Crypto license in
Slovakia 2025
Slovakia presents a strategic opportunity for launching cryptocurrency projects within the European regulatory framework. With the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), cryptocurrency service providers in Slovakia must now obtain a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license to legally operate. Unlike previous frameworks where crypto activities were not under the direct supervision of the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), MiCA has established uniform regulatory oversight, making the licensing process a key requirement for compliance.
Under MiCA, crypto businesses must adhere to stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations, along with specific governance, capital, and operational requirements. The CASP license is granted by the national regulatory authority, ensuring compliance with EU-wide standards for investor protection, transparency, and financial stability.
At Legalaes, we provide end-to-end legal and compliance support for obtaining a CASP license in Slovakia. Our services include company incorporation, regulatory documentation, business plan development, compliance policies, representation before authorities, and bank account opening assistance. We ensure a seamless licensing process, helping your crypto business operate in full compliance with MiCA regulations.
Regulations for Crypto license in Slovakia
To secure a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license in Slovakia under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), the establishment of a local company providing cryptocurrency services is mandatory. The prescribed minimum share capital for company registration is 5,000 EUR; however, before submitting a CASP license application to the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), the company must increase its capital in accordance with regulatory requirements. The exact capital amount depends on the scope of services offered under the CASP license.
The company must appoint a director holding EU or Slovakian citizenship. If the main director is an EU resident without a Slovak resident director, a nostrification process (recognition of secondary education diploma) must be completed before the application. This ensures compliance with local corporate governance requirements.
All cryptocurrency enterprises are subject to enhanced regulatory obligations, including strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. These measures are integral to Slovakia’s national legal framework and align with the EU-wide MiCA regulation, ensuring corporate transparency and consumer protection. Regulatory authorities also maintain the right to access corporate and financial data as part of their oversight responsibilities.
The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), in coordination with the Financial Intelligence Unit (Finančná spravodajská jednotka), is responsible for overseeing the regulation and compliance of CASP-licensed companies. Applicants must meet capital, governance, and operational requirements to obtain and maintain their CASP license.
Existing VASP-licensed companies in Slovakia have been granted a transition (grandfathering) period to comply with the new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) has shortened this period to 12 months, requiring all VASPs to transition to a CASP license by December 2025.
More details from NBS – Official Announcement
Taxation of cryptocurrency companies in Slovakia
- Corporate income tax – 15% (if the income is less than 49,790 EUR)
- Corporate income tax – 21% (if the income is greater than 49,790 EUR)
- Dividends from treaty country – 7% or lower
- Dividends from non-treaty country – 35%
Existing VASP Licenses in Slovakia before 2025
With the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), Slovakia is transitioning to a new Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) licensing framework. While the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) is now responsible for issuing CASP licenses, companies that obtained previous VASP licenses from the Financial Intelligence Unit (Finančná spravodajská jednotka) may still benefit from their status while adapting to the new MiCA rules.
| License type | Description of license |
|---|---|
| Crypto-exchange license (Poskytovanie služieb zmenárne virtuálnej meny) |
|
| Crypto e-wallet license (Poskytovanie služieb peňaženky virtuálnej meny) |
|
Legalaes offers ready-made companies in Slovakia with existing VASP licenses, providing businesses with a faster market entry while ensuring compliance with new MiCA requirements.
MiCA CASP License Classes in Slovakia from 2025
Under MiCA, crypto businesses must now obtain a CASP license under one of three classifications, depending on the scope of services provided:
| License type | Description of license |
|---|---|
| Class 1 – Limited CASP |
|
| Class 2 – Standard CASP |
|
| Class 3 – Full CASP |
|
Legalaes assists businesses in both acquiring existing licensed entities and navigating the transition to MiCA-compliant CASP licenses, ensuring a seamless regulatory approval process in Slovakia.
Overview of requirements to obtain crypto license in Slovakia
- Provide desired company names for registration
- Provide copy of passport and proof of address for future shareholder and director
- Provide non-criminal record for shareholder and director
- Appoint a director with Slovakia or EU citizenship (nostrification of diploma required if no Slovak resident director is present)
- Company must have AML/KYC Policies
- Registered share capital of 5,000 EUR (at company registration)
- Application form fulfilment
Additional requirements:
- Develop internal policies in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (AML, risk management, cybersecurity, etc.)
- Submit a business plan outlining operations and financial projections
- Conduct a preliminary meeting with the National Bank of Slovakia (advisable)
- Perform Fit and Proper check for key management members
- Obligation to store client data and report suspicious transactions (red flags)
- Additional capital must be deposited before the CASP license application, based on the regulatory class of the license
- Corporate bank account recommended, but not required for initial registration
Estimated time frames to obtain CASP license in Slovakia
Business name verification
1-3 days
Company formation
up to 2 weeks
Documents review and analysis
1-3 weeks
Development of required policies and compliance documents (if applicable)
3-4 weeks
Increase of required share capital (if applicable)
2 weeks
Filling out the structured application and submission to the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS)
1 week
Ongoing communication and license approval process
3-5 months
Legal services for obtaining Crypto license in Slovakia 2025
Basic Package
18000 EUR
- Company registration
- Provision of Legal Address for 1 year
- Standard AML/KYC Policy (Anti-Money Laundering/Know Your Customer)
- CASP license application submission to the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS)
- Corporate documents
- Regulatory representation and communication with authorities
- Guidelines on documentation
- Due Diligence
- Legal Support throughout the entire project
This package ensures you meet the regulatory requirements, offering essential services and support for obtaining a VASP license in Slovakia
Advanced Compliance Package
- Development of required internal policies
- Business plan preparation
- Regulatory strategy consultation and advisory on MiCA compliance
- Fit and Proper assessment preparation for key personnel
- Structured application preparation ensuring full compliance with NBS requirements
- Legal opinion from a certified lawyer for regulatory and operational compliance
- Arrangement of preliminary meeting with the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS)
- Assistance in increasing share capital
Ready-Made CASP solution
18890 EUR
- Pre-registered company with an active VASP license
- Legal address for 1 year
- No debts, no liabilities – clean company
- Active license
- Registered share capital 5,000 EUR
- Corporate documents
- Assistance with transfer of ownership and regulatory fillings
Eriks Fijalovs
Head of Blockchain and Crypto
Requirements for CASP licensing in Slovakia
To obtain a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license in Slovakia under Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) (Regulation (EU) 2023/1114), companies must meet specific legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.
List of required documents
- Power Of Attorney: Public document authorized by public notary that will allow us as a company to act on behalf of another company or individual to carry certain activities in order to incorporate company and obtain a license in Slovakia.
- AML/KYC/CFT Policy: Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), the process involves a company confirming its clients’ identities, evaluating the potential for illegal intentions in the business relationship, and actively working to identify, prevent, and report any suspicious activities.
- Application Form: A structured document submitted to the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), detailing the company’s business model, primary and secondary activities, and operational scope.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA): Legal Document prepared during company incorporation, which represents charter of the company.
- Business Plan: A comprehensive plan outlining the company’s business model, revenue streams, risk management approach, and operational structure, required for the CASP license application.
- Internal Policies and Procedures: Development of regulatory documents in compliance with MiCA, including AML/KYC, risk management, cybersecurity, client safeguarding, and governance policies.
- Key Personnel Documentation: Fit and Proper assessments, director credentials, and compliance officer qualifications, demonstrating competency and regulatory adherence.
Business premises requirements
- Physical office premises in Slovakia are not required at the moment for CASP licensing.
- A legal address is sufficient for company registration and regulatory compliance.
- Some payment gateways or digital banks may require a virtual office with a lease agreement, which can be arranged by Legalaes upon request.
Share Capital and Government Fees
- Minimum Share Capital: In Slovakia LLC company, owned by foreigner have a requirement of share capital of 5000 EUR (each shareholder must deposit of minimum 750 EUR).
- Under MiCA, additional capital is required before applying for a CASP license, depending on the license class (starting from 50,000 EUR for Class 1 CASPs).
- Government Fees: Statutory incorporation cost 150 EUR for LLC and 375 EUR for joint stock company.
Personnel Requirements
- AML Officer: The presence of an AML officer is mandatory for CASP licensing. The AML officer can be from any EU country; Slovak residency is not required. However, for effective communication with Slovak regulators, appointing a local AML officer is strongly recommended.
- Legalaes can provide a local AML officer upon request, ensuring compliance and smoother interactions with authorities.
- Director: Slovakia crypto regulations points out that director must be with Slovakian or European citizenship. In case of European director, documents must be translated and certified to Slovak language. If no Slovak resident director is appointed, nostrification of the director’s secondary education diploma is required.
- Depending on the business model and operational complexity, the regulator may require additional risk management, or operational personnel to be part of the company.
- Legalaes is ready to handle staffing solutions, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met efficiently.
Roadmap of obtaining crypto exchange license in Slovakia
Any financial operation in Slovakia are typically subjected to obtaining a trade license and AML supervision (governed by the Finančná spravodajská jednotka Act 297/2008 Z. z)
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FSJ) controls the fulfillment of obligations in the field of AML/CFT for all types of obliged persons (listed in § 5 paragraphs 1 to 3 of the AML Act).
Slovak legislation commonly stipulates that a foreign entity is permitted to conduct business activities in Slovakia under identical conditions and to the same extent as Slovak entities.
For more detailed road map of the project and commercial offer – get in touch with our Crypto professional.
Eriks Fijalovs
Head of Blockchain and Crypto
Documents Collection
The process begins with collecting all necessary documentation, including a passport and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). Clients provide three preferred company names, which Legalaes verifies and reserves with the Obchodný register. A detailed business model description is also prepared. Legalaes will then prepare and send a Power of Attorney (PoA) to facilitate company formation on your behalf in Slovakia.
S.R.O. Company Registration
An appointment is scheduled with a notary to initiate the company registration procedure. Based on the completed documentation from the first stage, the company formation process is launched, and the company details are entered into the Obchodný register.
Registering as a Virtual Asset Service Provider
The company registers a share capital of 5000 EUR at the notary. AML/KYC policies tailored to the company’s crypto activities are being drafted during this stage. A local Slovak or EU director is registered within the company’s structure. The application is then completed and submitted to the Finančná spravodajská jednotka (FIU), with follow-up communication handled as needed.
Optional: Crypto-Friendly Corporate Account Opening
Corporate and legal documentation is collected as required by Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs). Potential solutions for the client’s business are evaluated, and a suitable EMI is chosen. Legalaes negotiates with the EMI and guides the client through the entire onboarding process until the account is successfully opened. Continuous assistance is provided throughout the account opening process.
Advantages of the CASP license in Slovakia
01
Fully Remote Process
The entire company registration and CASP licensing process can be completed remotely via a Power of Attorney (PoA), eliminating the need for physical presence in Slovakia.
02
Fast Set-Up Timeframes
Slovakia offers a streamlined licensing process, allowing companies to set up efficiently. A ready-made licensed company can be transferred within one month, enabling a quick market entry.
03
Moderate Maintenance Fees
Slovakia offers moderate regulatory and operational costs, making it a cost-effective jurisdiction for maintaining a CASP license compared to other EU countries.
04
Flexible Staffing and Office Requirements
There is no requirement for a physical office in Slovakia. A legal address is sufficient for company registration and licensing. AML officers can be appointed from any EU country, offering flexibility in structuring the company’s personnel.
05
Broad Scope of Crypto Services
The CASP license in Slovakia allows businesses to engage in multiple crypto services, including exchange, custody, portfolio management, and advisory services, providing versatility and scalability for businesses.
06
No Cap on the Number of Licenses Issued
Slovakia has no limit on the number of CASP licenses that can be granted, ensuring open market access without regulatory restrictions on the number of approved businesses.
Links for legislation related to Crypto business in Slovakia
Oversees the legal framework and administration of justice in Slovakia, ensuring that laws and regulations are upheld across various sectors, including financial and business operations.
A detailed record that tracks all registered trade entities in Slovakia, providing essential information for transparency, regulatory compliance, and the facilitation of business verifications.
III. National Bank of Slovakia (Národná banka Slovenska – NBS)
Acts as the central monetary authority in Slovakia, regulating financial institutions and payment systems, and implementing policies aimed at maintaining financial stability and integrity within the country’s economy.
The Obchodný register is a public list containing statutory data concerning entrepreneurs, companies and other legal entities, where this is required under separate legislation.
Financial Intelligence Unit in Slovakia.
Provides guidance on MiCA, the regulation governing crypto-asset markets across the EU.
The official EU regulation text governing crypto-assets within the European Union.
FAQ about Crypto license in Slovakia
1. How to get a cryptocurrency license in Slovakia?
The process starts with registering an LLC (S.R.O.) company in Slovakia, depositing and registering the share capital, setting up the necessary compliance infrastructure (AML/KYC/CFT policies), appointing necessary local employees (if applicable), and obtaining authorization for cryptocurrency-related activities under the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS).
2. How long does it take to obtain a cryptocurrency license in Slovakia?
The licensing process involves multiple steps and direct communication with the regulator. Based on our experience:
• A ready-made company with a license can be transferred to new ownership within 1 month.
• The full process from scratch takes approximately 2 months.
• Approval times for a new CASP license under MiCA are currently estimated at 3-5 months after submission to the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS).
3. Can a foreigner get a cryptocurrency license in Slovakia?
Yes, a foreigner can be a shareholder in a Slovak crypto company. However, there is a mandatory requirement for the company director to be either a Slovak or EU citizen.
4. What is the share capital requirement for a crypto company in Slovakia?
The minimum share capital for an LLC (S.R.O.) in Slovakia is 5,000 EUR. Under MiCA, additional share capital is required before applying for a CASP license, depending on the license class (starting from 50,000 EUR for Class 1 CASPs).
5. How to open a bank account for Slovakia crypto company?
Licensed crypto companies in Slovakia can open corporate bank accounts in EU-based Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs). Legalaes has multiple partnerships with crypto-friendly EMIs across Europe and provides full assistance in negotiating and onboarding with financial institutions.
6. What companies must adapt to MiCA regulations?
All VASP companies that provide exchange, custody, or other virtual asset services must apply for the new CASP license supervised by the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) in accordance with MiCA regulations.
7. When should a company apply for a CASP license under MiCA?
The application period for the new CASP license under MiCA starts on December 30, 2024. When submitting a CASP license application, the company must already meet all MiCA requirements (including governance, capital, and compliance obligations).
8. What documents are required for CASP licensing under MiCA?
In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (MiCA), companies must prepare a set of policies and manuals before the application. The full list can be requested from Legalaes.
9. Is a business plan required for MiCA licensing?
Yes, MiCA requires companies to submit a detailed Business Plan (Programme of Operations) to the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS). This document outlines:
• Business activities and services provided under the CASP license.
• Financial projections and capital requirements.
• Governance, operational structure, and risk management framework.
10. How long does it take for the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) to approve a CASP license?
There is currently no exact timeframe for CASP license approvals under MiCA. Based on similar regulatory processes, NBS is expected to review applications within 3-5 months.
11. Does a CASP license require a physical office in Slovakia?
No, physical office space is not required at the moment. A legal address is sufficient for company registration and licensing. However, some payment gateways and financial institutions may require a virtual office with a lease agreement, which Legalaes can arrange.
12. Is an AML Compliance Officer required?
Yes, an AML officer is mandatory for CASP licensing. The AML officer can be from any EU country, but a local Slovak AML officer is recommended for effective communication with regulators. Legalaes can provide a local AML officer upon request.
Each of our projects receives unique and tailored solutions in accordance with the initial objectives and vision of the shareholders.
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