A project in Czechia?
Czechia isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
The path to creating a s.r.o. in Czechia, step by step
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 5 to 14 days for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: CZK 1.
Project scoping & complete file
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Notarial deed
The incorporation deed must take the form of a notarial deed, drawn up by any Czech notary.
Nominal minimum capital
Minimum capital of just 1 Czech crown; below CZK 20,000, no specific bank account is needed for the deposit.
Direct registration by the notary
With direct filing to the commercial register by the notary, the overall timeframe is 5 to 14 days.
Apostille of documents
If the director is a foreign national, their documents generally need an apostille.
Safety margin — opening the bank account
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
VAT
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 21% | |
| Reduced rates | 12% | food, medicines, books |
| Reduced rates | 0% | certain essential goods |
Corporate tax
21%.
Is a visa required?
Not required for incorporation itself. A residence permit becomes necessary only if the director wants to reside in Czechia to carry out professional activity on-site.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening a bank account
Is presence in Czechia required?
No residence permit is needed for simply incorporating an s.r.o., even for a non-EU national. Presence can nonetheless be useful for the notarial signature and document apostille.
Observed timeframe to open the account
A few days to 2 weeks for a standard account, with no minimum capital blocking the opening (share capital possible from CZK 1).
Share capital deposit
Minimum share capital: CZK 1.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Selling on-site and clearing customs
Securing a premises or retail location
Commercial lease and registering the establishment with the trade register (živnostenský rejstřík) depending on the activity.
On-site sales & till
The electronic cash register system (EET) was scrapped; the new EET 2.0 system becomes mandatory for in-person sales from February 2027.
Cash register suppliers
- SumUp
- Zettle (PayPal)
- myPOS
- Shopify POS
- Lightspeed
Payment providers for small businesses
- Stripe
- PayPal Business
- GoPay (acquéreur local)
- Adyen
- Comgate
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
Customs & ATA carnet
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Czechia.
Importing products from outside the European Union
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Czech Customs Administration (Celní správa).
On-site consumer rules
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Czechia — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.