The liberal approach to cryptocurrencies and the ease of cutting bureaucracy have turned the Czech Republic into a welcome home for crypto companies, whose main tasks should fit into the general legislation and meet the requirements of the AML/CFT originally imposed by the EU.

In the Czech Republic, there is no national regulatory framework that would regulate crypto companies, however, the entire Czech crypto business is subject to the European Union's “Security of Internet payments and cryptocurrencies”.

The Czech National Bank (CNB) is responsible for the general supervision of the financial market in the Czech Republic.

Having a Czech crypto licence offers the holder the ability to provide the following services:

• Exchange of cryptocurrency against a fiat currency (crypto vs fiat exchange).
• Exchange of fiat currency against a cryptocurrency (fiat vs crypto exchange).
• Exchange of cryptocurrency against a cryptocurrency (crypto vs crypto exchange).
• Provision of a crypto wallet service (custodian crypto wallet service).
• Client cryptocurrency storage services (crypto storage service).
• Make a cryptocurrency transfers (crypto transfer service).
• Full-featured cryptocurrency exchange.

Currently, most cryptographic companies planning to start economic activities in the Czech Republic must obtain one of the usual trade licenses from the Trade Licensing Register, which allows them to operate within the EU, including the opening of offices in any member country without having to deal with extensive bureaucracy, provided that they notify local authorities in accordance with local regulations.

Depending on the purpose of using the cryptocurrency, the company may apply for any of the following licenses:

Classical – Companies that are holders of this license have the right to change the cryptocurrency for a fee.
Fiat – Companies that are holders of this license have the right to change cryptocurrency and cash and back for a fee.
Traditional – Companies that are holders of this license have the right to change all types of currencies for a fee.
Specialized – Companies that are holders of this license have the right to provide services for the creation and storage of crypto wallets and customer keys.

If the crypto company does not receive the appropriate license, it risks being identified as a fraudster, fined up to 500,000 CZK (ca. 21.000 EUR) and be forced to close.

To obtain one of the four licenses, a crypto company must be registered in the Czech Republic. Limited Liability Company (SRO) is one of the most popular legal business structures in the Czech Republic due to such advantages as low minimum equity requirements, a small number of founders and the possibility to be exempt from financial audit. It may be registered within three weeks, provided that all necessary documentation is submitted in due course.

• Business plan reflecting the complexities and business model for business continuity and details of the financial statements.
• Registered physical office in the Czech Republic.
• Development of domestic anti-money-laundering/counter-financing of terrorism policy to ensure detection and reporting of fraudulent activities.
• Recruitment of an anti-money laundering officer to be trained in accordance with the company’s operating model and reporting requirements (our company provides a service of specially trained personnel for these positions).
• Description of any hardware and software used for the proposed economic activity.
• Development of data protection procedures in accordance with GDPR and other relevant legislation, which at the same time should allow the exchange of data with authorities.
• Develop policies and procedures that can ensure the security of client funds.

• Company name search.
• Criminal records for company members showing there are no impediments for their appointments.
• Obtaining a legal address for at least one year.
• Opening a corporate bank account.
• Transfer of the minimum share capital, which is only 1 CZK (approx. 0,042 EUR).
• Obtaining a compulsory trade license from the Trade license Registry.
• Preparation and draft of company statutes.
• Payment of state fees related to registration – 6000 CZK (ca. 250 EUR).
• Registration of the company with local Registrar of Companies.
• Registration of a company with the FAA for AML/CFT reporting purposes.

Due to a straightforward process of establishing a company and applying for a crypto licence in Czech Republic, the process of obtaining a license may last approx. 1 month time.

If the application is successful, a license is issued only for specific crypto activities. It’s worth keeping in mind that at times the license might be conditional which means that a new licensee may be required to meet additional conditions before starting to operate in the Czech Republic.

Once a crypto company is licensed in the Czech Republic, a licensee is obligated to share relevant reports (e.g., client information) with such authorities as the CNB and the FAU. In case of errors or refusal, the license might be suspended without a possibility to obtain a new one as such a company would be considered fraudulent.

Step 1
Gathering documents from the client to start the process
Preliminary project analysis
KYC collection and business description
Preparation of power of attorney for client attestation
Collecting criminal record certificate

Step 2
Registration of a Limited Liability Company (S.R.O.) in the Czech Republic
Sworn translation of power of attorney and certificate of criminal records into Czech Rep.
Carrying out the notarial deed of company registration
Filing of company documents on the Registrar of Companies

Step 3
Pre-application work
Development of AML/KYC policies tailored to the client company's cryptocurrency operations
Hiring and training an AML officer for the company and adapting their skills to the company's operations. Instructing the officer on regulatory reporting and registration
Filing and registration with the FAU, the financial analysis unit of the Czech Republic

Step 4
Opening of Business Bank Account
Complete set of notarized corporate documents for account opening
Preliminary negotiations with the payment institution and support of the client throughout the account opening process

All necessary documentation must be provided in Czech language. Should you need it, our Team will be ready to assist you.

You can also decide for a remotely registered company, in which case you need to provide us a certified power of attorney allowing us to act on your behalf all over the process.

Crypto licensees should be aware that they should constantly meet strict corporate reporting requirements which are closely matched with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Annual financial statements must contain a balance sheet, income statement and notes. Companies which audited financial statements are mandatory for, must supply a statement of cash flows and statement of changes in equity. Annual financial statements are published in the Business Register and must be filed along with the tax return.

Auditing is mandatory for the companies that meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Turnover exceeds 80 mill. CZK (approx. 3,37M EUR)
• Total assets exceed 40 mill. CZK (approx. 1,7M EUR)
• Average number of employees is over 50

If you’ve decided to obtain a crypto license in the Czech Republic, our highly experienced and dynamic team will be happy to assist and guide you all over the application process.

We offer assistance in crypto company formation and licensing as well as accounting services.

• Preparation of necessary documents for registration of a new company in the Czech Republic.
• Acquisition of a legal address for the company.
• Translation of a certificate of no criminal record into Czech through a sworn translator.
• Payment of state fees related to company registration.
• Payment of notary fees related to company registration.
• Registration of the Company in accordance with the law.
• Obtaining the licence for the provision of services related to virtual assets in the Czech Republic.
• Preparation of internal AML / CFT documentation in accordance with the requirements legislation.
• Full set of corporate documents incl. separate printout (notarized; apostilled; translated).
• Assistance in the employment of the KYC/AML officer and registration within tax authorities, if required by the Client.

€6,100 Initial set up
Bank Account opening included

€600 Maintenance per month
Starting only on month 1, after successful application

€9,700 Initial set up
Bank Account opening included

€600 Maintenance per month
Starting upon transfer of company and license

How long does it take to get a license?
Due to a straightforward process of establishing a company and applying for a crypto licence in Czech Republic, the process of obtaining a licence may last as little as 3-4 weeks.

Can non-residents of Czech Republic own a crypto company?
Yes. Czech Republic crypto companies can be established by any natural person or physical entity. No specific residence restrictions apply.

Can a non-resident of Czech Republic be part of the board of a Czech Republic crypto company?
Yes. A crypto company in Czech Republic must have 1 director. No specific residential requirements apply.

Is it necessary to have a banking account to obtain a licence?
Yes.

What is the minimum authorized capital for a virtual currency service provider?
In order to apply for a crypto license in Czech Republic, it is necessary to first incorporate a crypto company. Minimum authorized capital for limited liability companies (S.R.O.) in Czech Republic is 1 CZK (around 0,042 EUR).

For how long is a crypto license issued?
In Czech Republic, crypto licenses are issued for an indefinite period.

What does a crypto company need to apply for a crypto license in Czech Republic?
In order to successfully apply for a crypto license in Czech Republic, crypto companies must complete the following steps:

• Open a corporate bank account.
• Pay the authorized capital.
• Employ a Czech Republic AML officer with experience in anti-money laundering and terrorism financing compliance.
• Apply for a licence with the Financial Analytical Office (FAU).

Which are the measures to prevent money-laundering and the financing of terrorism applied in Czech Republic?
In order to internally ensure anti-money laundering and terrorism financing compliance, crypto companies must hire a Czech Republic AML officer who will check the organization for exposure of criminal risk and financial crime. In addition (subject to certain criteria indicated above) companies may be subject to an external audit.

Our lawyers and financial services specialists at Atrium Legal Lab provide solutions to clients by combining the traditional legal fabric with new technologies.

Czech Republic Crypto Licenses are recognized worldwide. It provides excellent advantages, such as:

• Fast project implementation
• No share capital required
• No obligatory local staff member
• Extremely Low Cost

Atrium Legal Lab has a team of trained professionals to advise clients who are interested to get licensed as a Virtual Asset Services Provider (VASP) in Czech Republic.

In particular, we welcome questions about Czech Crypto registration and are pleased to assist you.