In 2025, choosing a jurisdiction for a crypto company is no longer just about the tax rate. It is a strategic decision that determines the viability of the business under new regulatory requirements.
Recent updates in the field of international regulation have significantly changed the approach to structuring companies related to digital assets. The MiCA regulation in the EU, global FATF requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP), stricter banking checks, and changes in national legislation — all of this means one thing: the jurisdiction has become the foundation, not just a legal formality.
In practice, it works like this: a business is launched in a “cheap” country but fails to pass banking compliance, cannot obtain a license, and investors refuse to cooperate. In the best-case scenario — a change of country after a year or two. In the worst — account freezes or business shutdown.
An entrepreneur approached us who had established a crypto company in Estonia in 2023. At that time, it was a quick and clear decision. But after just six months, he received a request to update the business plan, change the management structure, and undergo an audit — due to the implementation of MiCA. And the bank account was closed earlier — without explanation, citing “high industry risk.”
As a result, the company lost growth momentum and spent 4 months relocating to another jurisdiction.
Choosing a “favorable” country does not always mean an “effective” one. The founder’s individual circumstances, place of residence, access to financial services, and scaling plans — all of this must be taken into account before registration. Otherwise, the company may turn into a “suitcase without a handle” — too valuable to abandon, but impossible to carry on.
In this article, we will examine jurisdictions that remain relevant in 2025 for registering crypto companies. No idealization. Just facts, real-life examples, and key nuances. The goal is to help you avoid typical mistakes and make a strategically sound decision.
Jurisdiction Overview: Where Crypto Business Has a Chance to Grow in 2025
UAE (ADGM, DMCC): Status, Speed, Tax Incentives
The United Arab Emirates maintain their position as one of the most attractive hubs for crypto projects. Especially the free economic zones DMCC (Dubai) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi), which have their own regulators (VARA, FSRA) and clearly defined licensing procedures.
In 2025, crypto companies here are required to have a VASP license. In addition, an office (can be virtual), a local director, audit, and a compliance officer are required.
A crypto trader approached us who had planned to launch in Lithuania. After the regulatory changes in 2024, the process became significantly more complicated. The choice shifted to ADGM — a jurisdiction with higher requirements but also greater opportunities. The company opened an account, is undergoing an audit, and is preparing to enter the Saudi Arabian market.
What to consider:
— Entry cost from $50,000
— High AML/compliance requirements
— Account opening — only through financial institutions (not banks)
— Reputational advantage among investors
Who it suits: Companies targeting MENA markets, aiming for fast market entry, and having resources to comply with regulatory requirements.
Singapore (MAS): Investor Trust and Stability
Singapore is a jurisdiction for those who are ready for thorough preparation. Crypto market regulation is carried out by MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore), and the main license is the DPT (Digital Payment Token), issued under the Major Payment Institution framework.
It is prestigious but difficult. Due to high transparency and a deep due diligence process, obtaining a license can take up to 12 months. A local director, compliance officer, office, and a full set of internal policies are required.
One of our clients — a blockchain wallet — initially applied in the UK. After being rejected by the FCA (due to restrictions on asset custody), the company chose Singapore. It obtained a license, opened an account, and attracted investment from a local venture fund.
What to consider:
— Minimum capital — from $100,000
— Full compliance: AML, KYC, audit
— Long licensing timeline (6–12 months)
— High trust in the jurisdiction among partners
Who it suits: DeFi/DEX projects, platforms with institutional ambitions, companies targeting Asia.
Poland: Starting Within the EU During the Transitional Period
In 2025, Poland remains one of the few EU countries where it`s still possible to relatively quickly launch a crypto company — thanks to the transitional period before the full implementation of MiCA rules. This refers to the possibility of registering a company with minimal capital requirements and without the immediate need to obtain a CASP license.
In practice, Polish legislation allows the provision of exchange or transfer services of digital assets through registration in the VASP provider registry. However, in 2025, the regulator is tightening control: compliance, KYC/AML, and confirmation of capital sources are now required.
One case involves a tokenization project that chose Poland over Lithuania precisely due to lower startup costs. The company began operating under the Polish VASP within a week and a half and managed to open an account with an EMI. However, it faced thorough checks regarding ownership structure and source of funds.
What to consider:
— Startup capital — from EUR 1,100 (for Sp. z o.o.)
— Registration — 2 weeks
— VASP status in 2025 remains valid: the final MiCA law has not yet been adopted, and the current draft provides for at least a 4-month transitional period after it comes into force. This allows companies registered before that point to legally operate for at least several more months.
— Banking practice: a number of payment institutions require a legal opinion on the current status of the company, especially in connection with the approaching transition to CASP.
— The need to establish internal KYC/AML policies even for small-scale operations
Who it suits: Projects looking to quickly start operations within the EU, planning to scale, and ready to adapt their structure to MiCA requirements during 2025.
El Salvador: A Legal Platform for Exchange and Token Issuance
In 2025, El Salvador remains a unique crypto hub with stable and transparent regulations. The country is also actively building a legal infrastructure for crypto projects — from exchanges to ICOs and STOs.
El Salvador positions itself as a jurisdiction with an easy entry: a company working with virtual assets can be registered and licensed within a few weeks. Additionally, there is a special tax regime for crypto activity: income related to digital asset transactions is not taxed.
In practice, we have seen cases where international Web3 teams used the Salvadoran structure as a base for deploying exchange infrastructure, tokenization platforms, as well as for initial asset offerings (ICO). Moreover, crypto companies licensed in El Salvador do not always require additional certifications in other countries.
What to consider:
— Minimum capital — from EUR 1,900 (first year — EUR 200)
— Company registration — from 8 weeks
— Possibility of tax optimization for most types of crypto operations
—Access to local banking is available, but it’s better to also open accounts with payment systems
Who it suits: Crypto projects aiming for a global launch, planning fiat-crypto exchange, working with tokenization or planning an ICO/STO, and not requiring direct access to European banks.
Launching in 2025 Is Not a Quick Start
In 2025, there is no “ideal” country for crypto business. But there are jurisdictions that fit your strategy better or worse. It’s worth starting not with choosing a country, but by answering the following questions: where do you plan to live, where is your team working, where will you attract investment, will you need a bank account, are you preparing for a regulatory audit?
A “favorable” country on paper may turn out to be a constraint in reality — due to banking isolation, strict licensing, or regulatory instability.
A successful launch in 2025 is not a fast start, but the right platform for growth: with access to the market, partner trust, and a structure that will withstand scrutiny. This choice should be made thoughtfully. And preferably — only once.
