Datová schránka (data box) in Czechia: what it is, who must have one and how foreigners can open it
Updated: 12 November 2026
A datová schránka (data box) is the official electronic mailbox for communicating with Czech public authorities: the Ministry of the Interior, the tax office, ČSSZ (social security), courts and municipalities. A message in it has the same legal effect as a registered letter with proof of delivery.
- Sole traders (OSVČ) and companies (s.r.o.) must have a data box — the state created it automatically.
- For private individuals without a business it is voluntary and free.
- A message is deemed delivered on the 10th day, even if you have not opened it.
- Without the paid Datový trezor service, messages are deleted after 90 days.
- If you have a data box, you must file your tax return electronically.
Who must have a data box
- OSVČ (sole traders) — in 2023 the state automatically created data boxes for all self-employed individuals; new OSVČ get one after registering their business.
- Companies (s.r.o., a.s.) and other legal entities entered in a public register.
- Lawyers, tax advisers and certain other professions.
As long as you run a business, the business data box cannot be “closed”. For private individuals, the plan to create a data box automatically on the first login with an electronic identity never became law — a personal data box is opened only if you want one.
How a foreigner can open a data box
- Online — via Portál občana or the data box website, logging in with Identita občana (for example, the BankID of your Czech bank, an eObčanka or mojeID). The box is usually active straight away.
- In person at a Czech POINT (post office, town hall) — with an identity document (passport and residence card). Login details are sent by post or handed over on the spot.
The envelope with login details has a yellow stripe. You must activate access within 15 days. If you lose the details, you can get new ones free of charge at a Czech POINT.
Deemed delivery: the main trap
If you do not open a message, it is deemed delivered on the 10th day after it arrives. From that moment deadlines start running — for example, to reply to the Ministry of the Interior, pay a fine or appeal a decision. So switch on e-mail notifications (in the data box settings) and log in at least once a week.
What you can do through a data box
- receive letters from the Ministry of the Interior (OAMP), the tax office, ČSSZ, your health insurer or a court;
- file tax returns and annual overviews (přehledy);
- send applications and replies to requests from authorities;
- communicate with companies that have a data box (sending commercial messages may be charged).
Things to remember
- 90 days. Messages are deleted automatically — save important letters to your computer or subscribe to Datový trezor.
- Taxes. A data box holder must file tax documents electronically; a paper return can lead to a fine.
- Language. All letters are in Czech. If you are not sure what a letter says, get it translated rather than miss a deadline.
Need help?
We will help you open a data box and set up notifications, translate letters from the Ministry of the Interior or the tax office and prepare a reply on time.
Sources
This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Check the current rules before making a decision, or contact us.