A trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění, often called živnostenský list) lets an individual run a business in the Czech Republic. A licence holder is an OSVČ (osoba samostatně výdělečně činná) — a self-employed person or sole trader. It is the fastest way to work for yourself in Czechia: no share capital and minimal paperwork.
Below is a practical step-by-step guide. Document requirements depend on your citizenship and residence status, so check with a trade licensing office (živnostenský úřad) or the Information Portal for Foreigners (ipc.gov.cz) before you apply.
Types of trades
- Unqualified (volná) trade — no proof of qualifications needed. Covers most activities: trade, services, IT, design, marketing.
- Professional, regulated and licensed trades — some professions require proof of education or experience, and some need a concession.
Not sure which category your activity falls into? Ask at the trade licensing office — the consultation is free.
Where and how to apply
- You can apply at any trade licensing office in the Czech Republic or through a Czech POINT.
- You fill in the Jednotný registrační formulář (JRF) — a single form that also notifies the tax office, social security (ČSSZ) and your health insurer.
- The fee is 1,000 CZK when you apply in person.
Documents you will need
- passport;
- criminal record extract from your country of citizenship (officially translated into Czech, apostilled for some countries);
- for non-EU citizens, proof of your right to stay in Czechia;
- if your registered address (sídlo) is not your property, the owner’s consent.
What to do after you get the licence
- ČSSZ and health insurance — report the start of your business within 8 days (unless already done through the JRF).
- Data box (datová schránka) — your electronic mailbox for official communication, created automatically. Check it regularly.
- Accounting — decide early: flat-rate tax, flat-rate expenses or actual expenses. This is a question for an accountant.
- Bank account — keep a separate one for your business.
First month: make sure clients can find you
Getting the licence is half the job. The other half is being found.
- Google Business Profile — free, and it is what Google shows on the map when people search “service + area”. See our guide to Google Business Profile in Czechia.
- Firmy.cz — the business directory of Seznam, the Czech search engine. Many Czechs search there.
- A website in Czech — your Czech customers search in Czech. Even a simple one-page website with prices and contacts works better than a social media page.
- Reviews — ask your first clients for a Google review.
