A financial license application refers to the process of applying for a license or authorization from a regulatory authority to operate in the financial industry. Financial licenses are typically required for entities engaging in regulated financial activities, such as banking, insurance, securities trading, payment services, asset management, or other financial services.
Additionally, licensing is necessary to render qualified intermediary and payment services in the financial sector. Otherwise, the company’s activity is considered illegal and the company itself is subjected to legal prosecution, according to the local legal regulations of different provinces.
Samepage has experienced professionals who will assist you through the entire procedure of payment license application including assistance in the preparation & drafting of legal documents, submission of application, and responding to any queries from the Central Bank.
We request you to get in touch with our lawyers at the earliest to understand the entire process in detail and then apply for a payment license.
Samepage’s lawyers offer financial licensing solutions in various jurisdictions of the European Union, such as Estonia, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Malta, Cyprus, Lithuania, Czech Republic, etc. Upon the company registration process and license acquisition completed. Samepage provides full follow-up support: license renewal (if applicable), compliance support services, support in risk assessment, legal services, workshops and seminars within organizations, legal opinions, advice on general data protection provisions (DPO and GDPR).
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This depends on your business model and target markets. Common jurisdictions include:
Singapore (MAS – PI/EMI under PS Act)
UK & EU (FCA, Bank of Lithuania – PSD2 regime)
Hong Kong (Stored Value Facility under HKMA)
Australia (AFSL with payment scope)
Lithuania, Estonia, Malta, and Dubai (VARA) are also popular for fintech startups.
Minimum capital depends on the jurisdiction and license type:
PI: EUR 20,000–125,000 (EU)
EMI: EUR 350,000 (EU)
Singapore Major Payment Institution (MPI): S$250,000 to S$500,000
Some countries allow lower capital for small-scale licenses (e.g., Small EMI or SPI).
Timelines vary greatly.
EU (e.g., Lithuania EMI): 3–6 months
Singapore: 4–9 months
UK (FCA): 6–12 months
Delays may occur due to additional AML/KYC clarifications or lack of local substance.
Yes, most jurisdictions require local substance.
For example:
EU: At least one local AML/compliance officer
Singapore: One executive director must be a local resident
UK: Clear local operational presence and oversight
Yes. Foreign-owned entities can apply, but must meet local regulatory, substance, and governance requirements, and disclose full UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) details.