Business immigration to the Czech Republic is the most common way to move to Europe. Opening your own company in this country provides the business owner with several important advantages: obtaining a business visa with a one-year validity period, reducing the cost of running his own business, the ability to apply for a mortgage to purchase real estate, a chance to get a residence permit.
When applying for a visa again, the businessman has the right to transfer his family to the Czech Republic under the program of reunification with relatives. Five years later successful business An entrepreneur can expect to receive a residence permit.
Business structure
A company in the Czech Republic can be opened by any foreign citizen who has reached the age of majority. The company can be registered in several structures: joint-stock company, LLC, OJSC, branch and so on. It should be noted that Russian citizens mainly choose such a form of business as a limited liability company (LLC).
In order to open a business in the Czech Republic according to the structure of the LLC, it is necessary to have an authorized capital of at least 200 thousand crowns. Each member of the company must pay a minimum of twenty thousand crowns. As a founder, an LLC can act both a legal entity and an individual. The latter should not be in more than three societies.
How to open a business in the Czech Republic
A few years ago, in order to open your own business in this country without the personal presence of the owner of the case, it was necessary to provide a power of attorney certified by a notary. Before entering the company in the commercial register, you need to determine the type of business activity.
In the Czech Republic there are many available ideas for starting a business that do not require special permission or licenses. A special document is required in cases where the activities of the enterprise are aimed at the production of a specific material or product in the Czech Republic. In this case, the founder must have a special education and at least a little experience in conducting such activities.
In the Czech Republic, hotel and restaurant business are considered predominantly developed. In addition, many businessmen open grocery stores or rent their own property. Also in this country, permission or license for work related to creativity is not required.
Entrepreneur requirements for business immigration to the Czech Republic
First of all, the following condition must be fulfilled - the registered company must have a legal address in the Czech Republic. Before starting a business in the Czech Republic, you need to determine the composition and number of founders, choose a name for the company and develop a charter.
An LLC in the Czech Republic is registered on the basis of a memorandum of association, which describes in detail all the rights and obligations of the parties. The contract should be certified by a notary. It is also necessary to notarize an application for registration of a company with the Prague Commercial Court, a statement from the director with samples of signatures and seals, a statement from the contribution manager. The registration process takes about three to four weeks.
Documents for registering a business
To open a business in the Czech Republic, you must provide the following documents to the registration chamber:
- A copy of your passport.
- Certificate of no criminal record in the applicant’s country of residence.The document must be translated into Czech and certified by a court interpreter.
- A certified copy of the birth certificate and a translation of this document into Czech, also certified.
Activities
Given the type of activity you have chosen, you need to issue a special permit or license. These documents are issued by the Czech Office of Entrepreneurship. In this country, the following division of activities exists.
- “Free” - registration of such a business requires only a statement written on behalf of the company.
- “Professional” - in this case, it is necessary to have a responsible and convicted representative, a Czech citizen. In addition, it is necessary to prove professionalism in the conduct of a specific type of activity. This refers to the availability of education, work experience, qualifications and competence.
- “Concessionary” - business registration in this case is possible only with special permission from regulatory authorities.
It is worth noting that such a type of activity as leasing real estate does not require a license, but only if other services are not provided. Permission for this can be obtained in court when a company is recorded in the Commercial Register.
Czech tax system
The tax system in the Czech Republic monitors compliance with conditions of equal competition and is quite conducive to business development. Income tax in this country is 20%. The Czech tax system is adapted to European standards. It cannot be said that the rates in the republic are the lowest in Eastern Europe, but, nevertheless, over 150 investment projects operate here, thanks to which it was possible to attract 3.6 billion euros into the economy.
The Czech Republic has entered into bilateral agreements with 37 states to avoid double taxation. That is, business in the Czech Republic for Russians and citizens of other countries is a rather promising and profitable solution. The government is gradually reducing corporate taxes. A single rate has been introduced, and corporate income tax has already been reduced by 9%.
How do founders get a residence permit
If you are planning to open a business in the Czech Republic, you should know that this gives you an additional advantage in the form of obtaining a residence permit in this country. This opportunity applies not only to the business owner, but also to members of his family if they are the founders of the company. You can apply for permanent residence in the Czech Republic after five years of successful business, if the state and tax authorities do not have any complaints against you.
Please note that after the last amendment of Czech law regarding immigration laws, an initial visa can be obtained only for six months and can be extended on the spot. When re-registering, all details are taken into account - company data, business history, income level and owner’s living conditions. To obtain a visa and a residence permit, the applicant must first appear in person at the consulate, and then at the Ministry of the Interior.
Why is the Czech Republic
Business in the Czech Republic for Russians opens the door to many countries that are part of the European Union. This country has excellent business prospects for Russian citizens with relevant professions, such as a programmer, IT specialist, and so on. Knowledge of languages - English, German and, of course, Czech is also welcome. In this case, there are practically no problems with employment and communication. Czechs themselves are very loyal to citizens of other states who honor their traditions and way of life.
Of course, the global crisis has affected the economy of this country, and now it has become more difficult to find a job. The Czech authorities recommend their companies to hire Czechs first, and only then turn to the services of citizens with permanent residence in this country or an EU passport.
Features of life in the Czech Republic
According to many Russian citizens living in the Czech Republic, the local mentality is very different from the Russian, although both peoples have Slavic roots. The Czechs are slow and not used to taking excessive initiative; they do not like to be driven up on business. For Russians, this approach to business is very unusual, especially for those who have moved from large cities and are accustomed to value their time.
As in all countries of the world, the most expensive life in this country in the capital is Prague, as well as in resorts. This is understandable, since it is in these places that most of the jobs and many tourist routes are concentrated. Citizens of Russia note that the Czech Republic attracts them with their order, calm and leisurely.
The government of this country takes care of its citizens, is sensitive to nature and animals. Czechs are accustomed to honor and protect family values and relationships, they strictly adhere to work schedules and are not distracted by work during weekends and holidays.
In general, Russian emigrants pretty well get used to Czech reality and become practically true Czechs with Russian roots.
