Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
Unlock Prague's Potential
Your Ultimate Guide to the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
The Czech Republic, with its fairy-tale castles, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, is an absolute magnet for digital nomads. If you dream of working remotely with a view of Charles Bridge or a picturesque Old Town Square, the good news is that the Czech government offers two primary routes for long-term stay:
The New Digital Nomad Program (a specialized Long-Term Residence Permit)
The traditional Zivno Visa (Long-Term Visa for the Purpose of Entrepreneurship)
We'll focus on the exciting Digital Nomad Program first, as it's the more direct pathway for remote workers.
The Official Czech Digital Nomad Program
Launched in 2023, this accelerated program targets highly skilled foreign professionals, especially those in the tech sector.
Who is Eligible for the Digital Nomad Program?
This program is highly selective, with strict requirements on both nationality and profession.
Nationality Requirements:
You must be a citizen of one of the following countries:
Australia
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Taiwan
United Kingdom (UK)
United States of America (USA)
Professional Requirements (Focus on IT/STEM):
You must prove sufficient expertise in the field of Information Technology (IT) or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by demonstrating either:
A university degree or higher professional education in a STEM subject. OR
At least three years of relevant work experience in the IT or STEM field.
Financial Requirements:
You must prove a minimum gross monthly income that is at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in the Czech Republic. This amount changes yearly.
As a reference, for the period of May 2023 to April 2024, this was set at 60,530 CZK (approx. $2,680 USD) per month.
It is crucial to check the most current figure on the official Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) website before applying.
Work Status:
You can apply as either:
A Foreign Employee: Working remotely for a foreign company that has at least 50 employees worldwide.
A Freelancer (Self-Employed): You must obtain a Czech Trade License (Živnostenské oprávnění or Živno) for IT/STEM-related business.
Duration:
The initial permit is valid for one year and can be renewed up to a maximum of three years.
Application Procedure (Digital Nomad Program)
The application for this program is a two-step process:
Application for Inclusion in the Program (Ministry of Industry and Trade - MPO)
Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including proof of citizenship, professional qualification (diploma or work experience), and proof of income.
Email Submission: Send your completed application form and supporting documents to the MPO email address: digitalnomad@mpo.cz.
Wait for MPO Confirmation: The MPO reviews your profile for eligibility. If you are approved for inclusion, you will receive a written confirmation and a recommendation for a visa (usually within 5 days), and the MPO will inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI).
Application for the Long-Term Residence Permit (Ministry of the Interior - MOI)
Gather Visa Documents:
Completed application form (Long-Term Visa for the purpose of "Other" or "Business," depending on your status).
Valid Passport (must be valid beyond your intended stay).
Proof of Accommodation in the Czech Republic (for the duration of your stay).
Criminal Record Certificate (from your country of citizenship and any country where you've lived for more than 6 months in the last 3 years).
Proof of Financial Means (as per the monthly income requirement).
Professional Documentation (from Step 1).
Trade License (Živno) if applying as a freelancer.
Proof of Comprehensive Travel Medical Insurance (only needed upon visa approval).
2 Passport-sized Photos.
Crucial Note: All documents must be officially translated into Czech and, in some cases, apostilled/superlegalized.
Book an Appointment: You must submit your application in person at the Czech Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship or legal residence. Appointment wait times can be long, so book early.
Interview & Biometrics: Attend your appointment, submit your documents, pay the application fee, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Processing Time: The decision is typically made within 45 days.
Visa Collection: If approved, you will return to the embassy/consulate to collect a temporary visa sticker in your passport.
Post-Arrival Registration: Within 3 working days of entering the Czech Republic, you must register your address with the local Foreign Police (or the Ministry of the Interior office).
The Traditional Zivno Visa (Long-Term Visa for the Purpose of Entrepreneurship)
For those who are not citizens of the eligible 8 countries or whose profession is not IT/STEM, the Živnostenské Oprávnění (Zivno) Visa is the long-standing route for self-employed individuals and is still widely used by general digital nomads.
Key Differences from the Digital Nomad Program:
FeatureDigital Nomad ProgramZivno Visa (Business Purpose)TargetIT/STEM professionalsGeneral Freelancers/EntrepreneursNationalityLimited to 8 specific countriesOpen to all Third-Country NationalsLocal Client Req.Not explicitly required (can work for foreign employer)Highly recommended to have a business plan involving local clientsFinancial ProofMinimum Monthly Income (1.5x average wage)Proof of Savings (approx. 50x the subsistence minimum)Processing TimeFast-track (approx. 45 days after MPO confirmation)Standard processing (up to 90–120 days)
Application Procedure (Zivno Visa)
Obtain a Trade License (Živno): You must register for a trade license at a Czech Trade License Office (Živnostenský úřad). You will need a registered business address in the Czech Republic and pay a small administrative fee (approx. 1,000 CZK).
Gather Documents: Prepare the long-term visa application form (purpose: "Business"), passport, proof of accommodation, criminal record check, proof of financial means (the required savings amount), and the new Trade License certificate.
Apply In-Person: Submit the application in person at the Czech Embassy or Consulate in your home country/country of long-term residence.
Wait and Collect: Wait for the decision (up to 90-120 days). Once approved, you must obtain proof of medical insurance and collect your visa.
Post-Arrival Registration: Register with the Foreign Police within 3 working days of arrival.
Official Government Resources
It is absolutely vital to rely on official government sources for the most up-to-date requirements and financial figures, as regulations can change.
ResourceDescriptionMinistry of Industry and Trade (MPO) - Digital Nomad ProgramOfficial page for the specialized IT/STEM program, including forms and email address for initial application (Digital Nomad Program only).Ministry of the Interior (MOI) - Long-Term Visa/ResidenceThe main authority for all visa and long-term residence matters, including the "Business" purpose visa (Zivno).Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MZV) - Visa InformationGeneral information on all visa types, including Entrepreneurship (Zivno).Information Portal for Foreigners (IPC)A useful portal with information on residence and integration.Czech Trade Licensing Office (Živnostenský úřad)The office where you register your Trade License (essential for both freelancer routes).
Disclaimer: As an AI, I provide information based on the latest available data. Visa rules and financial requirements are subject to change. Always consult the official government websites and consider seeking advice from a professional Czech immigration specialist before beginning your application.
