A practical guide to trade licences, self-employment and business in Czechia

Temporary protection

Trade Licence for Ukrainians with Temporary Protection

Holders of temporary protection may run a business in the Czech Republic as a self-employed person (OSVČ). The procedure is similar to the standard notification, with a few specifics.

business permitted verify the current regime

What you need

  • Visa / document confirming temporary protection,
  • identity document (passport),
  • good standing (no criminal record) is demonstrated in the same way as for other foreign nationals,
  • for craft, regulated, or permit (concession) trades, documents proving professional qualification.

Verify the current conditions

Current timeline (as of August 2026): Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 of 30 July 2026 makes temporary protection possible at EU level until 4 March 2028 — that is the EU-wide framework, not the individual validity of your own document. In the Czech Republic, the current extension round — online registration by 15 March 2026, plus having a new visa sticker affixed in person by 30 September 2026 at the latest — only extends temporary protection until 31 March 2027. If you don't get the visa sticker affixed by 30 September 2026, your protection lapses on that date. A further, separate extension round is expected (most likely in 2027) to bring individual validity closer to the 2028 EU framework — the exact procedure has not yet been published, so watch ipc.gov.cz or OAMP. From 5 August 2026, a new condition also applies to new applicants (first-time and renewed applications, and applications for family reunification) aged 18–60: they must prove compliance with military service obligations via the Reserv+ app — this does not apply to extending protection you already hold.

Why you need to watch the validity of your temporary protection

The validity of your trade authorisation is tied to the validity of your temporary protection — the two are not separate matters. If you fail to extend your temporary protection, your trade authorisation lapses with it. Watch the deadline for extending your protection just as carefully as you watch your business.

Compared to ordinary applicants for a business visa, you have an additional advantage: you do not need to prove means of subsistence or provide a Ukrainian criminal record extract — this is a simplified regime that puts you on a par with EU citizens (§ 70 of the Trade Licensing Act in conjunction with the so-called Lex Ukrajina).

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Verify the validity of your temporary protection and the conditions for doing business OAMP / advice centre for foreign nationals
  2. Prepare your identity document and proof of good standing (no criminal record)
  3. Choose the type of trade and the field of activity → detail
  4. Fill in the Single Registration Form (JRF) and file the notification at the trade licensing office (živnostenský úřad) → detail
  5. Once the extract is issued, deal with ČSSZ (Czech Social Security Administration) and health insurance → detail

Frequently asked questions

Can I start doing business straight away with temporary protection?
Temporary protection allows you to do business. As the regime is subject to change, verify the current conditions with OAMP before filing your notification.
Do I pay social and health insurance?
Yes, like any self-employed person (OSVČ). After setting up, you notify ČSSZ and your health insurance company that you are commencing activity, and you pay monthly advance payments.
What happens if I don't extend my temporary protection?
Your trade authorisation lapses along with it — the two are linked. Track the extension deadlines together with the validity of your trade.
Do I have to prove means of subsistence like applicants for a business visa?
No. Holders of temporary protection do not have to prove means of subsistence under the Aliens Act — that's one of the advantages of this regime.
Until when is temporary protection valid?
The EU framework (Council decision of 30 July 2026) makes temporary protection possible until 4 March 2028, but the current Czech extension round (registration plus visa sticker by 30 September 2026) only extends individual validity until 31 March 2027. If you don't have the new visa sticker affixed by 30 September 2026, your protection lapses on that date. A further extension round toward 2028 is still expected — watch ipc.gov.cz.
Do I need a Ukrainian criminal record extract?
No, it is not required under temporary protection. Good standing is handled differently, in a simplified way compared with other third-country nationals.
Have the conditions for new applicants for temporary protection changed?
Yes, from 5 August 2026 new applicants for temporary protection (first-time and renewed applications, and applications for family reunification) aged 18–60 must prove compliance with military service obligations via the Reserv+ app. This applies only to new applications, not to extending protection you already hold.