Payment Institution (PI) License
Schedule an Audit Launch regulated payment services with structured licensing support, regulator-ready documentation, and end-to-end execution by EU legal experts.
EMI License OVERVIEW
What Is a Payment Institution License?
A Payment Institution (PI) license allows companies to provide regulated payment services within the European Union under the Payment Services Directive (PSD2). Payment Institutions can offer services such as money transfers, payment initiation, card-based payments, and account information services. Unlike Electronic Money Institutions, Payment Institutions do not issue electronic money.
Once authorized, a Payment Institution license can be passported across the EU.
A Payment Institution license allows regulated payment services without issuing electronic money, making it suitable for
payment processing, acquiring, and money remittance models.
Provide Payment Services
Offer services such as credit transfers, direct debits, card payments, and payment initiation.
Operate Across the EU
Use EU passporting rights to provide payment services in other Member States.
Access Payment Infrastructure
Engage with banks, payment schemes, and partners under a regulated status.
Build a Compliant Fintech Business
Operate under a clear regulatory framework with defined governance and compliance obligations.
A Payment Institution license provides a regulated foundation for offering payment services across the EU without issuing electronic money.
How it works
A structured and regulator-aligned process designed to support efficient authorization.
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STEP 1
Initial Assessment
We review your business model, payment services, and target markets to confirm licensing requirements and identify key regulatory considerations including whether a Payment Institution or EMI license is more appropriate. -
Step 2
Preparation & Documentation
We support company setup where required and prepare the full PI application package, including governance arrangements, internal policies, and operational procedures. -
Step 3
Submission & Review
We manage submission to the competent authority and support you throughout the review process, including responses to regulatory questions and follow-up requests.
Key requirements
Payment Institution License Requirements
Payment Institutions are subject to ongoing regulatory obligations designed to ensure secure and reliable payment services.
Capital Requirements
Initial capital requirements range from EUR 20,000 to EUR 125,000, depending on the payment services provided.
Governance and Management
Fit and proper management, a clear organizational structure, and defined reporting lines.
AML and Compliance Framework
Policies and controls covering customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting.
AML and Compliance Framework
Policies and controls covering customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting.
Operational Substance
Sufficient local presence, staffing, and operational capability in the licensing jurisdiction.
Key Benefits
Clear and Accountable PI Licensing Support
Here is what you gain when working with Complium on your Payment Institution license application.
Regulatory Clarity and Alignment
We assess your business model and prepare your PI license application in line with PSD2 requirements and supervisory expectations.
Structured Execution & Single Accountability
You work with one EU-based legal and compliance team responsible for documentation, coordination, and regulatory communication throughout the process.
Support Beyond Authorization
We support licensed Payment Institutions with ongoing compliance, regulatory updates, and operational advisory as your business grows.
Contact us to discuss your PI license with our legal and compliance experts.
Which license to choose
Payment Institution (PI) vs Electronic Money Institution (EMI)
Choosing the right licence depends on how your payment flows are structured.
Both licences are regulated under EU payments law, but they support different business models.
Payment Institution (PI)
Best suited for payment processing models without issuing electronic money.
Provide payment services such as acquiring, money remittance, and payment initiation
Do not issue electronic money or maintain e-money balances
Suitable for PSPs, acquirers, gateways, and remittance providers
Lower regulatory scope compared to EMI licensing
No requirement to safeguard e-money balances
Electronic Money Institution (EMI)
Required when your business issues or holds electronic money.
Issue electronic money to users
Hold customer funds in e-money accounts or wallets
Support prepaid products, stored value, and wallet-based services
Higher regulatory and safeguarding requirements
Ongoing supervision of fund segregation and redemption rights
Not sure which licence applies?
Complium assesses your business model and payment flows to confirm whether a Payment Institution or EMI licence is the correct regulatory route before you apply.
WHY COmplium
Apply for a Payment Institution (PI) License
Complium supports fintech companies with a structured and compliant approach to PI licensing in the EU. We guide you through the process with clarity, realistic timelines, and regulator-aligned preparation.
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AML Compliance & Regulatory Reporting
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Multi-Jurisdiction & Local Presence Support
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Outsourced AML & KYC roles
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Fintech Licensing Services
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EU-Based Legal Experts
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Ongoing Advisory Service
We support regulated businesses with independent, regulator-ready AML audits and ongoing compliance advisory.
Contact us
Discuss Your PI License Application
Share details about your business model, planned payment services, and target markets. Our EU-based legal and compliance team will review your request and contact you to discuss suitable next steps.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PI Licensing FAQs
Find answers to essential questions about PI Licensing, including key details to help you stay informed and prepared.
A Payment Institution license allows companies to provide regulated payment services in the EU under PSD2. These services include money transfers, card payments, payment initiation, and account information services. Payment Institutions do not issue electronic money.
A Payment Institution license allows payment services only. An Electronic Money Institution license also allows the issuance of electronic money and the holding of customer balances. Payment Institutions typically have lower capital requirements and a narrower regulatory scope.
A Payment Institution license is suitable when your business model does not involve issuing electronic money or holding stored-value wallets. It is often chosen by payment service providers seeking a simpler regulatory setup.
Yes. Once authorized, a Payment Institution license can be passported to other EU Member States, allowing payment services to be offered cross-border under the EU framework.
Initial capital requirements range from EUR 20,000 to EUR 125,000, depending on the payment services provided. Ongoing capital and safeguarding obligations also apply.
Yes. Payment Institutions must maintain ongoing compliance, including AML controls, safeguarding of client funds, regulatory reporting, and supervisory oversight. And, yes, Complium supports licensed Payment Institutions with ongoing compliance advisory, regulatory updates, and operational support as required.
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