The Czech Republic (Czechia) is a Schengen Area member in the heart of Europe, offering digital nomads a vibrant expat community, rich history, affordable living, and excellent connectivity. Prague is a major hub for remote workers, with numerous coworking spaces, fast internet, and a thriving tech scene. The country offers both a traditional freelance visa (Zivno) and a newer Digital Nomad Visa for IT/STEM professionals from select countries.
5
Visa Types
95
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visa (Type C)
Short-stay visa for tourism, business, or family visits allowing stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
90 days
Duration
€135
$146 fee
+€75 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Valid for travel across all 29 Schengen countries
✓Single, double, or multiple entry options available
✓Allows tourism, business meetings, and family visits
•Apply at least 2-3 months before your planned trip
•Book refundable flights and hotels in case of visa delays
•Ensure your travel insurance meets the EUR 30,000 minimum requirement
•Keep copies of all submitted documents
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
business
Zivno Visa (Freelance/Trade License)
Long-term business visa for freelancers and self-employed individuals. Allows you to work with Czech and foreign clients while living in the Czech Republic.
365 days
Duration
CZK 3,500
$3.8K fee
+CZK 51,000 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $124,500/total
Alternative: Bank statement showing at least 124,500 CZK (approximately EUR 5,000 / USD 5,600). Some sources suggest 156,500 CZK for more recent applications.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Work legally as a freelancer in Czech Republic
✓Can work with both Czech and international clients
✓Free movement within Schengen Area for up to 90 days
✓Path to long-term residence and eventually permanent residence
✓Trade license fee is only 1,000 CZK per year
✓Can include family members in application
📋 Requirements (11)
•Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, with 2 blank pages)
•Completed long-term visa application form
•Two passport-sized photos
•Trade License (Živnostenský list) or proof of application
•Business plan outlining your freelance activities
•Proof of accommodation in Czech Republic
•Bank statement showing at least 124,500 CZK
•Criminal background check (apostilled and translated)
•Notarized copy of credit/debit card with your name
•Comprehensive health insurance for Czech Republic and Schengen
•All documents must be translated into Czech
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 90 to 120 days (can vary significantly)
1Apply for Trade License online at the Czech Trade Licensing Office
2Receive temporary trade license (issued in 3-5 working days)
3Gather all required documents and have them translated to Czech
4Obtain apostilled criminal background check
5Schedule appointment at Czech embassy
6Submit visa application in person
7Attend interview (bring interpreter if not fluent in Czech)
8Wait for processing (90-120 days typical)
9Upon approval, collect visa and travel to Czech Republic
10Register with Foreign Police within 3 days of arrival
11Obtain official Trade License at local Trade Licensing Office
Process: Before visa expires, apply for extension at Ministry of Interior. Can extend for up to 2 additional years as a long-term residence permit.
Renewal: After 1 year, can apply for long-term residence permit (2 years). After 5 years of continuous residence, can apply for permanent residence.
💡 Pro Tips
•Strongly recommend hiring an immigration lawyer or agency
•Start process 4-6 months before planned move
•Create a professional website showcasing your freelance work
•Have a clear business plan ready
•Find a Czech accountant familiar with Zivno taxation
•Many applicants use this visa to teach English as freelancers
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Digital Nomad Visa (IT/STEM)
Launched July 2023, this visa is specifically for IT and STEM professionals from 8 eligible countries who work remotely for foreign employers or as freelancers.
365 days
Duration
CZK 2,500
$2.7K fee
+CZK 20,000 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $60,530/per_month
Alternative: Must earn at least 1.5 times the Czech minimum wage (approximately 60,530 CZK / USD 2,700 per month). Bank statements showing 124,500 CZK minimum.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Streamlined process specifically for tech workers
✓Can work remotely for foreign employers
✓Family members can accompany (spouse, children, dependents under 26)
✓Free movement in Schengen Area up to 90 days
✓Online pre-application process
✓No need for Czech trade license if employed
📋 Requirements (9)
•Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond visa expiry, 2 blank pages)
•Citizen of eligible country (US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea)
•Work in IT or STEM field
•Degree in IT/STEM from accredited university OR 3+ years industry experience
•Employment contract with company of 50+ employees OR freelance contracts
•Proof of monthly income of at least 60,530 CZK
•Proof of remote work arrangement
•International health insurance
•Clean criminal background
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Approximately 45 days
1Verify you are from an eligible country and work in IT/STEM
2Gather proof of education or 3+ years experience in IT/STEM
3Obtain employment contract or client contracts
4Prepare proof of income (at least 60,530 CZK/month)
5Email application form and proof of education to digitalnomad@mpo.cz
6Receive confirmation and schedule embassy appointment
Does Czech Republic have a dedicated digital nomad visa?
Yes! The Czech Republic launched a Digital Nomad Visa in July 2023, specifically designed for IT and STEM professionals. However, it is only available to citizens of 8 countries: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Applicants must work in IT/STEM fields, earn at least 60,530 CZK per month (about USD 2,700), and either have a degree in IT/STEM or 3+ years of industry experience. For other nationalities, the Zivno (Freelance/Trade License) visa remains the best option for long-term stays.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while on a tourist visa in Czech Republic?
Technically, working on a tourist visa or visa-free stay is not permitted under Czech law. However, the practical enforcement for remote workers not employed locally is minimal. For stays beyond 90 days or to work legally, you should apply for either the Digital Nomad Visa (if eligible) or the Zivno (Freelance) visa. Many digital nomads use the Zivno visa which allows you to work as a freelancer for both Czech and international clients while being fully legal and paying Czech taxes.
What is the Zivno visa and how does it differ from the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Zivno visa (Živnostenské oprávnění) is a long-term business visa based on a Czech trade license, available to any nationality. It allows you to work as a freelancer for Czech and international clients, but requires extensive paperwork in Czech, a business plan, and you must pay Czech taxes. The Digital Nomad Visa is simpler and specifically for IT/STEM workers from 8 eligible countries who work remotely for foreign employers. The Zivno is more versatile but complex; the DN visa is streamlined but restricted by nationality and profession.
How long can I stay in Czech Republic as a tourist?
As a Schengen Area member, the 90/180 day rule applies. Citizens of visa-free countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and others) can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the ENTIRE Schengen Area - this is cumulative across all 29 Schengen countries. EU/EEA citizens have unlimited stay rights. For stays exceeding 90 days, you must apply for a long-term visa before arrival.
Do I need to register with police when I arrive in Czech Republic?
Yes, registration is required. Third-country nationals (non-EU) must register with the Foreign Police within 3 working days of arrival. EU citizens must register within 30 days if staying longer than 30 days. However, if you stay at a hotel, hostel, or other commercial accommodation, they will register you automatically. The penalty for failing to register is up to 3,000 CZK. You should also carry your passport or residence permit at all times - failure to produce ID when requested can result in a fine of up to 2,000 CZK.
Can I open a bank account in Czech Republic as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Czech Republic. EU citizens need only a passport or ID card. Non-EU nationals typically need a residence permit or visa valid for at least 90 days, plus proof of address and sometimes proof of income or employment. Expat-friendly banks include UniCredit Bank (has International Clients Center with English support), Komerční banka, Raiffeisenbank, and Fio Bank (offers free accounts). Some digital banks like Wise and Revolut also work well for initial banking needs.
What are the costs of living for digital nomads in Prague?
Prague offers excellent value compared to Western Europe. Expect to spend roughly EUR 1,000-1,500 per month for a comfortable lifestyle including: rent for a one-bedroom apartment (EUR 600-900), coworking space (EUR 100-200), food and dining (EUR 250-350), transportation (EUR 25-40 monthly pass), and entertainment. Costs are lower in other cities like Brno or Ostrava. The Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the Euro, so exchange rates can work in your favor.
How long does it take to process a long-term visa for Czech Republic?
Processing times vary by visa type. Schengen visas (short-stay) typically take 15 working days but can extend to 30-60 days during peak seasons. Long-term visas (Type D) including the Zivno visa take 60-120 days on average, with the legal maximum being 90 days (though this can be extended). The Digital Nomad Visa takes approximately 45 days. Always apply well in advance - ideally 4-6 months before your planned move for long-term visas.
Can I bring my family on a Czech Republic visa?
Yes, most long-term visas allow family reunification. The Digital Nomad Visa specifically allows spouses/registered partners, minor children, and dependents under 26 to accompany the primary applicant. For the Zivno visa and other long-term visas, family members can apply for dependent visas. Note that family members on the Digital Nomad Visa cannot seek local employment in Czech Republic. Family members must apply separately and meet their own documentation requirements.
What happens after my one-year visa expires in Czech Republic?
Before your visa expires, you can apply for an extension or upgrade. Long-term visa holders can apply for a long-term residence permit valid for 2 years at the Ministry of Interior. This is renewable and after 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence. Permanent residents have nearly the same rights as Czech citizens (except voting in national elections). Some long-term residents eventually pursue Czech citizenship after 10 years of residence.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025