What is the difference between a registered office and business premises?

A registered office is mandatory for every business owner. It is the address from which they manage the business. There is only one registered office.

Not every business owner needs business premises. Business premises are where the owner meets clients, typically a shop, workshop or office. They are not required for businesses operating only online and meeting customers solely through online calls. Nor are they required for those who only visit clients at the clients’ premises. A business owner can have several business premises. 🙂 

Mobile business premises 

The Trade Licensing Act also allows mobile business premises. These do not remain at the same address for more than 3 months. Examples include food stall operators and hairdressers providing services in clients’ homes. 

Where can you have business premises?

You can have business premises in your own property or in rented space. In the latter case, you need the owner’s consent to locate the premises there. This consent must be in writing and may form part of the lease. 

How do you register business premises?

Using the Unified Registration Form and your data box, you can register business premises conveniently online. Of course, you can also arrange everything in person at the trade licensing office. 

As a business owner, you must notify the trade licensing office not only when you start operating at particular premises, but also when you stop.

What information about the premises must you report?
  • the premises’ address, their exact location and the business activities carried out there
  • the date on which you start/stop carrying out the trade at the premises


The trade licensing office assigns the premises a special identification number and enters them in the Trade Register. You receive confirmation of registration through your data box.


Labelling business premises


You must label your business premises visibly and permanently. The signage must be visible from outside. A sufficient sign will display your first name, surname and company registration number. 


Signage for mobile premises must also show the business owner’s registered office address. 


Labelling premises where you sell goods or provide services


In this case, you must add the following to your name, surname and registration number:


    

  • the responsible person’s first name and surname
    • 

  • opening/operating hours for customers
    • 

  • if you provide short-term accommodation, the category and class of the accommodation facility
    • 





If you decide to close the premises, you must also display that information clearly together with the closure date. 


Do not underestimate correct signage: it is a common mistake for which the trade licensing office readily imposes fines. In my experience, inspectors have already photographed and documented everything beforehand. Fines are usually CZK 3,000–5,000. We will look more closely at how a trade licensing office inspection works in a future article.




If you need help as you start your business, please get in touch. 🙂