diff --git a/lib/pleroma/application.ex b/lib/pleroma/application.ex
index bd568d858..a1655721a 100644
--- a/lib/pleroma/application.ex
+++ b/lib/pleroma/application.ex
@@ -114,6 +114,9 @@ def start(_type, _args) do
 
     set_postgres_server_version()
 
+    # Requires Config.TransferTask so ConfigDB values are loaded
+    steal_emoji_policy_setup()
+
     result
   end
 
@@ -300,4 +303,20 @@ def limiters_setup do
     [Pleroma.Web.RichMedia.Helpers, Pleroma.Web.MediaProxy]
     |> Enum.each(&ConcurrentLimiter.new(&1, 1, 0))
   end
+
+  @spec steal_emoji_policy_setup() :: :ok
+  def steal_emoji_policy_setup() do
+    with true <-
+           Pleroma.Web.ActivityPub.MRF.StealEmojiPolicy in Config.get!([:mrf, :policies]) do
+      path =
+        [:instance, :static_dir]
+        |> Config.get!()
+        |> Path.join("emoji/steal")
+
+      if !File.exists?(path), do: File.mkdir_p!(path)
+    else
+      _ ->
+        :ok
+    end
+  end
 end