Open an s.r.o. in the Czech Republic as a Foreigner

What is included

Name check and selection of business activities (NACE) for your business
Preparation of the founding document and the founder’s decision
Arranging the notarial deed (including by power of attorney for founders abroad)
Registered address (sídlo) for the company
Filing with the commercial register and support until you receive the extract
Trade licences (živnostenské oprávnění) and appointment of a responsible representative
Registration with the tax office, social security (ČSSZ) and a health insurer
Opening a business bank account and starting bookkeeping

Why foreigners choose an s.r.o.

A limited liability company is the most popular business form in the Czech Republic. The founder is liable only up to the contributed capital, the structure is flexible, and a Czech legal entity inspires trust with banks, clients and EU partners. For foreign entrepreneurs an s.r.o. makes sense once the business goes beyond solo work: employees, partners, a warehouse, EU trade or planned investment.

What to know before registering

Share capital

The minimum share capital is just CZK 1, but the amount should be chosen consciously: too small a capital can worry banks and counterparties, while too large one freezes your own money. We will suggest a sensible amount for your activity.

Registered address

The company needs an address where it is registered. It can be your own premises or a virtual office service. Written consent of the property owner is required. We choose an option for your needs and budget.

Trade licences and responsible representative

Most activities require a trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění). Craft and licensed trades need a responsible representative with the relevant qualification. We will determine which licence you need and help appoint a representative.

Taxes and registrations after the register entry

After registration the company is entered into the tax system and, if needed, becomes a VAT payer. The standard corporate income tax rate in the Czech Republic is 21 %. Dividends paid to shareholders are subject to a separate withholding tax; we will check the rate and the specifics for non-residents during the consultation.

Timeline and cost

The real timeline depends on the notary, the workload of the register and the completeness of documents. A register entry usually takes one to three weeks. Our fee does not include official fees, the notary and the registered address — these are separate items and we show the estimate before work begins. See our prices on the Prices page.

What comes next: bookkeeping and VAT

From the first day an s.r.o. must keep accounts. We suggest connecting bookkeeping right away and, if you work with EU clients, arranging VAT registration and, if needed, an EORI number.

How it works

1
Consultation and plan
We define the structure, shareholders, activities, capital and address, and give you a final estimate.
2
Documents and notary
We prepare the founding documents and arrange signing at the notary, including by power of attorney.
3
Register entry
We file with the commercial register and obtain your company ID (IČO) and the extract.
4
Licences and registrations
We obtain trade licences and register the company with the tax office, ČSSZ and insurers.
5
Bank account and bookkeeping
We help open the account and set up bookkeeping so you meet the first deadlines.

Documents you will need

Passport of each founder and director
Residential address and contact details
Property owner’s consent to the registered address
Description of the business and list of desired activities
Proof of clean criminal record — on request for some activities

Questions and answers

Does the founder have to be in the Czech Republic?

Not necessarily. Documents can be signed at a notary by power of attorney or at a consulate. We will suggest the fastest option for your country.

Can I open an s.r.o. without a residence permit?

Yes, a foreigner can be a founder and director of an s.r.o. This does not by itself give you the right to live or work in the Czech Republic — those are separate immigration matters.

What share capital should I choose?

The law allows capital from CZK 1. In practice it depends on your activity: banks and partners may expect more, and for some licences it is not critical at all. We will choose an amount during the consultation.

How much does it cost?

Our fee is on the Prices page. Official fees, the notary and the registered address are paid separately — their total depends on your situation, and we prepare an estimate in advance.

Do I have to register for VAT immediately?

No, registration is mandatory only after exceeding the turnover limit or by voluntary decision. But when working with EU companies you often need at least identified person status — we will go through it during the consultation.