What’s Going On and What It Means for Crypto Businesses
The European crypto industry is entering a new chapter with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). For the Czech Republic, this means adapting local rules to fit the new EU-wide framework. MiCA Licensing will be overseen by the Czech National Bank (ČNB), which is in charge of reviewing applications and publishing updates about which companies are licensed.
Here’s the surprising part: between January 2024 and August 2025, not a single company in Czechia has received a MiCA license. That doesn’t mean the market is frozen. It simply shows how demanding the process is — and why early preparation is crucial for any crypto or investment business planning to stay in the game and secure their MiCA Licensing.
What the Numbers Say
ČNB statistics make it clear: traditional finance is still leading, while crypto-specific categories are lagging.
Table: Entities Registered Between Jan 2024 – Aug 2025
| Group | Newly Registered | Deregistered | Under Forced Administration | Ended Forced Administration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment companies & foreign branches | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other investment companies & branches | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Investment funds with legal personality | 87 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Mutual funds | 48 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| Foreign standard funds (public offering in CZ) | 318 | 126 | 0 | 0 |
| Foreign special funds (public offering in CZ) | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| EU investment companies providing cross-border services | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| White papers on crypto-assets not linked to assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Asset-referenced token issuers (license required) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Asset-referenced token issuers (notification basis) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Foreign asset-referenced token issuers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic money token issuers (license) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic money token issuers (notification basis) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CASPs (Crypto-Asset Service Providers) – licensed | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CASPs – notification based | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Crypto-asset white papers | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
👉 Bottom line: funds and foreign players dominate. Local crypto companies? Still waiting for their first MiCA approvals.
Deadlines You Should Know
MiCA comes with a clear timeline:
- Dec 30, 2024 → last day to use the old Czech rules.
- July 31, 2025 → deadline to apply for MiCA if you had a Czech license before.
- July 1, 2026 → no license = no business in Czechia.
So, there’s still time — but the clock is ticking on acquiring MiCA Licensing.
EU Passporting: Foreign Firms Already Here
One of MiCA’s biggest advantages is passporting. If a company gets licensed in one EU country, it can operate everywhere in the EU.
That’s why, as of August 2025, all crypto services in Czechia are run by foreign EU-licensed companies. Local firms are still preparing their paperwork for MiCA Licensing.
👉 Translation: foreign CASPs are already active, while Czech players risk losing ground if they don’t act fast.
Why Getting a MiCA License Is Tough
Applying for a CASP license in Czechia is not just filling in forms. The ČNB requires strict compliance in several areas:
- AML systems – strong monitoring and suspicious activity reporting.
- Capital requirements – minimum thresholds must be met.
- Governance – clear management structures and internal controls.
- Documents – detailed, consistent, and fully EU-compliant.
It’s a big lift, but also a chance to show professionalism in MiCA Licensing and stand out.
The Silver Lining: Opportunities for Czech Crypto
It’s not all challenges. Czechia is still a good place to build your crypto business:
- Early movers win – the first applicants get feedback from ČNB and extra time to fix issues in their MiCA Licensing process.
- Central EU hub – access to multiple markets in one location.
- Strong finance sector – potential for partnerships with investment funds and banks.
Bottom line
The MiCA era is coming fast. For Czech crypto companies, 2025 is the year to prepare — because by 2026, only those with a license will stay in the game.
Contact AMS Europe for a full consultation on MiCA licensing, AML compliance and regulatory preparation.
Our experts will guide you through every step — from documentation and internal policies to communication with the Czech National Bank (ČNB).
FAQ: Update MiCA Licensing in the Czech Republic 2025
Has anyone received a MiCA license in Czechia yet?
No, not yet. All active services are provided by EU passported firms.
Can Czech companies operate without MiCA?
Yes, if they had a license before Dec 30, 2024 and applied before July 31, 2025. They can run until July 1, 2026 or until ČNB decides.
Why is the process so hard?
Mainly AML rules, capital requirements, governance, and paperwork.
What’s passporting again?
A system that lets EU-licensed firms enter the Czech market without reapplying locally.
Why choose Czechia at all?
Because of its strategic location, strong infrastructure, and clear regulatory path.
