Poland Gives Crypto Businesses More Time — MiCA Transition Extended to July 2026
Polish MiCA Transition for VASPs allowed to July 2026
Good news for the Polish crypto market. According to the official Sejm communication on the Crypto-Asset Market Act, Parliament has aligned national rules with the EU’s new crypto framework and confirmed — under Article 162 — that existing virtual asset service providers (VASPs) may keep operating under their current licences until 1 July 2026. This gives companies extra time to prepare for full MiCA compliance and plan their licensing strategy.
Quick context — what MiCA is
The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is the first comprehensive legal framework for the crypto industry across all EU member states. Adopted in 2023, it introduces mandatory licensing for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), unified rules on investor protection, and strict requirements for stablecoin issuers’ reserves and disclosures.
Publish Date
3 Oct 2025
Reading Time
10 minutes
Category
Legal Guides
Jurisdiction
Poland
What changed in Poland
Earlier drafts of Poland’s Crypto-Asset Market Act offered only short transitional windows — a four-month grace period with a possible limited extension. After industry feedback and work in the parliamentary Finance Committee, the Sejm simplified the approach and matched the EU MiCA “backstop” date of 1 July 2026.
Article 162 now clearly provides that VASPs registered before 30 December 2024 may continue their operations under the old regime until that date or until they obtain or are refused authorisation as CASPs — whichever comes first.
Oversight will also move to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), which gains broader supervisory and enforcement powers.
Industry reaction to extended MiCA transition in Poland
Market players and legal experts welcomed the move. Aligning with the EU date “removes regulatory uncertainty and gives businesses a realistic window to adapt internal processes to MiCA,” say local fintech and blockchain associations.
Why it matters for businesses
- More time to prepare — existing VASPs can continue to operate while building their MiCA-compliant frameworks.
- No mid-transition gap — the earlier risk of “falling out” between short national deadlines and EU rules is gone.
- But scrutiny will increase — KNF will strengthen oversight, and licence applications will still require detailed compliance documentation and robust AML/KYC frameworks.
What companies should do now
- Run a MiCA gap analysis — review governance, risk, and compliance systems.
- Update AML/KYC policies — align with MiCA standards and KNF expectations.
- Prepare CASP application files early — business plans, IT security policies, and client asset protection measures.
- Engage with KNF — clarify application completeness and avoid delays.
Looking to enter the Polish market faster?
With the transition period now extended, acquiring an already registered Polish VASP can be an effective way to start operating under the current regime while preparing for MiCA licensing. Our team at Legasset can guide you through due diligence, transaction structuring, and post-acquisition compliance updates so your business is ready before the July 2026 deadline.
Browse our growing list of available ready-made VASPs in Poland.
Start your EU crypto operations with Legasset – we will guide you through acquisition, due diligence, and MiCA transition planning.
Key FAQs on MiCA Transition and VASP Licensing in Poland
Do all VASPs automatically benefit from the extension?
Yes — if they were lawfully registered or notified in Poland before 30 December 2024. Under Article 162 of the Polish Crypto-Asset Market Act (implementing MiCA Article 143(3)), these firms may keep operating under the current VASP regime until 1 July 2026 or until their CASP licence is granted or refused — whichever comes first.
Will the KNF still review CASP applications before 2026?
Yes. Once the Act enters into force, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) is the competent authority for CASP authorisations. Companies can and should file early; KNF may refuse authorisation if MiCA requirements are not met.
Can foreign founders acquire an existing Polish VASP?
Yes — a Polish-registered VASP can be sold and its corporate control transferred. However, buyers must pass KNF’s fit & proper tests and notify the regulator of the ownership change; KNF can intervene if requirements aren’t met.
Does MiCA apply directly in Poland?
Yes — MiCA is an EU regulation and has direct effect in Poland. The new Polish Act only sets local supervisory procedures and enforcement powers to complement the EU framework.
