How to Become a Driver or Courier in Ostrava

Are you looking for a flexible job or a way to earn some extra money in Ostrava? Working for platforms like Bolt, Wolt, or Foodora is very popular among expats. It offers flexible working hours and a relatively quick onboarding process.

However, the rules differ depending on whether you want to deliver food (courier) or drive passengers (taxi driver). We have prepared an overview of what you need as an expat to start driving or delivering in the Czech Republic.

I Want to Deliver Food (Wolt, Foodora, Bolt Food)

Minimum age of 18
Smartphone with internet
Means of transport (if you use a car or scooter, you need a valid driving license recognized in the Czech Republic).
Driving license (if using motor vehicle)

The RIGHT trade license (Živnost/ OSVČ)

Delivering by bicycle or on foot (Free Trade / Volná živnost): If you do not use a motor vehicle, you only need a standard free trade license. The exact field to register is “51. Potrubní a pozemní doprava (vyjma železniční a silniční motorové dopravy)”. Because it is a free trade, you do not need to prove any specific professional qualification or prior experience.
Delivering by car or motorized scooter (Concessioned Trade / Koncesovaná živnost): If your delivery involves any motor vehicle, a free trade is legally insufficient. You must apply for a concessioned trade license explicitly titled “Silniční motorová doprava – nákladní provozovaná vozidly o největší povolené hmotnosti nepřesahující 3,5 t”. While it is a concession, the trade office generally does not require proof of professional transport competence for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes—they will simply verify your clean criminal record.
Vehicle & Insurance Updates: If delivering by motor vehicle, you must report a change in your vehicle’s purpose of use to the Vehicle Registry (Registr vozidel), which will record it in your technical certificate. You must also immediately notify your car insurance provider to update your policy for commercial or courier use, as standard personal insurance does not cover business activities.

I Want to Drive Passengers (Bolt, Uber)

If you want to work as a driver for ride-hailing platforms, the rules are stricter. In the Czech Republic, this activity is legally classified as a taxi service.

What you need

Minimum age of 21.
A valid Category B driving license (Czech or EU-type driving license).
Clean criminal record check (Výpis z rejstříku trestů): This is required as a prerequisite for both obtaining your Trade License and your Taxi Driver Permit.

The RIGHT trade license (Živnost/ OSVČ)

The Right Concessioned Trade (Koncesovaná živnost): If operating independently on your own IČO, you must apply at the Trade Office for the concession titled “Silniční motorová doprava – osobní provozovaná vozidly určenými pro přepravu nejvýše 9 osob včetně řidiče”. Much like the small-scale cargo concession, you generally do not need to pass professional transport competence exams for vehicles under 9 seats, but the approval process involves a background check by local authorities.
Taxi Driver Permit (Průkaz řidiče taxislužby – commonly known as the “Yellow Card”): This permit is issued by the Ostrava City Municipality (Magistrát města Ostravy). You must apply for it at the Department of Transport, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay an administrative fee of 1,000 CZK.
Vehicle registered as a taxi: Your car must be registered in the vehicle registry as a taxi. Furthermore, it must pass a more frequent technical inspection (STK) – usually every year – and have appropriate commercial insurance. More also here.

Legal and Tax Options (Decision for Expats)

Whether you choose food or passengers, you need to decide under which legal framework you will operate. You have two main options:

**A) Working through a Fleet Partner (Flotila)**

What it is: You do not work directly for Bolt/Wolt as an independent contractor, but rather through an intermediary company (a fleet) that has a contract (Contract or Agreement) with the platforms.
Pros: You do not need to register for a trade license (živnostenský list). The fleet handles taxes, insurance, and bureaucracy for you. Sometimes, they can even rent you a car or scooter.
Cons: The fleet takes a commission from your earnings (usually a percentage or a fixed weekly fee).

B) Working as a Freelancer on IČO (OSVČ – Trade License)

What it is: You work directly with the platform. You are your own boss.
Pros: All your earnings go directly to you. You have complete control over your finances.
Cons: You must obtain a trade license, pay your own health and social insurance contributions, and file annual tax returns. Additionally, because you are invoicing foreign companies (e.g., Bolt is based in Estonia), you must register as an Identified Person for VAT (Identifikovaná osoba). Note that not every expat (especially non-EU citizens) can easily obtain a trade license – it often depends on your type of visa.

Need Help?

Bureaucracy in the Czech Republic can be complicated for newcomers. If you are unsure how to obtain the “Yellow Card”, get your criminal record check, or set up a trade license, Ostrava Expat Centre is here for you! Stop by our office or write us an email – we will gladly guide you through the process.