Registering a Czech company as a Russian citizen in 2026
A Russian citizen can be a founder and director of a Czech company, but cannot get residence through it. The registration process, fees from $180, taxes and the main catch - the bank account.
In short
- A Russian citizen can be a founder and director of a company without a residence permit.
- Registration fees start from $180, share capital from 1 koruna, the process takes 1-3 weeks.
- A residence permit through the company will not be granted: the Czech Republic has not accepted such applications from Russians since 2022.
- The main catch is the company account: banks check owners from Russia especially strictly.
In detail
A Russian citizen can register a company in the Czech Republic: the law does not restrict founders and directors by nationality, share capital starts at 1 koruna, and entry in the commercial register through a notary costs about $130. But such a company will not bring a residence permit: since 2022 the Czech Republic has not accepted visa and residence applications from Russian citizens, apart from narrow exceptions. Turnkey registration is described on our Czech company registration page; here is what matters specifically for a Russian.
Can a Russian open a company in the Czech Republic
| Question | Answer for a Russian citizen |
|---|---|
| Be a founder of a limited liability company | yes, without a residence permit |
| Be a director | yes, a Russian police certificate with an apostille and translation is needed |
| Work as a sole trader | no: a non-EU foreigner needs a residence permit for that |
| Get a residence permit through the company | no: applications from Russian citizens are not accepted, apart from exceptions |
| Open a company account at a Czech bank | possible, but banks check owners from Russia especially strictly |
The exceptions to the residence ban cover family members of foreigners already living in the Czech Republic and cases where the stay is certified as being in the interest of the Czech Republic by the foreign minister. Those who already hold a residence permit continue to live under it.
How to register a company in the Czech Republic: step by step
- Founding document in the form of a notarial deed: 1-3 days after the details are agreed.
- Registered address with the written consent of the property owner.
- Trade licence - a trade notification, state fee 1,000 koruna, about $50.
- Share capital - from 1 koruna; if paid in cash, an account is needed.
- Entry in the commercial register through a notary, often the same day, or through the court within 5 business days.
- Tax registration and beneficial owner details in the first weeks after entry.
The whole process usually takes 1-3 weeks if the director's police certificate and translations are ready in advance. The Russian certificate is obtained via the public services portal and apostilled, and a sworn translator translates it into Czech.
What it costs and taxes
State payments for registration start from $180: about $130 for the register entry through a notary and about $50 for the trade licence. The notarial deed, translations and apostilles are paid at the notary's and translator's rates. Turnkey registration with an address and support costs about $16,000 with us; our manager in the chat will calculate the total for your structure.
The company pays 21% corporate income tax and VAT at 21% and 12%, and VAT registration is mandatory from a turnover of 2 million koruna a year, about $92,000. 15% is withheld from dividends to the owner. Details on the taxes in the Czech Republic page.
Fees from $180, a company without an account is what costs
The law does not forbid registering a Czech company on your own. But mistakes cost more than fees: a company no bank will open an account for, a director's police certificate without an apostille, discrepancies in the notarial deed and counting on a residence permit a Russian citizen will not get. We choose the bank before registration, prepare documents for the notary and the register, provide a registered address and support the account opening. If relocation to Europe is the goal, we find a country where a company really brings status. We guarantee professional work and a transparent process.
Turnkey registration costs about $16,000; our manager in the chat will calculate the total for your structure.
The main catch: the bank, not the register
Registering a company is easier than opening an account for it. Czech banks check owners and directors from Russia especially strictly, asking for source-of-funds documents and a clear business model with clients in the EU. Without an account the company can neither pay in capital in cash nor operate. So the bank is chosen before registration, not after.
For a Russian citizen a Czech company remains a foreign organisation: a stake over 10% is notified to the Russian tax office, and if the company is controlled, its profit may be taxed in Russia. We prepare notifications on the controlled foreign companies page.
How we help
The law does not forbid registering a company on your own. But mistakes cost more than fees: a company without an account, a police certificate without an apostille, discrepancies in the notarial deed, counting on a residence permit that will not come. Murblz specialists choose the form for your goal, prepare documents for the notary and the register, provide a registered address and help with the account. If the goal is to live in the EU, we will find a country where a company really brings residence.
Czech company registration
Documents, notary, address and register entry, turnkey.
Learn more →Czech company account
Choosing a bank and source-of-funds documents.
Learn more →Residence through business in Serbia
Where your own company gives a Russian citizen the right to live and work.
Learn more →We will choose the country and form for your goal. Tell us why you need a Czech company: EU clients, an account or relocation. We will show whether the Czech Republic works or another country is better.
FAQ
Can a Russian register a company in the Czech Republic?
Does a Czech company give a Russian citizen residence?
How much does it cost to open a company in the Czech Republic?
Is it hard to open an account for a Czech company with a Russian owner?
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