CASP License in Czechia: Crypto License – 2026 Guide

• EU Market Access: Once licensed by the CNB, you can “passport” your services to all other EU/EEA member states without needing additional licenses;
• Reputation: The Czech Republic is a respected EU jurisdiction with a sophisticated financial regulator (CNB), enhancing trust with banking partners and clients;
• Strategic Location: Situated in Central Europe, it serves as an ideal hub for technological and financial operations;
• Czech Limited Liability Company: Setting up a Czech limited liability company is simple and can be done remotely, making it efficient for crypto businesses to establish a compliant presence in Czechia;
• Operational Costs: Operational costs in Czechia are competitive, supporting efficient and cost-effective business operations for CASPs;
• Low Corporate Tax Rate: Czechia offers one of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the EU, currently set at 21%;
• Improved Banking Access: Licensed CASPs now benefit from improved access to corporate banking services, which have historically been difficult for crypto firms to obtain.

In January 2025, the Czech Republic’s NCA for MiCA implementation officially outlined their stance on the licensing process for crypto entities. The company registration process in Czechia is straightforward, can be completed remotely, and does not complicate or delay the establishment of a crypto company.

Corporate Entity

Prior to obtaining your CASP authorisation in the country, the standard approach is to establish a Czech VASP company as a Limited Liability Company (s.r.o) in the Czech Republic. This structure is specifically used to facilitate the licensing process for crypto businesses and ensure compliance with local regulations for virtual asset service providers.

The process requires a basic set of documents and a legal address of the company in Czechia. The whole incorporation procedure can be conducted remotely with the assistance of our lawyers.

Share Capital

The minimum capital depends on the services provided as per MiCA:

• Class 1 (€50,000): Reception/transmission of orders, execution of orders, advice, portfolio management, transfer services;
• Class 2 (€125,000): All Class 1 services plus exchange and placing of crypto-assets;
• Class 3 (€150,000): All Class 1 & 2 services plus custody and administration and operation of a trading platform.

Local Presence

• Physical Office: A real substance office in the Czech Republic is required;
• Local Management: At least one member of the management team must be resident in the EU/Czech Republic to ensure effective oversight.

Fit-and-Proper & Documentation

• Clean Records: Proof of no criminal record for all directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs);
• Professional Competence: Management must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience in financial services or crypto-assets;
• Business Plan: A detailed 3-year business plan including financial projections;
• AML/KYC Policies: Robust internal control mechanisms and procedures for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing.

Other

• IT Infrastructure: CASP licensing requires robust internal IT systems, cybersecurity protocols, and business continuity plans aligned with EU standards and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Internal controls for AML/CFT, data protection, and operational resilience must also meet DORA requirements;
• Outsourcing Oversight: Policies must be in place to manage third-party service providers, ensuring effective oversight of outsourcing arrangements. This includes ICT governance, operational resilience, and incident testing to comply with regulatory standards;
• Insurance: Liability insurance or additional capital reserves may be required.

How to incorporate a MiCA company in Czechia

Prior to obtaining your CASP authorization in the country, you must incorporate a Limited Liability Company (s.r.o) in the Czech Republic. The process requires a basic set of documents and a legal address of the company in Czechia.

The whole incorporation procedure can be conducted remotely with the assistance of our lawyers.

Taxes for CASP companies in the Czech Republic

All registered CASPs in Czechia will be subject to a local corporate income tax (CIT), which is currently at 21%. A special CIT of 15% applies to dividends that resident entities receive from non-resident entities.