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MiCA CASP Licensing: Share Capital Requirements in Poland

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is transforming how crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) operate across the EU, with one critical requirement being specific share capital thresholds based on service class. All existing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and new businesses must apply to secure their MiCA CASP license starting from the first quarter of 2025 (application opening depends on jurisdiction). 

However, as MiCA becomes binding on December 30, 2024, Polish VASPs and new businesses must begin implementing MiCA-compliant policies before the application process opens. The MiCA CASP license preparation requires up to 3–4 months, it’s crucial to act now. Delaying could risk operational disruptions, compliance issues, or missed deadlines. Complium is here to simplify the process so you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the details.

MiCA Share Capital Requirements

To meet MiCA regulations, CASPs must maintain specific share capital amounts based on their classification:

  • Class 1 CASPs: €50,000
    Services: Execution of orders, placement of crypto-assets, transfer services, reception and transmission of orders, advisory services, and portfolio management for crypto-assets.
  • Class 2 CASPs: €125,000
    Services: All Class 1 services plus custody and administration of crypto-assets, exchange of crypto-assets for funds, and exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets.
  • Class 3 CASPs: €150,000
    Services: All Class 1 and 2 services plus operation of a crypto-asset trading platform.

Meeting these thresholds is crucial for demonstrating financial stability and compliance with MiCA regulations.

How to Increase Share Capital for MiCA Compliance

If your company needs to raise its share capital to meet MiCA requirements, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Amend the Articles of Association
  • Shareholder Resolution: Shareholders must approve a resolution to increase share capital, specifying the new amount and the number of shares.
  • Draft New Articles: Update the articles of association to reflect the revised share capital.
2. Shareholder Declarations
  • Declaration Details: Each shareholder must declare their subscription for new shares, including the value of each share and their total contribution.
  • Multiple Shareholders: If more than one shareholder is involved, separate declarations must be provided.
3. Management Board Declaration
  • The management board must confirm that the increased share capital has been fully paid by the shareholders.
4. Update Shareholder List
  • Prepare a new shareholder list, detailing ownership changes or additional shares taken up by existing shareholders. 

Important: Shareholders must pay the increased share capital to the company before submitting documents to the KRS. The management board must also provide a binding declaration confirming that the new share value has been fully covered.

5. Submit Documents to KRS (National Court Register)
  • Provide the updated articles of association, shareholder declarations, management board declarations, and the new shareholder list to the KRS.
  • Pay the Tax on Civil Law Transactions (PCC) at 0.5% of the new share value within 14 days of the KRS application.
6. KRS Processing
  • The KRS will process the data and update the enterprise register and the Commercial and Court Monitor to reflect the new share capital. This process may take up to two months.

By following these steps, your company can ensure compliance with MiCA’s share capital requirements and stay on track for obtaining a CASP license.

Methods for Submitting Changes to KRS

When increasing share capital to comply with MiCA requirements, you have two options for submitting changes to the National Court Register (KRS):

1. Online via the S24 System

Shareholders and board members can digitally sign the required documents using a Trusted Profile, making the process efficient and remote.

Benefits:
– Lower court fees compared to the notary route.
– Quicker preparation and submission of documents.
– Fully digital and remote, allowing flexibility.

Costs:
– PLN 200 for the application to the court.
– PLN 100 for announcements in the Commercial and Court Monitor.
– PLN 17 for appointing a representative to handle company changes.

2. Via Notary Public

If previous changes to the company were made through a notary, the share capital increase must also follow this procedure. If you’re working with Complium, our lawyers can represent you, removing the need for you to travel yourself.

  • Process:
    • Shareholders and board members must visit the notary to sign documents in person.
    • The notary calculates fees based on the increased share capital amount.
  • Advantages:
    • The notary manages the Tax on Civil Law Transactions (PCC), ensuring timely payment.
    • Ideal for companies with prior notary involvement or complex changes.
  • Costs:
    • PLN 250 for the court fee
    • Additional fees based on the capital injection amount and notary services.
    • PLN 100 for obligatory announcements in the Commercial and Court Monitor

Both methods ensure compliance, but the online system is generally faster and more cost-effective.

Why Act Now?

All existing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and new businesses must apply to secure their MiCA CASP license starting from the first quarter of 2025. However, as MiCA becomes binding on December 30, 2024, VASPs must begin implementing MiCA-compliant policies before the application process opens. Given that preparing for the MiCA submission typically takes 3-4 months, starting now ensures you have adequate time to:

  • Complete the share capital increase.
  • Finalize all required documents.
  • Submit your application during the transition period to avoid operational disruptions.

How Complium Simplifies the Process

Our clients don’t have to worry about managing complex compliance procedures — we take care of everything for you. Here’s what we offer:

  • Tailored Guidance: We assess your current share capital and ensure it meets MiCA requirements.
  • Full Process Management: From drafting resolutions to submitting KRS applications, we handle it all.
  • Representation: Whether you choose the S24 system or the notary route, Complium represents your company, saving you time and effort.
  • Ongoing Support: Beyond share capital, we assist with AML/KYC policies, reporting, and other MiCA obligations.

All you need to do is sign, pay, and leave the rest to us.

Ready to Meet MiCA’s Share Capital Requirements?

Meeting MiCA’s share capital thresholds is critical for securing your CASP license and operating across the EU. With Complium as your partner, the process is simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Contact us today to get started and ensure your business is MiCA-ready well before the deadline.

OFFICE DETAILSOffice

Poland office: +48 222 085 280
Estonian office: +372 5874 6380
office@complium.eu

COMPANY DETAILSCOMPLIUM LLC

Registry code: 14996517
VAT number: EE102267505
Office: Tornimäe 3//5//7, Tallinn, 10145, Estonia

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