The Important Bits
BitPay B.V., the European subsidiary of BitPay, Inc., has received a MiCA authorisation from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).
MiCA is now fully enforced across the EU; platforms without authorisation face restrictions on serving EU customers.
The BitPay Wallet is self-custody software, meaning your assets stay in your control, not on a centralised platform.
BitPay works with licensed partners for buying, selling, and swapping crypto, so you get regulated access without giving up self-custody.
BitPay receives MiCA authorisation
BitPay B.V., the European subsidiary of BitPay, Inc., has been authorised as a crypto-asset service provider (CASP) under MiCA by the AFM in the Netherlands. The authorisation covers regulated crypto payment services across the EU, including payment processing, cross-border payments, and access to partner-supported buying, selling, and swapping of digital assets.
What MiCA means for EU crypto users
MiCA creates a single regulatory framework for crypto-asset service providers across all 27 EU member states. As of 1 July 2026, it is fully enforced; platforms operating without MiCA authorisation face restrictions on serving EU customers.
For you, this matters in a practical way. If you're using a platform that isn't MiCA-authorised, your access to deposits, withdrawals, or other services could change. Licensed platforms are held to standards around consumer protection, transparency, and operational compliance. Unlicensed ones aren't.
What you can do with BitPay in Europe
Buy crypto through licensed partners
The BitPay Wallet connects you to a network of regulated on-ramp providers so you can purchase crypto using credit and debit cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
100% control over your assets
Unlike a centralised exchange, the BitPay Wallet is self-custody. Your private keys stay with you. BitPay cannot access, freeze, or restrict your assets. What you buy goes directly into a wallet you control.
Swap and sell through regulated partners
Convert between assets or cash out to a bank account, debit card, or PayPal, all through BitPay's network of licensed partners.
Spend your crypto
Use your assets on purchases with BitPay merchants.
Get the BitPay Wallet
Whether you are moving assets from an exchange, switching self-custody wallets, or kicking off your crypto journey, the BitPay Wallet gives you access to spend, buy, sell, and swap your assets, while keeping your assets in your own self-custody wallet the whole time.
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Note: All information herein is for educational purposes only, and shouldn't be interpreted as legal, tax, financial, investment or other advice. BitPay does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information in this publication and we neither endorse, nor are we responsible for, the accuracy or reliability of any information submitted or published by third parties. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to invest, buy, or sell any coins, tokens or other crypto assets. BitPay is not liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. For legal, tax, investment or financial guidance, a professional should be consulted.
