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Doing business in the Czech Republic

The main steps to set up and run a business in the country, and how we can help you with each one.

The Czech Republic offers investors a largely digital and predictable administrative system, but with its own rules, deadlines and tools. This page summarises the main steps for foreign investors who want to start or run a business in the country. At every stage we can assist you directly or coordinate the relevant professionals.

The most common legal forms

Limited liability company (s.r.o.)The most common form for small and medium-sized businesses and for subsidiaries of foreign groups.
Joint-stock company (a.s.)Suited to more complex structures or projects with several investors.
Branch of a foreign company (odštěpný závod)Lets you operate without setting up a new company; it has no separate legal personality.
Sole trader (OSVČ)For individuals doing business on their own account under a trade licence.

The choice depends on liability, taxation, governance and running costs: we help you compare the options before you decide.

The main steps

  1. Choosing the structureReview of the tax aspects, including the relevant double tax treaties.
  2. IncorporationNotarial deed of incorporation, trade licences and entry in the Commercial Register, with a partner notary and attorney.
  3. Registered officeSecuring a registered office with the property owner's consent.
  4. Bank account and capitalOpening the account and, where required, paying in the share capital.
  5. RegistrationsBeneficial owners, tax office (income taxes, and VAT where applicable), the data box (datová schránka, set up automatically for companies), and social security and health insurance if you have employees.
  6. Ongoing administrationAccounting, tax returns, payroll, financial statements and annual corporate compliance.

Useful to know

  • Communication with public authorities is largely electronic, through the company's data box.
  • Documents for Czech authorities must normally be submitted in Czech; reports for shareholders can be in English or another language.
  • Foreign documents to be filed with Czech authorities normally require a certified translation and, where necessary, an apostille or legalisation.
  • Tax rules change frequently: rates and thresholds should be checked at the time of the decision.

Collaboration with foreign professional firms

We work with accounting firms, tax advisers and law firms abroad whose clients have companies, branches, employees or transactions in the Czech Republic. You remain your client's adviser in their home country; we take care of the Czech side and provide the information you need for compliance there.

  • Accounting, tax and corporate compliance for your clients' Czech subsidiaries or branches
  • Periodic reporting in the formats your firm needs, for example for consolidation or for tax returns abroad
  • Answers to questions on Czech tax and accounting rules and how they interact with those of other countries
  • Support on cross-border matters: secondment of staff, permanent establishment, dividends and intragroup flows
  • Coordination with Czech partner attorneys and notaries for acts within their remit

Planning a project in the Czech Republic? Contact us for an initial meeting.