20 July 2026
Obtain Trade License in Czech Republic
Find out who needs a trade license in the Czech Republic and how to apply. Our agents can prepare the documents and work with the local authorities for you.
This article provides details about how to obtain a business license in the Czech Republic, mentioning that one of our agents can prepare the required documents and collaborate with the local authorities.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who requires a trade license in Czech Republic | Companies with economic activities in Czech Republic must firstly obtain a trade license. |
Who issues trade licenses in Czech Republic | The Czech Trade License Authority |
Trade license categories | Notifiable trades (free, vocational and professional/qualified) and concession (permitted) trades |
| What can you do with a general trade license? | Most of the activities developed on the market, except the professional ones. |
| Who requires a professional trade license | Persons and companies in regulated fields such as accounting, real estate brokerage or restoration of cultural monuments (healthcare is not a trade and needs a separate permit; travel agencies need a concession) |
| Formalities for obtaining a general trade license | Applicant must provide: – a valid ID card or passport, – residence permit, – proof of domicile in Czech Republic, – clear criminal record |
| Registration for public health insurance (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Time frame for obtaining a trade license | Around 5 business days for notifiable trades (concession trades: decision usually within 30 days) |
| Costs of a trade license | Starting at CZK 1,000 |
| Unique ID business number issued (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Tax registration required | Yes, if you want to start a company in Czech Republic. |
| We can provide support for foreigners who want to obtain a trade license (YES/NO) | Yes |
| We can manage the formalities for Czech trade license (YES/NO) | Yes |
| We offer assistance for company formation in Czech Republic (YES/NO) | Yes |
| We offer free case evaluation | Yes, for company formation in Czech Republic. |
Who needs a Czech trade license?
Companies with economic activities in the Czech Republic.
Who approves trade license applications in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Trade License Authority.
What types of Czech trade licenses are available?
- General licenses,
- Professional licenses.
When is a general license required?
For sectors like:
- Manufacturing,
- E-commerce & retail,
- IT & digital services,
- Administrative services, and many more.
What are the conditions to get a Czech trade license?
- the applicant must be at least 18 years old,
- a valid ID or passport is solicited, alongside proof of business address,
- a police certificate from the country of origin is also required,
- must present proof of paid application fee (approx. CZK 1,000),
- must complete the Unified Registration Form,
- for non-EU/EEA citizens, proof of a long-term visa or a Czech residence permit will be required.
IMPORTANT:
- proving the business address will require a lease contract or a letter of consent from the property owner in the Czech Republic,
- developing craft trades in the Czech Republic will require proof of qualifications when applying for a license.
Can a Czech trade license application be done online?
Yes, by using the e-Government Portal of the Czech Republic and helped/represented by one of our Czech agents.
What types of professional licenses are available in the Czech Republic?
There are around 32 types of professional trades, issued for business activities such as accounting, bookkeeping, real estate brokerage, driving instruction, and art restoration.
What is an unqualified trade license in the Czech Republic?
An unqualified trade license in the Czech Republic is required for those providing marketing services, IT assistance, translation services, and similar activities. These are some of the conditions imposed to obtain an unqualified trade license in the Czech Republic:
- being competent to perform legal acts is another thing to consider when applying for an unqualified trade license in the Czech Republic,
- a clear criminal record is requested. The authorities can make specific checks,
- the submission is made to the Trade Licensing Office.
What is a vocational trade license? Who needs it?
A Czech trade license is also required for vocational workers. This category includes bakers, painters, hairdressers, carpenters, and those who offer cosmetic services. One must meet professional competence and, more precisely, prove that you have the necessary qualifications in the sector in which you want to work, or if it is a matter of retraining.
What is a permitted trade license in the Czech Republic?
A permitted trade license is required for some categories of workers. For example, taxi drivers and other similar applications, vehicle transporters, and sellers of alcoholic beverages must apply for a permitted Czech trade license before practicing. This type of permit is issued either by municipal or state authorities.
What is the time frame to get a Czech trade license?
Around 2-5 business days.
How is the Czech trade license issued?
With the company’s business ID number.
Are there any additional requirements after the trade license is issued?
Yes, the owner of the trade license in question must register with the Social Security and Tax administrations.
Businessmen are invited to contact our team of specialists in company incorporation in the Czech Republic for further information on obtaining trade licenses. Investors can also collaborate with our accountants in the Czech Republic right from the start of the business.