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Nowadays, the Czech Republic has emerged as a favorable and forward-thinking European jurisdiction for crypto businesses, offering a stable regulatory environment, an efficient licensing process, and a business-friendly approach to digital assets. With its solid legal framework, EU-aligned regulation (since early 2025), and growing blockchain ecosystem, the country provides an ideal foundation for companies seeking a compliant launch in the European crypto market.
Previously, under the Trade Licensing Act, Czech crypto firms operated based on a trade license under field 81 (“providing services related to a virtual asset”) without substantial prudential, capital, or governance obligations. Supervision over crypto businesses, particularly in the context of AML/CFT compliance, was primarily exercised by the Financial Analytical Office (FAÚ), acting as the main authority overseeing the issuance of any virtual asset service provider or VASP license in Czech Republic.
Today, under MiCA and the Digital Finance Act (No. 31/2025 Coll., effective February 15, 2025), digital asset businesses must obtain EU-wide authorization as Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs). The Czech National Bank (ČNB) now acts as the competent supervisory authority for CASP licensing, compliance monitoring, client protection, and operational governance requirements, while FAÚ remains in charge of overseeing AML compliance but no longer acts as the licensing authority.
In summary, setting up a crypto startup in the Czech Republic remains favorable but now requires alignment with MiCA, ensuring full EU compliance, which in turn opens the door to EU passporting (once authorized).
Opening a crypto business in the Czech Republic offers a compelling range of benefits. With its favorable regulatory and business conditions, the Czech Republic continues to serve as a robust jurisdiction for both crypto startups and mature companies. In addition to the previously available advantages, MiCA introduced several new strategic benefits; the full list includes:
The overall cost of obtaining a crypto license in the Czech Republic will depend on the corporate structure, the scope of activities (and the subsequent Class I-III), and the level of legal support required.
Applicants should factor in expenses for:
Compared to many other EU jurisdictions, the cost of a Czech Republic crypto license and other maintenance costs remain competitive. Since there are no two businesses alike, however, a tailored cost estimate is typically prepared after assessing the business model, target markets, and other specifics in more detail.
| | Lithuania | Czech Republic | Malta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent authority and AML Supervisor | Bank of Lithuania, the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) | Czech National Bank (ČNB), (FAÚ) – the Czech FIU under the Ministry of Finance | Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIAU) |
| MiCA Transition Period Deadline | December 31, 2025 | July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| Total Cost | Reach us for details | Reach us for details | Reach us for details |
| Time to Obtain | 6 to 12 months | 6 to 12 months | 6 to 12 months |
| Application Fee | €2,425 paid on approval to Bank of Lithuania | CZK 10 000 (€415) | €10,000 to €25,000 (depending on activity) |
| Maintenance Fee(s) | Not specified (could be communicated separately) | Not specified (could be communicated separately) | Annual supervisory fee consisting of a fixed annual fee by CASP class, plus €2,000 per authorized crypto-asset service, plus a variable fee of 0.05% of transaction volume (capped at €250,000) |
| Corporate Tax | 6 to 17% based on the company size | €0 | 35% (can be reduced to 5%) |
| MiCA+ Requirements | Strong operational center in the country, local language filing; prior authorization of each manager by the Bank of Lithuania; mandatory board-level governance; statutory audit for all CASPs; enhanced auditor reporting obligations; | Local language filing; extensive CNB supervisory powers, including interim transfer restrictions and asset freezes; enhanced public transparency through CNB-maintained registers; statutory protection of entrusted client assets with insolvency segregation and mandatory return mechanics; annual external auditor verification of safeguarding measures for custody providers | Two-tier application process, genuine local presence, detailed MFSA MiCA Rulebook, and application annexes (ICT/DORA-focused) |
Before MiCA, a Czech Republic crypto license was essentially a light VASP registration under the Trade Licensing Act with minimal capital and simplified AML-focused supervision. Since all crypto businesses fell under high risk of money laundering, any crypto license in the Czech Republic holder was obliged to create its AML/CFT rules aligned with the Czech Act No. 253/2008 Coll. on money laundering. At the time, AML/CFT regulations required businesses to conduct customer due diligence before starting any relationship, report any suspicious transactions to authorities (Financial Analytical Office or FAÚ), comply with record-keeping rules, and verify the origin of funds, among others.
Since 2025, this regime has been replaced by a full MiCA-based CASP license issued by the Czech National Bank (ČNB), with EU passporting, strict capital requirements, comprehensive ongoing supervision, and more. This means applicants must make a significant initial investment in MiCA compliance to get a CASP license in the Czech Republic. Specifically, license applicants must meet the following requirements (Articles 63-75 MiCA):
At the very beginning, the applicant must incorporate a Czech legal entity, most typically an s.r.o. (limited liability company), obtain a tax identification number, ensure a transparent ownership structure, and register in the Czech Commercial Register.
According to MiCA provisions, the Czech Republic MiCA license applicant must provide a well-defined set of documentation, including key personnel identity documents, a 3-year business plan, a bank statement proving compliance with minimal capital requirements, and other technical documents.
Previously, no statutory capital was required. Now, according to Article 67 of MiCA, companies should have the following share capital based on the activity conducted:
Together with Czech national rules, MiCA mandates that a CASP license holder maintain a certain level of presence: an office in the country, at least one EU-resident director, and a dedicated compliance officer overseeing AML and KYC processes.
Senior management must have a good reputation and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to manage a crypto business effectively.
Internal control mechanisms, policies, and procedures to manage risks, including those related to money laundering and terrorist financing, must be described in a separate policy and implemented in the applicant’s operations.
In accordance with Article 61 MiCA, AML measures must form part of the CASP’s overall internal control framework, alongside governance, risk management, operational resilience (including potential DORA compliance), and client asset safeguarding under Article 75 MiCA.
In addition, CASPs must integrate AML rules into a broader system that includes:
Depending on the type of activity conducted, a business may be required to establish procedures for handling client complaints (Article 71 MiCA), create and provide transparent operating rules for the trading platform for public access (Article 76 MiCA), file the commercial policy and methodology for pricing crypto-assets (Article 74 MiCA), and have procedures for executing orders on behalf of clients in a manner that ensures the best possible outcome (Article 72 MiCA).
At the very beginning, the applicant must incorporate a Czech legal entity, most typically an s.r.o. (limited liability company), obtain a tax identification number, ensure a transparent ownership structure, and register in the Czech Commercial Register.
According to MiCA provisions, the Czech Republic MiCA license applicant must provide a well-defined set of documentation, including key personnel identity documents, a 3-year business plan, a bank statement proving compliance with minimal capital requirements, and other technical documents.
Previously, no statutory capital was required. Now, according to Article 67 of MiCA, companies should have the following share capital based on the activity conducted:
Together with Czech national rules, MiCA mandates that a CASP license holder maintain a certain level of presence: an office in the country, at least one EU-resident director, and a dedicated compliance officer overseeing AML and KYC processes.
Senior management must have a good reputation and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to manage a crypto business effectively.
Internal control mechanisms, policies, and procedures to manage risks, including those related to money laundering and terrorist financing, must be described in a separate policy and implemented in the applicant’s operations.
In accordance with Article 61 MiCA, AML measures must form part of the CASP’s overall internal control framework, alongside governance, risk management, operational resilience (including potential DORA compliance), and client asset safeguarding under Article 75 MiCA.
In addition, CASPs must integrate AML rules into a broader system that includes:
Depending on the type of activity conducted, a business may be required to establish procedures for handling client complaints (Article 71 MiCA), create and provide transparent operating rules for the trading platform for public access (Article 76 MiCA), file the commercial policy and methodology for pricing crypto-assets (Article 74 MiCA), and have procedures for executing orders on behalf of clients in a manner that ensures the best possible outcome (Article 72 MiCA).
In order to receive a Czech Republic CASP license under the new MiCA framework and commence operations without any hinders, the applicant must follow a unified approach, which includes several key stages.
Assuming starting almost entirely from scratch with no single document ready yet, the realistic time to go through the entire process of obtaining a Czech Republic crypto license is approximately 6 to 12 months (this number can vary depending on multiple factors).
This phase involves establishing an appropriate corporate structure within the Czech Republic (typically an s.r.o. or a.s.), management going through fit-and-proper tests, and complying with the minimum capital requirement in accordance with Article 67(1)(a) MiCA and Annex IV (ranging from EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000 depending on the services to be provided). Duration: approx. 1–3 weeks.
Although not mandatory, many applicants choose (or are advised) to engage in informal pre-application communication with the ČNB to clarify the scope of intended services, documentation standards, and supervisory expectations, which can accelerate approval in the future. Duration: approx. 1–2 weeks (depending on regulator availability).
At this stage, the applicant prepares a comprehensive authorization package aligned with Articles 63-75 of MiCA, including a MiCA-compliant white paper, and translates it into Czech (where applicable) to ensure compliance with all regulatory formalities. Duration: approx. 4–8 weeks (depending on complexity).
The complete application is submitted to ČNB for review in accordance with the Digital Finance Act and MiCA. The bank checks for formal completeness and clarity of documentation. If accepted for assessment, the supervisory evaluation proceeds to the next stage.
ČNB evaluates the application, assessing fit and proper tests, verifying compliance with all related requirements, and may issue written requests for clarification or amendments. Responses should be provided promptly to avoid delays. Duration (estimated): approximately 3–6 months (depending on the number of regulatory inquiries).
Once ČNB confirms full compliance with MiCA, it grants the applicant a Czech Republic crypto license. Since that moment, the company can operate as a regulated crypto-asset service provider within the Czech Republic and across the entire European Union without obtaining additional national licenses.
Our team of qualified legal professionals can guide you through the entire process of obtaining a crypto license in the Czech Republic, providing hands-on support and acting as a liaison between you and the licensing authority. Whether you look to open a digital assets business by going through the entire process of getting a new crypto exchange license in the Czech Republic or acquire a ready-made company with an already-issued crypto license, Inteliumlaw can cover it all. Additionally, if you have any questions about MiCA compliance, our expert consultants are always available to address any and help you navigate the process with confidence.
Through years of supporting businesses’ sustainable growth, Inteliumlaw has built a robust network of partners ranging from software developers and gaming technology providers to operators and white-label businesses – all designed to offer our clients immediate access to industry-leading solutions.
Managing Partner at Inteliumlaw
Languages: English/Ukrainian
A transitional period, also called “grandfathering,” for the Czech VASPs applies until July 1, 2026, provided they submit a CASP application no later than July 31, 2025. After this date, only fully authorized CASPs may operate legally in the Czech Republic and the rest of the EU (27 countries in total).
There are no requirements to renew the crypto license in the Czech Republic; it is issued for an indefinite period. However, a license could be revoked by the respective regulatory body for violating relevant legislation or continuous non-compliance.
Yes, non-residents of the Czech Republic can own and operate cryptocurrency companies in the country, subject to compliance with regulatory standards.
Getting a MiCA license in the Czech Republic comes with a mandatory share capital requirement (EUR 50,000–150,000), which should be paid to an EEA bank account. That said, however, opening a bank account in the Czech Republic is not mandatory; any licensed bank entity registered in the European Economic Area would suffice.
Authorized capital for getting a MiCA license in the Czech Republic depends on the type of activity and ranges from EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000, plus a minimal fee for the company incorporation.
The Czech National Bank (CNB) is the one and only regulatory body overseeing digital assets and granting crypto licenses in the Czech Republic under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). Before 2024, the Financial Analytical Unit (FAU) and the central bank were responsible for monitoring and supervising crypto companies in the country.
No, the process of getting a Czech crypto license could be done remotely. However, the substance rules should be taken into account, i.e., office in the country, AML officer, and at least 1 EU resident director.
Previously, the Czech Republic had not developed a separate, comprehensive legal framework specifically regulating crypto-assets. Instead, cryptocurrency-related activities were governed indirectly through a combination of general regulatory instruments. Since 2025, however, the laws governing digital assets and the issuance of the CASP license in Czech Republic include:
The accumulated experience and tracking of future changes in this area allow us to be proactive
for our clients and develop the most adapted business structures to modern conditions.
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