Crypto license in the Czech Republic
AMS offers unique services for companies looking to engage in cryptocurrency and FinTech business in the Czech Republic – a country with one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the European Union and the world. Our specialization is in assisting with obtaining licenses for cryptocurrency operations in the Czech Republic, which will soon enable you to offer high-quality services in dealing with cryptocurrency and digital assets to your clients. Working with us, you gain a reliable partner who will help you achieve success effectively in this rapidly evolving field.
About crypto license in the Czech Republic
A crypto license in the Czech Republic is an official permission granted by Czech National Bank (ČNB) that allows companies to legally conduct business related to cryptocurrencies. This includes services such as cryptocurrency exchange, management of crypto assets, and conducting ICOs. Obtaining such a license in the Czech Republic requires compliance with certain conditions, including MiCA requirements, provision of necessary documents, and observance of AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) rules. Licensing in the Czech Republic provides access to EU markets and increases customer trust.
General overview:
The Financial Analytical Office (FAU) and Czech National Bank (ČNB) are the main supervisory authorities responsible for regulating virtual assets in the Czech Republic. Crypto licensing and business operations are mainly governed by the MiCA framework and AML legislation.
License type:
Crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) are companies that operate with digital assets. Their services are divided into three classes:
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Class 1 – basic services: Order execution and transmission, token placement, investment advice, portfolio management, and asset transfers. No custody or exchange services.
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Class 2 – custody and exchange: Includes Class 1 + custody of assets and keys, crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat exchange. Applies to custodial wallets and centralized exchanges.
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Class 3 – trading platforms: Includes Classes 1 and 2 + operation of trading platforms and marketplaces for digital assets.
Issuers of asset-referenced tokens: Issue tokens whose value is linked to assets (commodities, currencies, etc.), excluding e-money.
Issuers of e-money tokens: Issue stable tokens pegged to a single fiat currency (e.g., euro or USD).
Advantages to open a crypto company in the Czech Republic
Speedy Registration Process
Acquiring a crypto license in the Czech Republic is a swift process, typically taking 6 months on average. You can complete the entire procedure remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits, making it a convenient option for entrepreneurs.
Transparent and stable regulation
As an EU member, the Czech Republic offers a solid legal framework. The implementation of MiCA ensures clear, long-term rules for crypto businesses.
RequirementsAccess to the entire EU market
A license obtained in the Czech Republic grants the right to offer services across all EU countries without needing additional authorizations (passporting).
Diverse service offerings
Holding a Czech cryptocurrency license allows companies to offer a broad range of services, including cryptocurrency exchange, wallet solutions, custodial services, token issuance (ICOs), and crypto-related transactions.
Cooperative
regulators
The Financial Analytical Office (FAU) and the Czech National Bank (ČNB) are open to dialogue and collaboration, making the licensing process more straightforward.
Strong jurisdiction reputation
The Czech Republic is not considered an offshore jurisdiction and is perceived as a reliable and trustworthy EU country, enhancing credibility with clients, banks, and partners.
Key requirements for a crypto license in the Czech Republic
To obtain a crypto license in the Czech Republic, clients must meet several specific and detailed requirements:
Capital requirement fulfilment: Capital requirements for CASP licenses depend on the type and risk level of services provided:
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€50,000 – Class 1 (basic services):
For non-custodial providers that facilitate transactions without holding client funds. -
€125,000 – Class 2 (custody & exchange):
For companies that hold assets or operate crypto-fiat/crypto exchanges. -
€150,000 – Class 3 (trading platforms):
For operators of crypto trading platforms with higher risk and market impact. -
€350,000 or 2% of reserves – asset-referenced token issuers:
Must hold the higher of €350,000 or 2% of reserve assets to ensure token stability and risk coverage. -
2%–20% of reserves – e-money token issuers:
Capital must be at least 2% of average outstanding e-money. Can be adjusted ±20% by regulators based on risk.
Legal entity registration: Registering a company in the Czech Republic, including stages like choosing a unique company name, obtaining a legal address, preparing founding documents, opening a corporate bank account, and depositing authorized capital.
AML/CFT compliance: Internal documentation must comply with stringent laws against money laundering and terrorist financing, including customer identification, transaction monitoring, and staff training.
Appointing a key staff: Key personnel, including the Director, Customer Support Manager, and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), must be appointed to ensure proper governance, compliance, and risk management. These individuals must be fit and proper — i.e., possess sufficient experience, integrity, and professional competence, in line with the MiCA Regulation. All key staff must be physically based in the Czech Republic and fluent in the Czech language to ensure effective oversight and coordination with local supervisory authorities.
Physical office: The company must maintain a physical office in the Czech Republic. This is essential for demonstrating a genuine presence, supporting local operations, and ensuring accessibility for supervisory inspections and regulatory communication.
Requirements for the shareholder: All shareholders holding a qualifying holding in the company must be of good repute and demonstrate transparency in the origin of funds used for the acquisition of shares. They must not have any criminal background or adverse regulatory history. The structure of ownership must be clear and must not hinder effective supervision. In some cases, shareholders may be requested to submit additional documentation proving the source of funds, business experience, or links to the company’s strategic objectives.
Requirements for the director: The company must appoint a Director responsible for the overall management and strategic leadership of the business. The Director must meet the “fit and proper” criteria, demonstrating adequate experience, professional competence, and integrity, in accordance with the MiCA Regulation. At least one Director must reside in the Czech Republic and be fluent in the Czech language to ensure effective communication with local supervisory authorities and full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Further requirements for crypto companies in the Czech Republic can be found in our article: Review of the MiCA Regulation in the Czech Republic.
Solutions & services
We provide the full range of services for registering crypto licenses in the Czech Republic, providing end-to-end support throughout the entire process. Our team of experienced professionals assists with the preparation of all required documents, including the development of AML and KYC policies. We also offer additional services such as accounting and AML services, audits, and the preparation of regulatory documentation. Furthermore, we support clients in securing a physical office and recruiting the necessary personnel. Our goal is to simplify and accelerate the licensing process, minimize bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements in the Czech Republic.
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Consultation
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Individual advisory session on MiCA regulatory framework
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Strategic analysis of your business model's alignment with VASP criteria
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High-level mapping of compliance and operational obligations under MiCA
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Step-by-step guidance towards successful VASP license application
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Interactive Q&A with a senior regulatory advisor
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VASP licensing under MiCA
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Comprehensive evaluation of your application and business plan
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Legal entity establishment in in the Czech Republic
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Capital structuring and registration in accordance with MiCA requirements
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Drafting and implementation of AML/CFT and internal control frameworks
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Representation and communication with regulatory authorities throughout the licensing process
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Issuance of the VASP license under MiCA regime
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Post-licensing compliance and supervisory support
Step-by-step procedure of crypto license registration in the Czech Republic
The registration process for a crypto license in the Czech Republic is conducted remotely and does not require the client's personal presence. The process includes several key stages:
1. Preliminary compliance assessment
We begin with a full compliance review to ensure that the company’s structure, UBOs, and intended business activities meet the requirements of AML legislation and the EU MiCA Regulation. This step helps identify and mitigate any legal risks before proceeding.
2. Company registration
The next step is establishing a legal entity in the Czech Republic, most commonly in the form of an s.r.o. (Společnost s ručením omezeným), equivalent to a limited liability company. All documentation and registration can be handled remotely.
3. Preparation of MiCA licensing documentation
Our legal team prepares the full package of internal documentation required for the license application, including:
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AML and KYC policies,
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Internal control and risk management procedures,
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Business continuity plans,
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Client protection measures.
4. Submission and review by the Czech National Bank (ČNB)
The complete application is submitted to the Czech National Bank for review. The ČNB assesses the company’s readiness, structure, key personnel, internal procedures, and financial standing. During this phase, we manage all communication with the regulator and respond to any additional requests.
5. Post-licensing support
Once the license is granted, we provide ongoing support to ensure continued compliance. This includes:
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Financial and AML audits
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Ongoing legal and consulting support
Maintaining compliance with Czech and EU standards is essential for long-term success and operational stability.
Timeframe for registration of crypto license in the Czech Republic
The process of obtaining a crypto license in the Czech Republic involves several distinct steps, each with its own timeline. Typically, the entire process can extend from 3 to 4 weeks, but it's important to prepare for potential delays.
1. Preliminary compliance assessment
Estimated time: up to 3 weeks after receiving all required information and documents
2. Company registration
Estimated time: approximately 1 week after receiving signed and verified powers of attorney, declarations, and criminal record certificates.
3. Preparation of MiCA licensing documentation
Estimated time: 1–2 months, depending on the complexity of the business model and the type of CASP license.
4. Submission and license review by the Czech National Bank (ČNB)
Estimated time: approximately 3 months. However, the actual duration depends on the type of license, the complexity of the business model, as well as the internal workload of the Czech National Bank (ČNB) at the time of submission.
What is required after registering a crypto company in the Czech Republic?
After obtaining a MiCA license, a CASP company is required to comply with a number of ongoing obligations to ensure lawful operations, client protection, and regulatory compliance.
Key obligations:
1. Compliance with prudential requirements
CASPs must at all times maintain a minimum level of own funds (fixed capital reserves) or apply alternative financial guarantees (e.g., liability insurance). This is essential to cover potential losses and protect clients.
2. Effective corporate governance and internal control system
The company must establish a sound management system, including internal audit, risk management, and compliance functions. All key procedures must be regularly reviewed and documented.
3. Segregation of client assets
Crypto-assets and client funds must always be held separately from the CASP’s own assets. This ensures the protection of clients' ownership rights.
4. Cybersecurity and IT risk management
Companies are required to implement technical and organizational measures to ensure information security, including data protection, backup systems, recovery planning, and regular vulnerability testing.
5. Audit and regulatory supervision
CASPs must undergo both internal and external audits, including the review of financial statements and control procedures. Regulators have the right to request documents, conduct on-site inspections (including unannounced ones), and require clarifications on compliance and financial soundness.
6. Financial reporting and accounting
Companies must maintain transparent and accurate accounting in line with national standards, and submit annual financial statements.
7. Compliance with AML/CFT requirements
An AML policy must be in place, including mandatory customer identification (KYC), transaction monitoring, reporting of suspicious activities, and regular staff training.