How to Start as a Courier or Taxi Driver in Brno
Are you looking to boost your income by delivering food or driving passengers? This guide explains the requirements of becoming a courier versus a taxi driver. It also shows whether it makes more sense to work as self‑employed (OSVČ) or under a part‑time contract. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Courier (food delivery) vs. Taxi service
Though the jobs might sound similar, they actually have very different legal requirements. See for yourself:
- Courier (Foodora, Wolt, etc.) – transport of goods
- just a free trade licence (“volná živnost”) is enough.
- No taxi driver ID, no meter, no taxi stickers needed.
- You may use your car, e-scooter or bike.
- Taxi (Bolt, Uber, etc.) – transport of persons
- A concession trade licence (“koncese”) is mandatory, plus a taxi driver’s card, vehicle registration in the taxi database, and adherence to city rules (e.g., fare caps, plate sticker).
OSVČ (self-employed) vs. DPP (part-time contract)
If you’re wondering whether to work as self-employed or under a part-time contract, here are the main characteristics of both routes:
- OSVČ (self-employed)
- Higher earnings
- Unlimited working hours
- Requires a trade licence (1,000 CZK one-time fee at the Trade Licensing Office)
- Once you have the licence, you also need to register for social and health insurance. You have to pay monthly social and health insurance instalments (approx 8,000 CZK/month).
- This amount can be smaller if you’re a student/employed under a work contract elsewhere, or if you are a nonEU citizen who has no access to the public health insurance
- Once a year, you have to fill your tax report and pay your taxes.
Learn more in our guides: How to become self-employed and Being self-employed.
- DPP (part-time contract)
- Lower pay, max 300 h in a calendar year
- Ideal for occasional gig work
- Quick start, less paperwork, employer pays the taxes etc.
- Warning: Only available to people with a free access to the labour market (such as students).
How to get a trade licence in Brno
Courier
- Prepare your ID and registration certificate (EU), or visa/residence permit (non-EU), an officially translated criminal record extract from your home country (not older than 3 months), and a contract/document allowing you to register a business address to the property.
- Apply for an “unqualified” trade licence (“volná živnost”) at the Brno Trade Licensing Office (Malinovského nám. 3, 4th floor).
Book an English-speaking appointment via the city’s online booking system. - At the office, you can choose single registration to automatically register with social security, and health insurance – if applicable.
Taxi route
- Apply for a concession trade licence (koncesovaná živnost) – “Road passenger transport with vehicles up to 9 seats” at the Trade Licensing Office.
- Apply for your taxi driver’s permit (Yellow Card) at the Brno City Transport Department. The requirements differ based on your origin:
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: submit an officially translated criminal record report from your home country (or Czech register, if applicable). Attach your driving licence if it’s from another Member State.
- Non-EU nationals: you must also provide proof of residence and an officially translated criminal record report from your home country. If you don’t have a Czech driving licence, include a licence issued in an EU Member State.
Don’t forget:
- Your IČO (business identification number)
- To physically bring the rear licence plate (so that the technical inspection can be shortened to one year).
- Register your vehicle in the city’s taxi database and get the official sticker.
Register with Bolt/Uber, upload required documents (ID, permit, vehicle papers, bank details, etc.).
More information can be found on the official portal.gov.cz.
Practical note: The application form for the taxi permit is filled directly at the office, and the process is quite fast. The entrance is from the terrace behind the building, near Billa. Go to office no. 205 (first floor), then submit the form at the registry in office no. 207, pay at the cashier’s office (same as for driving licences), and return to office 205. Within 10–15 days, you’ll get an email to pick up your licence at office 205. Office hours: Mon 8–17, Wed 8–17, Fri 8–12 (after 16:30 only taxi driver applications).
Remember though that English (or any other language apart from Czech) is not guaranteed. However, every Monday and Wednesday between 8.00 AM and 12.00 PM (noon) we offer a free-of-charge interpreting service available to anyone who comes and needs to communicate in English. You can either just go there and ask about our assistant (or simply find them) or you can make an appointment with them using our contact form.
Where to start
Need more information? Check out our detailed guides:
Or book an English-speaking appointment at the Brno Trade Licensing Office to get started right away.