The number of foreigners working as taxi drivers in the Czech Republic, particularly in Prague, has surged in recent years, prompting the government to tighten regulations beginning in July. In 2023 alone, 5,500 taxi licenses were issued in Prague, many of them to drivers from countries like Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria.
Under new rules, all taxi drivers will be required to hold a driver’s license issued in the Czech Republic or another EU country. These licenses will only be valid for the duration of the driver’s legal stay in the country. City and municipal police will be granted expanded powers to conduct targeted inspections of taxis to enforce compliance.
Prague issued 5,405 taxi licenses last year—twice as many as in 2020. Today, around 16,000 taxis operate in the capital, although officials say only 3,500 are needed to meet demand effectively. The February Sustainable Mobility Plan by the Municipal Transport Department also emphasized reducing emissions from taxi services as a key priority.
Prague City Hall spokesperson Vít Hofman noted that it’s challenging to determine the actual number of taxis operating in the city, as many drivers are licensed in neighboring towns and commute into Prague.
“The City of Prague considers the current taxi situation alarming. With the emergence of alternative taxi services like Uber and Bolt, there has been a huge influx of third-country nationals applying for taxi licenses,” Hofman said.
He warned that many foreign drivers are unfamiliar with Prague’s streets, lack essential driving skills, and don’t fully understand local traffic regulations, posing safety risks for both passengers and other road users.
“That’s why, several months ago, we began talks with the Ministry of Transport and submitted proposals to amend the Road Transport Act to help improve the situation,” he added.
Insurance companies have reported an increase in traffic accidents involving taxis, although they don’t track drivers’ nationalities, as the vehicles are usually company-owned.
While most of the 14,808 taxi licenses were granted to Czech nationals, foreigners made up a significant portion: over 6,000 licenses were issued to Ukrainians, 1,153 to Uzbeks, and 117 to Nigerians.
“Many drivers from alternative transport services continue working in the Czech Republic even after their work permits expire. These are often non-EU nationals, some of whom remain in the country illegally or on tourist visas,” said Ministry of Transport spokesperson Alena Mühl.
In response, Prague lawmakers introduced an amendment to the Road Traffic Act, which was supported by Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), approved by the Senate, and now awaits the president’s signature.
The new legislation stipulates that taxi licenses will only be issued for the duration of the driver’s legal residency and that only vehicles listed in the official taxi registry may be used.
“Municipal police will be authorized to stop taxis specifically to check compliance with these obligations. Inspections will no longer be limited to road safety or traffic violations,” the spokesperson added.
However, foreign drivers will not be required to take driving lessons in the Czech Republic. Those who have lived in the country for at least six months and can prove permanent residence will be eligible to exchange their foreign license for a Czech one, according to the Ministry.
