Complete 2026 Legal Guide

The Živno visa
for English teachers in Czechia

The freelance trade licence that lets non-EU teachers work legally in Czechia — step by step, including costs, timeline, and what to do when things get complicated.

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~4 monthsTypical processing time
156,500 CZKProof of funds required
1 yearRenewable annually
Legal routes

The Živno visa: complete 2026 guide

The Živnostenský list — the Živno — is the primary legal route for non-EU English teachers in Czechia. It is unique in Europe: instead of a school sponsoring a work permit, you register as a freelance contractor and invoice clients directly. Here is every step.

What is the Živnostenský list?

A Czech freelance trade licence that allows you to operate as a self-employed contractor — legally invoicing multiple language schools, companies, and private students simultaneously. Unlike a standard work visa, no employer sponsorship is needed. You are your own business.

Licence category

"Language Teaching" (Výuka jazyků) — free trade, meaning minimal barriers to entry beyond basic qualification proof.

Paired with

A long-term residence visa (over 90 days). The Živno alone doesn't grant residence — you need both.

Duration

Typically issued for 1 year, renewable indefinitely. Most teachers renew annually without issues.

Tax responsibility

You pay your own social security (~4,500 CZK/mo) and health insurance (~2,500–3,500 CZK/mo). File an annual Czech tax return — most teachers use a local accountant (~3,000–5,000 CZK/year).

Step-by-step: the full Živno process

Most teachers follow the in-country route — entering on a Schengen tourist visa and processing the Živno on the ground.

1

Apostille documents at home (8 weeks before departure)

Get an apostilled criminal background check from your national authority. Get your university degree apostilled. Some embassies require certified Czech translations — check your specific Czech embassy's requirements.

8 weeks before departure
2

Enter Czech Republic on Schengen tourist entry

Non-EU nationals get 90 days in the Schengen Area visa-free (most nationalities). Use this window to find accommodation, open a Czech bank account, and secure your first teaching contacts.

On arrival
3

Register trade at the živnostenský úřad

Visit the Trade Licensing Office with: passport, apostilled background check, apostilled degree, Czech address proof. Register under "Language Teaching." Fee is approximately 1,000 CZK. You receive a trade licence (IČO number) — you are now legally a Czech freelancer.

Days 1–14 in Czechia
4

Apply for Long-Term Residence Visa at Czech embassy

Apply at a Czech embassy in your home country (or the nearest one if different). Submit: Živno registration, proof of accommodation, proof of funds (156,500 CZK), apostilled documents, passport photos. Processing: 2–4 months. You may need to temporarily leave Schengen while it is processed — plan for this.

Allow 60–120 days processing
5

Register address with the Foreign Police

Once your residence permit arrives, register at the Cizinecká policie within 30 days. Your landlord can accompany you. Bring: passport, permit, and lease agreement. You receive a registration certificate.

Within 30 days of permit
6

Register for health insurance and social security

As a self-employed Živno holder, register with a Czech health insurer (most teachers use VZP) and the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) within 8 days of starting work. Pay mandatory monthly contributions. This is a legal requirement from day one of trading.

Within 8 days of starting work
7

Open a Czech bank account and start invoicing

You'll need a Czech bank account to receive payments from schools. Česká spořitelna and ČSOB are the most accessible for foreigners. Once open, you can invoice schools with your IČO number and begin building your client roster.

First month
EU citizens — this entire process does not apply to you. You have the right to work in Czechia immediately on arrival. Register your address with the Foreign Police within 30 days. You can still obtain a Živno if you want the invoicing flexibility, but it is not required.
Alternative: Employee Card. If a school sponsors you formally as an employee rather than a contractor, they apply for an Employee Card on your behalf. Less common in the Czech market but possible with larger chains or international schools. Processing time is similar to the Živno route.

Costs to budget for

ItemApproximate CostWhen
Apostille fees (background check)$50–$150 USDBefore departure
Apostille fees (degree)$30–$100 USDBefore departure
Trade licence registration~1,000 CZK (~$45)On arrival
Residence visa fee2,500–5,000 CZK (~$110–$225)On application
Czech bank account setupUsually freeFirst month
Monthly health insurance~2,500–3,500 CZK/monthOngoing
Monthly social security~3,852 CZK/month (2026 minimum)Ongoing
Annual tax return (accountant)3,000–5,000 CZK/yearAnnual

The Živno is complex — start early

TEFL Heaven can advise on the process and help you build a realistic timeline based on your nationality and target start date.

Get advice
Questions

Živno visa FAQ

Can I start working before the Živno is fully processed?
The trade licence (Živno registration) itself can be obtained relatively quickly after arrival. However, you cannot legally invoice schools until you have both the trade licence and the residence permit. Some teachers arrange informal trial lessons during the processing window, but this carries legal risk. The safest approach is to not formally invoice until fully documented.
Do I need to leave Czechia during visa processing?
Potentially, yes. Your initial 90-day Schengen entry may expire before your long-term residence visa is processed. Many teachers plan a short trip to a non-Schengen country (e.g. UK, Ukraine, Serbia) to reset the clock. Your visa agency or a Czech immigration lawyer can advise on the optimal timing for your specific situation.
Can I use a visa agency?
Yes — and many teachers recommend it, especially for the first application. Czech visa agencies specialising in the Živno process (common in Prague and Brno) can prepare documents, accompany you to offices, and navigate the bureaucracy. Costs range from 10,000–20,000 CZK for full service. For many people, this is money well spent.
What happens when the Živno expires?
Renewal is straightforward for established teachers. You reapply through the Trade Licensing Office with updated documents. As long as you have maintained your insurance payments and filed your tax return, renewal is rarely refused. Most teachers renew annually without issues for multiple years.
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