non-EU citizens
TRADE LICENSE
A trade license (known as a ŽIVNO) entitles you to be self-employed or work as freelancer in the trades listed in the Trade Licensing Act. A trade license is also referred to as an “IČO business” or “OSVČ” (or in other words, a “sole proprietorship”, “sole tradership”, or “entrepreneurship”).
This is, of course, not the only way for you to run a business in the Czech Republic, but it is nevertheless the most common format, especially for new start-ups, both in terms of ease of set-up and the costs involved. You’ll need this license if you’re an English teacher, translator, or providing IT or marketing services, for example.
To run a business or obtain a ŽIVNO, you must have a clean criminal record from your country of origin. For reporting trades referred to as a “volná živnost” (or “free trade”), there are no professional qualifications required. This form of trade currently includes over 80 different activities to choose from as your area(s) of activity.
There is a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork involved, but nothing we can’t handle! We can manage everything with a power of attorney so you won’t have to deal with the authorities yourself.
Obtaining a trade license usually takes between 1 and 3 business days.
What we need to apply for a trade license :
- a copy of your passport
- a consent form signed by your landlord granting you permission to use the rented property as your business address (“souhlas s místem podnikání”). If your landlord is not willing to sign this form, we can also offer you a virtual business address as an alternative option.*
- **Note for homeowners: The consent form mentioned above is not required if you own your own property and wish to use that property as your business address. If you share ownership of the property with other people, however, you will still need the consent of EVERY co-owner of the property, even if the co-owner(s) is(are) your family member(s).
- your criminal record - affixed with an APOSTILLE or SUPERLEGALIZATION SEAL (depending on the country of origin)
- a power of attorney for us to represent you throughout the process (we will provide this)
pRICE: 9 000 CZK
Our price includes:
- step-by-step instructions on how the whole process will go
- a power of attorney for gathering and submitting all the required documents for the trade office
- filling out the application form and preparing your dossier
- staying in touch with the trade office in case there are any issues that need resolving
- arranging sworn translations and notarized copies, if needed (for your criminal record; translation/notary fees not include)
- registering with your local tax office, social security office, and public health insurance (if you are entitled to enter the public healthcare system; otherwise we can arrange the appropriate health insurance for you as required by law)
- communication with your landlord for the correct completion of the consent form for using their property as your business address
- communication with other people or entities for purposes regarding your application
- providing consultancy throughout the entire process
