Cryptolicense
in the Czech Republic
MiCA-compliant authorization for crypto-asset service providers operating in the EU
AMS provides end-to-end regulatory support for obtaining a CASP license under the EU MiCA Regulation in the Czech Republic — from business model assessment to license issuance by the Czech National Bank (ČNB).
We work with crypto exchanges, wallet providers, trading platforms, and fintech companies that require a legally sound, regulator-approved entry into the EU crypto market, without shortcuts or regulatory risk.
Why the Czech Republic for crypto licensing
The Czech Republic is one of the most practical jurisdictions for crypto licensing, offering full EU market access under MiCA and a clear advantage over non-EU jurisdictions through regulatory certainty and predictable costs.
Licensing and compliance costs
Obtaining and maintaining a CASP license in the Czech Republic is generally more cost-effective than in many other EU jurisdictions, including expenses related to compliance, infrastructure, and regulatory support.
EU passporting
A CASP license obtained in the Czech Republic allows crypto services to be provided across the entire EU under MiCA without the need for additional licensing, unlike non-EU jurisdictions.
Tax system
The Czech Republic applies a 21% corporate income tax without a separate crypto-specific tax regime, ensuring transparent and predictable tax planning for CASP companies.
Access to talent
The Czech market offers qualified professionals for key CASP functions at a more moderate salary level compared to several Western European countries.
AMS Crypto Licensing Services & Plans
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.
New CASP Company
Designed for crypto businesses establishing a new regulated entity in the Czech Republic.
Includes:
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Regulatory assessment of the proposed business model
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CASP license classification and service scope definition
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Incorporation of a new Czech legal entity
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Capital structuring in line with MiCA requirements
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Drafting and implementation of AML/CFT and internal control frameworks
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Preparation and submission of the CASP license application
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Representation and communication with supervisory authorities
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Post-authorization compliance and supervisory support
Ready-Made CASP Company
Acquisition of a Czech company that already holds an existing CASP authorization under MiCA, followed by the regulatory alignment required after the ownership change.
Includes:
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Selection and acquisition of a licensed CASP company
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Share transfer and mandatory corporate updates
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Alignment of the business model with the existing authorization scope
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Required regulatory filings and supervisory communication
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Post-acquisition compliance support
Additional services for crypto businesses
Beyond licensing, we support crypto companies with regulatory and operational services that are often required to pass supervisory checks, open bank accounts, and maintain ongoing compliance in the EU.
Crypto accounting & reporting
Full crypto accounting, reconciliation of crypto transactions, valuation of digital assets, tax reporting, and preparation of audit-ready financial statements.
Statutory registrations
Registration and ongoing administration of health insurance, social security, and payroll obligations for directors and employees in the Czech Republic.
FAU contact person
Appointment, registration, and communication support with the Czech Financial Analytical Unit (FAU) for AML reporting and supervisory interaction.
MiCA-ready office & substance setup
Advisory and support with physical office setup, local presence, and substance requirements required for CASP authorization and ongoing supervision.
AML & MLRO outsourcing
Design and ongoing operation of AML/CFT frameworks, transaction monitoring, regulatory reporting, and MLRO function outsourcing in line with MiCA and Czech AML requirements.
AMS approach to crypto licensing
Applications built to pass supervisory review
We prepare CASP applications based on how the Czech National Bank actually reviews them — not on generic templates or high-level MiCA summaries.
No template-based licensing
Each CASP application is structured individually, based on the specific services, transaction flows, and risk profile of the business.
Reduced regulatory and banking risk
Our approach minimizes the risk of license refusal, repeated remediation cycles, and bank onboarding failures after authorization.
One provider for the full regulatory scope
Licensing, AML/CFT, governance, accounting, and post-authorization support are handled within one coordinated structure.
Support with key compliance roles
We support the setup of mandatory internal functions and assist with sourcing and structuring qualified local compliance professionals when required.
Structured support after authorization
Support does not stop at license issuance — we assist with regulatory follow-ups, reporting, and ongoing supervisory communication.
Step-by-step process for obtaining a crypto license in the Czech Republic
The CASP licensing process in the Czech Republic is fully remote and structured around clear regulatory milestones. Below is an overview of the key steps and realistic timelines.
Preliminary compliance assessment
Estimated timeframe: up to 3 weeks
We start with a focused review of your business model, ownership structure, and intended crypto services to confirm whether CASP authorization is required and feasible under MiCA.
Includes:
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Review of business activities and service scope
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Assessment of ownership structure and UBOs
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Identification of regulatory gaps and risks
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Confirmation of applicable CASP license class
Czech company setup (if required)
Estimated timeframe: ~1 week
If a Czech legal entity is required, we handle the incorporation process remotely, including all statutory registrations.
Includes:
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Incorporation of a Czech s.r.o.
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Preparation and filing of corporate documents
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Coordination of notarization and registrations
Preparation of MiCA licensing documentation
Estimated timeframe: 4–8 weeks
We prepare a complete, regulator-ready documentation package tailored to your specific business model and risk profile.
Includes:
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AML/CFT policies and internal control procedures
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Risk management and governance frameworks
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Business continuity and client protection policies
- ICT and operational resilience documentation, including MiCA-aligned ICT controls and DORA considerations
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Financial plans and stress scenarios
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Structuring of key functions (Director, MLRO)
Submission and review by the Czech National Bank (ČNB)
Estimated timeframe: 3–12 months
The application is submitted to the ČNB. During the review phase, we manage all regulatory communication and respond to supervisory requests.
Includes:
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Submission of the CASP license application
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Ongoing communication with the ČNB
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Handling of follow-up questions and clarifications
Post-authorization support
Ongoing
After the license is granted, we support the licensed entity to maintain regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
Includes:
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Ongoing regulatory and compliance support
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AML oversight and reporting setup
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Accounting and operational advisory (if required)
Core requirements for CASP authorisation in the Czech Republic
CASP authorisation under the EU MiCA regime is granted to firms that can demonstrate three things: prudential safeguards, working governance and controls, and real operational capacity in the Czech Republic.
Capital & financial safeguards
Capital & financial safeguards
Minimum capital depends on the scope and risk profile of the services provided.
Under MiCA, prudential safeguards must cover at least the higher of minimum capital or 1⁄4 of fixed overheads.
- Class 1 — from €50,000
Non-custodial crypto services without holding client assets.
- Class 2 — from €125,000
Custody and crypto exchange services.
- Class 3 — from €150,000
Trading platforms and high-impact crypto services.
- Asset-referenced tokens — €350,000 or 2% of reserves
- E-money tokens — 2%–20% of outstanding value, depending on risk.
AML & compliance framework
AML & compliance framework
A CASP must have an operational AML/CFT setup in place before authorisation. The regulator expects working procedures for onboarding, monitoring, reporting, escalation, and internal accountability — not template documentation.
Governance & key functions
Governance & key functions
The company must demonstrate a functioning internal structure capable of operating as a regulated entity.
In practice, this includes clearly assigned responsibility across key roles such as:
- AML / Compliance
- Risk management
- Information security (CISO or equivalent)
- Operations management
- Finance (CFO or equivalent)
- Technology ownership (CTO or equivalent)
The depth and formality of these roles must match the scale and complexity of the business.
Director requirements
Director requirements
At least one director must be a citizen of a European Union Member State and actively involved in managing the CASP entity.
The director is assessed on experience, reliability, and ability to ensure ongoing compliance and supervisory engagement.
Local substance
Local substance
CASP authorisation requires genuine operational presence in the Czech Republic.
This typically includes a physical office and practical availability for regulatory communication and supervisory interaction.
Ownership transparency
Ownership transparency
Shareholders with a qualifying holding are subject to regulatory review. The ownership structure must be transparent, and the source of invested funds must be clearly documented and economically justified.
WHY CASP APPLICATIONS
GET STUCK
Most CASP applications fail not because of missing documents, but because the company is not structured to operate as a regulated entity.
Generic documentation not aligned with the actual business model?
Minimal corporate setup with no defined processes or accountability?
Gaps in governance, staffing, or internal controls?
Unrealistic business, financial, or IT planning?
Stop guessing. Start licensing.
If your CASP application is unclear, stalled, or previously rejected, AMS provides expert review, regulatory alignment, and a clear path forward under MiCA.
FAQ
How long does CASP authorisation take in the Czech Republic?
A realistic end-to-end timeline is typically 3–12 months. The range depends on the licence scope (Class 1/2/3), how complex the operating model is (custody, exchange, platform), and how many review rounds the CNB requests during assessment.
Can the process be managed remotely?
Yes. The project can be delivered remotely — from structuring and drafting to filing and regulator communication.
At the same time, CNB review focuses on real readiness to operate (governance, controls, local substance, credible plans), not just a well-formatted submission.
Who is the regulator for CASP licensing in the Czech Republic?
CASP authorisation in the Czech Republic falls under the Czech National Bank (ČNB/CNB), which acts as the competent authority for MiCA-based licensing and ongoing supervision.
Do we need people on the ground in the Czech Republic?
Plan for genuine local availability of key decision-makers and control functions. In practice, Czech supervisory review is strict on “location”: the CNB expects that key roles are not purely nominal and can be engaged locally when needed.
Is the authorisation valid across the EU?
MiCA is built as an EU-wide regime, so a CASP authorisation is intended to support cross-border provision of services via passporting — subject to the required notifications and ongoing compliance obligations.
Can one licence cover multiple services?
Often yes — but only when the authorised scope matches the real product and operating setup. Problems typically arise when firms apply for a broader scope than they can support in practice (capital, governance, controls) or when the licence description does not reflect the actual service flows.
Can a Czech CASP authorisation be revoked?
Yes. Like any regulatory permission, a CASP authorisation may be limited, suspended, or withdrawn if the firm breaches ongoing obligations, presents a different reality from what was authorised, or operates outside the approved scope and governance model.
What corporate tax rate applies to Czech CASP companies?
The standard Czech corporate income tax rate is 21%.
What about the old “VASP” regime in the Czech Republic?
If you mention VASP, treat it as a legacy term. MiCA replaces national approaches through a transition period linked to MiCA start dates and the move toward CASP authorisation. For marketing text, it’s usually best to keep VASP references minimal and focus on CASP under MiCA.