Third countries
Trade Licence for Third-Country Nationals
Outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you will additionally need a residence permit that entitles you to do business, along with documents accompanied by an official translation.
residence for the purpose of business
criminal record extract + translation
What you need in addition to EU nationals
- A residence permit entitling you to do business (long-term residence / a visa for the purpose of business),
- a criminal record extract from your home country with an official translation into Czech,
- a travel document,
- for a craft trade, regulated trade (vázaná) or permit (concession) trade, documents evidencing professional qualification (recognised in the Czech Republic),
- proof of business address (sídlo).
Step-by-step procedure
- Obtain a residence permit entitling you to do business long-term residence or a visa for the purpose of business (OAMP)
- Obtain a criminal record extract from your home country with an official translation into Czech
- Choose the type of trade and the field → detail
- Fill in the Single Registration Form (JRF)
- Submit the notification at the trade licensing office (živnostenský úřad) → detail
- Once the extract is issued, register with ČSSZ (Czech Social Security Administration) and arrange health insurance → detail
The order of steps is crucial
Without a valid residence permit for business purposes, the trade licensing office will not issue the trade authorisation. Secure your residence status first, ideally with the assistance of OAMP or an advisory centre for foreign nationals.
Frequently asked questions
What residence permit do I need?
A residence permit that allows business activity — usually long-term residence or a visa for the purpose of business. Verify the specific type with the OAMP (Department for Asylum and Migration Policy).
Do I have to translate my criminal record extract?
Yes, the criminal record extract from your home country must be submitted with an official (court-certified) translation into Czech.