EMI License For Sale — Buy an Electronic Money Institution
Buy an Electronic Money Institution in the EU
EMI license for sale — authorized Electronic Money Institutions across the European Union available for acquisition. Each EMI license for sale on our books carries PSD2 Article 10 authorisation and full EU passporting rights.
At Zalewski Consulting, we provide comprehensive M&A services for Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs), helping businesses and investors navigate the complexities of buying, selling, or acquiring fully licensed EMIs. As a cornerstone of the fintech industry, EMIs play a critical role in the global move toward digital payments. Whether you want to buy a licensed EMI or sell your Electronic Money Institution, our team ensures a seamless, compliant, and profitable transaction.
What Are Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs)?
Electronic Money Institutions, regulated under PSD2 in the European Union, are financial entities authorized to issue and manage electronic money. These institutions facilitate secure digital transactions, manage prepaid accounts, and offer innovative payment solutions. EMIs are essential for businesses looking to operate in the digital payments ecosystem, providing services such as:
- Issuing electronic money and managing digital wallets.
- Processing secure and compliant online payments.
- Providing prepaid card services for businesses and individuals.
- Enabling seamless cross-border remittance services.
Licensed EMIs offer a strategic advantage by granting access to regulated financial markets across the European Economic Area (EEA) with passporting rights.
Why Invest in or Sell an EMI?
The demand for EMIs continues to rise as businesses and consumers increasingly rely on cashless transactions and innovative digital payment solutions. Here’s why EMIs are a valuable asset:
For Buyers:
- Regulated Market Access: Operate in the EEA and leverage passporting rights to expand services across borders.
- Revenue Opportunities: Generate income from electronic money issuance, payment processing, and value-added services.
- Brand Credibility: Gain trust by operating under a regulated framework with compliance assurance.
- Future Growth Potential: Position your business in the fast-growing fintech and digital payments sector.
For Sellers:
- High Market Demand: Leverage increasing buyer interest to secure a favorable sale price for your EMI.
- Unlock Business Value: Realize the full potential of your EMI’s market position and operational success.
- Strategic Exit: Divest from the EMI business to focus on other ventures or strategic goals.
- Seamless Transition: Benefit from our expertise in managing regulatory and operational aspects during ownership transfer.
For Buyers
If you’re looking to buy a licensed EMI, Zalewski Consulting offers unmatched expertise and access to fully compliant businesses in key jurisdictions. Our services include:
- Extensive Listings: Access a curated portfolio of ready-made EMIs with operational infrastructure and full regulatory compliance.
- Due Diligence: Conduct thorough assessments of financial health, regulatory adherence, and operational capabilities to ensure a secure acquisition.
- Regulatory Support: Navigate PSD2 licensing requirements and ensure all compliance obligations are met post-acquisition.
- Strategic Matchmaking: Find EMIs aligned with your long-term goals, whether for market entry or expansion.
- Negotiation and Deal Structuring: Receive expert assistance to secure favorable terms and a seamless transaction process.
For Sellers
Selling your Electronic Money Institution can be a strategic decision to capitalize on market demand. Zalewski Consulting provides comprehensive support to help you maximize value and ensure a smooth transaction. Our services include:
- Business Valuation: Accurate evaluation of your EMI’s market value, factoring in regulatory standing and operational performance.
- Targeted Buyer Outreach: Leverage our extensive network to connect with qualified buyers actively seeking licensed EMIs.
- Regulatory Transition: Full support in managing license transfers and meeting all regulatory requirements during the sale.
- Confidential Process: Ensure that your sale is handled discreetly and professionally, safeguarding your business reputation.
- Negotiation and Closing: Expert guidance to secure the best possible terms and finalize the transaction efficiently.
Why Choose Zalewski Consulting?
- Specialized Expertise: Decades of experience in the fintech and payments sectors, with a focus on regulated businesses.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of PSD2 compliance and licensing requirements across the EEA.
- Customized Solutions: Tailored M&A strategies designed to meet the unique needs of both buyers and sellers.
- Extensive Network: Access to a global network of qualified buyers, sellers, and regulatory authorities.
- End-to-End Support: From initial consultation to post-transaction guidance, we handle every aspect of the process.
Call us now
Looking to buy, sell, or acquire a licensed Electronic Money Institution (EMI)? Partner with Zalewski Consulting for expert M&A services tailored to your needs. Our team ensures a smooth and efficient process, empowering you to achieve your business goals with confidence.
Contact us today to explore opportunities in the fintech industry and make your M&A objectives a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Electronic Money Institution (EMI)?
An EMI is a company authorized under the EU Electronic Money Directive to issue electronic money (e-money), such as prepaid cards, digital wallets, and stored-value accounts. EMIs can also provide payment services similar to payment institutions.
How long does it take to acquire an EMI?
EMI acquisitions typically take 4-8 months including due diligence, regulatory approval for the change of ownership, and operational handover. The regulatory approval phase is usually 2-4 months depending on the jurisdiction.
What is the difference between an EMI and a payment institution?
An EMI can issue electronic money (store customer funds as e-money) in addition to providing payment services. A payment institution can only facilitate payments but cannot issue e-money or hold customer funds as their own product.
Content prepared by the Zalewski Consulting fintech M&A team. Reviewed for accuracy as of 2026.
EMI Licenses Available by Jurisdiction
The Electronic Money Institution authorisation under PSD2 Article 10 is granted at the member state level but can be passported across the entire European Economic Area. The jurisdiction you choose affects timeline, regulator expectations, capital maintenance practice, and the ecosystem of banking/card-scheme partners you will find locally. Our live inventory changes — contact us for the current list of available EMIs by jurisdiction.
EMI License in Lithuania
Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos Bankas) has built a reputation as one of the most accessible EU EMI regulators for new entrants and has processed a very large share of EMI authorisations in the EU. Strong English-language regulatory dialogue, a well-developed banking ecosystem for EMIs (Lithuanian commercial banks actively onboard licensed EMIs), and a large pool of experienced compliance professionals. Minimum initial capital €350,000 as specified in PSD2. Common jurisdiction for payments-focused fintech that needs EU passporting.
EMI License in Malta
Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Mature financial services jurisdiction with a strong international focus, English-language regulation, and proximity to the iGaming industry (many iGaming operators use Malta-licensed EMIs for settlement). The MFSA is thorough — applications require substantial documentation and robust governance. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
EMI License in Estonia
Finantsinspektsioon (FI). Estonia’s digital-first administrative infrastructure and well-regarded regulator make it a natural choice for tech-forward EMIs. Post-2019 regulatory tightening (partly in response to the Danske Bank AML scandal) has raised the bar — current Estonian EMI applications require strong on-the-ground substance, including local directors and operational presence. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
EMI License in Ireland
Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). English-speaking, EU member, post-Brexit a popular choice for UK-origin EMIs seeking continued EU passporting rights. Regulator expectations are high — Ireland runs a substance-first supervisory model requiring material local presence. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
EMI License in Luxembourg
Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). Preferred for institutional-grade EMIs operating alongside banks and asset managers in the Luxembourg financial centre. Higher cost base and substance requirements than smaller EU jurisdictions, but strong prestige with counterparties. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
EMI License in Latvia
Latvijas Banka (consolidated financial supervisor). Smaller EU jurisdiction with meaningful EMI activity, particularly servicing CIS/Baltic customer bases. Regulator is accessible. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
EMI License in Spain
Banco de España. Larger EU market with substantial domestic volume. EMI applications require Spanish-language interaction with the regulator in most cases. Attractive if the Spanish-speaking market is a strategic focus. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
EMI License in Belgium
National Bank of Belgium (NBB). Central-EU location with strong banking infrastructure. Regulator is rigorous. Suitable for EMIs focused on Benelux and core-EU corporate markets. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
EMI License in Portugal
Banco de Portugal. Smaller but growing fintech ecosystem. Portuguese-language regulatory interaction in most cases. Minimum initial capital €350,000.
Other EU Jurisdictions
We also handle EMI transactions in Cyprus, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland (where EMI authorisations are less common than SPI or API), and other EEA member states. Ask us about any specific jurisdiction — our inventory reflects what is actually available in market at any given time, and new instructions arrive regularly.
What Does an EMI License Allow?
Under PSD2 Article 10, an authorised EMI can:
- Issue electronic money — the core activity. E-money is a claim on the issuer, redeemable at par, used for payments.
- Provide all payment services listed in PSD2 Annex I — credit transfers, direct debits, card issuing and acquiring, money remittance, payment initiation, account information services.
- Passport across the EEA — operate in all 30 EEA countries on the basis of the single home-state authorisation. The most valuable feature of an EU EMI compared with SPI or non-EU e-money licenses.
- Issue payment cards (often through sponsorship arrangements with a BIN sponsor in the early stages, then direct card scheme membership as volume grows).
- Hold client funds with safeguarding in segregated accounts at credit institutions (or approved low-risk investments).
EMI Acquisition Process
Scoping. Target jurisdiction, activity scope, card-issuing needs, geographic focus, budget. We return with candidate targets from current live inventory.
NDA and diligence. License scope verification, capital position, regulatory history, client book, banking relationships, card scheme memberships, technology stack, AML framework.
SPA negotiation. Share purchase agreement with standard warranties plus EMI-specific representations on license status, regulatory compliance, client funds safeguarding, capital adequacy, and regulator correspondence.
Change-of-control notification. Regulator non-objection or approval required before closing. Fit-and-proper filings for new qualifying shareholders (typically threshold is 10%) and new directors. AML/CFT framework continuity. Typical timeline 60–120 days for non-objection.
Closing and integration. Share transfer, management handover, ongoing regulatory reporting continuity. We handle the entire post-closing operational transition if needed through our corporate secretarial and compliance support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EU country is best for an EMI license?
The honest answer depends on your business model. For scale-focused payments fintech with broad EU passporting: Lithuania and Malta have processed more EMI applications than any other jurisdiction and built deep ecosystems. For institutional-grade operations: Ireland and Luxembourg. For Spanish-language markets: Spain. For CEE/Baltic focus: Latvia or Estonia. “Best” is a function of your target customers, capital base, and operational preferences — not an absolute ranking.
How much does an EMI license cost to acquire?
Acquisition pricing varies significantly based on jurisdiction, license scope, operational status (dormant vs operating), capital position, client book value, and market conditions. Ready-made EMIs with minimum capital and no operations are materially different in price from operating EMIs with active client books and established banking relationships. We share realistic pricing ranges during scoping.
Can an EMI passport across the EU?
Yes — EU passporting is the primary commercial rationale for choosing an EU EMI over a UK, Swiss, or offshore e-money license. A single EMI authorised in any EEA member state can provide services across all 30 EEA countries, subject to passport notifications to host-state regulators. Services can be provided cross-border (without a branch) or via branch establishment in host states.
What is the minimum capital for an EMI?
€350,000 initial capital as specified in PSD2 Article 4(1), plus ongoing own funds requirements that scale with average outstanding electronic money — computed using the formula in PSD2 (Method D, typically 2% of average outstanding e-money).
How long does a change-of-control notification take?
Typical range is 60–120 days for EU regulators, depending on jurisdiction, transaction complexity, completeness of filings, and buyer profile. Transactions involving non-EU buyers, complex ownership structures, or sanctions-sensitive jurisdictions take longer. We build realistic timeline expectations into every engagement.
Is a UK EMI the same as an EU EMI post-Brexit?
No. A UK EMI (FCA-authorised) can only operate in the UK post-Brexit — passporting rights between the UK and EU were terminated at the end of the transition period. UK-origin fintech needing EU access now acquire separate EU EMIs (Ireland, Lithuania, and Malta being the most common choices). We advise on UK-to-EU migrations as part of sell-side and buy-side mandates.
Related Fintech Licensing Services
- Authorized Payment Institutions (API) — for full PSD2 payment services
- Small Payment Institutions (SPI) — lighter regime, no passporting
- Fintech M&A Advisory — full transaction lifecycle service
- Ready-Made Licensed Companies — hub of all license types
Looking to buy an EMI license in the EU? Contact us for current availability. We maintain live relationships with EMI sellers across all major EU jurisdictions and can return a targeted shortlist within days of scoping.
