Poland's crypto licensing deadlock blocks domestic firms, benefits EU passported providers
Parliamentary deadlock blocks domestic licences
Poland’s lower house, the Sejm, did not gather enough votes on 4 September to override President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of a bill needed to implement parts of the EU Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) regulation. Without that law, the country has no designated authority to process ordinary MiCA licence applications.
Key numbers
- 241 votes to re‑enact the bill, 198 against, 3 abstentions – short of the required majority.
- MiCA transition period ended on 1 July 2026, closing the old Polish virtual‑currency activity register.
Official voting record
The Sejm’s voting record, published on the official parliamentary website, shows the exact count of votes and confirms the veto was not overridden.
Confirmed facts
- Polish domestic applicants cannot start MiCA licence proceedings until a competent authority is designated by law.
- Crypto providers that already hold an EU‑wide MiCA licence can continue to operate in Poland through the regulation’s cross‑border passport.
- The Katowice Tax Administration Chamber confirmed that entry on the former register no longer grants authorisation.
Remaining uncertainties
It is unclear when, if ever, the Polish parliament will pass legislation that designates a domestic authority for MiCA licences. Until then, firms may need to seek authorisation in another EU member state.
Implications for the market
Domestic crypto firms are at a disadvantage because they cannot obtain a Polish licence, while foreign EU firms can still access Polish customers via the MiCA passport. This may push Polish companies to apply for licences elsewhere in the EU.
Next steps
Polish lawmakers would need to pass a new bill that designates the competent authority for MiCA licences. In the meantime, the quickest way for a Polish‑based service to reach local users is to partner with an EU‑licensed provider that can use the cross‑border notification process.
