Why this website was created
Starting a business on a trade licence sounds simple. Then come the questions. Unrestricted trade, or regulated trade? How much will I pay at the office? By when do I have to register with social security? Is the flat-rate tax (paušální daň) worth it, or a lump-sum expense allowance (výdajový paušál)? And what if I am a foreigner?
The answers are out there. The trouble is they are scattered across dozens of authorities, forms and laws, often written in language that an official understands more easily than a person who wants to issue their first invoice tomorrow. And beware: the internet is full of older guides with figures that stopped being valid long ago.
That is why zivnostenskylist.cz was created. We want to be the place you come to with a specific question about trade licences and self-employment (OSVČ) and leave with a clear, verified and up-to-date answer. No filler, no empty phrases.
Who we write for
We write for people dealing with business in practice:
- New self-employed people (OSVČ) – you want to set up a trade licence and don't know where to start.
- Existing sole traders – you are dealing with suspension, a change of registered seat (sídlo), switching to the flat-rate tax or registering for VAT.
- Foreigners doing business in the Czech Republic – whether from the EU or from third countries, where the question of residence is added to the trade licence.
Say you want to sell on an e-shop. With us you will find that an unrestricted trade is usually enough (the "Wholesale and retail" field of activity), how much the first notification costs and what advance payments await you right in the first year. Specifically, with figures, step by step.
How we create and verify content
Content about taxes and obligations falls into a category that, in the world of quality assessment, is called YMYL – "Your Money or Your Life". Simply put: an error in an article here can cost the reader money or a fine. We approach it accordingly.
Our rules:
- We draw on official sources. Primarily on the Trade Licensing Act (No. 455/1991 Coll.), on the websites of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Financial Administration, ČSSZ, the health insurance companies and the Ministry of the Interior. For substantial figures and deadlines we put a link to the source directly into the text.
- We state the update date. With articles containing amounts (advance payments, fees, taxes) you will find when we last revised the text. Key figures usually change as of 1 January, so we review every such article at least once a year. When a law changes sooner, we fix it sooner.
- We write clearly, not simplistically. We do not leave out official terms (JRF, responsible representative, assessment base), but we explain them. Where it makes sense, we add a table, a procedure or a real-world example.
- We distinguish the certain from the uncertain. If some amount for 2026 is still in the legislative process or is being debated, we say so openly and recommend verifying it with the relevant authority. We never make up figures.
Beware: Even with all our care, laws change quickly and every situation has its specifics. Treat our texts as a good springboard and orientation, not as the last word.
Editorial standards and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T)
For financial and legal topics, both Google and readers rightly expect a higher bar. It is called E-E-A-T – experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness. Here is what that means for us in practice:
- Authorship. For specialist articles we state who wrote or professionally reviewed them. Topics such as taxes and insurance we consult with people from practice – accountants and tax advisers.
- Traceability of claims. When we state that the first trade notification costs a certain amount, or that some deadline is eight days, we always rely on a specific source that we link to.
- Transparency. We stand behind what we publish. You will find our contact details with us, as well as these standards by which we create content.
- Correction of errors. When you come across an inaccuracy or an outdated figure, let us know. We check the suggestion against the current wording of the law and amend the text. We do not treat updates to YMYL content as a formality.
Important notice: this is not legal advice
Please read this carefully.
All content on zivnostenskylist.cz is informational and educational in nature. It is not individual legal, tax or accounting advice and does not replace consulting a professional or taking action with an authority.
Every case is different. Before you make a decision based on an article that affects your money, taxes or residence in the Czech Republic, verify the specific procedure with a qualified adviser (a tax adviser, a lawyer, an accountant) or directly with the relevant authority – the trade licensing office, the Financial Administration, ČSSZ or your health insurance company. We bear no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of information from this website.
In short: we will help you get your bearings and ask the right questions. But the final decision in your specific situation belongs to you and your adviser.
Have a suggestion or a question?
We are constantly expanding the website and your feedback helps us. Is a topic missing? Have you found an inaccuracy? Get in touch via the contact page. Thank you for helping us keep the content accurate and useful.