Obtaining a VFA Licence in Malta (Suspended)
VFA Agency Services in Malta
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The VFA Licence in Malta (including Class 1–4 licences) is no longer valid for new applicants (effective 1 August 2024) and has been replaced by a new regulatory framework under the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA), which requires authorisation for new crypto-asset service providers. Existing VFA licence holders are subject to transitional arrangements, but all new applications must follow the MiCA (CASP) licensing requirements. For up-to-date guidance and services under the new regulatory framework, please visit our MiCA & Crypto Services page.
VFA Licence in Malta – Key Facts
The VFA Licence in Malta, including the former Class 1 to Class 4 licence categories, is no longer valid for new applicants. From 1 August 2024, new crypto-asset service providers must follow the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, known as MiCA, and apply for authorisation under the MiCA Crypto-Asset Service Provider framework where applicable.
The former Malta VFA framework applied to businesses providing Virtual Financial Asset services in or from Malta. It included different licence classes, application requirements, capital requirements, MFSA fees, ongoing compliance obligations and supervisory requirements. Existing VFA licence holders are subject to transitional arrangements, while all new applicants must follow the MiCA/CASP licensing route.
- Service page status: Suspended for new VFA licence applicants
- Previous licence name: VFA Service Licence
- Previous licence classes: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4
- Previous framework: Malta Virtual Financial Assets framework
- Current framework: EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation
- Common abbreviation: MiCA
- Current authorisation route: Crypto-Asset Service Provider authorisation, where applicable
- Common abbreviation for current route: CASP
- Previous regulator: Malta Financial Services Authority
- Previous application basis: Provision of VFA services in or from Malta
- New applicants: Must follow MiCA/CASP licensing requirements
- Existing VFA licence holders: Subject to transitional arrangements
- Class 3 licence scope: Authorised to provide VFA services and hold or control clients’ money, but not to operate a VFA exchange
- Class 3 initial capital requirement: €125,000
- Class 3 application fee: €14,000
- Class 3 annual supervisory fee: €12,000 for revenue up to €250,000, plus €800 per further tranche of €250,000 up to a maximum revenue of €50,000,000
- Previous support services: MFSA application assistance, local presence and substance support, company formation, bank account opening, business plans, financial projections, licence advisory, legal opinions, tax and VAT services, and ongoing monitoring
- Related service area: MiCA and Crypto-Asset Service Provider licensing in Malta
Obtaining a VFA Licence in Malta
In order to be able to provide the above services an applicant would need to obtain a VFA Service Licence as described hereunder.
- Licence holders authorised to receive and transmit orders and, or provide investment advice in relation to one or more virtual financial assets and, or the placing of virtual financial assets.
- Initial Capital Requirement: €50,000
- Application Fee: €6,000
Annual Supervisory Fee:
- For revenue up to €50,000 = €5,500
- Further tranches of €50,000 up to a maximum of €1,000,000 = €700 per tranche
- Licence holders authorised to provide any VFA service and to hold or control clients’ money, but not to operate a VFA exchange or deal for their own account.
- Initial Capital Requirement: €12,000
- Application Fee: €10,000
Annual Supervisory Fee:
- For revenue up to €250,000 = €9,000
- Further tranches of €250,000 up to a maximum of €5,000,000 = €800 per tranche
- Licence holders authorised to provide any VFA service and to hold or control clients’ money, but not to operate a VFA exchange.
- Initial Capital Requirement: €125,000
- Application Fee: €14,000
Annual Supervisory Fee:
- For revenue up to €250,000 = €12,000
- Further tranches of €250,000 up to a maximum of €50,000,000 = €800 per tranche
- Licence holders authorised to operate a VFA exchange and to hold or control clients’ money, virtual financial assets and, or private cryptographic keys and custodian or nominee services solely in relation to the operation and activities of such VFA exchange.
- Initial Capital Requirement: €150,000
- Application Fee: €24,000
Annual Supervisory Fee:
- For revenue up to €1,000,000 = €50,000
- Further tranches of €1,000,000 up to a maximum of €100,000,000 = €5,000 per tranche
Our VFA Services
As a leading Services Provider in Malta, CSB Group is able to provide further information and assistance on what Malta has to offer in relation to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Backed with years of experience in company incorporation, tax advisory and regulatory and compliance, our team can give complete solutions to anyone wishing to set up a fintech operation in Malta. Our Services include:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping Services;
- Assistance with MFSA Application Process (ICO, Crypto Exchange, VFA Services);
- Assistance with setting up of local presence & substance (office space and personnel);
- Assistance with MFSA meetings, forms and due diligence requirements;
- Assistance for the attainment of EMI/PSPs & MiFID Licences;
- Bank Account Opening;
- Company Formation;
- Company Re-domiciliation;
- Drafting of legal documents;
- Drafting or Review of ICO White-Paper;
- Drafting or Review of Business Plans;
- Drafting Policies, Website T&Cs, GDPR compliance;
- Financial Instruments Test;
- Financial Projections;
- Licence Advisory Services;
- Legal opinions;
- Ongoing Monitoring;
- Tax and VAT Services.
OUR SERVICES
Crypto Assets, Blockchain & Fintech
We offer the following related services.
Testimonial
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We at Staern Ltd are glad that we work with CSB Group. Experienced, dedicated and supportive specialists. People you can rely on even in very complex business challenges such as VFA Licence application. People you can trust. People who can motivate and continue to go forward even in very complex business challenges. We are very glad to work with CSB Group on our VFA Service Provider Licence.
Staern Ltd
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Need our assistance with Crypto Assets, Blockchain & Fintech services?
CSB Group can help you set up a successful operation in Malta.
