Becoming Self-Employed
The self-employed natural person (=FO, fyzická osoba, is most often referred to as OSVČ (=osoba samostatně výdělečně činná, ie. literally “a person with independent earnings activities”), an entrepreneur (= podnikatel) or less frequently as “živnostník” (= licenced trade owner). There are many self-employed individuals in the Czech Republic, a great deal of them carrying out activities alongside their main employment (= vedlejší činnost).
So if you want to become self-employed, maybe you have a clear business plan in mind, maybe you are just thinking about leaving your job and working by yourself. In any case, you have to deal with mandatory administration first. There are two ways how to start your own business: one option is to apply for a Trade Licence and become a self-employed natural person (=fyzická osoba). The other option is to set up a company, e.g. a limited liability company (see below in a special section) and to become a Legal Person (=PO, právnická osoba). The very best source of information is on the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) website.
Here we present a general overview. For particular questions or if in doubt, please contact us.