Gibraltar company (Private Company Limited by Shares recommended) with Companies House Gibraltar, including registration of beneficial owners via the UID number application to the UBO Register.
Step 2
Prepare and submit a DLT/crypto business application to the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), demonstrating compliance with the AML/KYC procedures required under the DLT licensing framework.
Step 3
Undergo GFSC review and licensing covering the specific crypto activity carried out (exchange, wallet provision, token issuance/ICO, or trading).
Step 4
Commence licensed operations in Gibraltar as an authorised DLT/crypto provider under ongoing GFSC AML/KYC supervision.
Receive a Licensing Roadmap
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a distinct local name for Gibraltar's crypto licence, or is it just called a 'crypto licence'?
Gibraltar regulates this activity through its DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) licensing framework administered by the GFSC — this is the local regulatory framework that corresponds to what is internationally known as a crypto or VASP licence.
Which regulator oversees crypto businesses in Gibraltar?
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) operates the dedicated legislative framework covering ICOs, cryptocurrency exchanges, and wallet providers.
What crypto activities are permitted in Gibraltar?
Exchanges, cryptocurrency trading, token issuance, and ICOs are all permitted activities under the GFSC's DLT framework.
Is cryptocurrency legally recognised in Gibraltar?
Yes — cryptocurrencies are recognised in Gibraltar as a means of payment alongside fiat money.
Does Gibraltar have experience licensing crypto exchanges?
Yes, Gibraltar has a track record of licensing sizeable cryptocurrency exchanges under its DLT framework.
What company form should I use to apply for a Gibraltar crypto licence?
The Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd) is the recommended default vehicle, registered with Companies House Gibraltar, as it is the jurisdiction's standard and most flexible limited-liability form.
What compliance obligations apply to licensed crypto businesses?
Licensed businesses must comply with AML/KYC procedures under GFSC oversight as part of the DLT licensing framework.
Where can I bank a Gibraltar crypto company?
Options confirmed in our sources include Gibraltar International Bank, authorised and regulated under the Financial Services Act 2019, and NatWest International, both of which serve Gibraltar-registered businesses.
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