Law

Banking & Insurance

Entering the Czech Republic as a foreign company or investor requires precise navigation of local and EU financial regulation. The Czech National Bank (ČNB) applies some of the strictest licensing and compliance standards in Central Europe — creating barriers for foreign-owned entities, expat founders, investment structures, fintech businesses and crypto-asset providers.

ARROWS helps international companies establish and operate regulated businesses in Czechia, ensuring full compliance with ČNB, EU directives and AML frameworks. Whether you are relocating a fintech product, setting up an SPV, entering the Czech investment market or expanding a global financial group, we deliver a safe, fast and fully coordinated entry into the Czech regulatory environment.

WHY ARROWS

Specialists in market entry for foreign companies in Czech Republic

We regularly assist foreign-owned entities, multinational groups, investors, expats and technology companies with establishing, licensing and operating regulated businesses in the Czech financial sector. We translate ČNB expectations into practical steps tailored to non-Czech corporate governance.

Business-first regulatory strategy for cross-border groups

Foreign owners need regulatory solutions that reflect international management, multi-jurisdictional flows of capital, investor expectations and scalability across markets. We design structures aligned with Czech law while remaining compatible with your global operations.

Cross-border experience with EU and non-EU clients

We support companies from the EU, US, UK, Israel, Switzerland, Korea, Singapore and other regions entering the Czech Republic. Through ARROWS International, we ensure alignment across all relevant jurisdictions.

Clear, efficient communication for international management

Foreign boards, expat CEOs and international compliance teams receive clear guidance, unified documentation and predictable timelines. No Czech legal jargon — only business-relevant conclusions.

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A) ČNB Licensing for Foreign Companies Entering Czech Republic

– Licensing of payment institutions (PI/PSP) for foreign-owned entities
– Licensing of small-scale providers for expat founders and cross-border teams
– Licensing of investment intermediaries and foreign group distributors
– Licensing of investment firms / securities dealers with international ownership
– Licensing of crowdfunding platforms operated by foreign groups
– Registration of exchange offices, POI and cross-border service providers
– Fit & proper assessments for non-Czech managers, directors and shareholders
– EU passporting and inbound passport notifications for foreign financial firms
– Establishment of Czech subsidiaries, branches and SPVs for regulated business
– Full communication with ČNB on behalf of foreign management

B) Investment Funds, ZKIF Structures & Cross-Border Investment Vehicles

– Set-up of ZKIF funds for foreign investors entering the Czech investment market
– Structuring Czech SPVs for global private equity, venture capital and family offices
– Investor documentation tailored to foreign LPs and EU reporting
– AML, governance and risk frameworks for cross-border investor groups
– Coordination with Czech and foreign custodians, administrators and auditors
– Tax-efficient cross-border holding and investment structures
– AIFMD compliance for foreign-controlled funds
– Regulatory risk reviews for foreign investment products
– Migration of foreign structures into Czech ZKIF or SPV regimes
– Support with investor onboarding, KYC and cross-border AML procedures

C) Fintech, Crypto & MiCA for Foreign Technology Companies in Czech Republic

– Registration of foreign-owned CASPs under the new EU MiCA regime
– Structuring crypto exchanges, custody services and token offerings for Czech market entry
– Assessment of token models for compliance with both Czech and EU regulation
– AML/KYC frameworks suitable for foreign technology and fintech companies
– Whitepapers, commercial terms, customer documentation adapted to Czech requirements
– Embedded finance models, marketplace funding and PSD2 integrations
– Legal support for AI-based finance products operating cross-border
– Due diligence for fintech apps entering Czechia from abroad
– Compliance for e-money providers, payment gateways and SaaS platforms
– Advisory for venture funds investing in Czech fintech and crypto

D) Bonds, Capital Transactions & Cross-Border Financing

– Entire bond issuance framework for foreign-controlled Czech SPVs
– Prospectus analysis and ČNB requirements for non-Czech issuers
– Issue terms, collateral documentation and investor protections
– Compliance mechanisms for international distributors and partners
– SPV structures for cross-border capital and debt instruments
– Regulatory due diligence for foreign issuers entering Czechia
– Investor disputes and AML investigations involving foreign investors
– Support for cross-border M&A, investment rounds and share transfers
– Setting up foreign-backed financing structures in Czech Republic
– Long-term regulatory support for group-level financing activities

HOW ARROWS WORKS

1) Rapid assessment

We evaluate your business model, group structure, AML environment, capital position and regulatory exposure. You receive a clear overview of ČNB expectations and the steps required for a safe market entry.

2) Strategy & structure

We design a licensing or operating structure aligned with Czech law, EU directives and your international business. The goal is a safe, regulator-acceptable framework without delays or hidden risks.

3) Complete documentation

We prepare all licensing files, AML manuals, governance policies, risk frameworks, investor materials, whitepapers, contracts, internal rules and supporting documents required by ČNB.

4) Implementation & ongoing support

We handle communication with ČNB, assist foreign management with compliance, ensure correct reporting and maintain governance standards. We keep your Czech entity regulator-ready at all times.

ARROWS has 15+ licence and instestmen lawyers with over 10 years of experience, supporting foreign companies operating in the Czech Republic.

Entering a regulated market abroad requires precision. Let ARROWS secure your compliance from day one.

FAQ SECTION

1) How long does it take for a foreign company to obtain a ČNB licence?

Foreign-owned entities typically face longer regulator reviews, depending on group complexity, jurisdiction of shareholders and management structure. Smaller licences may be granted within months; investment firms, crowdfunding or CASP registrations require more time. A fully prepared file significantly reduces delays.

2) What are the typical costs for foreign investors entering Czechia?

Pricing depends on the licence type, international structure, AML complexity and volume of required documentation. We provide fixed or hybrid fee models suitable for cross-border teams and foreign budget approval processes.

3) Can ARROWS support complex international holding structures?

Yes. We support EU and non-EU ownership, offshore holding companies, group-level governance, cross-border capital flows, foreign-controlled SPVs and multinational fintech operations. Compatibility with Czech law is ensured from day one.

4) Do you help foreign fintech and crypto companies with MiCA?

Absolutely. We guide CASP registrations, token offerings, custody setups and platform operations — tailored to foreign founders entering Czech and EU markets.

5) What is the best first step for a foreign company entering Czechia?

A regulatory entry assessment. We identify mandatory requirements, expected regulator checks, governance adjustments and compliance actions needed before launching operations in Czech Republic.

6) Do you assist with cross-border financings and bond issuances?

Yes — including prospectus analyses, issuance structures, SPVs for foreign investors and compliance for international distributors.

7) Do you offer long-term support for foreign-owned entities?

Yes. We handle compliance, reporting, AML, governance, communication with ČNB, audits, licence modifications and operational changes — all tailored to international management needs.

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office@arws.cz 245 007 740
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