Roofing and carpentry

A craft trade (Annex 1 to the Trade Licensing Act) covering the roofing of roofs with all types of roof coverings and carpentry structures, in particular roof trusses, timber buildings and formwork. To notify it you must demonstrate professional qualification under Section 21 or Section 22 of the Trade Licensing Act.

Examples of activities

• laying of profiled roof coverings (tiles, shingles, fibre-cement slates)
• installation and repair of sheet-metal and membrane roof coverings
• carpentry construction and repair of roof trusses
• construction of timber buildings and installation of timber structural elements
• construction of timber formwork and scaffolding structures
• installation of roof windows, skylights and roof penetrations
• laying of secondary waterproofing and vapour barriers of the roof
• reconstruction and repair of historic roof trusses and roofs

What this trade is and what it is for

Roofing and carpentry is a craft trade (Annex 1 to the Trade Licensing Act) that entitles the holder to construct roofs and load-bearing timber structures of buildings. The roofing part covers the laying, repair and maintenance of all types of roof coverings; the carpentry part covers the construction, installation and repair of timber structures, primarily roof trusses, timber buildings and formwork.

Because it is a craft trade, before commencing business you must demonstrate professional qualification under Section 21, or Section 22, of Act No. 455/1991 Coll. The trade licence arises as early as the day of notification, so there is no need to wait for a decision by the office as with a concession.

What falls under this trade (and what does not)

The trade covers in particular:

• laying of profiled roof coverings (clay and concrete tiles, shingles, fibre-cement slates),
• installation of sheet-metal, membrane and bituminous roof coverings,
• carpentry construction and repairs of roof trusses and framed structures,
• construction of timber buildings and installation of load-bearing and non-load-bearing timber elements,
• construction of formwork, scaffolding and temporary timber structures,
• laying of secondary waterproofing, vapour barriers and the fitting of roof windows and penetrations.

Boundaries with neighbouring trades:

• Sheet-metal elements (flashing, gutters, downpipes, window sills) made of sheet metal fall under the craft trade "Sheet-metal work and bodywork repair".
• Chimneys and flue gas ducts (inspections, cleaning, lining) fall under the trade "Chimney sweeping".
• Masonry and concrete structures fall under the trade "Bricklaying".
• Thermal insulation and conventional roof insulation of paid construction may be covered by "Insulation work".
• Design and engineering activity (structural analysis, truss design, building supervision) is not a craft trade but a separate regulated activity under the Building Act.

If you offer several of these activities, you need the corresponding trade licence for each.

Conditions for obtaining it under the law

You must meet the general conditions under Section 6 of the Trade Licensing Act, i.e. full legal capacity and a clean criminal record. At the same time there must be no obstacle to operating the trade under Section 8 (e.g. an as-yet unterminated bankruptcy or a court-imposed ban on activity). The law does not require medical fitness or liability insurance for this trade.

You must also demonstrate professional qualification. Under Section 21 you prove it with one of the following documents:

• apprenticeship certificate in the relevant field (e.g. carpenter, roofer),
• school-leaving certificate (maturita) in the relevant field or with vocational training subjects in the field,
• a diploma from a higher vocational school or university in the relevant area,
• a document recognising professional qualification, or
• a document verifying or recognising a full professional qualification.

If you do not hold these documents, you can use the alternative options under Section 22:

• education in a related field + 1 year of experience in the field,
• retraining at an accredited institution + 1 year of experience in the field, or
• 6 years of experience in the field without a document of education.

If you do not meet the professional qualification yourself (typically a legal person or an entrepreneur without apprenticeship training), you can demonstrate it through a responsible representative under Section 11, who must meet both the professional qualification and the general conditions. One person may act as responsible representative for no more than four entrepreneurs.

How to notify or obtain the trade step by step

1. Complete the Unified Registration Form (JRF) for notifying the trade.
2. Submit the notification at any Trade Licensing Office (municipal office of a municipality with extended powers), electronically via the rzp.gov.cz portal, or at a Czech POINT contact point.
3. Provide the documents on professional qualification (see above), proof of identity and, where applicable, the consent of the responsible representative.
4. Pay the administrative fee of CZK 1,000 for notification, or CZK 800 for electronic submission via the Trade Register.
5. The office will make the entry in the Trade Register within 5 working days of notification. The licence, however, arises as early as the day of notification.

You will find the detailed procedure in the guide How to start a trade.

Documents and fees

• a completed Unified Registration Form (JRF),
• proof of identity (identity card or passport),
• proof of professional qualification under Section 21 or Section 22 (apprenticeship certificate, maturita, diploma, retraining or experience),
• for a responsible representative, their declaration and documents of qualification under Section 11,
• administrative fee of CZK 1,000 (in person / by post) or CZK 800 (electronically via the Trade Register),
• registration period: within 5 working days of notification.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to hold an apprenticeship certificate specifically in the field of carpenter or roofer?

You do not. In addition to an apprenticeship certificate, professional competence can be demonstrated by a maturita, a higher vocational school or university diploma, recognition of qualification, or alternatively under Section 22 (a related field plus a year of experience, retraining plus a year of experience, or 6 years of experience in the field).

Can I run the business even if I do not meet the qualification myself?

Yes, you appoint a responsible representative under Section 11 who meets both the professional qualification and the general conditions. This person is responsible for the proper operation of the trade.

Does this trade cover the installation of gutters and flashing?

No. Sheet-metal elements (gutters, downpipes, flashing) fall under the separate trade "Sheet-metal work and bodywork repair". To offer them you need the corresponding licence.

When can I start work?

The trade licence arises on the day of notification, provided you meet all the conditions. The office will make the entry in the register within 5 working days, but you do not have to wait for it when starting your activity.

How much will I pay for notification?

The administrative fee is CZK 1,000 for submission in person and CZK 800 for electronic notification via the Trade Register portal.

Sources

• Ministry of Education - database of regulated activities (Roofing, carpentry)
• Act No. 455/1991 Coll., the Trade Licensing Act
• Ministry of Industry and Trade