🇪🇺 MiCA: what changes on 1 July 2026 for crypto holders in the EU

Informational guide · updated June 2026. Versão portuguesa →

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What it is and why it matters now

MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is the EU regulation that sets a single rulebook for crypto-assets across the Union: it requires the companies providing services — exchanges, custodial wallets, buy-and-sell platforms — to operate with a licence, transparency and anti-money-laundering rules. An authorised company is called a CASP (crypto-asset service provider).

There was a transitional period for existing companies to adapt. It ends on 1 July 2026 and the European securities authority (ESMA) has confirmed there will be no extension. From that date, a platform serving EU clients without MiCA authorisation is in breach — it stops taking new clients and users are asked to withdraw or transfer their funds.

In Portugal

MiCA is implemented through Law no. 69/2025. Entities already registered with the Banco de Portugal as of 30 December 2024 keep the transitional regime until 1 July 2026. CASP authorisation is handled by the Banco de Portugal together with the CMVM. By the deadline, only a minority of the platforms that operated in the EU had obtained a full licence.

What you can check (no panic needed)

Check whether your platform is licensed. Look for "MiCA authorisation"/"CASP" and the regulator; if in doubt, check the public registers of the Banco de Portugal, CMVM or ESMA.
Beware of scams. MiCA communications are legitimate, but scammers exploit the topic. Never click links in emails to "migrate" funds and never share keys or seed phrases — reach a platform by typing its address yourself.
No last-minute rush. If your platform is licensed, you need do nothing; if it isn't, you have advance notice to act calmly. Where you keep your crypto is always your choice.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Information only — not financial, legal or tax advice, nor a recommendation of any platform. Rules may vary by country and company; always confirm with official sources (Banco de Portugal, CMVM, ESMA) and with your platform. Always do your own research (DYOR).

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