Electronic Money Institution (EMI) License
Schedule an Audit
Launch e-money and wallet services
with structured EMI licensing and regulator-ready compliance support.
EMI License OVERVIEW
What Is an EMI License?
An Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license allows companies to issue electronic money and provide regulated payment services within the European Union. EMIs are regulated financial institutions subject to strict requirements on governance, capital, safeguarding of client funds, and ongoing supervision. Once authorized, an EMI license can be passported across the EU.
Issue Electronic Money
Create and manage electronic money products such as wallets, stored-value accounts, and prepaid solutions.
Provide Payment Services
Offer payment services including transfers, card-based payments, and account-related services.
Operate Across the EU
Use EU passporting rights to provide services in other Member States after authorization.
Access Regulated Banking Infrastructure
Verification of corrective actions taken after internal reviews or regulator feedback.
An EMI license provides a regulated foundation for building scalable fintech payment and electronic money services in the EU.
How it works
A structured and regulator-aligned process designed to support efficient authorization.
-
STEP 1
Initial Assessment
We review your business model, planned services, and target markets to confirm whether an EMI license is required and identify key regulatory considerations. -
Step 2
Documentation
We support company setup where required and prepare the full EMI application package, including governance structures, internal policies, and safeguarding arrangements. -
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
EMI License Requirements
EMIs are subject to ongoing regulatory obligations designed to protect client funds and ensure financial stability.
Capital Requirements
Minimum initial capital of EUR 350,000, depending on the services provided.
Governance and Management
Fit and proper management, a clear organizational structure, and defined reporting lines.
Safeguarding of Client Funds
Segregation of customer funds or use of approved safeguarding mechanisms in line with regulatory rules.
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 EMI Licensing Support
Here is what you gain when working with Complium on your Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license application.
Regulatory Clarity and Alignment
We assess your business model and prepare your EMI license application in line with EU regulatory standards and supervisory expectations. This reduces friction during the authorization process.
Structured Execution & Single Accountability
You work with one EU-based legal and compliance team responsible for documentation, coordination, and regulatory communication from start to authorization.
Support Beyond Authorization
We support licensed EMIs with ongoing compliance, regulatory updates, and operational advisory as your business evolves.
Contact us to discuss your EMI license application with our legal and compliance experts.
Which license to choose
Electronic Money Institution (EMI) vs Payment Institution (PI)
The correct licence depends on whether your business issues or holds electronic money.
While both licences fall under EU payments regulation, they apply to different payment models.
Electronic Money Institution (EMI)
Required when your business issues or stores electronic money.
Issue electronic money to customers
Hold client funds in wallets or stored value accounts
Support prepaid products and digital wallets
Subject to safeguarding and redemption requirements
Higher regulatory scope than PI licensing
Payment Institution (PI)
Suitable for payment services without issuing electronic money.
Provide payment processing and acquiring services
Support money remittance and payment initiation
Do not hold customer funds as e-money
Lower regulatory scope compared to EMI
No e-money safeguarding obligation
Unsure which licence applies?
Complium reviews your business model and payment flows to confirm whether an EMI or PI licence is required before you apply.
WHY COmplium
Apply for an EMI License with Complium
Complium supports fintech companies with a structured and compliant approach to EMI licensing in the EU. We guide you through the process with clarity, realistic timelines, and regulator-aligned preparation.
-
AML Compliance & Regulatory Reporting
-
Multi-Jurisdiction & Local Presence Support
-
Outsourced AML & KYC roles
-
Fintech Licensing Services
-
EU-Based Legal Experts
-
Ongoing Advisory Service
We support regulated businesses with independent, regulator-ready AML audits and ongoing compliance advisory.
Contact us
Discuss Your EMI License Application
Share details about your business model, planned 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
EMI Licensing FAQs
Find answers to essential questions about EMI Licensing, including key details to help you stay informed and prepared.
An Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license allows a company to issue electronic money and provide regulated payment services in the EU. EMI license holders are supervised financial institutions subject to ongoing regulatory requirements.
An EMI license allows the issuance of electronic money in addition to payment services. A Payment Institution license permits payment services only and does not allow the issuance of electronic money.
Yes. Once authorized, an EMI license can be passported to other EU Member States, allowing services to be offered cross-border under the EU regulatory framework.
The timeline depends on the jurisdiction, business model, and readiness of documentation. In most cases, the authorization process takes several months from submission to approval.
Yes. EMI license holders must maintain ongoing compliance, including AML controls, safeguarding of client funds, reporting obligations, and regulatory supervision.
Yes. Complium supports licensed EMIs with ongoing compliance advisory, regulatory updates, and operational support as required.
Couldn’t find your answer? Ask a question