To get a trade license in Czechia (živnostenský list, OSVČ status), you need to file an application (ohlášení) with any Živnostenský úřad in person or online via the Portál živnostenského podnikání, pay a state fee of 1000 Kč (800 Kč for electronic filing), and receive an extract from the register — usually within 5 working days. For most freelancers, the free trade (živnost volná) category is enough, since it doesn't require proof of education: you just need to be over 18, legally competent, and have a clean criminal record.
A živnost (OSVČ, osoba samostatně výdělečně činná) is the simplest way to legally work for yourself in Czechia — as a programmer, designer, translator, tradesperson, accountant, or consultant. Below is a step-by-step breakdown for 2026: types of trade licenses, required documents, filing in person or online, the state fee, registration with ČSSZ and your health insurer, and what to do about taxes afterward. If you've just moved here, start with our checklist of first steps in Czechia.
A trade license gives you an IČO (business identification number) and the right to issue invoices (faktury) to clients in Czechia and abroad. You pay your own income tax and social/health insurance contributions, but in exchange you're not tied to an employment contract and can work with any number of clients. That's exactly why freelancers and remote professionals switch to živnost in large numbers.
The type of trade license determines whether you need to prove qualifications. Most digital professionals only need živnost volná.
| Type of živnost | Examples of activity | What needs to be proven |
|---|---|---|
| Volná (free/unregulated) | IT, marketing, translation, design, e-shops, consulting, copywriting | Nothing beyond the general conditions (18+, legal competence, clean record) |
| Řemeslná (craft) | Hairdressers, cooks, builders, car mechanics | Relevant education or practical experience |
| Vázaná (bound/regulated) | Accountants, massage therapists, tour guides, designers/engineers | Diploma, certificate, or verified practice |
| Koncesovaná (licensed/concession-based) | Taxi services, security, travel agencies, alcohol sales | A separate authorization (koncese) from a state authority |
You can find the full list of unregulated (volná) activities on the official portal rzp.gov.cz. A single živnost volná covers dozens of fields at once — you can list several.
The basic package for živnost volná is minimal, but foreigners face a few nuances regarding residence status and criminal record certificates.
The rules on residence status differ:
For electronic filing, log in to the Portál živnostenského podnikání via Identita občana (Bank iD, the eGovernment mobilní klíč, and other options). In the electronic filings section, fill out the "Ohlášení nebo změna živnosti" form and submit it from the app or via datová schránka. Filing through the official electronic form comes with a 20% discount, so the state fee is 800 Kč instead of 1000 Kč.
| Parameter | Value (2026) |
|---|---|
| State fee for first ohlášení | 1000 Kč (800 Kč online) |
| Time to receive extract | up to 5 working days |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Criminal record certificate | clean rejstřík trestů, usually no older than 90 days |
The 800 Kč discounted fee applies specifically when filing through the official electronic form (§9 of the Act on Administrative Fees — 20% off). If you file through a Czech POINT contact office, an extra 50 Kč is added for processing the application.
The main convenience of the JRF is that a single form registers you with several authorities at once — no need to visit each one separately:
As soon as you get your IČO, it's worth opening a separate business account so you don't mix personal and business money. See our guide on how to open an account at a Czech bank, and our comparison of banks for foreigners can help you choose one. For payments with clients abroad, Revolut and Wise are handy — more details in our guide on transferring money from Czechia.
Once your živnost is open, you have two main tax regime options. Exact amounts are indexed annually and were even revised mid-year in 2026, so check the official finanční správa, ČSSZ, and your health insurer's websites before paying.
An OSVČ whose business is their main activity (hlavní činnost) pays monthly insurance advances. Approximate minimum rates for 2026:
| Contribution | Min. monthly advance (2026) |
|---|---|
| Social insurance (ČSSZ) | around 5,005 Kč |
| Health insurance | around 3,306 Kč |
An important detail for 2026: as of July 1, the minimum social insurance advance was reduced from the previous 5,720 Kč to 5,005 Kč, retroactively from January — meaning an overpayment builds up for the first half of the year, which can be refunded or offset. The health insurance advance (around 3,306 Kč) has not changed. The social advance is due by the end of the month it covers, while the health advance is due by the 8th of the following month. Once a year, you file an annual report (přehled), which recalculates the amount based on actual income.
This is a popular regime: a single monthly payment covers your income tax and social and health insurance contributions all at once, with no annual reports required. Eligibility conditions: you're not a DPH (VAT) payer, your annual income is under 2 million Kč, and you have no employment income. There are three brackets (pásma) depending on income — roughly 9,162 Kč, 16,745 Kč, and 27,139 Kč per month for 2026; payment is due by the 20th of each month. The first bracket was reduced from 9,984 Kč to 9,162 Kč as of July 1, 2026 (retroactive to January); the second and third brackets are unchanged. The application to join must be filed with the finanční úřad by January 10 (new OSVČ file it when starting their business).
An alternative to the flat-rate tax is flat-rate expenses (paušální výdaje), where you deduct 40–80% of income without tracking actual costs. Which option works best for you is worth calculating with a professional — check out our directory of accountants and tax advisors. If you need documents translated for the úřad, here are our translators.
The state fee for the first ohlášení is 1000 Kč when filed in person, and 800 Kč when filed through the official electronic form (20% discount). Also budget for a certified translation of your criminal record certificate.
Yes. Through the Portál živnostenského podnikání with Identita občana, or via datová schránka. The state fee is lower for online filing — 800 Kč — and the extract still arrives within the same 5 working days.
No, not for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Third-country nationals need a long-term visa or residence permit granting the right to run a business. Ukrainians with temporary protection have simplified access.
No, as long as you included this in the JRF — registration with ČSSZ, your health insurer, and the finanční úřad all happen through the single form. But do check that the notifications went through within 8 days of starting.
Income tax plus social and health insurance contributions. Many choose the paušální daň — a single monthly payment. Check the finanční správa and ČSSZ websites for exact amounts, since they change every year, and in 2026 they were even adjusted mid-year.
For more step-by-step guides on living and working in Czechia, see our full guides section.
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