Payment Institution Licence in Belgium
EU-wide passporting, home of EU institutions. NBB regulated. Capital from €20k to €125k. Typical timeline 6 to 12 months.
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Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
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Why Belgium for Your Payment Institution Licence?
Belgium's central location, proximity to EU institutions, and well-developed financial infrastructure make it an attractive base for internationally-focused payment firms.
The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) regulates payment institutions. As the home of EU institutions, Belgium offers proximity to European policymakers and a strong financial services infrastructure.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
PSD2 capital requirements. Comprehensive governance, compliance, and AML documentation. Local substance expected.
Application process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process detail
6 to 12 months. The NBB is thorough in its assessment process.
Belgium vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Belgium | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | €20k to €125k | £20k to £125k |
| Timeline | 6 to 12 months | 6 to 12 months |
| Regulator | NBB | FCA |
| Key Feature | EU-wide passporting, home of EU institutions | UK market access: no EEA passporting post-Brexit |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a payment institution licence in Belgium is €20k to €125k. PSD2 capital requirements. Comprehensive governance, compliance, and AML documentation. Local substance expected.
The typical timeline for a payment institution licence in Belgium is 6 to 12 months. 6 to 12 months. The NBB is thorough in its assessment process.
Belgium's central location, proximity to EU institutions, and well-developed financial infrastructure make it an attractive base for internationally-focused payment firms.
After receiving your payment institution licence in Belgium, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a payment institution licence. In Belgium, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
Yes, a payment institution licence obtained in Belgium provides EU-wide passporting rights across all EEA member states. This allows you to operate across 30 European countries from a single authorisation.