How to Use Czech Post Office Services: A Guide for Foreigners

Essential Czech Post Office Services for Foreigners

Dealing with the Czech post office (Česká pošta) can feel intimidating if you do not speak Czech, but most administrative and postal tasks follow a predictable process.

1. Managing or Opening a Czech Data Box (Datová schránka)

A Data Box is the official digital mailbox used for formal communication with Czech authorities. It is legally mandatory for anyone with a Czech trade license (živnostenský list / OSVČ) and optional (but useful) for private individuals communicating with the Immigration Office or Tax Authority.

If you are an entrepreneur and did not receive your automatic login details by mail, or if you want to activate a personal box, you can arrange it in person.

• Ticket Category: Select Czech POINT on the touchscreen ticket machine.
• What to bring: Valid passport or Czech residence permit.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• Key Steps & Details:
  • The clerk will either issue login credentials on the spot or arrange for them to be re-sent to your registered address.
  • Critical check: Ensure your official registered address is accurate in the system and that your full name is clearly marked on your physical building mailbox.
• Czech Phrases:
  • Business: „Dobrý den, potřebuji si zřídit datovou schránku pro podnikání.“ (I need to set up a business data box.)
  • Personal: „Dobrý den, potřebuji si zřídit datovou schránku pro fyzickou osobu.“ (I need to set up a personal data box.)

2. Legalizing a Signature (Ověření podpisu / Legalizace)

When authorities or banks require a verified signature, you must sign directly in front of an authorized clerk.

• Ticket Category: Select Czech POINT.
• Fee: 30 CZK per signature (payable by cash or card).
• Important Rules:
  • Do not sign the document beforehand. You must sign at the counter or verbally confirm an existing signature while presenting your ID.
  • Documents written in languages other than Czech or Slovak may require an attached official court translation before the clerk can process them.
• Counter Walkthrough:
  1. Request: „Dobrý den, potřebuji ověřit podpis.“ (Hello, I need to verify a signature.)
  2. Hand over ID: „Tady je dokument a pas.“ (Here is the document and my passport.)
  3. Sign when instructed: The clerk will state „Podepište se, prosím, tady“ (Please sign here).

3. Making a Certified Copy (Vidimace)

If you need an officially certified copy of a document for official filings, Czech POINT provides stamped, sealed copies.

• Ticket Category: Select Czech POINT.
• Fee: 30 CZK per page.
• Restrictions: Clerks cannot certify personal IDs, passports, driving licenses, blueprints, or documents containing visible corrections/erasures.
• Czech Phrases:
  • „Dobrý den, potřebuji ověřenou kopii tohoto dokumentu.“ (Hello, I need a certified copy of this document.)
  • „Potřebuji tři ověřené kopie, prosím.“ (I need three certified copies, please.)

4. Sending Post & Parcels

For standard postal services, choose Listovní služby (letters) or Balíkové služby (parcels) on the ticket machine.

• Obyčejně (Standard Mail): Low-cost, non-tracked mail for everyday letters.
  • Phrase: „Chtěl(a) bych to poslat obyčejně.“ (I would like to send this as ordinary mail.)
• Prioritně (Priority Mail): Faster standard delivery.
  • Phrase: „Můžete to poslat prioritně?“ (Can you send it priority?)
• Doporučeně (Registered Mail): Includes tracking and proof of delivery. Fill out a paper dispatch note (podací lístek) at the writing desks first.
  • Phrase: „Prosím, poslat doporučeně.“ (Please send it registered.)
• Balík (Parcel): Standard or priority package shipping.
  • Phrase: „Potřebuji poslat balík.“ (I need to send a parcel.)

Practical Tips

• Book an Appointment: To skip queues at busy branches, reserve a precise time slot online at postaonline.cz via their reservation system.
• English-Friendly Central Branch: In Prague, the main post office at Jindřišská 909/14, Prague 1 has the largest number of counters and frequently handles non-Czech speakers.
• Personal Support: If you prefer not to handle post office visits alone or need assistance with complex filings, feel free to reach out—we can accompany you and handle the communication directly.