Get a Slovakia Crypto License

Slovakia and MiCA: New opportunities for legal crypto activity

Slovakia is becoming an increasingly attractive jurisdiction for relocating crypto licenses within the framework of MiCA regulation in the EU. Thanks to its membership in the European Union, the country has adapted its financial and regulatory system to modern requirements for transparency, security, and regulatory adherence in the field of crypto-assets and virtual currencies. This makes Slovakia a promising choice for companies seeking to maintain trust and compliant status within the EU as the market becomes more competitive.

A company with a valid license issued in Slovakia can provide services in the field of virtual assets, from operating cryptocurrency exchanges to managing virtual wallets. The country’s regulators have developed a clear yet strict process for submitting applications and obtaining permits, allowing companies to operate in a recognized and regulated environment.

The licensing procedure includes a comprehensive review of operational processes, internal documentation, risk management procedures, and measures to combat illegal practices. Having a license increases trust from clients, banks, and partners.

Some features that enhance the attractiveness of licensing in Slovakia:

• Full integration with the EU regulatory framework (MiCA), ensuring uniform rules
  
• Protection of client assets through compliance with AML and KYC requirements
  
• The ability to provide services across the entire EU with a single license
  
• Support for a wide range of operations, from virtual wallets to cryptocurrency exchanges and transaction processing

By obtaining a license, a company can quickly strengthen its reputation and gain opportunities to expand its business both within the European Union and beyond, given the growing global demand for regulated cryptocurrency services.

Advantages of a crypto license in Slovakia

Obtaining a crypto license in Slovakia provides companies with tangible advantages when establishing or expanding a business in the European virtual asset market. Under the current EU legislation (MiCA regulation), the Slovak legal model offers a clear regulatory framework focused on security, legal certainty, and stability for virtual asset service providers.

Key advantages include:

• Full regulatory compliance. A crypto license issued in Slovakia ensures adherence to all applicable EU standards, providing both the company and its clients with legal certainty and enhanced protection.
• Access to the EU market. A licensed company is authorized to carry out relevant services and conduct operations throughout the European Union, including currency and financial transactions.
• Strict AML measures. The licensing process includes a conservative and well-structured AML and KYC framework, which builds a high level of trust among clients and partners.
• Business model flexibility. The license covers a wide range of virtual asset operations, from wallet management, currency exchange, and custodial services to payment processing, allowing companies to expand their product offerings and operational models.
• Low startup costs. Compared to other EU countries, Slovakia offers reasonable licensing fees and operational expenses, suitable for both startups and established companies.
• Financial infrastructure. Local banks and payment providers play a vital role, offering reliable fiat on/off-ramps for both clients and businesses.
• Experienced regulator. The Slovak regulator has the expertise and capacity to support companies during the licensing process and assist licensed entities in ongoing operations. Its involvement facilitates successful registration and continuous regulatory adherence.

Main advantages of the Slovak cryptocurrency license

Advantage	Details
Access to the EU market	Full rights to conduct cryptocurrency operations across the entire EU
Regulatory compliance	Aligned with MiCA, ensures reliable legal adherence
AML/KYC implementation	Strict anti–money laundering enforcement
Cost efficiency	Lower fees compared to many Western European countries
Access to banking services	Established banking relationships for cryptocurrency operations
Flexibility	Support for a wide range of crypto-related services

The Slovak crypto license combines regulatory security with practical benefits, helping companies build a reliable, compliant, and scalable business in the rapidly growing European virtual asset ecosystem.

Jurisdiction analysis: How Slovakia stands out among other countries

When choosing a jurisdiction for obtaining a crypto license, it’s important to compare the regulatory framework, costs, and advantages of different options. In this context, Slovakia represents a competitive solution in Europe due to the following factors:

• Full compliance with the MiCA regulation in force within the EU
• Attractive and balanced pricing conditions
• Simplified application and licensing procedure

Slovakia confidently competes with other popular jurisdictions by offering a reliable regulatory environment, clear requirements, and access to the single European market for virtual asset service providers.

Jurisdiction	License type	Regulatory authority	Licensing fees	Time to launch	Compliance burden	Market access	Access to banking
Slovakia	Crypto Service Provider (MiCA)	National Financial Authority	Moderate	3–6 months	Moderate	Full EU access	Established
Germany	BaFin Crypto	BaFin	High	6–9 months	High	Full EU access	Strong
Lithuania	VASP (MiCA)	Financial Crime Investigation Service	Low–Moderate	2–4 months	Medium	Full EU access	Good
Malta	VFA	Malta Financial Services Authority	High	6–8 months	High	EU + International	Good
Estonia	VASP	Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit	Moderate	3–6 months	Medium	EU access	Good
Switzerland	FINMA Crypto	FINMA	High	4–8 months	High	Global	Strong

Key conclusions

• Slovakia offers a balanced approach: moderate licensing fees combined with full access to the European Union market.
• Regulatory requirements are embedded in the regulatory framework and largely align with EU directives, simplifying the operations of licensed companies across other EU countries without the need for additional approvals.
• The licensing process in Slovakia is significantly faster and more cost-effective compared to Germany and Malta, making it especially attractive for startups and mid-sized companies.
• Lithuania and Estonia also offer a simple and fast solution for obtaining a license; however, Slovakia stands out due to its established banking relationships, providing an additional advantage.
• Switzerland, despite its international recognition, remains more expensive and less structured in terms of gaining access to the EU ecosystem compared to the Slovak license.

Establishing a licensed company is an efficient, cost-effective, and EU-compliant solution for entering the European virtual asset market or strengthening one’s position within it.

Clear regulation combined with favorable business conditions makes Slovakia a reliable alternative to other European jurisdictions for crypto licensing.

Requirements for obtaining a crypto license in Slovakia

Obtaining a crypto license inevitably requires potential licensees to fulfill a number of regulatory, operational, and financial obligations. This is due to the country’s commitment to ensuring compliance with European Union standards and legislation under the MiCA regulation, as well as with Slovak financial laws governing the licensing process.

The licensing regime is supervised and enforced by the National Bank of Slovakia (Národná banka Slovenska, NBS). Its services are aimed at strengthening transparency and security measures in the cryptocurrency sector.

Key requirements for a Slovak crypto license include:

Requirement	Description
Legal entity	Register a Slovak company in accordance with Slovak law, with a transparent ownership structure
Capital requirements	Maintain minimum paid-up share capital set by the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), typically starting from €50,000 depending on the type of activity
Management	Appoint qualified management and regulatory oversight officers who meet the “fit and proper” criteria and have experience in financial services
AML/KYC compliance	Implement reliable anti–money laundering (AML) and customer identification (KYC) procedures in line with EU directives
Internal controls	Deploy effective internal control systems for risk management, regulatory adherence, and IT security to safeguard client assets
Business plan	Submit a detailed business plan outlining crypto-related operations, risk assessment, and regulatory policy
Office and substance	Maintain a physical office in Slovakia and sufficient staff to demonstrate economic presence
Reporting obligations	Regularly submit financial, regulatory, and suspicious activity reports to the NBS
Application fees	Pay the relevant application, licensing, and annual renewal fees as set by the NBS

Additional provisions

• Additional licenses. Certain types of activities, such as asset custody, brokerage services, or asset management, may require separate licenses, increased minimum capital requirements, and/or additional regulatory approvals.
• Staff vetting. All directors, beneficial owners, and key personnel of the company are required to undergo background checks to verify their reliability.
• Operational resilience and cybersecurity. Companies must demonstrate the ability to implement and maintain mechanisms for operational resilience and cybersecurity protocols, based on industry best practices and in compliance with MiCA regulation requirements.

Registration of a crypto company in Slovakia: Stages and timeline

The process of obtaining a crypto license in Slovakia is regulated by the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) and fully aligns with the new MiCA regulation in force within the European Union. The procedure involves several stages, each requiring specific documentation and direct interaction with the regulator.

Main stages:

1. Preliminary assessment and planning

• Define the business model and select cryptocurrency operations subject to licensing
• Develop a preliminary strategy in accordance with MiCA requirements
• Consult legal and compliance specialists

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

2. Company registration and organizational setup

• Register a legal entity in Slovakia
• Appoint qualified directors and compliance officers
• Rent office space and prepare for operations

Timeline: 3–5 weeks

3. Documentation preparation

• Draft business plan, risk management policies, AML/KYC procedures, and IT security documents
• Collect supporting documents: identity verification, capital proof, background checks, etc.

Timeline: 4–6 weeks

4. License application submission

• Submit the complete documentation package to NBS and pay the required fees

Timeline: Immediately after documentation is ready

5. Regulatory review and clarifications

• Thorough review of documents by NBS
• Possible requests for additional information, meetings with management, or on-site inspection

Timeline: 8–12 weeks

License issuance

• Upon full compliance and successful review, NBS issues the crypto authorization

Timeline: Within 2 weeks after approval

6. Ongoing compliance

• Maintain regulatory adherence, regularly update AML/KYC procedures
• Submit reports and undergo audits
• Annual authorization renewal (if applicable; not guaranteed automatically)

Estimated total duration:

4–6 months, depending on the complexity of the business model and the quality of the submitted documentation.

Taxation of сrypto сompanies in Slovakia

Operating activities under a crypto license in Slovakia requires taking into account the local tax system. The country’s tax structure is aligned with EU standards, yet includes national provisions that can be advantageous for crypto businesses.

This combination of pan-European rules and local features makes Slovakia an attractive jurisdiction for companies working with virtual assets.

Key features of taxation:

Tax type	Rate/description	Notes
Corporate Income l	21%	Standard corporate tax rate applied to crypto companies operating in Slovakia
Value Added (VAT)	20%	Applies to certain crypto‐related services, excluding pure cryptocurrency trading, which may be VAT-exempt under EU directives
Withholding	19% on dividends	Applies to distribution of dividends to shareholders
Capital Gains	Included in corporate income tax	Cryptocurrency profits are generally taxed as business income
Personal Income	Progressive up to 25%	Applies to employees and individual stakeholders
Social Security and Health Insurance	Contributions according to Slovak rules	Mandatory for resident employees and company directors

Tax advantages

Transparent regime

Slovakia offers clearly defined rules for crypto companies under the MiCA regulation, simplifying compliance.

VAT treatment under EU law

Cryptocurrency transactions are exempt from VAT based on current European Union legislation.

Competitive corporate tax

Slovakia’s corporate rate is 21%, which is a moderate level compared to other European countries.

No special crypto taxes

Profits from cryptocurrency operations are taxed as ordinary business income. No special regimes for crypto assets are applied.

Network of double taxation treaties (DTT)

Slovakia has an extensive network of DTTs, allowing reduced withholding rates on dividends and interest payments in cross-border transactions.

Tax reporting and compliance

• Companies are required to maintain accurate accounting records and file annual revenue declarations.
• Slovak fiscal authorities conduct regular audits and compliance inspections.
• To avoid penalties, it is important to properly document transactions and comply with AML/KYC requirements.

Key facts about the Slovak crypto license

Category	Information
Regulator	National Bank of Slovakia (Národná banka Slovenska, NBS)
Legislation	MiCA Regulation (EU) + Slovak national laws
Covered service types	Cryptocurrency exchange, wallet management, custodial and payment services, etc.
Additional licenses (if needed)	For custody, brokerage, and asset management
AML/KYC	Mandatory procedures based on leading industry standards
IT and operational resilience	Required implementation of cybersecurity and operational reliability
Taxation	Corporate tax – 21%; no special crypto taxes; DTTs with many countries
VAT	Cryptocurrency transactions are VAT-exempt (in line with EU law)
Fees and costs	Moderate compared to Germany, Malta, and Switzerland
Processing time	4–6 months (depending on business complexity and documentation quality)
Key stages	Preliminary planning, company registration, document preparation, application, review, license issuance
Staff background checks	Mandatory for directors, beneficiaries, and key personnel
Renewal	Possible annually; not guaranteed
Competitive advantages	Fast process, reasonable costs, EU market access, transparency, banking sector support
Supervision and audits	Regular audits and inspections by tax and regulatory authorities

Professionals with international experience

Our team includes lawyers, financial consultants, and international regulatory experts with deep specialization in crypto licensing and business support.

We work with over 40 jurisdictions, including MiCA, VASP, EMI, and other regimes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and reliable outcomes for our clients.

Professionalism, industry expertise, and an understanding of regulatory realities enable us to effectively support clients at every stage, from consultation to authorization acquisition.

Start your journey to a legal crypto business in the EU today. We will provide full support at every stage

Sign up for a consultation

FAQ

1. What is a cryptocurrency license in Slovakia and who issues it?

A cryptocurrency authorization in Slovakia is an official authorization issued by the National Bank of Slovakia and other competent regulators. It allows companies to legally conduct activities related to cryptocurrency exchanges, trading, asset custody, and related services under the MiCA (EU) regulation.

2. What types of cryptocurrency services are covered by the Slovak crypto license?

This regulatory status includes the following activities:

• Cryptocurrency exchange services
• Cryptocurrency trading
• Custody of virtual assets
• Wallet services
• Token issuance
• Payment processing
• Brokerage operations

3. How long does it take to obtain a crypto authorization in Slovakia?

The application and review process typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the quality of the submitted documents and the regulator’s workload.

4. What is the required minimum share capital?

In general, the applicant must contribute at least €125,000 in share capital. The amount may vary depending on the scope of the requested activities and the type of license.

5. Is physical presence in Slovakia required?

Yes. The company must have a registered office and must effectively manage and conduct operations in Slovakia or within the EU.

6. Is 100% foreign ownership allowed?

Yes. Slovak law permits full foreign ownership, in line with the EU principles of free capital movement.

7. What compliance obligations apply to licensed companies?

The company must:

• Comply with AML/KYC regulations
• Submit regular financial and operational reports
• Maintain IT security standards
• Undergo periodic audits

8. How is crypto trading taxed in Slovakia?

Profits from cryptocurrency trading are treated as regular company income and are taxed at the standard corporate rate of 21%.

9. Does the Slovak cryptocurrency authorization allow operations in other EU countries?

Yes. Under the MiCA regulation, a registration granted in Slovakia provides passporting rights, the ability to operate throughout the EU market without needing separate licenses in each country.

10. What are the consequences of operating without a license?

Operating without a valid license may result in: 

• Significant fines
• Suspension of operations
• Loss of business reputation
• Criminal liability