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Crypto license in Bahrain for your business

Crypto license in Bahrain for your business

  • One license for all types of crypto operations
  • Zero corporate tax
  • A financial hub in the GCC region
  • Application review within 60–90 days
  • Issued by the Central Bank of Bahrain

Apply now to get expert advice

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About the service

Bahrain is one of the few jurisdictions in the Middle East with a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cryptoasset market. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has introduced a dedicated Crypto-Asset Module (CRA), which sets out the requirements for digital asset service providers.

iWorld supports crypto projects at every stage of the licensing process: from preliminary analysis and selection of the optimal structure to obtaining a CASP license and preparing for the launch of operations. The team helps structure the project in line with CBB requirements and provides full regulatory support.
About the service

Advantages of Bahrain for crypto project licensing

  • Transparent regulatory environment

    The Central Bank of Bahrain has developed a dedicated Crypto-Asset Module (CRA), which sets clear requirements for licensing, supervision, internal controls, and compliance. This creates a high level of legal certainty and allows businesses to plan the project launch in advance.

  • Optimal tax conditions

    Bahrain has no corporate tax for most types of business activities, making the jurisdiction attractive for structuring digital asset operations. The tax model can be designed at the project preparation stage before licensing.

  • Access to banking infrastructure

    A CASP license creates the opportunity to work with corporate accounts in Bahraini banks. For regulated companies, this provides a legal route for fiat operations, settlements, and processing that is not available to unregulated crypto projects.

  • Strategic location

    Bahrain is one of the financial hubs of the Gulf region and provides access to the markets of the GCC, Asia, and Europe. The jurisdiction is suitable for companies planning to develop operations across several macro-regions.

  • Developed fintech ecosystem

    The country offers a supportive environment for fintech companies, including CBB regulatory sandboxes for testing innovative solutions, government initiatives for the development of financial technologies, and partnerships with international industry participants.

  • Predictable review timelines

    The Central Bank of Bahrain reviews applications within 60 days after the submission of a complete document package. The licensing procedure follows clear stages, allowing companies to plan the launch timeline for operational activities in advance.

Which digital asset activities require licensing

  • Buying and selling crypto assets for fiat currencies Operations involving the exchange of digital assets for traditional currencies and vice versa.
  • Exchange of one digital asset for another Trading and conversion between different types of crypto assets.
  • Storage of crypto assets and custodial services Storage of clients’ digital assets, as well as management of private keys and access to them.
  • Management of digital asset portfolios Formation, support, and management of investment portfolios consisting of crypto assets.
  • Crypto asset investment advisory Preparation of investment recommendations, strategies, and solutions for working with digital assets.
  • Operation of crypto exchanges Creation and administration of trading platforms where users execute transactions with crypto assets.
Which digital asset activities require licensing

Guide to crypto business licensing in Bahrain

  • Central Bank of Bahrain requirements for the company’s capital and corporate structure
  • List of documents required to prepare the licensing dossier
  • Stages, timelines, and estimated cost of the licensing process
Guide to crypto business licensing in Bahrain

Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists

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Which business models require licensing

  • Trading platforms and exchange services Crypto exchanges, P2P platforms, and exchange services that carry out transactions with digital assets. A license is required to legally work with fiat currencies, connect banking infrastructure, and operate within Bahrain’s regulated framework.
  • Crypto asset custody services Crypto wallets and platforms where clients’ digital assets are held. The custody of client funds is one of the most regulated activities and requires compliance with strict standards for security, internal controls, and asset protection.
  • Crypto processing and payment solutions Companies that implement crypto payments for businesses, including the acceptance of payments in digital assets, conversion into fiat currencies, and subsequent settlements with counterparties. Without a license, such projects usually face limited access to banking services and fiat infrastructure.

Scale your crypto business in the Gulf region with regulatory confidence

  • Business model and licensing requirements analysis
  • Optimal structure selection for operating in Bahrain
  • Preparation of documents required to obtain a CASP license
  • Support in communication with the Central Bank of Bahrain

Apply now to get expert advice

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Key requirements for obtaining a CASP license in Bahrain

  • The share capital must correspond to the license category, type of activity, and scale of operations.
  • The minimum capital requirement starts from 25,000 BHD, approximately 66,000 USD, and may reach 300,000 BHD, approximately 795,000 USD, for large operators.
  • The capital must be fully paid up before the license is issued.
  • The company must confirm the lawful origin of funds and disclose information on the sources of wealth of the ultimate beneficial owners.
  • The company must maintain sufficient liquidity to cover operating expenses for a period of 6–12 months.
  • Candidates for controlled functions must obtain approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain.
  • Key positions include director, CEO, chief information security officer, compliance officer, and MLRO.
  • All key persons undergo a fit-and-proper assessment, which includes an evaluation of their experience, qualifications, business reputation, and financial soundness.
  • The company must have a physical office in Bahrain and appoint an authorized representative to communicate with the regulator.
  • The company must implement internal AML/CFT, KYC, and transaction monitoring policies.
  • The procedures must comply with Bahrain’s legislation and FATF recommendations.
  • An MLRO must be appointed, and the candidate must be approved by the Central Bank of Bahrain.
  • The MLRO’s qualifications and experience must meet the regulator’s requirements.
  • A licensed company must regularly submit reports, undergo external audits, and keep its compliance policies up to date.
  • The company must have a reliable technology platform for transaction processing, data storage, and protection against unauthorized access.
  • The IT infrastructure architecture is subject to assessment by the Central Bank of Bahrain.
  • Cybersecurity policies, incident response procedures, and a disaster recovery plan must be implemented.
  • The company must regularly test its security systems.
  • Custodial services require secure key and wallet management, including hardware solutions and multi-signature mechanisms.

Step-by-step process for obtaining a CASP license: from audit to launch

Project assessment and qualification

We analyze the business model and determine which services the company plans to provide: exchange, custody, digital asset management, or other operations. We assess whether the activity falls under CASP regulation and define the license category, as well as the Central Bank of Bahrain’s requirements for capital, team, compliance, and IT infrastructure.

Registration and corporate structure

We help build the legal structure in Bahrain: register a joint-stock company or a branch of a foreign company, reserve the company name, prepare constitutional documents, open a corporate account, and arrange an office for local presence.

Preparation of the licensing dossier

We prepare the licensing dossier for submission to the Central Bank of Bahrain. The package includes a detailed business plan with financial projections, AML/CFT policies and compliance procedures, information security and data protection regulations, internal control and risk management documents, as well as materials on candidates for controlled functions, including the director, MLRO, compliance officer, and other key persons.

Application submission and review support

We support the submission of the application to the Central Bank of Bahrain and communication with the regulator. We help prepare responses to additional requests, provide clarifying documents, and, if necessary, adjust the licensing dossier. The review period starts from 60 days after the submission of a complete document package.

License issuance and launch of operations

After approval, the Central Bank of Bahrain issues the CASP license. We support the company in preparing for the launch of operations: finalizing the setup of technical systems, assisting with key positions, and supporting the project’s market entry in line with regulatory requirements.

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FAQ

What is a CASP license in Bahrain?

A CASP license is a license for cryptoasset service providers issued by the Central Bank of Bahrain. It allows a company to legally provide regulated digital asset services, including exchange, custody, management, and other operations.

Which companies need a CASP license?

The license is required for crypto exchanges, exchange services, P2P platforms, custodial services, crypto processing companies, and other projects that work with clients’ digital assets or carry out cryptocurrency operations.

How long does it take to obtain the license?

The application review period starts from 60 days after the submission of a complete document package. In practice, the overall timeline depends on the company’s readiness, the complexity of the business model, the project structure, and the speed of responses to the regulator’s requests.

What is the minimum capital required to obtain the license?

Minimum capital requirements start from 25,000 BHD, approximately 66,000 USD. For large operators or more complex business models, the requirements may reach 300,000 BHD, approximately 795,000 USD.

Can the license be obtained without an office in Bahrain?

No, local presence is required for licensing. The company must have a physical office in Bahrain and appoint an authorized representative to communicate with the Central Bank of Bahrain.

What is included in CASP license support?

Support includes business model analysis, selection of the license category, company structuring, preparation of the licensing dossier, development of AML/CFT and compliance documents, communication with the regulator, and support during the launch of operations.

Get expert advice — contact us today

You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.

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Andris Kaushelis Head of iWorld’s UAE Office

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