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Payment Institution (PI) License Services

If your product moves money in the EU, you may need a payment institution license. We help fintechs get authorized under PSD2 or PSD3, manage local regulator requirements, and passport services across the EEA.

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Eligibility

Do You Need a Payment Institution License?

If your business moves funds between people or holds money for others, even temporarily, you likely need a money transmitter license. Here are examples of regulated models.

Escrow and Custody Platforms

Platforms that hold client funds temporarily during a transaction flow often require a license, unless exempt under limited network rules.

Escrow and Custody Platforms

Platforms that hold client funds temporarily during a transaction flow often require a license, unless exempt under limited network rules.

Investment Apps with Cash Features

Fintechs that combine investing with payment services like cash transfers, account top-ups, or card issuance often need a Payment Institution license.

Investment Apps with Cash Features

Fintechs that combine investing with payment services like cash transfers, account top-ups, or card issuance often need a Payment Institution license.

Payroll and Disbursement Services

Businesses that manage salary payments or facilitate bulk disbursements on behalf of clients may fall under PSD2 payment service categories.

Payroll and Disbursement Services

Businesses that manage salary payments or facilitate bulk disbursements on behalf of clients may fall under PSD2 payment service categories.

Prepaid and Stored Value Services

Issuers of prepaid cards or stored value products may need a license, especially if funds are loaded and held before being used.

Prepaid and Stored Value Services

Issuers of prepaid cards or stored value products may need a license, especially if funds are loaded and held before being used.

Cross-Border Payments

Companies facilitating international fund transfers for individuals or businesses must typically be licensed and follow EU AMLA requirements.

Cross-Border Payments

Companies facilitating international fund transfers for individuals or businesses must typically be licensed and follow EU AMLA requirements.

Learn More About PI

Policies and Procedures for Payment Institutions

Payment Institution License Requirements

Steps

How to Apply for a Payment Institution License

Choose Your Licensing Jurisdiction

Select an EU member state where you’ll apply for authorization. This will be your “home” regulator for ongoing supervision and passporting rights.

Choose Your Licensing Jurisdiction

Select an EU member state where you’ll apply for authorization. This will be your “home” regulator for ongoing supervision and passporting rights.

Prepare Required Documentation

Gather documents, including your business plan, program of operations, AML policies, financial forecasts, and internal controls. You’ll also need to show how you'll safeguard client funds.

Prepare Required Documentation

Gather documents, including your business plan, program of operations, AML policies, financial forecasts, and internal controls. You’ll also need to show how you'll safeguard client funds.

Meet Capital and Governance Requirements

Payment institutions must meet initial capital thresholds, which are usually €20k to €125k, depending on services, and appoint qualified leadership, including a local compliance officer.

Meet Capital and Governance Requirements

Payment institutions must meet initial capital thresholds, which are usually €20k to €125k, depending on services, and appoint qualified leadership, including a local compliance officer.

Submit the Application to Your Regulator

File your application with the national competent authority (e.g., BaFin in Germany, ACPR in France). The review process may take several months and include regulator Q&A.

Submit the Application to Your Regulator

File your application with the national competent authority (e.g., BaFin in Germany, ACPR in France). The review process may take several months and include regulator Q&A.

Passport Services Across the EEA

Once authorized, you can notify your intent to offer services in other EU/EEA countries through passporting, without needing new licenses in each country.

Passport Services Across the EEA

Once authorized, you can notify your intent to offer services in other EU/EEA countries through passporting, without needing new licenses in each country.

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Since 2013
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Anti-Money Laundering
Cost-Effective Services
Fintech Specialists
Expert Solutions
Hands-On Support
Global Coverage
Since 2013
Licensing and Registration
Compliance Program Development
Compliance Program Management
Risk Management
Cybersecurity Program

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Our Team

Meet the Team Supporting Payment Institution (PI) License Services

Francesco Matteini

CEO and Founder

Francesco Matteini

CEO and Founder

Bruno Machado

Principal Consultant

Bruno Machado

Principal Consultant

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need separate payment licenses for the UK and the EU?

How much capital is required to become a licensed payment provider?

What is a Payment Institution under PSD2?

What’s included in a PI license application?

How long does it take to get licensed as a Payment Institution?

What’s the difference between a PISP and an AISP?

Can we passport our PI license to other EU countries?

Do Payment Institutions need to register with the EBA?

What happens if PIs change their business model after licensing?

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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.

9100 S Dadeland Blvd
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Licensing Services

By Vertical

Broker-Dealer Registration

Investment Advisor Registration

MSB Registration

Money Transmitter License

Currency Exchange License

Check Casher License

Lender License

Payment License

Crowdfunding Portal Registration

Crypto License

Forex Broker License

Resources

Learn

Blog

Case Studies

Regulatory Updates

FINRA Rules

Downloads

Ebooks

Spreadsheets

About InnReg

Company

Who We Are

Why InnReg

Regly

Careers

Referral Program

Legal

305-908-1160

9100 S Dadeland Blvd
Suite 1500
Miami, Florida 33156

Licensing Services

By Vertical

Broker-Dealer Registration

Investment Advisor Registration

MSB Registration

Money Transmitter License

Currency Exchange License

Check Casher License

Lender License

Payment License

Crowdfunding Portal Registration

Crypto License

Forex Broker License

Resources

Learn

Blog

Case Studies

Regulatory Updates

FINRA Rules

Downloads

Ebooks

Spreadsheets

About InnReg

Company

Who We Are

Why InnReg

Regly

Careers

Referral Program

Legal

305-908-1160

9100 S Dadeland Blvd
Suite 1500
Miami, Florida 33156