Czech Republic EMI and PI License in 2026: CNB Complete Guide
A 2026 deep dive into the Czech EMI and PI licence: Czech National Bank (CNB) authorisation, EUR 20k-EUR 350k capital, 3-month statutory clock, small-scale payment provider regime, digital portal filing, EU passport.
CNB as a CEE payments regulator
The Czech National Bank (CNB, Česká národní banka) is the Czech central bank and supervisor for credit institutions, PIs, EMIs, investment firms and insurance. It operates one of the most digitally mature regulatory portals in the EU: applications are filed only electronically, either via the Czech data-box system or by e-mail with a recognised electronic signature.
The Czech regime follows PSD2 and EMD2 directly. Four types of payment licences are offered:
- Payment Institution (PI). Full PSD2 licence with EU passport.
- Electronic Money Institution (EMI). Full EMD2 licence with EU passport.
- Small-Scale Payment Service Provider. Domestic Czech PSD2 Article 32 track.
- Small-Scale E-Money Issuer. Domestic EMD2 Article 9 track.
Let's discuss your project and see how we can launch your Czech EMI or PI payment product together
Request demoCapital and scope
| Licence | Initial capital | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| PI | EUR 20k / 50k / 125k by services | PSD2 Annex I, EU passport |
| EMI | EUR 350k | All PI services plus e-money, EU passport |
| Small-scale PSP | No fixed minimum | Domestic Czech services only, volume cap |
| Small-scale EMI | No fixed minimum | Domestic Czech services only, volume cap |
Process and timeline
- Incorporation. Czech s.r.o. or a.s. with registered office in the Czech Republic.
- File preparation. Per Decree No 1/2022 Coll. on applications and notifications under the Payment System Act. Business plan, governance, AML/CFT (Act 253/2008), safeguarding, ICT/DORA, outsourcing, fit-and-proper.
- Electronic submission. Only electronic via data box or signed e-mail. No paper filing.
- Statutory clock. 3 months from complete file.
- Real timeline. 4 to 6 months end-to-end for a full PI or EMI in Czech Republic. Among the faster EU jurisdictions.
Substance. Czech-resident director recommended, local AML officer, real office. CNB's substance expectations are moderate compared to BaFin or CBI but tightening.
MiCA and PSD3 context
Czech Republic's MiCA implementing measures were finalised in 2025. Grandfathering window runs to 1 July 2026 with applications required by 31 July 2025 for transition protection. For payments, Czech PIs and EMIs migrate to the unified PSD3 regime in 2027.
Ship a Czech EMI or PI product with Crassula
Crassula provides the core-banking platform aligned with CNB expectations: ledger, Czech IBANs, cards, SEPA rails, KYC and AML (Act 253/2008), safeguarding, DORA ICT and CNB-ready electronic reporting.
FAQ
The Czech National Bank (CNB). Single point of contact for all payment and e-money authorisations plus conduct and AML supervision.
Statutory 3 months from complete file. Real-world 4 to 6 months end-to-end, among the faster EU jurisdictions.
Only electronically, via the Czech data-box system or by e-mail with a recognised electronic signature. No paper submissions.
The Czech implementing decree that sets out application and notification requirements under the Payment System Act, including required documents, format and submission channels.
Crassula provides the core-banking platform aligned with CNB expectations: ledger, Czech IBANs, cards, SEPA rails, KYC/AML, safeguarding, DORA ICT and CNB-ready electronic reporting.
