Since 30 December 2024, the MiCA Regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) has applied. It is the first EU regulation to cover the entire crypto-asset market. If you run a business in the crypto sector, issue tokens or provide services related to crypto-assets, you have until 1 July 2026 to comply with the new rules. Below are specific details on what MiCA regulates, the obligations it imposes and what it means for your business in Poland.
What MiCA is and what problem it addresses
The MiCA Regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) is an EU legal act adopted in 2023. Its purpose is simple: to harmonize the rules for the crypto-asset market throughout the European Union.
Before MiCA, each Member State had its own approach to cryptocurrencies, with either limited rules or none. MiCA changes this by introducing one set of rules for everyone.
Three main objectives of the Regulation
- Investor and consumer protection: transparency requirements, publication of white papers and reliable information about risks.
- Combating money laundering (AML) and terrorist financing: mandatory KYC procedures and reporting suspicious transactions.
- Financial-market stability: additional prudential requirements for issuers of stablecoins and asset-referenced tokens.
Who MiCA covers: scope of the rules
MiCA applies to two main groups:
- Crypto-asset issuers: companies that create and bring tokens, cryptocurrencies or stablecoins to market.
- Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs): cryptocurrency exchanges, digital-wallet providers and trading platforms.
Issuers’ obligations
- Publication of a white paper, a document that must contain full information about the project, its risks and the specifics of its technology.
- Issuers of stablecoins and asset-referenced tokens must meet additional prudential requirements to prevent market destabilization.
CASP obligations
- Implementing customer identification procedures (KYC): verifying users’ identities.
- Reporting suspicious transactions to the competent authorities.
- Registration with the relevant supervisory authorities.
Deadlines: when MiCA takes effect
| Deadline | What happens |
|---|---|
| 30 December 2024 | The MiCA Regulation applies, subject to certain exceptions. |
| By 1 July 2026 | Transition period: CASPs may continue operating without full compliance with the new rules. |
In practical terms, if you operate as a crypto-asset service provider, you have time to adapt. Do not leave it until the last minute: registration, KYC procedures and documentation require preparation.
Cryptocurrency regulation in Poland: current framework
As an EU Member State, Poland must apply MiCA. National rules also apply alongside the EU Regulation.
Cryptocurrency taxation
- In Poland, cryptocurrencies are treated as property rights.
- Income from cryptocurrency trading is subject to tax at a rate of 19%.
- You report cryptocurrency gains in your annual tax return.
Combating money laundering (AML)
- Businesses trading in cryptocurrencies must implement KYC procedures to verify customers.
- Transaction monitoring and record-keeping are mandatory.
- You report suspicious transactions to the General Inspector of Financial Information (GIIF).
NFT tokens
- NFTs do not yet have detailed regulation in Poland.
- NFT sales may be taxable if you conduct them as part of a business or generate a profit.
- AML rules may apply if the value of NFT transactions exceeds specified thresholds.
How MiCA affects Polish businesses: specific changes
New obligations for businesses
If you operate in Poland’s cryptocurrency sector, MiCA means:
- Registration with a supervisory authority: you must obtain the relevant authorization.
- Meeting transparency requirements: publishing detailed information about the products offered.
- Implementing compliance procedures: AML, KYC and reporting.
- Preparing a white paper, if you are a crypto-asset issuer.
The transition period, until 1 July 2026, gives you time to adapt but involves costs and requires a planned implementation process.
Greater consumer protection
- Publication of a white paper helps users make more informed investment decisions.
- Rules for stablecoins protect against sudden changes in value and financial losses.
- Market transparency reduces the risk of fraud.
New market opportunities
- A single EU legal framework makes international expansion easier: your company can operate under the same rules in each Member State.
- A more stable and transparent market may attract new investors and partners.
- A regulated environment supports the creation of new blockchain-based products and services.
Checklist: how to prepare for MiCA
If you run a business in the crypto-asset sector, review these points:
- Check whether MiCA applies to your activity: determine whether you are a crypto-asset issuer, a CASP or operate in another role covered by the Regulation.
- Review your current AML/KYC procedures: assess whether they meet MiCA requirements or need updating.
- Prepare or update the white paper, if you issue tokens or crypto-assets.
- Plan registration with a supervisory authority: determine which authority is competent and what documents are required.
- Estimate the costs of compliance: compliance work, documentation and possible technical infrastructure changes.
- Set an implementation schedule: do not wait until July 2026; plan the stages in advance.
- Consult a legal adviser, especially if you operate across borders or issue stablecoins.
Summary
The MiCA Regulation organizes the cryptocurrency market across the EU. For Polish businesses, this means new obligations, including registration, KYC/AML procedures and transparency requirements, as well as new opportunities: easier expansion into European markets and greater investor confidence.
The transition period lasts until 1 July 2026. Use it to audit current processes, prepare documentation and plan implementation. The earlier you start, the lower the risk that the new rules will stop your business.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the MiCA Regulation, and what does it change for businesses in the crypto market? MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) is an EU legal act adopted in 2023 that introduces one set of rules for the crypto-asset market across the European Union. Before MiCA, each Member State had its own, often limited, rules. The Regulation establishes a common standard covering investor protection, anti-money laundering (AML) and financial-market stability requirements. For your business, this means specific obligations: registration with a supervisory authority, KYC/AML procedures, transparency requirements and, if you issue tokens, a white paper.
Who does MiCA cover? Does it apply to token issuers and crypto-asset service providers? MiCA covers two main groups: crypto-asset issuers, meaning companies that create and bring tokens, cryptocurrencies or stablecoins to market; and Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), including cryptocurrency exchanges, digital-wallet providers and trading platforms. If your company falls into either group, the Regulation applies directly and imposes distinct obligations, from publishing a white paper to customer-identification procedures.
What obligations must a crypto business in Poland meet to comply with MiCA? You must take four steps: obtain authorization and register with the relevant supervisory authority; implement compliance procedures for AML, KYC and reporting suspicious transactions; meet transparency requirements by publishing detailed information about the products offered; and, if you issue crypto-assets, prepare a white paper containing full information about the project, risks and technology. First determine whether MiCA covers your business model, then review your AML/KYC procedures and estimate the costs of compliance.
When must MiCA be implemented, and what does the transition period until 1 July 2026 mean? The MiCA Regulation applies from 30 December 2024, but crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) have a transition period until 1 July 2026. During that period, they may continue operating without full compliance with the new rules. Do not treat this as spare time: registration, KYC procedures and documentation require months of work, so set an implementation schedule in advance and do not wait until the last moment.
Does MiCA also offer benefits to crypto businesses in Poland, for example when expanding into other EU markets? A single legal framework across the EU means your company can operate under the same rules in each Member State, without adapting to separate local regulations, which makes international expansion easier. A regulated and transparent environment may attract new investors and business partners and support the creation of new blockchain-based products and services.
