Technology & Digital Technology and digital platforms

Tech Sector Licensing and Authorisations

Comprehensive guide to licences and regulatory authorisations required for technology businesses - telecommunications, financial services, intellectual property, export controls, and product safety.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Check if your tech business needs licences from FCA, Ofcom, ICO, or ECJU before you start. Apply for financial services authorisation 6-12 months ahead. Notify Ofcom for telecoms. Register with ICO for data protection. Get an export licence for controlled technology – penalties include up to 10 years in prison.

  • Register with ICO and do a DPIA before high-risk data processing
  • Apply for FCA authorisation 6-12 months before offering financial services
  • Notify Ofcom online before providing telecom networks or services
  • Get a spectrum licence from Ofcom before transmitting radio signals
  • Check SPIRE system for export licences on controlled technology
  • Cryptography over 56-bit may need an ECJU export licence
  • Annual fees apply for financial services and telecoms
  • Penalties for export breaches up to 10 years imprisonment
On this page
UK-wide

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Understanding licensing requirements

Technology businesses may require multiple licences and authorisations depending on their activities. The requirements you face depend on what your business does:

  • Payment or financial services: FCA authorisation or registration (see Financial Services below)
  • Telecommunications provider: Ofcom notification and possible spectrum licensing
  • Export controlled technology: ECJU export licence for dual-use items or cryptography
  • Medical or health technology: MHRA device registration
  • EdTech processing children's data: Enhanced data protection requirements

Data protection registration and assessments

Before processing personal data, you may need to conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for high-risk processing activities.

Financial services authorisations

If your tech business provides payment services, issues e-money, or offers other financial services, you need FCA authorisation or registration. The route depends on your activities and scale.

Telecommunications authorisations

Businesses providing electronic communications networks or services need Ofcom authorisation.

Export controls and sanctions

Tech businesses exporting controlled technology, software, or cryptography may need export licences.

Intellectual property protection

Protecting your software and brand through IP registration.

Sector-specific registrations

Some tech sub-sectors have additional registration requirements beyond the general obligations above.