Crypto License in Poland

COST OF CRYPTOCURRENCY License in Poland

Crypto regulation in Poland

TAXATION OF A POLISH COMPANY

There is no special cryptocurrency tax, but crypto companies operating in Poland, depending on their legal structure, are liable to pay various already existing taxes, which in some cases can be saved, considering that Poland has double taxation agreements with more than 80 countries.

More information regarding taxation here.

Also, lawyers from Regulated United Europe provide legal support for crypto projects and help with adaptation to MICA regulations.

Unlocking the Potential of the Polish Crypto Market: A Guide to Crypto Exchange Licensing 2024

Poland stands as a promising frontier for the cryptocurrency industry, with a growing interest in blockchain technology and a favorable regulatory stance. This guide explores the process of obtaining a crypto exchange license in Poland, detailing the regulatory framework, application process, and the advantages of establishing a licensed operation in this dynamic market.

Regulatory Environment for Crypto Licensing in Poland

In Poland, the regulation of cryptocurrencies is managed by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), which ensures that all crypto-related activities align with national and EU financial regulations. A crypto exchange license in Poland allows entities to legally trade and exchange cryptocurrencies, a critical step for operating within the Polish market.

Types of Crypto Licenses in Poland

The Polish regulatory framework offers several types of crypto licenses, each serving different operational needs:

• Crypto exchange license in Poland: For platforms that offer exchange services between cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.
• Crypto broker license in Poland: Allows companies to act as intermediaries in crypto transactions.
• Crypto trading license in Poland: For businesses engaging directly in the buying and selling of digital assets.
• VASP crypto license in Poland: Aimed at providers of a variety of crypto services, including but not limited to exchange and wallet services.

Requirements and Eligibility for Obtaining a Crypto License

Applicants must meet stringent criteria, including robust AML and KYC protocols, sound financial health, and proven business models. Documentation such as business plans, financial forecasts, and security protocols is essential for approval.

Cost Implications of Crypto Licensing

The crypto exchange license in Poland cost can vary depending on the scope of business activities and the specific license type. It’s crucial for businesses to factor these costs into their financial planning, although Poland is known for having potentially lower costs compared to other EU countries.

Benefits of Acquiring a Crypto License in Poland

Holding a crypto license in Poland opens numerous doors, including enhanced credibility with customers and investors, compliance with European regulations, and access to a broad market within the EU.

Crypto Investment Climate in Poland

The Polish market offers an excellent environment for crypto investments. The country’s highly competitive licensing costs, often regarded as the cheapest in Poland for crypto businesses, coupled with its tech-savvy population, provide an ideal setting for growth and innovation within the crypto sector.

Market Entry Strategies

For those seeking to enter the market more expediently, purchasing an existing crypto exchange licence in Poland for sale may be a beneficial option. However, thorough due diligence is essential to ensure the licence meets the business’s specific needs and is compliant with all regulatory requirements.

In conclusion, as the Polish government continues to refine its approach to cryptocurrency regulation, securing a crypto exchange licence in Poland is an invaluable step for businesses aiming to capitalise on the opportunities within this emerging market. Companies can effectively navigate this exciting sector with proper preparation and understanding of the legal landscape.

Crypto License in Poland 2025

Since 2024, Polish regulation has introduced several changes in the cryptocurrency market that have directly affected entrepreneurs operating fixed cryptocurrency exchanges. Among them is the establishment of limits on cash transactions and new tax accounting rules. The article goes over the most important novelties and their consequences for the cryptocurrency industry.

1. Cash transaction limit in the crypto industry

The new cash limits will apply as of the beginning of 2024 in the case of transactions between an entrepreneur and a consumer. Entrepreneurs who conduct their business with cryptocurrency will have to take into consideration the limit on cash transactions at PLN 20,000, set for all types of cash transactions.

That would be a situation when a client purchases something with the use of 25,000 PLN. In the case of a cash payment, in such a shop or exchange office a corresponding obligation of revenue recognition—twice the amount of the payment in its entirety—would occur. In a situation when such transaction had taken place by bank account, such an obligation would not arise.

2. Double Revenue Recognition in Cryptocurrency Transactions

The described concept of double recognition of revenue means that the surplus of the limit of cash transaction of 20,000 PLN is subject to obligation showing of the whole value of such a transaction as revenue twice. The described provision embraces cryptocurrency transactions and may lead to additional tax burden of cryptocurrency exchangers and their customers.

In response, the National Bank of Poland drew attention to the provision’s analogy to the sanctions measures. Despite everything, the new regulation was passed and will come into force as of the beginning of 2024.

3. Interpretation of the new limits for the cryptocurrency exchanges

Where the customer of the Exchange makes a cash payment in an amount higher than PLN 20,000, the whole amount shall be recognized in the system twice. For example, in case of the transaction for PLN 25,000 – the full amount should be reported twice as an income and not only allegedly surplus above PLN 20,000. Fortunately, there is a possibility of curing such situations: if after the main cash transaction the customer gives back money in cash and then pays again by using his bank account, income can be recorded only once.

4. Cash transaction limits for B2B transactions

Business-to-business cash settlements between companies were limited up to PLN 15,000 until 2024. Starting from 2024, this limit has narrowed up to PLN 8,000, which might be treated as further restriction to cash use in extensive business-to-business transactions. However, this does not refer to transactions between cryptocurrency exchanges and their customers. In consequence, exchangers may still purchase a cryptocurrency for cash without any double revenue recognition or additional tax restrictions.

5. The main issues that should be considered during the performance of the activity of virtual currency exchanger

The entrepreneurs running their business in the cryptocurrency market in the year 2024 should pay close attention to new cash transaction limits and tax accounting provisions. It is important to note that the limit for cash transactions is PLN 20,000, which means every single transaction must be scrutinized with due care to avoid tax risk. It is also very important to consider customer identification rules if the transactions are over EUR 1,000 under AML procedures.

New regulatory changes in Poland, effective from 2024, influence both tax and legal aspects of dealing with cryptocurrencies. Further complications for entrepreneurs include limits on cash transactions and the need to recognize dual income. By following the rules and accepting new realities, entrepreneurs will manage to continue their activity with new regulations imposed.

Financing of purchase of the cryptocurrency mining equipment: opportunities and prospects in 2024

Cryptocurrency mining is a popular type of entrepreneurial activity, which at the same time involves rather substantial initial investment in equipment and infrastructure. With the purpose of successful entry into this business, it is worth exploring available opportunities for financing, which could partly cover the cost of purchasing cryptocurrency mining equipment. Available sources of finance for the sole proprietors and corporate entities as at 2024 are several. Let’s have a look at the key available options for financing the purchase of mining equipment.

1. Labour Bureau Funding

Government support through the Bureau of Labour is one of the most popular ways to obtain seed capital in order to buy mining equipment. Financing of such a nature is open to the registered unemployed and provides an opportunity to receive a subsidy to start a business.

Maximum aid intensity: The subsidy value is capped in 2024 for an amount higher than six average monthly remunerations in the economy, higher than PLN 43,000. This in practice will stand between 25,000 to 30,000 PLN, depending on the particular labour office for each region of Poland.

What subsidy can be used to pay for: Funds can be spent on equipment purchases like mining rigs consisting of ASICs or GPUs, software, cooling, and other necessary parts.

Limitations: Funds cannot be spent to pay ongoing expenses such as taxes, accounting, or marketing. Also, the subsidy is a one-time grant given only once.

2. European Union Grants

EU grants can also finance the start-up of a firm, including cryptocurrency-related ones. These have been divided into two parts: one-time support and temporary grants covering operational costs.

Grant size: In 2024, it will be possible to obtain about PLN 23,000 one-off support for starting a business and monthly support of between PLN 1,500 and PLN 2,500 for 6-12 months.

Advantages: The investor can use the subject finance to cover the expenses of equipment, power and cooling systems and other business ‘start-up’ expenses.

Application Procedure: Acquiring a grant includes consecutive steps: written recruitment, an interview with an advisor, training, preparation of a business plan. The whole process takes as long as 4 months.

3. Grants from PFRON for people with disabilities

Another possibility is the Foundation for the Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, which also provides financing for business startups, including activities related to mining cryptocurrency.

Maximum amount: The subsidy can be up to PLN 100,000, which covers a great part of the initial costs of purchasing equipment.

On what can the subsidy be spent: this subsidy by PFRON could pay the mining rigs, cooling machinery, software, and other necessary components. It is also possible to cover the costs of advisory services, such as consulting services in legal or accounting matters.

4. Preferential loans granted at the start of an enterprise

The opportunity for soft loans in favor of startups, for those unable to get a subsidy or grant. This kind of financing is meant for both unemployed and students, by which you will be able to receive substantial amounts for the buying of equipment.

Maximum loan amount: The loan may reach the equivalent of 20 times the average monthly salary, which at the end of 2024 is about 140,000 PLN.

Benefits: The loan is issued for a period of up to 84 months, which is partially payable with a grace period of up to 12 months; the interest rate is much lower than commercial offers: from 0.68% to 1.7%, depending on the terms.

What is possible to be covered by the loan: this loan may cover all costs related to the mandatory equipment and installations, refrigeration systems, connection installations of the networks, rent of premises.

5. Subsidies of Local Action Groups

Local Action Groups —  in short, LGDs subsidize the development of enterprises in rural areas. This type of subsidy is available for entrepreneurs registered in small towns and villages.

Subsidy rate: In 2024, this subsidy from the LGD can be as high as PLN 150,000, but such subsidizing may cover no more than 65% of the eligible costs.

Purposes of use: The financing can be utilized to acquire mining equipment, renovation, and construction works; marketing and promotion of the business.

Funding of mining equipment in 2024 may be issued within the framework of government subsidies and grants of the European Union and in the form of a soft startup loan. Which option to choose depends on your status—unemployed, student, or entrepreneur—and the volume of investment planned. To make a final decision, it is necessary to familiarize yourself in detail with the terms of each program and prepare a business plan that will convincingly demonstrate the future potential of your crypto business.

Companies and individuals who have a crypto activity permit/crypto license in Poland. In total, as of 22 October 2024, there are 1566 crypto registrations in Poland.