July 2025: Everything you need to know this month in Czechia

From July 1 to Aug. 31, Czech Railways offers the “Ticket for Summer 2025” for unlimited train travel across the Czech Republic. Aimed at tourists, the ticket costs CZK 1,390, with discounted rates for children, students, seniors, and In Karta or ITIC holders..

Starting July 1, Czech drivers can have their new or replacement driver’s licenses delivered to over 10,000 dispensing boxes or pick-up points, avoiding visits to municipal offices. The fully digital process allows online application via the Transport Portal. The delivery service costs CZK 100, while office pick-up remains free. This change follows a legal amendment and aims to simplify document handling for over half a million license renewals expected this year.

The damage threshold for reporting traffic accidents to Czech police is rising from CZK 100,000 to CZK 200,000 from the start of July. Accidents below the latter sum no longer require police notification. Instead, drivers can file a joint accident report digitally through a new web application managed by the Czech Insurers' Office, streamlining the process for minor traffic incidents.

Starting July 1, drivers who endanger vehicles behind them while making a turn will face stricter penalties, including fines up to CZK 10,000 and the addition of four points on their driving record. Previously, such offenses only resulted in fines up to CZK 5,000 with no points. The new rules target dangerous situations where drivers fail to check for motorcycles or cars overtaking them, increasing safety by encouraging more careful turning and awareness of vulnerable road users.

A new amendment from July 1 tightens regulations for non-EU taxi drivers in the Czech Republic. Foreign nationals will receive taxi licenses only for the duration of their residency, and all taxi drivers must hold a valid driver’s license issued by an EU member state. This change is expected to particularly impact applicants from third countries who, according to the city, often present short-term permits when applying for taxi licenses.

Starting July 1, the Czech Republic revises its work visa quotas to prioritize highly skilled professionals like IT experts and scientists, reducing spots for lower-qualified applicants. New country-specific limits include 24 digital nomad slots in India, a 1,170 cap in China, favoring qualified workers. This policy shift aims to support economic needs and regional labor demands. The Interior Ministry is proposing to cut the quota for low-skilled applicants from countries like Egypt, Zambia, and Ethiopia.

A new amendment to the Czech Civil Code from July 1 aims to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence by clearly defining what constitutes such abuse. It describes domestic violence as any violent act involving abuse of power or inequality that unjustifiably harms a victim’s physical or mental integrity, dignity, or freedom. Authorities will now follow a unified approach in handling these cases.

A new law will establish a children's ombudsman from July 1, aligning the country with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. One of the last EU nations without this role, the Czech Republic will now have a dedicated advocate to monitor, promote, and legally support children’s rights through independent oversight, education, and involvement in specific legal proceedings. The ombudsman must be over 35 with legal training and relevant experience.

A new amendment from July 1 bans photographing, filming, or drawing military objects marked with warning signs, punishable by fines up to CZK 100,000. Military police will gain expanded powers, including drone use and property access for safety reasons. Unauthorized use of military uniforms will face increased fines up to CZK 50,000, but casual wearing of camouflage clothing remains legal.

At the start of July, a new legal change will allow people working in culture to apply for artist status, which is accompanied by financial state support. The law introduces the official "artist status" for freelancers after 24 months of activity. It establishes a confidential artist registry managed by the Ministry of Culture, simplifies state funding procedures, and reduces administrative fees. 

Starting July 1, the monthly parental allowance ceiling will rise from CZK 13,000 to CZK 15,000 for low-income parents or those not eligible for maternity benefits. Additionally, the allowance can now be drawn over a minimum of 24 months instead of 27. These changes aim to provide faster and higher support to families with limited financial resources.

With summer—and accompanying heatwaves—well underway in Prague, the city’s misting stations will be in full operation from July 1. Check out our past guide on how to stay cool in the capital this summer. Additionally, Prague Fountains is a useful and frequently updated resource that provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s fountains.

If a registered financial advisor, accountant, or company is filing a tax return on your behalf (for the 2024 financial year), the deadline to complete this is July 1.

The Palace of Illustration, opening July 1 in Český Krumlov, showcases 130 works by top European illustrators from Otakar Božejovský’s extensive collection of 800 pieces. Previously housed in local monasteries, the collection now resides in the castle Mint. The gallery blends baroque architecture with modern design and aims to celebrate children’s book art. Admission is free for children.

This annual celebration falls on Saturday, July 5. Regional celebrations are expected, and this public holiday does not entail any mandatory store closures.

On July 6, Czechs remember theologian Jan Hus in what is another public holiday. This year, Jan Hus Day falls on a Sunday. Large and small stores alike are not legally obliged to close. Unfortunately, Czechia does not give holidays in lieu if they fall on a weekend—meaning no public holiday the following day.

As part of Jan Hus Day, the public will have one final chance to visit the historic Liechtenstein Palace on Kampa (in 2025). On display from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in guided tours, the 17th-century palace showcases its rich past and present role as a government venue. Visitors can view interiors that have hosted global dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II and Emperor Akihito, during official state events and delegations.