Europe · CZ
Czech Republic
The Czech National Bank supervises payments, e-money, investment and crypto-asset services, while online gambling is licensed by the Ministry of Finance.
At a glance
- Status
- EU member state
- Region
- Europe
- Regulated sectors
- GamingPaymentsCryptoInvestment
- Authorities
- ČNB · Ministry of Finance · FAÚ
- Licensing routes
- 4
- See also
- EU / MiCA
Overview
The framework
The Czech Republic licenses online gambling under its Gambling Act, with licences for remote games issued by the Ministry of Finance. Unlicensed online gambling is subject to website and payment blocking.
Financial services are supervised by the Czech National Bank, which authorises payment and e-money institutions and investment firms, and is the competent authority for crypto-asset service providers under MiCA. We prepare applications to both authorities.
Authorities
Who regulates what
- Czech National Bank (ČNB)
- Banking, payments, e-money, capital markets and crypto-asset services.
- Ministry of Finance
- Gambling licensing and regulation.
- Financial Analytical Office (FAÚ)
- Financial intelligence unit; AML/CFT reporting and supervision.
Regimes
Licensing routes
Online gambling licence
Licence for remote games under the Gambling Act.
Sectors: Gaming
Payment / e-money institution
Authorisation by the Czech National Bank, passportable across the EEA.
Sectors: Payments
Investment firm
MiFID II authorisation for investment services.
Sectors: Investment
MiCA CASP authorisation
Crypto-asset services authorised by the Czech National Bank.
Sectors: Crypto
Our Regulatory & Licensing practice prepares the applications for these routes and manages them through to the regulator's decision.
Considerations
What to weigh up
- Plan gambling and financial services as separate applications to different authorities, each under its own regime.
- Rely on EU passporting for financial licences, not for gambling.
This overview is general information, summarised at a high level. Requirements change and depend on the specific activity; seek advice on your circumstances before acting.
Industries
Relevant industries
- iGaming & GamingB2C operators, B2B suppliers, platforms, aggregators and affiliates.
- Fintech & PaymentsPayment and e-money institutions, PSPs and acquirers, payment facilitators and embedded finance.
- Crypto & Digital AssetsCASPs and VASPs, exchanges, custodians, wallets, token projects and crypto payments.
- Forex & InvestmentsForex and CFD brokers, investment firms, trading and investment platforms.
Across jurisdictions
Cross-jurisdiction capabilities
Services we support across the jurisdictions in our directory, described once on their own pages. We deliver each to the requirements that apply locally, coordinating local specialists where local law, registration, representation or professional requirements require it.
- Privacy & Data ProtectionExternal DPO services and working privacy programmes: GDPR and global privacy laws, DPIAs, data mapping, transfers and ISO/IEC 27701.
- Information Security & CybersecurityFractional CISO support, ISMS and security programmes, certification and audit readiness, DORA, NIS2 and customer assurance for enterprise sales.
- AI GovernanceGovernance that lets AI adoption scale: EU AI Act readiness, ISO/IEC 42001 management systems, AI risk and impact assessments, and vendor risk.
- AML & Financial Crime ComplianceAML/CFT programmes, MLRO-as-a-Service, independent AML/CFT audits, risk assessments, monitoring, sanctions and inspection support.
- IP Registration & ProtectionTrademark and patent registration, copyright, domain disputes and enforcement that protect your brand, software and content across markets.
- Legal OpinionsRegulatory, business model, perimeter, payment, gaming, crypto-asset and cross-border opinions that answer what banks and investors ask.
- Bank Account OpeningHelp organising your banking with banks and EMIs that fit your model, from the onboarding file and account structure to periodic reviews.
- Merchant Account / Acquiring SetupMerchant applications, acquiring structure and negotiated terms for online and high-risk merchants that need stable card and local payment acceptance.
Support
Czech Republic: how we support your business
- Regulatory & LicensingStrategy, applications and regulator engagement for the gaming, payments, crypto and investment routes listed above.
- Corporate StructuringGroup architecture, incorporation, substance and governance built around your licences, banking and investors.
- Market Entry & Regulatory StrategyMarket prioritisation, regulatory roadmaps and launch readiness that let you expand into new jurisdictions in the right order.
- Information Security & CybersecurityDORA, NIS2 and the information security obligations that apply under EU law.
Czech Republic: the right fit for your business?
We look at your product, target clients and banking needs to see whether this jurisdiction fits or another would serve you better, then send a written proposal with scope, timetable and fee.