**1.	What drew you to study in Prague? Were you considering other places?**
I had always heard positive things about Prague, so it had been on my radar for a few years already. When I started looking at potential programs, I realized that I wanted to prioritize doing an internship. There were only a few programs that offered an internship and Prague was the only one that assisted me in finding an internship. The other program I was considering was in Utrecht, Netherlands. They also had internships but I would have had to arrange everything myself (paperwork as a foreigner included).

**2.	Did you have any cultural shock moments here?**
Not really! I had been to Europe before and I have traveled quite a bit so nothing really shocked me in a significant way.

**3.	What has been your favourite place you discovered here?**
There was a little place around the corner from my apartment that served authentic Chai tea. It was fantastic. I liked to bring my laptop there to study.

**4.	What did you think of the university you attended? How did it compare to your university in the USA?**
My program was based out of a small building in Vyšehrad. I didn’t attend Charles university or any other big universities while here. In comparison to my experience back home, it was very convenient having all of my classes in one building. UCSD (University of California San Diego) has a very large campus and I have to consider the distance between them when I make my schedule each quarter. My program encouraged field trips in our classes which was an amazing way to discover new things in Prague with our professors who grew up here. I would love to have field trips back home. Other than that, everything else was pretty similar, I think they try to keep it as similar to a U.S. model as possible because all of the students are from the U.S..

**5.	What was your most memorable experience in Prague?**
I could say one of the nights I went clubbing with my friends but I think my most memorable experience was showing my dad the city when he came to visit. It felt so great to show him all of the famous buildings (and actually know something about them). He was very lucky to get his own private tour.
**
6.	What didn’t you like about Prague? Is there anything you struggled with?**
I felt like there were a lot of areas that I tried to avoid because of heavy crowds and over tourism. I wouldn’t say that I struggled with it but it was frustrating at times.
**
7.	You’re a history major, what was your favourite historical landmark to see here?**
I am a big fan of the defenestrations of Prague. I learned about them when I was 16 years old in my history class in high school and I have never forgotten them. Somebody pointed out the sites of one of the defenestrations to me in the first few weeks that I was here, and I was filled with pure joy.

**8.	You’ve been travelling a lot this past year, how do the other large European cities you visited compare to Prague?**
I did travel quite a bit while I was here. I visited Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Bratislava, Istanbul, London, Dresden, and Budapest. I felt like Prague was prettier and had better public transportation than every other city I visited. Some places had better food and some had other exciting things but every time I came back to Prague I became more impressed with how beautiful it is. In my opinion, the architecture just doesn’t compare, it’s the perfect size to walk everywhere or take a short tram ride, it’s affordable, and the nightlife is fantastic.

**9.	If you were to show your friends who have never been to Prague, what would you show them?**
I actually got to do this a couple of times! I had a few people visit. I would start at Vyšehrad where we would appreciate the view, then we would walk up along the river past Dancing House and the National Theater. Then we would cut in to see the Franz Kafka Head. Next, we would walk to Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock and maybe walk to the top of the clock tower. After that we would walk across Charles Bridge and see the Lennon Wall. The next day we would go to Prague Castle and then walk around that area to shop in the stores. We would finish the day at Letná Park (probably in the beer garden) for sunset. If we have time, we would also go to Petřín and go to the top of the tower for the view.

**10.	 Are you planning to come back to Prague in the future?**
I would love to come back to Prague in the future. I don’t know when but I will definitely be back!

At the end of our interview, I asked Samantha how she would rate her stay in Prague and what tips she would give to people considering staying in Prague for a longer period of time. Her rating of her stay was 9.5, nearly perfect, as “there’s still a 10/10 in the world that I haven’t come across yet”. When it comes to tips, we both agree that the best way to discover Prague is walking around and exploring as there is always a charming hidden space to discover or new friends to find. 

_Author: Eliška Unzeitigová_


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Samantha Skorstad: ‘Every time I came back to Prague I became more impressed with how beautiful it is’ 

Samantha Skorstad_interview

The Program targets **highly skilled digital nomads**, proficient in the IT sector, as a response to the shifting landscape of global workforce mobility and freelancing, notably accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its main objective is to **streamline the relocation process** of these professionals to the Czech Republic.

Eligibility for the Program extends to citizens from specific countries, namely **Australia, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, and Taiwan**. It caters specifically to two categories of digital nomads:

**Remote Employees**: This includes foreign employees who continue working for their foreign employer while stationed in the Czech Republic. The work is conducted remotely, facilitated by digital communication tools. The digital nomad remains an employee of their foreign company and does not establish a formal employment relationship with a Czech employer.

**Freelancers (Self-Employed)**: Foreign individuals who possess or plan to acquire a Czech Trade License fall under this category. They engage in self-employment while being a part of the Program.

The Program accommodates **immediate family members** of the digital nomads, such as spouses, registered partners, and children. These family members can apply for residence permits simultaneously.

Enlisted digital nomads gain several advantages under the Program:

1. _Visa/Residence Application_: They can submit their long-term visa or residence permit applications at Czech Republic embassies/consulates abroad. This privilege extends to their immediate family members as well.

2. _Application Processing_: The processing of their visa or residence permit applications is expedited, with a commitment to review within 45 days from submission.


However, it's crucial to note that participation in the Program is **not guaranteed by law**. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is responsible for evaluating applications. Interested individuals must send their applications to the designated email address, _**digitalnomad@mpo.cz**_.

[More information](https://www.mzv.cz/seoul/en/ko/longterm/digitalnomad.html) and forms.

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Czech Republic Launches New Government Program – Digital Nomad

digital nomad program

**Don't terminate just interrupt**

You can interrupt your trade for any length of time and if you decide to return to the business at some point in the future, you can renew your trade again and continue your business. If there is even a slight possibility that you will return to the business at some point, even if in a different form, this is certainly a better option, as it avoids the CZK 1,000 fee for setting up the business again. You only have to report the interruption to the Trade Licensing Office, there is no need to explain or prove anything.

**When you decide to terminate your trade licence**

If you are adamant that your business has been a dead end and you will never rebuild it in the future, then a real and final closure of the trade is in order. However, along with the trip to the trade office, think about other important steps.

**Deal with your employees**

Most sole traders work for themselves, so the livelihood of other people is not tied to them (except for their own family). However, if you are one of the minority who employ other people, you need to think about terminating the ties with them as well. While termination of a trade is one of the reasons under the Labour Code when you can give notice, it also comes with other obligations such as two months' notice and payment of severance pay of up to three times the average salary (depending on how long the employee has worked for you). In this situation, the employment relationship can also be terminated by a termination agreement, but the employee must agree to it.

**Sort out your debts and liabilities**

If you have outstanding debts or liabilities, it is definitely advisable to invoice or pay everything before you close the business. However, if you were to close the business and fail to pay an invoice, you are unlikely to avoid paying it anyway, as the amount owed would probably be recovered from you even after the business has closed.

**Termination at the Trade Licensing Office**

The termination of a trade must first of all be notified to the central registration point (CRM) (trade offices, Czech POINTs). For this purpose, a special form called a change sheet is filled in, which is also used in cases where, for example, the name, address or other important data related to the business changes. You can fill in the change sheet directly at the trade office or Czech POINT. You will list here all the trades you wish to close. If you reported more than one trade at the beginning of your business, then you must terminate each trade individually. The declaration can be made by:

_in person at a central registration point_ - An application for termination of a trade licence can be made at any trade office throughout the country, as local jurisdiction has been revoked. The registration in the trade register will be made by the trade office that received the application first.

_online_ (with an electronic signature, or to a data box),
or send the completed and signed form to the relevant trade licensing office by post.

You can cancel your trade on the date you fill it in, or you can choose a later date. However, it is not possible to end a trade retrospectively. If you do not fill in any date and leave this box blank, the trade will be terminated on the date the decision to terminate it becomes final (this is the 16th day after the decision is issued or delivered to you). From the date of receipt of the decision, you have 15 days in which to lodge an appeal. However, you can also waive your right to appeal and thus shorten the time limit considerably.

After the termination of the trade, information about your business will remain available and visible in the public trade register for 4 years. After this period, it will be moved to the non-public part of the register.

**Tip**: You can also notify other institutions, such as the Tax Office, the health insurance office or the district social security office, of the closure of your business via the change certificate. This will save you a lot of time and work.

Please note that you are still obliged to pay social security and health insurance contributions, as well as to keep accounting or tax records during the waiting period in which the trade office assesses your application. The waiting period is up to 30 days, during which you are still considered an entrepreneur.

**Bypass other authorities**

Unless you have taken our well-intentioned advice and notified the other authorities of the end of your business via the change sheet, you must now inform all these places individually. They have different notification deadlines, so plan your visits so you can get everything done in time.

**Notify the health insurer within 8 days of closing your business.**

**Notify the tax office by the 15th day after you close your business.**

**Submit the notification to the district social security office no later than the 8th day of the month following the month in which the business was closed.**

If you fail to meet the deadlines and thus breach your notification obligation, you may be fined **up to CZK 10,000**. The good news is that you don't have to pay anything to close your business. The authorities will provide all services free of charge.

**Don't forget to file your tax return next year**

Don't forget to submit your tax returns and reports to the district social security office and health insurance office on time and correctly in March next year, even if you are already a full-time employee, for example. In this case, your employer will not process the taxes for you and it is up to you or your tax adviser or accountant.


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How to cancel a trade licence?

Prague, the heart of the Czech Republic, is an enchanting and vibrant city that attracts expats from all corners of the world. Whether you're here for work, study, or simply to experience the rich history and culture, there are several apps that can make your life as an expat in Prague significantly more convenient. We're here to introduce you to five essential apps that every expat should consider having in their smartphone.

##### **1. ZÁCHRANKA: Immediate Access to Emergency Services**

No matter where you are, unexpected events can occur at any time. With Záchranka on your mobile phone, you can swiftly connect to emergency services or mountain rescue personnel at the press of a single button. Moreover, this application offers a range of intelligent features and connectivity options designed to assist you during critical situations.

##### **2. IDOS: Mastering Public Transportation**

Prague boasts an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro. IDOS is an indispensable app for expats as it provides comprehensive schedules, route planning, and real-time updates. Say goodbye to the stress of missing a tram or wondering when the next metro will arrive - IDOS has got you covered.

##### **3. MAPY.CZ: Explore Prague with Local Insight**

Mapy.cz is a fantastic app for expats seeking an in-depth understanding of Prague's neighborhoods and attractions. It not only offers detailed maps but also provides information about local businesses, tourist spots, and even hiking and biking trails. This app is particularly useful for those who want to explore the city off the beaten path and find hidden gems known mostly to locals. With Mapy.cz, you can navigate Prague with a touch of local insight, enhancing your overall experience in this remarkable city.

##### **4. PID LÍTAČKA: Your Public Transport Companion**

For expats relying on public transportation in Prague, the PID Lítačka app is an absolute must-have. It allows you to purchase and store electronic tickets, check schedules, and receive real-time updates on trams, buses, and the metro. With PID Lítačka, you can easily plan your routes, ensuring you never miss a tram or bus and can seamlessly explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods and attractions.

##### **5. PRAGUER: Essential information at one place**

The application provides comprehensive information on life in Prague, thoughtfully organized by topics to serve as your daily guide. It covers various aspects, from insights into the Czech social and educational system to valuable resources for business support.
Within the application, you'll discover essential contact details for various organizations, institutions, and their respective departments. This includes entities that handle housing matters, medical facilities specializing in foreigner healthcare, and non-profit organizations offering free consultancy services.
The application also features an interactive map to help you locate relevant institutions in your vicinity and navigate the quickest route to reach them.
It is also multilingual, offering accessibility in six different languages: Czech, English, Russian, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Chinese, and Arabic.


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5 Must-Have Apps for Expats in Prague

The City of Prague is praised not only for its astonishing sights, galleries, and museums (placing **4th in the world in Museums Category**) but also for the development undergone during the pandemic. The city flexibly modified public spaces to accommodate the current requirements in order to maintain a **high standard of living** for its citizens. The city, traditionally rich in sights and culture, is now becoming an **enticing destination for international companies**, such as Microsoft, Cisco and Oracle, attracting plenty of expats and young talents.

In the **World’s Best Cities Report**, cities are ranked on business and education development, prosperity alongside with infrastructure, housing, culture and overall atmosphere of the area.

Full report to be found at the [World's Best Cities Website](https://www.worldsbestcities.com/rankings/worlds-best-cities/).

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Prague Ranking 12th World’s Best City

We all have many common and a number of specific requirements that quality design and architecture help address, which is why we want to know yours!

Whether you are part of any group, whether you walk, use public transportation, a car, a bicycle, or combine all options, your feedback will help us incorporate your needs into the emerging wayfinding and make it the best for everyone.

If you are interested in participating in the research, please sign up using the [questionnaire](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF6Uiz-AWi-WMwzme5lEkeZel375Ueg5VzzEntitsQl8j7-A/viewform).


Currently, we are looking for respondents for the autumn research at the HolKa location near the Štvanická lávka, where we are piloting elements of pedestrian navigation – an obelisk and directional sign. For a 30-minute interview at the location, respondents will be rewarded with a gift package and the opportunity to be among those who help make Prague more legible for everyone.

Source: Czechdesign

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Help your city to navigate better

orientation

#### **General Information**

Granting scholarships to citizens from developing and specific countries listed below for studies at the Czech public higher education institutions is an important part of the foreign development cooperation of the Czech Republic and has a long tradition. From the late 1950s to the present day over 20 000 foreign nationals have completed their studies at Czech universities with a scholarship of the Government of the Czech Republic.

**Eligible Countries and Study Programmes**
Scholarships for the academic year 2024/2025 are offered only to the citizens of the following countries:

**Belarus,
Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Cambodia,
Ethiopia, 
Georgia, 
Moldova, 
Ukraine, 
and Zambia.**

The Government Scholarships are structured to cover the standard duration of study in the following ways:

**Follow-up Master Study Programs**
This includes a one-year preparatory course in the Czech language (integrated with field-specific training). These scholarships are offered to graduates of Bachelor's degree programs. Applicants can only enroll in study programs within select areas where instruction is conducted in Czech. Depending on the subject matter, applicants may be required to pass entrance examinations at the relevant university as a prerequisite for scholarship consideration.


**Follow-up Master and Doctoral Study Programs**
These scholarships are available for graduates of Bachelor or Master study programs, respectively, who enroll in study programs with instruction in the English language.

Each applicant is obliged to fill in an electronic application form at the latest by **30 September 2023**. The successful applicant starts studying in the academic year **2024/2025**.

Detailed information on the terms and conditions of scholarship awards is provided in the binding ["Guidelines for Granting Scholarships of the Government of the Czech Republic"](https://www.msmt.cz/eu-and-international-affairs/government-scholarships-developing-countries-2), issued in Czech and English.



**Source:** Website of the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports




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Deadline for Government Scholarships Approaching

scholarships

Do you already have your **BIO bin**? You can throw away the peelings from your kitchen in the BIO bin instead of the regular bin, and the second chance for your waste is here! Plant waste will be turned into useful **compost**. You will reduce a huge amount of mixed urban waste and benefit the parks, orchards and gardens that improve our air.

#### **Information about the service**

Plant waste makes up to **20% of the contents of normal bins**. A fifth of the rubbish that could still be used to improve the air ends up in an incinerator... But it's a lousy fuel, and it burns badly. The nutrients go up the chimney without any benefit.

#### **About the bio waste bin**

Over 16,000 Prague households already deposit their vegetable waste in the brown BIObin (November 2021). Do you want to be one of them? If you're a property owner, just take a few minutes to fill in a few details in the [form](https://bio.praha.eu/formular/) (unfortunately only in Czech for now) and submit. Members of owners' associations, condominiums, etc. need to agree first. As a regular tenant, you can ask the building owner or someone acting for the owner to order a BIO bin for your building. In addition, a BIObin can reduce your waste removal charges!

#### **What will a BIO bin cost me?**

There is **no charge** for providing a BIO bin and arranging regular collections from 2022.

If the BIO bin will be placed in a public place and/or used by six or more households, it must have a lock on the lid. The container with a lock and two keys is also supplied free of charge to the owner of the premises by the collection company.

Costs may be incurred with the service if more keys are ordered. 

Get more information about the BIO waste bin arrangement here: [https://bioodpad.praha.eu/](https://bioodpad.praha.eu/)

And about the specifics of the BIO waste recycling rules [here](https://portalzp.praha.eu/file/3426189/HMP_012022_bioodpad_A4_AJ_nahled.pdf).

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Separate BIO waste with free of charge bins for vegetation

BIO waste

The Czech government has presented plans for an initiative aimed at facilitating the **voluntary return of refugees to Ukraine**. The plan, which is outlined in the draft sixth amendment to the “lex Ukraine” law, will see the Czech government providing **assistance and partial coverage of associated costs** for those opting to return. 

This move comes as the country seeks to address the recently increasing demand from refugees wishing to return to their homeland. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine, the Czech government perceives the provision of assistance to those opting for return as a progressive step.

The voluntary return program will involve the Czech Ministry of the Interior **arranging transportation** (paying for it) and providing **free guidance with regards to paperwork**. 

Eligibility for the program extends to **asylum seekers, individuals with revoked or non-renewed residence permits, as well as those who were previously deported.**

While offering aid to those who wish to return, the government also recognizes the need to ensure that the <u>decision is fully informed</u> and <u>free from undue pressure</u>. This delicate balance between support and individual agency remains at the forefront of the Czech Republic's approach to managing the refugee situation.

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Repatriation travel costs assistance for Ukrainian refugees

Czech government set to cover the repatriation costs

Prague's dedication to sustainable urban development is evident in its strategic planning and policies, which encompass various aspects of sustainability. **Energy efficiency** stands as a crucial focus area, with the city implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. Through investments in green technologies such as solar panels and efficient heating systems, Prague has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

In addition to energy efficiency, Prague has also prioritized **effective waste management** and recycling programs. The city has implemented comprehensive waste management systems that encourage citizens to separate and recycle their waste responsibly. By doing so, Prague has not only reduced the amount of waste destined for landfills but has also fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among its residents.

Prague's commitment to **sustainable transportation** is evident in its efforts to enhance public transportation systems and promote eco-friendly mobility options. The city boasts a well-developed tram network, extensive bus routes, and a connected metro system, all of which contribute to reducing private car usage. These sustainable transportation initiatives have not only alleviated traffic congestion but have also mitigated air pollution, making Prague a more livable and environmentally friendly city.

One of the defining features of Prague is its abundant **green spaces**, which play a crucial role in the city's sustainability efforts. Parks, gardens, and urban forests are carefully maintained, providing residents with ample opportunities to connect with nature. These green spaces not only enhance the well-being of citizens but also support biodiversity and act as vital habitats for various plant and animal species.

Prague's ranking as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe underscores its commitment to creating a greener and more livable urban environment. The city's relentless pursuit of sustainability serves as an inspiration to other cities striving to implement environmentally conscious practices. As Prague continues to prioritize sustainability in the years to come, it is poised to further enhance its reputation as a model sustainable city, leading the way towards a more sustainable future for all.

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Prague ranks as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe

#### _**A) Social security**_

•	The minimum advances (social security) for 2023 are **CZK 2,944 per month** for the self-employed (if it is your main activity). The advances are changing slightly every year. For the Social Insurance you will be assigned a special number. In the first year of the Trade Licence, everyone starts off by paying the minimum social security contribution. The amount for the next year is calculated according to the business profit in the previous tax year.

•	If the business based on the Trade Licence is your **secondary activity** (possible only if you have other employment and earning more than minimum wage), you do not have to pay any advance payments for the first year. And if your annual income does not exceed the so-called decisive amount (for 2023 it is CZK 96,777), you do not have to pay any advance payments for social insurance next year as well.
•	Also, consider if you want to pay **“sickness insurance”**. It’s not your legal duty. If you want to pay it then the sickness insurance is paid in the amount of 2.1% of the monthly assessment base. The minimum amount is CZK 168 (for 2023) and it is also transferred to the Social Security Office (=OSSZ) account. Sickness insurance makes you eligible for sickness benefits and leave, and for the maternity leave. The sickness insurance starts to be paid only much later after an entrepreneur falls ill (usually even several weeks later), so it rather really covers serious illnesses and many entrepreneurs choose to pay a commercial insurance or put some money aside.
•	For the sake of possible future maternity leave it is very important to start paying the sickness insurance long enough in advance (the whole pregnancy and even sooner) and it definitely pays-off. Precise numbers are to be derived from the income and are worth consulting with specialised social workers.

#### _**B) Health insurance**_

•	The amount paid in contributions depends on your profit (it amounts to about 2.7% of profit), but the minimum is **CZK 2,722 per month** (for 2023). In the first year of their trade licence, everyone starts with the minimum health care contribution.
•	The health insurance company will let you know their account number. You will be sending advance payments for health insurance. The identification number is usually the Birth Number (=rodné číslo, r.č.) which is used as the Variable Symbol. As a foreigner, please ask for the variable symbol.
•	In case you are in a Commercial health insurance system (non-EU), you don’t have to pay monthly advance payments, because you are already prepaying an insurance fee. Having a trade licence is unrelated to Commercial health insurance.

#### _**Flat-rate tax**_

•	**Registration for the Flax-rate tax was possible only until the 10th of January 2023.**
•	Flat-rate tax is a monthly payment made for Self-employed with an annual income of **up to two million crowns**. The flat-rate tax consists of income tax, health insurance and social insurance minimum contribution. The **monthly payment** for the year 2023 is **CZK 6,208**. No tax deductions or tax allowances can be asked.

#### _**!! IMPORTANT !!**_

Once a year, you are obliged to do a **Tax Return for the Self-Employed** and also submit the **Summary of Income and Expenses** to both the social security office and your health insurance office. The deadline is 2nd May. All self-employed persons (except those with flat-rate tax) are obliged to fill in and submit the summary, even those for which there is no minimum assessment base. Please ask your tax advisor for these statements along with Tax Return.

#### _**What if Self-Employment is Only My Secondary Activity?**_

Self-employment can also work as a secondary income, therefore you can have a full time job as well. This is possible only if you have other employment and** earn more than minimum wage**. No matter if you want to have your trade licence as your main or extra income, you still need to visit the Trade Licence Register to get your IČO (Identification Number) and then inform the Financial Administration Office, Social Security Administration Office and Health Insurance Company (see steps [here](https://expat.praha.eu/news/article/becoming-self-employed)).
If the earnings from your trade licence are your secondary income, you do not have to pay any advances in the first year of your business. **Monthly payments will become compulsory for you once the profit of your business exceeds CZK 96,777 per calendar year (2023)**. Even if your business turnover was zero, you are obliged to send a report to the Social Security and Health Insurance Company offices after the end of the year. This can be done by your accountant and included in the annual tax declaration. It is recommended to hire an accountant to help you fill in the forms. Based on the reports and your real income, you might pay some extra premiums to health insurance/social security offices at once.


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Regular payments for trade licence owners

Regular payments for Trade licence owners

So if you want to become self-employed, maybe you have a clear business plan in mind, maybe you are just thinking about leaving your job and working by yourself. In any case, you have to deal with mandatory administration first. There are two ways how to start your own business: one option is to apply for a **Trade Licence** and become a self-employed natural person (=fyzická osoba). The other option is to set up a **company**, e.g. a limited liability company and to become a Legal Person (=PO, právnická osoba). The best source of information is on the [**Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) website**](https://www.mpo.cz/en/).

#### _**Trade Licence**_

Before going to the **Trades Licensing Office**, you should have a clear idea in what area you want to do your business. Not all business activities are trades. For example, artists do not need to be authorized to do so, neither do small farmers. However, there are a number of Trades to choose from.
Basically there are two main types of the Licensed Trades, the first of which has three sub-types:

**With Reporting Obligation Only:**

**1.**	Free, or Unqualified Trade (**Volná živnost**) – only the general conditions must be met. These include eg. sales, exports, imports, manufacture of textiles, administrative services, marketing and consulting (with the exception of financial and tax consulting), teaching, etc. You can register/notify several free trades at a time. The administration fee for the first notification of the trades is CZK 1,000 and CZK 500 for any subsequent notification.
**2.**	Professional Trade (=**Vázaná živnost**) – you must prove professional competence for the activity. These include accountants, driving school owners, but also mountain guides or masseurs. If you do not have the right qualifications, you can hire an authorised representative.
**3.**	Vocational Trade (=**Řemeslná živnost**) – you are required to provide an apprenticeship certificate, graduation certificate, diploma or six years’ experience in the field. These include e.g. bakers, blacksmiths and hairdressers.

**With Concession Obligation:**

Permitted Trade, or Special licence/Concession (=**Koncesovaná živnost**) – you must prove your professional competence and gain the permission of the relevant state administration body. These trades include: freight transport, travel agencies or funeral services.

#### _**Getting the Trade Licence**_

What Are the Requirements?
- are older than 18 years,
- have no tax overdues/debts at the tax office and overdues/debts of social and health insurance,
- are eligible for legal acts (evidenced by an identity card*),
- are an impeccable person (documented by an extract from the criminal record),
- meet the qualification requirements for a given type of business (see the types of trade above).
*For EU-citizens: European ID is requested

*For non-EU subjects: long-term visa/residence or permanent residence is required. If you first need the trade license in order to apply for the long-term visa, you can get a temporary trade license for the purpose of the application.

#### _**Where to Apply?**_

Collect all the required documents. Submit all the documents to the closest Trade License authority. Most Trade License offices are only open on Mondays and Wednesdays so plan wisely. The clerk will also offer you advice as to how to proceed with the next steps at the office. The presence of English/German speaking clerks is not always guaranteed, please book an appointment in advance or come along with a Czech-speaking person.

#### _**List of the Required Documents**_

1.	Passport/ID.
2.	“Single Registration Form” (download [here](https://www.mpo.cz/assets/cz/podnikani/zivnostenske-podnikani/crm-jednotny-registracni-formular/2017/9/MPO_PO.pdf)) – there is no need to bring the document as it will be filled by you electronically on the spot.
3.	Criminal record from your home country or the state of the most recent staying (in case you have temporary/permanent residence in the Czech Republic, the criminal record will not be requested). It can be obtained for EU countries (except for HU, PT, NL and FI) via most Czech Post Offices at the CzechPoint counters. Ask for the Criminal Record (= ‘výpis z rejstříku trestů s přílohou’). There is a CzechPoint counter close to the main central entrance to the City Hall. This process may take up to 25 working days and the fee is CZK 100. For non-EU citizens, please, contact your Embassy to get the Criminal Record. More guidance on this topic.
5.	Proof that the owner of the real estate where you want to have the seat of your business agrees with Seat Placement – „Souhlas s umístěním sídla“ (Form: “Consent to the Seat Placement” – Natural person, Legal person). If there are more owners, such as the real estate is owned by a married couple, you have to bring a separately filled in and signed form from each of the owners.
NB: If you are still staying in a hotel or your landlord does not agree that the seat of your Trade Licence activities is at the premises you are renting, you can rent an office in an office building, or make a ‘virtual seat’. The choice is wide covering various services and it is recommended to choose a good address along with a package of services that will influence the price.
5.	Documents proving your professional qualifications (if needed depending on the type of Trade Licence).
6.	Service fee CZK 1,000 (CZK 500 for every subsequent notification/change).

#### _**What to Do After Registering at the Trade Licence Office?**_

1.	You will receive further instructions at the Trade Licence Office. They will send your registration directly to the **Financial Authority** and **Social Security Office** (OSSZ = Okresní správa sociálního zabezpečení). It is also recommended to visit the OSSZ in person, while the **Health Insurance Companies** usually directly require a visit in person to clarify if it is your main or secondary activity. The OSSZ and Health insurance company will then inform you of when and how to pay the advances for the social and health insurance. These are calculated according to whether the business is your main or secondary activity.
2.	After completing all the requirements, the Trade Licence Office will give you your **Identification Number (=Identifikační číslo, IČ, or IČO)** and an **Extract from the Trade Register**. There is actually no fixed “trade licence” in a printed format. The Extract from the Trade Register serves as proof of all your business activities and it can be downloaded from the Trade Register. 
3.	An important further step is to visit a bank and **open a new business bank account** in your name and Identification Number. This should be used only for business purposes and later reported in your tax files. After you have done all the above steps you can start invoicing your first customers.
4.	From January 1st, 2023, all self-employed persons have a duty to communicate with state authorities via electronic **Data Mailboxes**. Establishment of mailbox and communication with the state authorities are free. See more on gov portal.
5.	After notifying the Trade and obtaining the Trade Licence, you will automatically be registered as an income taxpayer using the single registration form. You will then **file a personal income tax return once** a year and at the same time pay the tax: at the latest, by the end of April of the following year. 
6.	You can also volunteer as a VAT payer. If your revenue **exceeds two million crowns in the last 12 months, the VAT registration becomes compulsory**. The tax authority will assign you your unique tax identification number (=DIČ, daňové identifikační číslo) for communication with the tax authority. It usually starts with ‘CZ’.
7.	Self-employment also means that you have 100% liability with all your property including your private property. So an adequate Commercial Insurance of your business activities is vital for some of the Licenced Trades.

Find out more about regular payments [here](https://expat.praha.eu/news/article/regular-payments-for-trade-licence-owners).

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