Can I keep my current citizenship when I become a Czech citizen?

Yes, the Czech Republic allows dual citizenship.

Do I have to renounce my original nationality?

No, unless your home country requires it.

How long does the Czech citizenship process take?

The process typically takes 12–18 months.

Is the Czech language exam hard?

It requires preparation, but courses and practice materials are available.

Can I get a Czech trade license on a tourist visa?

No. You must have legal residence in the Czech Republic that allows business activity.

Do I need an accountant in the Czech Republic?

An accountant is not mandatory, but most foreigners use one for tax filings.

Czech Trade License (Živnostenský list) – How to Apply as a Foreigner

What Is a Czech Trade License?

A Czech Trade License (Živnostenský list or Živnostenské oprávnění) is the official authorization that allows you to operate a business or work as a freelancer in the Czech Republic.
It is issued by the Trade Licensing Office (Živnostenský úřad) and is required for most self-employed activities.

Who Needs a Trade License?

You need a Czech Trade License if you are:

A foreigner planning to work as a freelancer (OSVČ – osoba samostatně výdělečně činná).
Starting your own business in the Czech Republic.
Providing services such as teaching, consulting, IT work, translation, design, or manual trades.

Note: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply directly. Non-EU citizens generally must also have a long-term visa or residence permit for the purpose of business.

Types of Trade Licenses

There are two main categories:

Unregulated Trade License (Volná živnost)
- Covers over 80 common activities (e.g., teaching languages, IT consulting, marketing, administrative services).
- No special qualifications required.
Craft / Regulated Trade License (Řemeslná / Vázaná živnost)
- Requires proof of professional qualifications or experience.
- Examples: accounting, electrical work, driving instruction.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Czech Trade License as a Foreigner

Step 1 – Prepare Required Documents

The basic documents include:

Valid passport
Proof of legal stay (visa or residence permit)
Proof of business address in the Czech Republic
Criminal record extract from your home country (apostilled/superlegalized and translated into Czech)
Completed application form (Jednotný registrační formulář)

Step 2 – Translation & Legalization

Any non-Czech documents must be officially translated by a court-appointed translator.
Foreign criminal record extracts must be apostilled or superlegalized depending on your country.

See our Document Translation & Legalization Guide and Step-by-Step Apostille Guide for details.

Step 3 – Visit the Trade Licensing Office

Submit your application at the Živnostenský úřad in the city where you will operate your business.
Pay the administrative fee (usually 1,000 CZK).
Provide original documents + copies.

Step 4 – Registration With Other Authorities

Once approved, your trade license is automatically registered with:

Financial Office (Finanční úřad) for tax purposes
Social Security Administration (ČSSZ)
Health Insurance Company

Step 5 – Start Operating Your Business

You will receive an extract from the Trade Register (Výpis ze živnostenského rejstříku), which serves as proof of your license.
Keep this document for contracts, tax filings, and bank account openings.

How Long Does It Take?

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Usually issued within 3–5 working days.
Non-EU citizens: Processing depends on having the correct residence permit; if you’re applying for a visa for business purposes, it can take 60–120 days.

Costs & Taxes

Application fee: 1,000 CZK (approx. €40)
Monthly social security: ~2,944 CZK (minimum, 2025)
Monthly health insurance: ~2,968 CZK (minimum, 2025)
Income tax: 15% (with possible lump-sum deductions for certain activities)

Common Mistakes When Applying

Not having a legalized and translated criminal record extract.
Applying for a regulated trade without the required qualifications.
Forgetting to register for tax and insurance obligations.
Applying without the correct visa or residence permit (for non-EU citizens).

How PragueVisas.com Helps

We:

Advise you on the right type of trade license for your activity.
Prepare all forms in Czech.
Arrange apostille, legalization, and certified translations.
Submit your application with you at the Trade Licensing Office.
Ensure tax, health insurance, and social security registration is done correctly.

Quick Reference – Key Offices

Office Type	Czech Name	Purpose
Trade Licensing Office	Živnostenský úřad	Issues trade license
Financial Office	Finanční úřad	Tax registration
Social Security Administration	Česká správa sociálního zabezpečení	Pension contributions
Health Insurance Company	Zdravotní pojišťovna	Health coverage

FAQs

Can I get a trade license on a tourist visa?
No, you must have legal residence that allows business activity.

Do I need an accountant?
While not mandatory, many foreigners use accountants for tax filings.

Is a trade license the same as a work permit?
No. A trade license allows self-employment, while a work permit is for employment by a company.