AEMI license in Cyprus

Published:
March 13, 2023
cyprus gc6f9192df 1920

AEMI is a financial establishment that carries out electronic money circulation. According to Cyprus law, AEMIs must have an appropriate license from the Central Bank of Cyprus to ensure a high level of protection of client funds.

Overview

Cyprus legislation allows AEMI to carry out a wide range of financial operations, such as issuing electronic money, processing payments, carrying out currency exchange operations, as well as providing financial services to online businesses.

One of the advantages of setting up an AEMI in Cyprus is the attractive financial legislation. In addition, this country is a member of the European Union, which makes it possible to work with customers from different EU countries and allows the free movement of capital.

However, in order for AEMI to operate in Cyprus, it is necessary to meet high standards of financial reporting and ensure an appropriate level of security and confidentiality of customer data. Obtaining an AEMI license from the Central Bank of Cyprus requires preparation of relevant documents, compliance with all necessary demands and passing inspections.

Benefits of obtaining license

Acquiring an Electronic Money Institution permission in state can have several business advantages. Here are some of them:

  • License to carry out monetary activities: The permission provides permission to carry out financial activities within the European Union, which allows to attract funds from clients and supply various monetary services.
  • European market: As jurisdiction is a member of the European Union, the Authorised e-money license in Cyprus provides access to the single European market.
  • Improving reputation: Obtaining an Authorised virtual money establishment license in country can improve the reputation of the firm and the trust of customers in it, especially if the business is related to monetary favors.
  • Possibility of business expansion: License for Electronic Money Institution provides an opportunity to expand business and supply various financial favors , such as virtual funds transfers, issuance of plastic cards and others.
  • Technological development: As the virtual money market is relatively new and rapidly developing, to get AEMI license in Cyprus gives you the opportunity to use the latest technological solutions and developments, which can have a positive impact on the biz.

Requirements for AEMI license in Cyprus

To obtain AEMI license in Cyprus, it is needed to comply with a number of demands established by law. The requirements are quite strict, since AEMI is a financial establishment that carries out transactions with electronic money and involves interaction with other banking establishments.

First, it is necessary to have an enrolled company in Cyprus that will deal with virtual money. In addition, it is needed to have sufficiently qualified personnel who will ensure the functioning of the AEMI and carry out the necessary financial transactions.

Secondly, it is necessary to have at least €350,000 in authorized capital, which must be paid in full. In addition, it is necessary to have an effective control and risk administration system.

Thirdly, the applicant must be a resident of the EU or have an appropriate authorization institution on the territory of another EU state. It is also necessary to have permission from the Central Bank of country to carry out virtual money transfers.

Fourth, the applicant must have an effective anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing system.

In general, obtaining an AEMI license in Cyprus is quite complex and requires compliance with a number of demands and procedures that ensure the safety and reliability of financial transfers.

Documents that are needed

The issuance of certificates for financial actions is carried out by the Central Bank of the island. This procedure is not fast. Reviews the submitted documentation for 4-6 months. At the same time, preference is given to those companies that are created strictly according to the selection criteria.

To obtain a license, you need to prepare a number of documents:

  • Letter of recommendation received from the main bank of the founding country;
  • Personal information about the leaders of the company;
  • Papers testifying to the business reputation and wealthy position of the participants;
  • Permission to transfer data, which means commercial secrets, to authorities that control the functioning of the main office;
  • Well thought out business plan;
  • Info about the professional suitability of managers at different levels according to their position;
  • Information about the location of the main office;
  • Permission from the founding country to open branches of the bank.

Fintech on Cyprus

Cyprus is a country that is actively developing in the field of financial technologies (FinTech). Today, a significant number of companies working in the growth of financial technologies and e-commerce work in Cyprus. Country’ fintech industry, which is oriented towards the international market, attracts investments from non-citizen companies and helps the development of the local economic environment.

One of the most promising segments of the fintech industry in Cyprus is blockchain technology. Several startups have appeared on the island, which are engaged in the development of blockchain solutions for various industries, including finance, logistics and others. Also, there are several cryptocurrency exchanges in Cyprus that allow trading in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.

In addition to blockchain technologies, other segments of the fintech industry are developing on island, such as electronic payments, virtual money, mobile payments, online lending and others. The Government of Cyprus supports the growth of the fintech industry in the country, offering various initiatives and programs to accelerate its development.

Due to the growing interest in the fintech industry, more and more jobs related to this industry are appearing in Cyprus. Cyprus is becoming an attractive place to work for professionals.

Related insights

UK Company Bank Accounts with Foreign UBOs: Key Success Factors

Opening a British company bank account has always been an object of interest for firms willing to build trust, access local clients, and also operate trouble-free in the European Union. However, there might be one difficulty. When the ultimate beneficial owners are represented by foreigners, the process can turn daunting. Being under strict regulatory pressure,…

Read more 22.09.2025

Best Countries in Europe to Obtain an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) License

In fact, the establishment of an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) can be a very wise move for the many fintechs out there searching for regulated access to the payments market of the EU/EEA with full passporting rights. The regulator of each country might have a totally different perspective on timelines, scrutiny, supervisory style, and post-licensing…

Read more 22.09.2025

UAE Free Zone or Mainland License? Choosing the Right Path for Your Business in 2025

When it comes to setting up a business, the UAE is right there among the world’s best. The vision of the emirates as a conduit to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia has for time out of mind drawn entrepreneurs and investors alike—from Dubai’s bustling financial districts to the strategic global connections of…

Read more 22.09.2025

Puerto Rico IFE/IBE Update & Overview

Puerto Rico is one of the few US regions that offers an organized offshore banking structure with meaningful tax incentives. There are two routes available IFE and IBE. They give access to a 4 % tax rate and dividend exemptions for owners from abroad. Nevertheless, these two permits are created for diverse purposes and are…

Read more 16.09.2025

St. Kitts and Nevis: Your Premier Tax Haven in 2025

Nowadays, St. Kitts and Nevis is considered one of the most appealing places for protection of belongings and wealth structuring. The governmental body continues to maintain a low-regulation monetary environment and a steady regulatory climate for businesses for sale. Over the past ten years, it has quietly become a popular place for international companies to…

Read more 16.09.2025

Top 10 countries for registering a crypto business 2025

By 2025, the launch and scale-up of a blockchain-driven venture would encounter a fragmented international framework, varied legal environments, and tough competitions for market share. A crypto business for sale or long-term operation is much more valuable when established in a jurisdiction harmonising tax treatment, operational clarity, and access to the fiscal system. The review…

Read more 16.09.2025

Buying Real Estate with Cryptocurrency: How and Where to Do It in 2025

Over the last decade, cryptocurrency has grown from a fringe digital experiment to an accepted global financial instrument. By 2025, there is hardly going to be anything weird about buying real-estate with crypto; in fact, it is increasingly legitimate and much-sought-after as a way to buy property—whether a posh penthouse in Dubai or a suburban…

Read more 25.08.2025

A Comprehensive Guide to the 10 Most Popular Gambling Licenses in 2025

As online gambling grows increasingly entrenched everywhere, the question of jurisdiction for becoming licensed has come to play a pivotal role in the view of many entrepreneurs and operators. The regulatory environment, tax system, and speed of application – all play an enormous role in profitability, not just legal compliance. In this guide for 2025,…

Read more 25.08.2025

Top 7 Countries to Buy Real Estate with Crypto

Not long ago, the very idea of purchasing a home with Bitcoin or other cryptos sounded like a crazy idea. Nevertheless, gradually, the real estate market keeps adapting to the cryptocurrency revolution. Today, in some areas, developers, agents, and even governments welcome crypto payments. Needless to say, it gives new possibilities for buyers. They can…

Read more 25.08.2025

Top 5 EU Jurisdictions for Obtaining an EMI License in 2025

In 2025, war will break out among the European nations to determine which is best placed to house the largest cluster of other innovative fintech companies. Important permissions to look out for include issuance of cards, provision of IBAN accounts, execution of electronic payments, and the full spectrum of digital financial services. The right jurisdiction…

Read more 18.08.2025

Benefits of St Kitts and Nevis Tax Residence

When it comes to finding a tax-friendly and cozy place for your undertaking, St Kitts and Nevis could be the perfect place. The place is very popular with international firms, remote employees, not to mention high-net-worth persons. The given twin-island Caribbean state boasts a reputation of a business-savvy jurisdiction with one of the most attractive…

Read more 17.08.2025

The Top 10 Crypto-Friendly Countries (2025)

The online asset sector is now growing afresh after its recent slump, with a catalytic effect of the surge of investor interest, greater trading volumes, and more robust institutional participation. On top of that, a number of jurisdictions have by now established themselves as key hubs for this activity. They contribute stable supervision, coherent operational…

Read more 17.08.2025