DASP Licence — Digital Asset Service Provider
Compare active DASP authorisation routes across emerging-market jurisdictions. El Salvador, Serbia and Kazakhstan offer developing digital asset frameworks with lower entry costs and faster timelines than mainstream VASP routes.
What is a DASP licence?
Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) is a label used by emerging-market jurisdictions to authorise crypto businesses under local AML/CFT and digital asset legislation.
- El Salvador adopted the Digital Assets Law in 2023, creating a formal DASP authorisation framework aligned with Bitcoin's legal-tender status.
- Serbia provides a non-EU digital asset service provider route supervised by the National Bank of Serbia.
- Kazakhstan's AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) operates a DASP framework through its AFSA regulator.
- DASP licences are jurisdiction-specific with no mutual recognition or passporting.
- Regulatory substance requirements are generally lower than EU/EEA or premium VASP routes, reflecting the developing-market context.
Who DASP licensing is right for
Best for
- Early-stage businesses that need a regulated base quickly and cost-effectively.
- Companies targeting specific emerging markets (Latam, Balkans, Central Asia).
- Businesses using a DASP as a stepping stone while preparing for a full VASP or MiCA route.
- Operators with limited initial capital who cannot yet meet EU/EEA share capital requirements.
Not for
- Businesses targeting EU/EEA clients — a MiCA CASP licence is required.
- Institutional-grade operations where counterparty reputation requires EU/EEA or Dubai licensing.
- Businesses that need strong banking relationships from day one.
- Projects requiring passportable multi-jurisdiction access.
DASP jurisdictions
Select a jurisdiction to see the full country page with regulator profile, costs and application process.
Compare DASP jurisdictions
Side-by-side comparison of costs, timelines, banking and reputation.
Related routes
Frequently asked questions about DASP licensing
DASP licences from El Salvador, Serbia and Kazakhstan are newer or more localised frameworks with lower international recognition than EU/EEA (MiCA) or Dubai VASP. They are suitable for businesses in their early stage or targeting specific regional markets.
No. DASP licences from these jurisdictions do not authorise EU/EEA client servicing. Businesses targeting EU retail clients must obtain MiCA CASP authorisation.
El Salvador currently has the lowest entry cost and fastest timeline, typically from 5 000 USD and 1–3 months. Regulatory requirements are still developing.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.