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Czech Republic Trade License (Zivno)

Czech Republic · freelancer

budget friendlyno degreeself sponsorschengen
80
match
Duration
24mo
PR
5y
Citizenship
10y
Tax
15%
Setup
€175
Processing
60d
Family
Yes
Schengen
Yes

Overview

The Zivno trade license is the cheapest way to legally freelance in the EU. EUR 25 license fee, flat-tax regime available. Popular with digital nomads in Prague.

Who is this for?

Freelancers and self-employed professionals wanting affordable EU residency in a vibrant city like Prague.

Pros

Only EUR 25 for trade license

No degree required

Flat-tax regime available

Prague is amazing for digital nomads

Cons

Slow processing (2-4 months)

10 years to citizenship

Czech language needed

Must maintain trade activity

Eligibility Check

11
Likely eligible
Clean criminal record

Assumed clean — update in profile if needed

Health insurance required

Must obtain health insurance before/during application

The Process

Typical: 60 days (30120)

1
2
3
4

Documents

0/4 ready
Passport
Required

Valid

From: Passport office · ~14d

Criminal record
Required
Apostille
Translation

Apostilled

From: Police · ~21d · Max 6mo old

Proof of funds
Required

Bank statement

From: Bank · ~7d

Proof of accommodation
Required

Rental contract

From: Landlord · ~14d

Sources

Czech Ministry of Industry
official
Verified: 2025-11-01

Tax Breakdown

Income tax€9,000
Social€6,600
Total tax€15,600
Effective rate26%

You keep

€44,400/yr

€3,700/mo

Based on €60,000/yr income

Corp tax21%
VAT21%
Dividend15%
Cap gains15%
TerritorialNo

Special Regimes

Trade license (Zivno) flat-tax regime for freelancers

Prague

Rent (1BR center)€750
Rent (outside)€550
Meal (cheap)€8
Meal (mid-range)€25
Transport€25
Utilities€170
Internet€15
Coworking€180
Est. monthly€1,185

Quality of Life

Safety75/100
Healthcare68/100
Internet80 Mbps
EnglishHigh
ClimateContinental
Sunny days170/yr
TimezoneUTC+1
COL Index42 (NYC=100)

PR & Citizenship

Permanent Residency

After 5 years

Language: Czech (A1)

Citizenship

After 10 years

Language: Czech (B1)

Dual citizenship: Allowed

Permit Details

Initial duration24 months
RenewableYes (24mo)
Can workNo
Can freelanceYes
Own businessYes
Family eligibleYes

Last updated: 2025-11-01 · Verified: 2025-11-01 · Always verify with official sources.