OSVČ Registration in the Czech Republic for Foreigners

What is included

Checking your right to do business based on your residence permit or visa
Choosing the activity and type of trade licence (volná, řemeslná, vázaná, koncesovaná)
Filing the application with the trade licensing office (živnostenský úřad)
Registration with the tax office, ČSSZ and a health insurer
Choosing the regime: actual expenses, flat-rate expenses or flat-rate tax
Opening a bank account and setting up bookkeeping
Filing your first return and ongoing reporting

OSVČ in the Czech Republic: who it suits and when

OSVČ (osoba samostatně výdělečně činná) means a self-employed person. In the Czech Republic an OSVČ operates under a trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění) and is liable with all personal assets. This form suits freelancers, craftspeople, consultants, drivers, online sellers and anyone starting with a small turnover. No share capital is needed, and registration usually takes just a few days.

Which foreigners can register as an OSVČ

EU citizens — can register on the same terms as Czechs.
Third-country nationals — it depends on the type of stay: certain long-term visas and residence permits allow business activity, others do not. Ukrainians with temporary protection in the Czech Republic can also run a business.
Non-residents — some connection to the Czech Republic (an address, a lease) is sometimes needed; we will advise.

Before filing we check your status so that you do not lose time and money on an application that will be rejected.

Types of trade licence

Volná (free) — the most common: consulting, marketing, IT services, trading, brokerage.
Řemeslná (craft) — requires qualifications: hairdressers, electricians, repair specialists.
Vázaná (bound) — requires special qualifications and permits: for example accounting services, driving schools.
Koncesovaná (licensed) — activities that need a special licence, such as transport.

OSVČ taxes and contributions

Personal income tax in the Czech Republic is 15 % of the tax base, with a higher rate above a certain threshold. The base can be calculated in three ways:

using actual expenses supported by documents;
using flat-rate expenses (a percentage of income depending on the activity — 80, 60, 40 or 30 %);
under the flat-rate tax regime (paušální daň) — a single monthly payment combining tax and contributions, up to a set income limit.

You also pay social and health insurance contributions. We calculate all options and show which is better for you. Details on annual filing are on the annual tax returns page.

What to do after registration

Open an account and separate personal and business payments.
Set up bookkeeping and invoicing.
If your turnover approaches CZK 2 million in 12 months, prepare for VAT registration.
If you plan to work with foreign suppliers, check whether you need an EORI number.

How it works

1
Right-to-work check
We look at your type of stay and select a suitable licence.
2
Application to the trade office
We prepare and file the application and pay the official fee.
3
Registrations
We register you with the tax office, ČSSZ and an insurer on time.
4
Tax plan
We choose the expense method and set up bookkeeping so your tax is legitimately minimal.

Documents you will need

Passport and a document confirming your stay (visa, residence permit, card)
Your address in the Czech Republic
Qualification documents — for craft and bound licences
Bank account number

Questions and answers

How much does it cost to register as an OSVČ?

Our fee is on the Prices page. The official fee for the licence is paid separately — about CZK 1,000 for the first licence.

Can I register as an OSVČ on a tourist visa?

As a rule, no. Business activity requires an appropriate type of stay. We check your document before filing.

Do I have to pay contributions if my income is small?

If OSVČ is your main activity, you pay minimum monthly contributions. For a secondary activity different rules apply. We will explain how it works in your case.

What is the flat-rate tax?

A simplified regime for small incomes: one fixed monthly payment instead of separate tax and contributions. We will calculate whether it benefits you.

Does an OSVČ need an accountant?

The law does not require it, but for foreigners it reduces the risk of mistakes and penalties. You can also hire an accountant only to file your annual return.