Crypto & financial services
VASP registration in Georgia
Anyone offering crypto services to clients in Georgia needs to be registered with the National Bank of Georgia (NBG). We prepare the application with our partner law firm.
What it is about
A virtual asset service provider (VASP) is a business that, for others, exchanges, transfers or safekeeps crypto or operates a trading platform. The registration duty follows from the Organic Law on the National Bank; the procedure is set by NBG Order No. 94/04 of 13 June 2023. Foreign documents need an apostille and a certified Georgian translation.
In September 2026 the NBG expanded the framework: depending on the activity, minimum capital is GEL 150,000 (exchange and transfer, including kiosks), GEL 250,000 (other services) or GEL 350,000 (trading platform); stablecoins have their own, higher thresholds. Existing registrants have until 1 July 2027 (risk management) and 1 September 2027 (capital).
Requirements
- Georgian company actually managed in Georgia
- Fit and proper management and owners
- AML programme with a responsible person (VASPs are obliged entities under the AML law)
- Minimum capital and risk management by activity
- Office in Georgia with proof of use, business plan with a three-year budget and a description of money and crypto flows per service
- Criminal record certificates of directors and significant shareholders from every country of residence in the last ten years
- Visible proof of registration in all channels (since 1 January 2026); Travel Rule by 31 December 2027
How it works
- Classify the activity: which services need registration?
- Form or adapt the company, set up management in Georgia
- Prepare policies, AML and security concept
- File the application with the NBG and answer questions
- After registration: ongoing reporting and supervision
How StartKap helps
StartKap coordinates formation, documents, translations and banking; our partner law firm in Tbilisi prepares the legal side of the application. The decision lies solely with the National Bank.
Legal status checked on 9 Nov 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice for your individual case.
Questions about this service
Do I need registration if I only hold my own crypto?
Usually not. Registration concerns services for others. We check in advance whether your model is covered.
Can I start without registration and register later?
No. The NBG explicitly warns against unregistered providers, including in Free Industrial Zones. Register first, then offer services.
Which documents take the most effort?
In practice the criminal record certificates from all countries of residence, the business plan with flow diagrams per service and the AML concept. The NBG has the technical system demonstrated before registration is completed.