In the Czech Republic, in order to run a business, you must obtain the appropriate license. Licenses are divided into three main categories: free, artisanal and concessions.
1. Free licenses (Volné živnosti) 🆓
This category covers most types of business that do not require specialized education or experience. It includes 80+ activitiesfor example:
✅ Wholesale and retail trade
✅ Consulting services
✅ Software development
✅ Organization of events
🔹 Conditions of receipt: Age of majority (18+ years) and no criminal record is sufficient.
A full list of activities covered by the free license can be found at reference
2. Craft licenses (Řemeslné živnosti) 🛠️
Such licenses require specialized education or work experience. This category includes:
🔸 Hairdressing services 💇♀️
🔸 Construction works 🏗️
🔸 Car service 🚗
🔸 And other ...
🔹 Conditions of receipt:
✔ Diploma in specialty or Minimum of 6 years of experience in the field.
3. Concession licenses (Koncesované živnosti) 📜
These are licenses for activities requiring additional government authorizations. For example:
🔸 Transportation transportation 🚛
🔸 Security services 🛡️
🔸 Sale of alcohol and tobacco 🍷🚬
🔸 And other ...
🔹 Conditions of receipt:
✔ Compliance with strict requirements (certificates, reputation checks).
✔ Special education is often required.
How do you make a license? 📝
1️⃣ Prepare documents (passport, certificate of no criminal record, etc.).
2️⃣ Apply to Živnostenský úřad (Živnostenský úřad).
3️⃣ Pay the state duty (CZK 1,000).
4️⃣ Obtain a registration statement (Živnostenský list).
🔹 Processing time: 3-5 business days for free licenses, up to 30 days for others.
The choice of license depends on the type of activity.
For more information on craft and concession licenses, you can read this article - Craft and concession licenses in the Czech Republic
If in doubt, it's better to consult a lawyer or accountant. 💼