Why Choose the Czech Republic for a Crypto License
Looking for a reliable base for your crypto business in the EU? The Czech Republic might be your place. Centrally located, with pro-business laws and a smooth path to licensing. It's a great starting point for crypto startups and fintechs.
The country offers rapid registration, a sound legal system, and investor trust. Opening an exchange or expanding crypto services requires a license here, which lends legality to your enterprise as well as EU market access.
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Crypto Activities Falling Under Regulation in the Czech Republic
Czech law and EU MiCA regulation mandate requirements for licenses regarding different crypto services. The following services fall within these regulations:
Crypto-Asset Exchange Services
If your platform facilitates trading “fiat for crypto” or “crypto for crypto”, you must be registered as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP). This is under Class 2 or higher, depending on services, and is regulated by the Czech National Bank. Obtaining a crypto exchange license in the Czech Republic is mandatory for the legal operation of such platforms.
Custody and Administration of Crypto-Assets
Operating users' private keys or as a custodial wallet is a Class 3 CASP activity under MiCA. It's highly regulated cybersecurity — and requires a license.
Fiat and Crypto Asset Transfer Services
Deposits, withdrawals, or fund transfers in crypto or fiat? Another regulated activity. Your company must be licensed and comply with MiCA and Czech AML laws.
Czech Crypto License Requirements
AML/KYC Policy and Internal Controls
To get licensed, your company must follow EU-standard anti-money laundering rules. This includes verifying users, monitoring transactions, and maintaining internal procedures. You’ll also need to appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) to oversee compliance and flag suspicious activity.
How to get a Crypto License in the Czech Republic
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Company Registration and Name Selection
Start by setting up a Czech legal entity. Pick a unique business name that reflects your crypto services and register it in the Czech Business Register. You’ll receive a company ID and can move on to the next steps.
Prepare Internal Documentation
Before applying for the license, prepare all required internal policies: AML, KYC, cybersecurity, and risk management. You’ll also need to appoint key officers, such as the MLRO and executive team.
Set Up a Corporate Bank Account and Fund the Share Capital
Next, open a corporate bank account in the Czech Republic. Transfer the required share capital to this account — confirmation of the deposit will be needed later for your license application.
Submit CASP Application to the CNB
After preparation, submit your application to the Czech National Bank. Share company details, policies, supporting documentation, and major staff information. The CNB will assess if you meet all the regulatory prerequisites.
Legal Framework and MiCA Compliance
As of December 30, 2024, Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is fully in effect across the EU, including the Czech Republic. The Digital Finance Act of the nation, effective as of February 15, 2025, enables a harmonious implementation on a national level.
There is a transitional "grandfathering" period: companies with national licenses on December 30, 2024, can simply keep operating until July 1, 2026 — provided that they submit a MiCA-compliant application by July 31, 2025.
Czech Republic Crypto License Fee
In order to apply for a license, companies must pay an application fee of CZK 20,000 (approximately €800).
MiCA also stipulates capital requirements:
€50,000 for advisory-only
€125,000 for brokers and custodians
€150,000 for trading platforms
Legislative support in the application process typically costs between €4,000 and €9,000.
Recurring annual costs (e.g., office rental, MLRO services, policy updates, and regulatory reporting) usually cost between €7,000 and €20,000, depending on company size.
Taxation of Czech Crypto Companies
Czech crypto companies are taxed at a corporate tax of 21%.
Dividends are usually taxed at 15% withholding tax, but may be reduced for non-residents through double tax agreements.
Most crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchanges qualify as VAT-exempt under EU and Czech law. However, other services may be taxed under VAT based on the type of service.
Employers must also contribute normal employment contributions — some 24.8% of gross earnings to social security, and 9% to health insurance.
Benefits of a Crypto License in the Czech Republic
Rapid EU Licensing
The application process for a license in the Czech Republic is relatively easy. It takes about two months, subject to how prepared the documents are and how quickly the regulator receives them.
100% Foreign Ownership Allowed
Czech law allows full foreign ownership of a Czech s.r.o. — the most common company type used by CASPs. Foreign individuals and entities can freely register and own crypto companies. Holding a Czech Republic crypto exchange license allows full market access for such foreign-owned businesses.
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"Their adept use of technology for communication and project management streamlined the entire process."
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CEO, VorfahrQR UG
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