Why get an EMI license in Lithuania?
Lithuania is the leading EU hub for e-money and payment institutions, chosen by more licensees than any other member state. A full Bank of Lithuania EMI authorisation passports across the entire EU/EEA, comes with SEPA access, and is delivered by an accessible, English-working regulator at a lower cost base than Western European hubs, in exchange for genuine substance and a complete compliance build.
Leading EU EMI hub. Lithuania is the largest EU EMI/PI hub by number of licensees, with a deep, fintech-friendly ecosystem.
Full EU passporting. A full EMI authorisation from the Bank of Lithuania can be passported across the entire EU/EEA, remotely or via a branch, after notification.
SEPA access. Direct access to SEPA euro payment rails, central to a European payments operation.
Engaged regulator. A reputation for an accessible, English-working regulator and faster-than-average processing relative to other EU hubs.
Lower cost base. A lower operating-cost base than Western European hubs, while still offering full EU market access.
Two EMI tiers. A full (unrestricted) EMI licence that passports, plus a restricted EMI tier with lighter requirements valid only within Lithuania.
Lithuania licence types and activities
We map your model to the correct Bank of Lithuania authorisation:
Electronic Money Institution (EMI)
Issuing e-money (wallets, prepaid balances, stored value) plus the full range of EU payment services.
Restricted EMI
A lighter EMI tier with lower requirements, valid only within Lithuania and not passportable.
Payment Institution (PI)
Executing payment services (accounts, transfers, card issuing/acquiring, money remittance) without issuing e-money.
Open Banking (AIS / PIS)
Account information and payment initiation services under the EU open-banking framework.
EU/EEA Passporting
Providing services across member states from the single Bank of Lithuania authorisation, via freedom of services or a branch.
Safeguarding & Substance
Segregated client-fund safeguarding, plus a registered office, resident director(s), and a compliance officer in Lithuania.
Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.