Doing the process right will save you time and money

The process for European Citizens to get their Živno is straightforward, but it does require that you complete each step correctly and in order, so you don't waste time or have to repeat a step. Here's what you'll learn to do in this course:

Step 1: Foreign Police Registration

As a European citizen, you are required to register with the Foreign Police within 30 days of your arrival into the Czech Republic. We'll show you what to bring, how to fill out the forms, and what to say when you get there.

Step 2: Get a "Sidlo"

Živnostensky workers are required to register an official "place of business" on their trade license. This is called a Sidlo.

Because you might be working in multiple locations for multiple clients, it's best to register your place of residence as your place of business as well. (Even if you primarily work for a school, they are most likely not willing to sign this document for you.) In order to prove that your place of residence is also your official "sidlo", you must get the owner of your flat to give you permission to register your trade license there.

If the owner of your flat is unwilling you sign this document for you, you can rent a virtual business address. Students in this course get a discount on a sidlo—only 150Kc per month. We'll give you the forms and show you how to set that up.

Step 3: Živno Application

Next you'll apply for your Živno. We'll give you translated application documents to take to the Živno office and show you everything you need to bring. Return one week later and pick up your new trade license and unique IČO number you will use to invoice clients.

If the thought of going it alone with a Czech Bureaucrat scares you, no worries—we can go in your place. The fee is 700Kc and we'll accompany you to the Živno office.

Step 4: Social & Financial Registration

Once you get your Živno, we'll give you the registration forms, show you how to fill them out, and send in by certified mail. Once you've received confirmation of your Social registration, we'll show you how to set up auto payment to the social office, so you never fall behind.

Step 5: Health Insurance

European citizens are required to register for Czech Public Health Insurance. We'll show you where to go, what to bring, and what to do once you get there.

Step 6: Learn to Invoice

We'll show you how to invoice properly and what to do to make sure your Živno is in good standing.

Step 7: Learn how to do End-of-Year Taxes

We refer you to an online tax preparation service—all in English! Students in this course will get a discount on online tax preparation.

And that's it! You'll learn every step of the process in this online course, and we'll give you all the forms and show you how to fill them out. Check out the next lesson in this module where we show you how to check in at the Foreign Police. We'll see you there!