I am a foreigner and want to start a trade business in Czechia
5 tasks in suggested order
1. First determine your foreigner category and check whether your residence status allows the intended business activity.
Before notifying the trade.
Trade Licensing Register / Ministry of the Interior depending on residence status.
Travel document, citizenship and residence permit/status.
Required documents differ especially between EU citizens and third-country nationals.
Official source: rzp.gov.cz
2. Determine which type of trade your activity falls under and, for craft, regulated or concession trades, prepare proof of professional qualifications or a responsible representative.
Before filing.
Trade Licensing Office / RŽP.
Description of the activity and qualification documents according to the type of trade.
Do not assume that every activity is a free trade.
Official source: rzp.gov.cz
3. Notify the trade or apply for a concession and attach the documents required for your category of foreigner.
Before starting an activity that requires a trade authorisation.
Any municipal Trade Licensing Office / the applicable electronic route.
Identity and residence documents, and where applicable proof concerning the business address and professional qualifications.
For some foreigners, the trade authorisation may depend on later proving the relevant residence authorisation.
Official source: rzp.gov.cz
4. After you actually start self-employment, complete the social-security and health-insurance duties that apply to you.
At/after the actual start of the activity according to the rules of the relevant institution.
ČSSZ and the health insurance company.
Date of start of activity and identification details.
After starting your activity, check the follow-up social and health insurance obligations that apply to your situation.
Official source: cssz.cz
5. Check current tax-registration duties and separately monitor whether VAT or another specific tax registration becomes required.
When starting the business and later whenever a specific registration duty arises.
Financial Administration.
Details of the activity, expected/actual turnover and other taxable activities.
Since 1 January 2024, an individual generally does not register for income tax solely because they started a business. However, check whether another tax-registration duty applies to you.
Official source: financnisprava.gov.cz
