Banking licence: how to get one, and what it costs
A banking authorisation is the heaviest licence in financial services: high capital, demanding regulators, a long file. Before aiming for it, check whether your model really needs to take deposits — if not, a lighter licence is often enough.
Published on 3 November 2026 · Jason Pivron, director
Do you really need a bank?
A bank takes deposits from the public and grants credit. If your model only issues electronic money or executes payments, the EMI authorisation or a payment institution meets the need for far less capital and cost.
This choice is made at scoping, before anything is filed: it is the decision that costs most when it is wrong.
European Union: the ECB and the national authority
In the euro area, the universal bank authorisation is granted by the ECB together with the competent national authority. Our catalogue records capital of at least €5,000,000, with national derogations possible. Our price starts at €329,990.
Two variants have their own page: the specialised or niche bank, with a restricted scope defined with the regulator before pre-application, from €310,390, and the digital bank or neobank with a banking licence, from €329,990, which includes the business plan, governance, risk, IT and capital trajectory.
United Kingdom, Switzerland and the UAE
Outside the Union, our starting prices, government fees included — regulatory capital remains the bank's own and is never included:
- United Kingdom — PRA and FCA banking authorisation: from €329,990, capital set by the PRA according to the model
- Switzerland — FINMA banking licence: from €369,990, own funds according to activity and risks
- United Arab Emirates — CBUAE commercial or digital bank: from €369,990, capital according to the category and the central bank's decision
The shorter routes
Entering a country without creating a new bank is sometimes possible. A branch of a third-country bank starts at €303,990, with the endowment set by the host State. A representative office or bank branch starts at €139,990, without taking deposits unless expressly authorised.
Taking over an existing bank is another route: a qualifying holding starts at €256,890, excluding the price of the target. An international banking licence in a selected jurisdiction is on request.
After authorisation
In the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, the authorisation is not renewed on a fixed date: it stands until it is withdrawn or surrendered, with ongoing obligations — capital, reporting, supervision, fees. In the UAE, the period of validity is not established by our review: it is checked for your file before the quote.
Everything starts with a free 20-minute call and a firm quote before signature. All our licences are on the licences page. Nothing here is legal advice: every model is qualified case by case, and the decision belongs to the regulator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a banking licence cost?
Our starting prices, government fees included: €329,990 in the euro area and the United Kingdom, €369,990 in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. Regulatory capital is not included.
What capital is needed to open a bank in the European Union?
Our catalogue records at least €5,000,000, with national derogations possible.
Does a banking licence need renewing?
In the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, no: it stands until it is withdrawn or surrendered, with ongoing obligations.
Is there a lighter alternative to a banking licence?
Yes, depending on the model: an EMI or payment institution licence, a branch, a representative office or taking over an existing bank.