Czech loan cap and EU citizen registration: new laws signed

The Czech president has signed a package of laws that change the rules on consumer lending, the stay of EU citizens in the country, the operation of taxis and the sale of motorway vignettes. The most notable changes are a ceiling on the cost of loans and mandatory registration for EU citizens who live in Czechia long term.

A cap on loans

The amendment to the Consumer Credit Act tightens the conditions for issuing loans and introduces an upper limit on costs for the borrower. The authorities want to put an end to “astronomical” interest rates and hidden fees.

New rules for foreigners

The amendment to the Foreigners Act sets out the conditions of stay for citizens of EU countries. Those who live in Czechia for a long time will have to register. The law also provides for digitalizing the administration of granting and revoking foreign nationals’ right of residence.

Taxis, vignettes and the post office

Changes to the Road Traffic Act give cities the right to require taxi drivers to pass exams in the Czech language and in knowledge of local topography. A separate amendment to the Roads Act abolishes the previous valorization of motorway vignette prices, that is, their automatic annual indexation.

Another amendment concerns reducing the cost of building very-high-capacity electronic communications networks. It defines which costs the state may cover for Czech Post for so-called basic services. An accompanying provision postpones some deadlines in the digitalization of public administration.

Repairability and a ban on destroying clothing

The Ecodesign Act for sustainable products obliges manufacturers to make goods that are easier to repair and recycle. It also bans the destruction of unsold clothing.

Around Prague guide on the topic: Czech vignette 2026: the electronic e-známka and how to buy it

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz