A practical guide to trade licences, self-employment and business in Czechia

In-person procedure

How to register a trade licence in person at the office

The classic route with assurance — an official will check or complete the form with you. The notification is accepted by any municipal trade licensing office (živnostenský úřad) in the Czech Republic.

1 000 Kč an official helps with the JRF any office
Find the nearest office

What to bring with you

  • Identity card (občanský průkaz),
  • a completed Single Registration Form (Jednotný registrační formulář, JRF) (or you can fill it in on the spot),
  • 1 000 Kč for the fee (in cash or by card),
  • for a craft, regulated (vázaná) or concession (koncesovaná) trade, documents proving your professional qualification,
  • if the business address (sídlo) is to be different from your place of residence, a document proving the right to use the premises.

If you are a foreign national, you will also need documents specific to your situation — see the overview on the trade licence for foreigners page. If you are registering the trade on behalf of someone else (for example, as their representative), also bring a notarised power of attorney.

Step-by-step procedure at the office

  1. Find any municipal trade licensing office you are not tied to your place of residence → detail
  2. Bring your identity card and documents
  3. On the spot, fill in (or bring) the Single Registration Form (JRF)
  4. Pay the administrative fee of 1 000 Kč in cash or by card
  5. The office registers you and issues an extract with your IČO (business ID) within 5 working days

Find the nearest trade licensing office

Choose an office by region and town, or let the site find the one nearest to you.

Catalogue of offices with a map

When an in-person visit makes more sense than online

Going to the office in person pays off especially for a craft, regulated, or permit (concession) trade, where an official checks on the spot whether your proof of professional qualification is actually sufficient — for an unqualified trade, filling in the online form yourself is usually enough. An in-person visit also helps if you are unsure about the wording of your business activity, choosing the right field, or what counts as proof of your business address (sídlo) — an official can advise you directly, which the online form cannot.

You don't need a booked appointment

Most trade licensing offices work on an appointment system, but filing a trade notification is usually also possible without booking, during office hours. Booking online through the office's website, though, saves you queuing, especially in larger cities.

Frequently asked questions about in-person notification

Do I have to go to the office in my place of residence?
No. The notification is accepted by any municipal trade licensing office (the office of a municipality with extended powers) anywhere in the Czech Republic.
How long does it take on the spot?
The filing itself is a matter of moments. The office issues the extract with your IČO (business ID) within 5 working days, but the trade authorisation arises as of the day of notification.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025 revenue stamps (kolky) no longer apply — you pay the fee in cash or by card at the office.
Do I need to bring a stamp or a signature specimen?
No, the Trade Licensing Act does not require a stamp. A valid identity document and, where relevant, documents proving professional qualification are enough.
Can someone else file the notification for me?
Yes, with a notarised power of attorney a representative can file the notification — for example an accountant, a lawyer, or a family member.
What if the office tells me a document isn't sufficient?
The official will point out the shortcoming on the spot and advise you how to fix it — that's the main advantage of filing in person over the online form.