Spain to Enforce Full Crypto Licensing Regime Under MiCA by 2026
Spain will mandate full licensing for all cryptocurrency service providers starting February 2026, implementing Europe's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework ahead of schedule. The move positions Spain among the first EU nations to enforce standardized crypto regulations.
Digital asset exchanges, wallet providers, and trading platforms must obtain operational licenses by July 2026. Unlicensed entities will face service suspensions. The Spanish Treasury confirms automatic transaction reporting to tax authorities will commence simultaneously.
The regulatory acceleration follows Binance's recent exit from Spain after failing to meet anti-money laundering requirements. Industry analysts note the timeline gives crypto firms 18 months to comply—less than the transitional periods seen in Germany or France.
