This article explores how MiCA shapes France’s crypto landscape and why startups should view it as a gateway to opportunity.

MiCA: A Game-Changer for France’s Crypto Market

MiCA sets clear rules for issuing, trading, and safeguarding crypto-assets while enhancing investor protection and market stability. In France, the regulation will be overseen primarily by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), with support from the French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR). Compliance with MiCA is essential for startups operating in France’s dynamic crypto space.

The CASP (Crypto-Asset Service Provider) license under MiCA becomes the foundation for legitimate operation. Startups offering custody, trading platforms, or crypto-asset exchanges must obtain a CASP license to ensure full MiCA compliance.

France’s Regulatory Framework and Transition Period

To ease the transition to MiCA, France has introduced legal measures that adapt existing structures to the new regime. Ordinance No. 2024-936 and Law No. 2023-171 form the basis of national alignment with MiCA. The AMF plays a central role in supervising CASPs and guiding applicants through a licensing process emphasizing transparency, security, and sound governance.

A transitional period extends until June 30, 2026, allowing registered providers under the existing French DASP regime to continue offering services while they prepare for full MiCA compliance. This gives startups valuable time to meet new requirements without disrupting operations.

CASP License: Requirements and Strategic Benefits

France’s CASP license provides legal certainty and access to the EU market. The application process, typically completed within three months, is rigorous. CASPs must fulfill capital requirements of €50,000 to €150,000, depending on the nature of their services.

To obtain a CASP license, startups must:

• Register a physical office in France.
• Appoint qualified directors (at least one must be an EU resident).
• Submit operational and governance documents.
• Demonstrate AML/KYC policy compliance.
• Present a comprehensive business continuity and consumer protection plan.

The AMF assesses applications within 25 working days for completeness and 40 additional days for content review. This dual-phase process ensures only capable and compliant businesses gain CASP status.

For startups, a CASP license is not only about legal permission—it’s a badge of trust. Being a licensed entity under France’s regulatory system builds confidence with clients, investors, and partners. Moreover, once licensed in France, CASPs may offer services across the EU without additional national authorizations.

Startups and MiCA: A Natural Match in France

France’s thriving startup scene makes it an ideal incubator for MiCA-aligned ventures. Government-backed initiatives, fintech accelerators, and public funding schemes like Bpifrance offer a supportive ecosystem. For blockchain startups and crypto service providers, MiCA compliance represents an opportunity to scale faster and safer.

Startups can leverage France’s strong legal infrastructure and access to the Paris financial hub to position themselves strategically. MiCA brings structure to a previously fragmented landscape, giving startups a competitive edge through transparency and market legitimacy.

Types of Services Enabled Under CASP Licensing

MiCA categorizes CASP services into various types, all of which startups in France can apply to provide:

• Custody and safekeeping of crypto-assets.
• Operation of trading platforms.
• Exchange of crypto-assets for funds or other crypto-assets.
• Execution of client orders.
• Placement and marketing of crypto-assets.
• Providing investment advice and portfolio management.
• Transfer services between distributed ledger addresses.

Startups focusing on decentralized finance (DeFi), token issuance, or Web3 solutions can benefit from a clear operational framework, reducing uncertainty and risk.

France’s Tax Environment and Startup Incentives

France applies a 25% Corporate Income Tax (CIT) on profits, with reduced rates for small enterprises. Capital gains are taxed at 25%, and Personal Income Tax (PIT) ranges from 0% to 45% based on income levels. 

Although taxes are moderate, the clarity they offer under MiCA’s legal framework encourages long-term planning and investor transparency.

Startups that secure a CASP license in France enjoy improved access to financing, including venture capital and public grants. A licensed status also facilitates partnerships with banks and compliance with international investors’ due diligence standards.

MiCA Compliance: A Startup Mindset

Compliance under MiCA requires startups to think like mature organizations from the outset. This includes risk management, anti-fraud mechanisms, and customer protection practices. While these obligations may appear daunting, they serve as guardrails that protect startups from regulatory missteps.

France’s AMF provides guidance, resources, and pre-licensing consultations to help startups align with MiCA expectations. This support ecosystem ensures that even young companies can become CASP license holders and confidently compete in the broader EU market.

The Role of Manimama Law Firm in MiCA Compliance

Given the complexity of regulatory processes, many startups turn to legal experts to navigate MiCA. 

Manimama Law Firm specializes in crypto regulatory compliance in the EU and provides full-cycle support to startups applying for a CASP license in France.

From company incorporation and bank account setup to document preparation and communication with the AMF, Manimama ensures that every compliance element aligns with both MiCA and French national laws. This strategic guidance helps startups stay focused on innovation while ensuring full regulatory alignment.

As conclusion

France stands at the forefront of the European crypto market, combining a progressive regulatory environment with a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem. MiCA introduces a structured framework that allows startups to scale across the EU while ensuring high levels of compliance and investor protection.

By embracing MiCA, startups in France can operate with greater legal certainty, attract capital, and innovate in ways that were previously out of reach in fragmented regulatory environments. As France leads in implementing MiCA, it solidifies its position as a European hub for compliant crypto innovation.

Startups that act early and align with MiCA through a CASP license will gain a first-mover advantage. With support from firms like Manimama Law Firm, these companies can navigate regulatory complexities, unlock EU-wide market access, and thrive in the new era of digital finance under MiCA.

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Manimama Law Firm provides a gateway for the companies operating as the virtual asset wallet and exchange providers allowing to enter to the markets legally. We are ready to offer an appropriate support in obtaining a license with lower founding and operating costs. We offer KYC/AML launch, support in risk assessment, legal services, legal opinions, advice on general data protection provisions, contracts and all necessary legal and business tools to start business of virtual asset service provider.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter, not to be considered as a legal consultation.