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How to Get a VASP Registration: Timeline, Tips, and Why It’s a Business Enabler
For crypto startups and Web3 companies operating in Europe, getting a VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) registration is increasingly becoming a must-have, not just for regulatory reasons, but also as a growth driver.
At ComPilot’s workshop during Paris Blockchain Week, compliance leaders from Meria, Solidus Labs, and Kamea Labs shared practical advice on how to approach VASP registration or MiCA license efficiently, and why doing it right can unlock credibility, clients, and investment.
Here’s what they had to say.
How Long Does It Take to Get a VASP License?
Delphine Forma (Head of Policy Europe at Solidus Labs):
"It depends which country you’re in. But it always starts with a gap analysis."
Her go-to tool? Excel.
"You list out the regulatory requirements. You map them against what you already have. You assign responsibilities, identify actions needed, and figure out where board decisions are required."
Beyond that, she emphasized one key point:
"The whole company needs to support compliance. It’s not just a legal team task. You’ll need a business plan, and you’d be surprised how often it’s missing."
Expect 6 to 18 Months, Depending on Your Scope
Cécile Henry (Head of Compliance & Legal at Meria and Deskoin, Co-Founder at Seqlense) highlighted the real-world timeline:
"It can take between 6 to 18 months, depending on your needs and the license type."
And that’s not just VASP. Depending on your business model, you might need:
- A CASP license under MiCA if you're dealing with crypto assets
- A MiFID registration if you tokenize securities
- A payment license, or status as an agent of a payment institution
"You need to assess all of this from a legal and regulatory perspective before you apply."
Define Your Licensing Strategy Early
Delphine summarized the most important strategic step:
"Define your product, your target clients, and your geography. That’s the foundation of a smart licensing strategy."
A Real Example: How Kamea Labs Got Regulated
André Dibé (CEO & Co-Founder at Kamea Labs) shared his startup’s experience:
"We got our VASP registration in France in six months after filing. But the prep work started way before that."
In fact, his team began analyzing MiFID in 2021 to figure out the best regulatory path. They determined that a VASP license would be simpler and better suited to their goals.
Their Process:
- Created the company in April 2022
- Spent 8–9 months preparing the file
- Conducted a full gap analysis
- Worked with lawyers, auditors, and cybersecurity experts
"We aimed for the simplest regulatory route first, then planned to build on top of it, knowing MiCA was coming."
Even after filing, André noted that regulatory audits can add 1–6 months depending on the quality of your file and whether mitigations are needed.
A VASP License Isn’t Just About Compliance, It’s a Growth Lever
For Kamea Labs, the registration had a business impact beyond expectations.
"It’s a token of confidence," said André. "Our clients knew they didn’t have to handle the burden of compliance themselves."
Kamea built a fundraising platform allowing entrepreneurs to raise funds in fiat or crypto, for equity or tokens, with ticket sizes as low as €100.
"Once we were regulated, it unlocked trust, not just from clients, but from investors and partners too."
The message was clear: regulatory clarity drives adoption.
Final Advice: Prepare Early, Involve Everyone
All three speakers agreed on key takeaways:
- Start with a gap analysis
- Define your licensing needs based on product and geography
- Involve your whole team, not just legal
- Be strategic and don’t overcomplicate your license request
- View compliance as a growth tool, not a roadblock
At ComPilot, we support companies through this exact journey, helping them set up KYC, KYB, AML, transaction monitoring, and Travel Rule in one comprehensive platform built for Web3. Want to learn more? Book a demo with the team.
Watch the full workshop for even more insights from experts.
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