Electronic Money Institution (EMI) License Services
Electronic Money Institution (EMI) License Services
If you're planning to issue digital wallets, prepaid cards, or other stored-value products in the EU or EEA, you may need an EMI license under PSD2. We help fintech companies prepare for the licensing process, track regulatory requirements, and manage compliance after launch.
If you're planning to issue digital wallets, prepaid cards, or other stored-value products in the EU or EEA, you may need an EMI license under PSD2. We help fintech companies prepare for the licensing process, track regulatory requirements, and manage compliance after launch.
As seen on:
As seen on:
As seen on:
Eligibility
Eligibility
Who Needs an EMI License in the EU?
You don’t need to call yourself an EMI to need a license. If you issue, hold, or transfer customer funds electronically, regulators in the EU or EEA may require you to get authorized as an Electronic Money Institution.
Digital Wallets
Businesses that let users store funds and pay electronically often need an EMI license before launching in Europe.
Digital Wallets
Businesses that let users store funds and pay electronically often need an EMI license before launching in Europe.
B2B Payment Platforms
Tools that move or hold funds between businesses, especially marketplaces or SaaS platforms with escrow features, typically fall under PSD2 rules.
B2B Payment Platforms
Tools that move or hold funds between businesses, especially marketplaces or SaaS platforms with escrow features, typically fall under PSD2 rules.
Stored-Value Products
Apps offering gift cards, prepaid programs, or other stored-value services generally need EMI authorization if funds can be stored and spent.
Stored-Value Products
Apps offering gift cards, prepaid programs, or other stored-value services generally need EMI authorization if funds can be stored and spent.
Crypto-Fiat Platforms
Companies enabling users to store, convert, or withdraw fiat value (even in connection with crypto) may require an EMI license, depending on how funds flow.
Crypto-Fiat Platforms
Companies enabling users to store, convert, or withdraw fiat value (even in connection with crypto) may require an EMI license, depending on how funds flow.
Steps
Steps
How to Get an EMI License in the EU
01
Determine If an EMI License Applies
Map how funds move through your product. If you issue or store e-money or facilitate payments using stored balances, licensing may be required.
01
Determine If an EMI License Applies
Map how funds move through your product. If you issue or store e-money or facilitate payments using stored balances, licensing may be required.
02
Choose Your Licensing Jurisdiction
Each EU/EEA country has its own financial regulator. Many startups choose jurisdictions like Lithuania or Ireland due to fintech-friendly environments and clear timelines.
02
Choose Your Licensing Jurisdiction
Each EU/EEA country has its own financial regulator. Many startups choose jurisdictions like Lithuania or Ireland due to fintech-friendly environments and clear timelines.
03
Prepare Your Application Dossier
This includes a business plan, safeguarding methods, AML/CTF policies, IT security frameworks, and detailed documentation about directors and beneficial owners.
03
Prepare Your Application Dossier
This includes a business plan, safeguarding methods, AML/CTF policies, IT security frameworks, and detailed documentation about directors and beneficial owners.
04
Submit to the Regulator
Once your documentation is complete, submit your application to the national regulator for review. Timeframes vary but can take several months depending on the jurisdiction.
04
Submit to the Regulator
Once your documentation is complete, submit your application to the national regulator for review. Timeframes vary but can take several months depending on the jurisdiction.
05
Comply with Ongoing Obligations
After approval, EMIs must meet regular reporting requirements, safeguard client funds, maintain capital levels, and update regulators on key changes.
05
Comply with Ongoing Obligations
After approval, EMIs must meet regular reporting requirements, safeguard client funds, maintain capital levels, and update regulators on key changes.
Resources
Resources
Latest Content
Articles
Apr 22, 2025
·
16 min read
Articles
Apr 22, 2025
·
16 min read
FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate payment licenses for the UK and the EU?
Do I need separate payment licenses for the UK and the EU?
How much capital is required to become a licensed payment provider?
How much capital is required to become a licensed payment provider?
Get Strategic Support for EMI License and Compliance
Get Strategic Support for EMI License and Compliance
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
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About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
Licensing Services
Resources
About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.
Who We Serve
Compliance Services
Compliance Consulting
Compliance Operations
Licensing Services
Resources
About InnReg
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, investment, tax, or other professional advice. InnReg LLC is not a law firm, tax advisor, or regulated financial institution. Viewing this site or contacting InnReg does not create a client relationship. Results described in case studies or testimonials may not be typical and do not guarantee future outcomes. Tools, spreadsheets, or guides available on this site are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional guidance. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or responsibility for their content. The information on this site may not be applicable in all jurisdictions. While we strive to provide accurate content, we make no representations as to its completeness or timeliness. Some visual assets on this site are sourced from Freepik.