Crypto Regulation in Poland
Legal Structure for Cryptocurrency in Poland
Poland’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation aligns with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. According to MiCA, any entity providing crypto asset services within the EU, including Poland, must obtain proper authorization. The framework applies to:
- Facilitating cryptocurrency transactions and conversions
- Offering custodial or non-custodial digital asset storage solutions
- Managing cryptographic keys
- Launching new digital currencies
- Operating cryptocurrency marketplaces
- Additional financial activities related to virtual currencies, including investment management and consulting
MiCA establishes a standardized regulatory structure across EU nations, enhancing operational transparency and regulatory oversight. In Poland, firms dealing with cryptocurrency exchange, safekeeping, or advisory services must secure a license to remain compliant. Failure to comply may result in financial penalties or operational restrictions.
Regulatory Bodies Governing Crypto in Poland
1. Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)
- The KNF oversees Poland’s financial ecosystem, including cryptocurrency operations, ensuring compliance with MiCA and national regulations.
- Its responsibilities include financial oversight, anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement, and investor protection
3. Ministry of Finance
- Develops financial policies concerning taxation and regulation of digital assets.
- Collaborates with KNF and KAS to implement both EU and Polish AML directives.
2. Tax Administration Chamber (KAS)
- KAS administers the Virtual Currency Register, mandating all crypto-related businesses to register their activities.
- It enforces compliance with Poland’s AML and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
Impact of MiCA on Polish Crypto Regulations
Although MiCA provides the foundation for crypto regulations in the EU, Poland is working on supplementary laws to address local requirements. Expected regulations will cover:
- Compliance reporting obligations
- Licensing application procedures
- Enforcement and supervision policies
Since Poland has not yet fully enacted MiCA-related laws, an 18-month transitional period has been granted by the EU. Under this provision, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) registered before December 30, 2024, can continue operations without a CASP license until July 1, 2026.
Mandatory Compliance Standards
Businesses applying for a crypto license in Poland under MiCA must adhere to financial requirements:
- €50,000 for advisory firms
- €125,000 for custodial service providers and exchanges
- €150,000 for trading platforms
MiCA also enforces stringent AML and KYC measures in accordance with the EU’s AMLD6 directive and Polish regulations. Companies must:
- Submit periodic financial reports
- Continuously monitor transactions
- Identify and report suspicious financial activities
Procedure for Acquiring a Crypto License in Poland
Establishing a cryptocurrency business in Poland requires compliance with specific legal and regulatory frameworks. The process for obtaining a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license typically spans 7 to 9 weeks, with an additional 3 to 4 weeks needed to set up banking operations and ensure full business functionality.
Documentation and Initial Setup
Conduct an initial evaluation of the business model.
- Gather essential documentation for Know Your Customer (KYC) and business verification.
- Prepare and notarize a Power of Attorney (PoA) if required.
- Confirm the availability of the desired company name.
- Collect details of shareholders and obtain a clean criminal record certificate for the appointed director.
- Submit the necessary paperwork to Polish regulatory bodies.
Establishing a Business Entity
- Translate official documents (such as PoA and criminal background reports) into Polish.
- Authenticate company incorporation documents through notarization.
- Register the company with the national commercial and business registry.
- Secure a Polish Tax Identification Number (PESEL) for taxation purposes.
Crypto Licensing Process
- File all business registration documents with the appropriate Polish authorities
- Develop and implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and KYC policies tailored to crypto operations
- Recruit and train an AML compliance officer to oversee regulatory adherence.
- Formally designate an AML officer within the company.
- Translate internal policies and compliance documents into Polish.
Banking and Financial Compliance
- Identify and engage with banking institutions or electronic money institutions (EMIs) that support crypto transactions.
- Gather necessary financial records, including a business plan, proof of funds, and website details.
- Initiate parallel applications with multiple financial institutions to expedite the banking setup.
- Receive expert guidance on bank account establishment and regulatory compliance
- Develop accounting and tax reporting systems aligned with Polish crypto regulations.
How ABM Global Assists in Crypto Licensing in Poland
1.Business Structuring & Compliance Advisory
- Regulatory Consultation – We assess your business model and guide you on compliance with Polish crypto regulations
- Business Entity Setup – We assist in registering a Polish Limited Liability Company (Sp. z o.o.), required for VASP licensing
- Document Preparation – Our team helps gather KYC, shareholder details, criminal record certificates, and tax documentation.
- Power of Attorney (PoA) Assistance – If needed, we help prepare and notarize PoA for remote company registration.
2. Crypto License Application & AML Compliance
- Filing for VASP Registration – We handle the submission of all required documents to Polish authorities.
- AML/KYC Policy Development – Our experts draft and implement anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies tailored to crypto operations.
- AML Officer Recruitment & Training – We assist in hiring and training an AML compliance officer, a mandatory requirement under Polish law.
- Regulatory Document Translations – ABM ensures all compliance documents are accurately translated into Polish.
3. Bank Account Setup & Accounting Support
- Identifying Crypto-Friendly Banks & EMIs – We help businesses select suitable financial institutions for banking and payment processing.
- Bank Account Opening Assistance – Our team supports businesses in compiling financial documents (business plans, proof of funds, website details) and liaising with banks.
- Tax & Accounting Compliance – We develop crypto accounting frameworks, ensuring businesses meet Poland’s financial reporting and tax obligations.
Ongoing Compliance Services by ABM Global
Maintaining a crypto license in Poland requires ongoing investment in compliance, security, and regulatory adherence. ABM Global offers a full range of ongoing compliance services to ensure that your Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) operates smoothly while meeting all Polish and EU regulatory requirements.
AML & KYC Compliance Management by ABM Global
Maintaining a strong Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) compliance framework is essential for crypto businesses operating in Poland. The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) and General Inspector of Financial Information (GIFI) enforce strict regulations to prevent financial crimes, money laundering, and terrorist financing. ABM Global offers a comprehensive compliance solution to help your business align with these regulations, minimizing legal risks while ensuring operational security.
Regular AML Policy Updates
Polish crypto businesses must regularly update AML policies to stay compliant with evolving regulations. ABM Global assists by:
- Reviewing and updating AML frameworks to align with the latest EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLD) and Polish regulatory changes.
- Conducting risk-based assessments to ensure AML policies match business size, services, and customer risk profiles.
- Implementing internal control measures to meet regulatory expectations, including customer screening, reporting obligations, and monitoring procedures.
- Assisting with annual AML audits and regulatory filings, ensuring full transparency with financial authorities.
Ongoing KYC & Due Diligence
KYC and due diligence measures ensure that crypto businesses only engage with legitimate clients while mitigating financial risks. ABM Global helps with:
- Customer Identification & Verification (CIP) – Ensuring all users provide valid identification documents (passport, national ID, proof of residence, etc.).
- Risk-Based Profiling – Classifying customers into low-, medium-, or high-risk categories based on their transaction behavior, geographical location, and business activities.
- Continuous Monitoring – Regularly reviewing client transactions to detect suspicious patterns, volume spikes, and high-risk behaviors.
- Automated KYC Solutions – Integrating electronic verification (e-KYC) and AI-driven monitoring tools to streamline compliance efforts.
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for High-Risk Clients
For customers classified as high-risk, such as Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), high-net-worth individuals, and businesses from high-risk jurisdictions, ABM Global provides:
- Additional verification measures, including proof of source of funds and source of wealth.
- Cross-border risk assessments for customers engaging in international crypto transactions.
- Ongoing transaction monitoring to detect sudden increases in trading volume or irregular withdrawal patterns.
- Continuous background screening against sanctions lists, adverse media, and regulatory watchlists (FATF, EU, OFAC, Interpol, etc.).
Suspicious Activity Reporting (SARs) & Transaction Monitoring
Crypto businesses in Poland are legally required to monitor transactions and report suspicious activities to regulators. ABM Global supports this by:
- Implementing automated AML software to flag unusual transactions, large crypto transfers, and rapid movements of funds.
- Identifying red flags, such as structuring transactions to avoid reporting thresholds, high-frequency trading, and transactions linked to darknet activities.
- Filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to GIFI (General Inspector of Financial Information) for further investigation.
- Training internal teams on how to detect and respond to suspicious activities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
AML Officer Support
Every crypto business in Poland is required to appoint an AML compliance officer responsible for monitoring and enforcing AML policies. ABM Global offers:
- Outsourced AML Compliance Officers – Providing certified professionals to oversee your AML/KYC program, reducing the cost and complexity of hiring in-house staff.
- Regulatory Compliance Training – Educating employees on AML laws, transaction monitoring, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Liaison with Financial Regulators – Acting as an intermediary between your business and Polish financial authorities, handling AML reporting, audits, and compliance inquiries.
- Periodic AML Audits & Risk Assessments – Conducting internal reviews to ensure that your business meets KNF, GIFI, and EU compliance standards.
Why Choose ABM Crypto Regulatory Experts?
- Expertise in multi-jurisdictional crypto regulations
- End-to-end compliance support for licensing, AML, and risk management
- Strategic partnerships with compliance technology providers (Subsub & ComplyAdvantage)
- Seamless banking support for crypto businesses
At ABM Crypto Regulatory Experts, we simplify global crypto compliance so you can focus on innovation and business growth.
Get in touch with us today to ensure your crypto business meets all regulatory requirements in your jurisdiction!