Company formation

Company Formation in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is one of the EU's strongest industrial locations with direct links to the DACH region. The s.r.o. can formally be formed from 1 CZK; corporate tax has been 21 % since 2024. Legal status: 2026, without guarantee.

CIT 21 %s.r.o. from 1 CZKindustrial hub in the heart of Europe
Key figures

The Czech Republic at a glance

21 %
Corporate tax (since 2024)
1 CZK
Minimum capital s.r.o. (formal)
1–2 weeks
Typical formation time
15 %
Withholding tax on dividends
Advantages

What speaks for the Czech Republic

Strong industrial base

One of the highest industry shares in the EU, excellent supply chains and skilled labour.

Close to the DACH region

Direct border with Germany and Austria, Prague as an established business hub.

Low entry barrier

s.r.o. formally from 1 CZK; registration can be done directly by the notary.

Tax comparison

Example: €100,000 profit

GermanyCzech Republic
Corporate tax~30 % (effective)21 %
Tax on €100,000 profit~€30,000€21,000
Special featureMunicipal trade taxno municipal profit tax; trade licence required

Distributions to individuals bear 15 % withholding tax.

Legal forms

Legal forms at a glance

Legal formMinimum capitalLiabilityTypical use
s.r.o. (LLC)1 CZK (formal)limitedStandard SMEs
a.s. (joint-stock)2 m CZKlimitedLarger firms
OSVČ (sole trader)noneunlimitedFreelancers, entry level
Branchparent liableMarket entry

Most activities require a trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění).

Process

How incorporation works

Articles of association

Notarial formation of the s.r.o.

Trade licence

Registration with the trade office (živnostenský úřad).

Commercial register

Registration – on request directly by the notary.

Tax registration

Registration with the tax administration, DPH if applicable.

Business account

Open the account, pay in the capital.

Usually 1–2 weeks.

Costs

Costs (indicative)

Notary and fees ~€300–800; more with advice; ongoing accounting ~€150–300/month (indicative).

Taxes

Corporate taxes

ItemRate
Corporate tax21 % (since 2024, previously 19 %)
Withholding tax on dividends15 %
Income tax15 % / 23 % (two tiers)
VAT (DPH), standard rate21 % (reduced 12 %)
Knowledge check

Worth remembering

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CIT in the Czech Republic?
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21 % (since 2024).

Minimum capital s.r.o.?
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Formally 1 CZK.

What does almost every firm need?
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A trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění).

Location in numbers

The Czech Republic in numbers

MetricValue
Population~10.9 m
Industry shareone of the highest in the EU
Unemployment rateregularly among the lowest in the EU
CurrencyCzech koruna (CZK)
Latest developments

Latest developments (as of July 2026)

  • CIT raised from 19 % to 21 % in the 2024 consolidation package.
  • VAT rates simplified to two tiers (21 %/12 %) in 2024.
  • No euro accession date set; the koruna remains the currency for now.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Czech Republic

How high is the corporate tax?

21 % since 2024 (previously 19 %).

How much capital does an s.r.o. need?

Formally 1 CZK; in practice more is often paid in.

How long does formation take?

Usually 1–2 weeks; notaries can register directly in the commercial register.

Does the Czech Republic use the euro?

No, the national currency is the Czech koruna (CZK).

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Sources & disclaimer

Sources

This page is for general information only and does not replace legal or tax advice. Binding information is provided by the competent authorities of the respective country and by lawyers, notaries and tax advisors licensed there. For the tax consequences of relocating from Germany or Austria, tax advisors licensed in those countries are responsible. All information without guarantee. Status: July 2026. For an individual assessment: contact@goglobal.associates.

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