We guide non-residents through forming a new company or purchasing an existing legal entity in the Czech Republic. Get in touch using the contact details above to learn how we can help you get started.
Is a long-term visa or Czech residence permit required to set up or buy a company in the Czech Republic?
No, a visa or residence permit is not required to establish a new company or purchase an existing legal entity in the Czech Republic.
Czech legislation DOES NOT REQUIRE the founders and directors of a Czech company to be residents of the country (by holding a long-term visa, residence permit, or resident status). The law allows a company's founder and director to be a citizen of any country, with no restrictions. This means that a business in the Czech Republic can be established by any foreign national, regardless of nationality. This applies to both registering a new company and buying an existing one, as the requirements are the same.
There is one specific requirement if the company director is not a resident of the Czech Republic or any other EU country (a so-called third-country national): a criminal record certificate from the director's country of citizenship will be required. This document must bear an original wet-ink stamp (meaning that an electronic document is not sufficient) and, for a number of countries, an apostille.
Additionally, company directors and founders need to be represented in the Czech Republic by someone acting under a power of attorney. This person will handle the company's incorporation or purchase and sign the required documents on behalf of the directors and founders. A power of attorney can always be arranged, but where it should be certified depends on your location (typically by a local notary or at a Czech consulate, if one is available nearby). When you work with us, we prepare the wording of the powers of attorney and guide you through the entire document certification process.
Learn about company formation in the Czech Republic
(the author of this page, prepared the answer to this question)
Specialist in Company Registration in the Czech Republic
- Regularly assists clients with the registration of legal entities in the Czech Republic
- Practical experience in company registration since 2011, with more than 60 companies successfully registered
- Direct interaction with all relevant Czech authorities and institutions involved in the registration process, including Czech notaries, the Commercial Register, tax authorities, and the Trade Licensing Office (Živnostenský úřad)
- Works directly with RusCzech clients seeking company registration services and has practical knowledge of the current requirements and specifics of establishing Czech companies
- When preparing the materials for this page, relies on personal practical experience, Czech corporate legislation (Zákon o obchodních korporacích), and official information published by the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic (Ministerstvo spravedlnosti České republiky)
- Regularly updates this page to reflect changes in Czech legislation as well as practical changes in the administrative procedures for company registration
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