KuCoin wins MiCA license in Austria, unlocking EU-wide crypto services

KuCoin has received a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Austria, which enables the exchange to provide regulated crypto-asset services across all 27 EU member states.

The approval positions the firm to fully utilise the EU’s passporting system, which enables a company licensed in one member state to extend its services throughout the European Economic Area (EEA).

MiCA framework creates a single licensing pathway

MiCA, which came into force at the end of last year, established a standard set of regulations concerning the work of digital-asset service providers in the EU. Within this framework, companies will be able to seek authorisation in one jurisdiction and then expand the region without having to make any further applications in different countries.

The strategy was intended to streamline the regulation of digital-asset markets, but it has raised concerns among those who question whether licensing patterns vary among member states.

The issuance of a MiCA license in Austria adds the country to the list of jurisdictions actively implementing the framework. This approval will enable KuCoin EU to provide regulated services throughout the EEA, as the firm confirmed in a statement announcing the license via email on Friday.

Big news for Europe, bigger news for the world! 🌍 KuCoin EU is now officially MiCAR-compliant and approved by the Austrian FMA! Secure, regulated crypto access is coming to the EU very soon.

The future of crypto is global and compliant. Let’s go! 🚀#KuCoin #MiCAR… pic.twitter.com/UgeQGRFJpf

— KuCoin (@kucoincom) November 28, 2025

The exchange has selected Vienna as its European location. The country was chosen as the regional location, according to the details given by the company, the regulatory environment, and the availability of regional specialists in the sector, in Austria. Oliver Stauber and Christian Niedermuller are two experienced professionals in the industry who have been hired to manage the operations of the subsidiary in the EU.

The license is based on the earlier announcement that the European division of KuCoin had submitted its MiCA application as part of a larger project to meet the region’s needs and solidify its presence in Europe. The new permission shifts the subsidiary into the application stage and full regulation by the Austrian regime.

Strategic expansion follows prior AUSTRAC registration

The announcement comes just after the company has been confirmed to be registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and AUSTRAC, and can therefore legally offer exchange services in Australia. By getting approvals in both regions within days of each other, the firm continues to grow its regulated footprint across multiple continents.

KuCoin claims that over 40 million users from 200 countries reach its platform. However, the license issued by the MiCA only applies to services provided in the EEA under the supervision of Austria.

Austria has become the centre of attention as a regulatory hub as the EU enters the MiCA era. The country has been the target of several exchanges looking for clarity in the context of rapidly restructuring Europe. The full implementation of MiCA is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with the single license system operational in all member states.

As firms adapt to the new requirements, several major exchanges have migrated to obtain licenses in strategic jurisdictions. The approval of KuCoin EU joins this group, as the industry as a whole is moving toward formal authorization, with companies jumping ahead with the expectation of MiCA’s full rollout.

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