🇨🇿 How to Apply for the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
It’s important to know that the Czech Republic doesn’t have an official Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa.
However, don’t be alarmed, as there’s another visa suited to digital nomads, called the “Zivno” visa. According to the Trade Licensing Act, this trade license awards remote workers extended business privileges.
It's perfect for those who plan on staying in the country for longer than three months, up to a year, while conducting business. In this article, we’ll refer to the “Zivno” visa as the digital nomad visa to avoid confusion and highlight six important steps when applying for one.
Before you depart make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to live, work and travel in a foreign country for an extended period.
It is designed to benefit independent professionals such as entrepreneurs, freelancers and other remote workers. The digital nomad visa grants digital nomads greater freedom, flexibility, and access to areas they wouldn’t otherwise be able to explore while living and working abroad.
As digital nomadism gains more popularity, digital nomad visas provide digital nomads with an easy way to apply for a legal stay in the country of their choice.
Requirements for the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
📄 Valid Travel Document
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the Czech Republic and contain at least two empty pages.
💻 Purpose of Stay
Trade License to perform freelance work in the Czech Republic.
🏠 Evidence of Accommodation
A lease agreement or booking confirmation for the duration of your stay
💰 Meet the Financial Means
You must have a minimum bank balance of 156,500 Czech Koruna (CZK) ($7058).
🏴☠️ Clean Criminal Record
Legally issued and notarized from your country of origin or residence country
🚑 Medical Insurance
Travel health insurance must cover comprehensive health care costs for the entire duration of your stay in the Czech Republic.
(Only if visa is approved, not when applying)
📝 A Completed Application Form
Electronically fill out and print the application form; alternatively, you can print it first before writing in clear large-case Latin letters.
Translated or filled out in Czech.
6 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents
Having identified the qualifications for a Czech Republic digital nomad visa (Zivno visa), let’s take a closer look at how to submit your application.
For a successful start, make sure to gather all the necessary documents:
❗️ Required Documents
- A completed application form
- Copy of Passport
- Two Passport-Sized Photographs
- Purpose of Stay
- Proof of Accommodation
- Evidence of financial means
- Document of Health Insurance Protection
- Certified Criminal Background Check
All foreign public documents must be authenticated with an apostille to ensure their validity. In addition to submitting the application, you must prepare copies of all the required documents.
Trade License Order
To obtain a Zivno visa, all freelancers must possess an official Trade License to carry out their activities within the Czech Republic.
Scan through this comprehensive list of 80 occupations that necessitate a Trade License to determine if your job is included.
❗️ Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- A Complete Filled Out Application Form
- Accommodation and permission of the owner to carry out business at your work address
- Trade License
- Criminal Record
- A Stamp Tax of 1,000 CZK Fee (~ $45)
Please note that these documents must be written (or translated) into Czech. If you lack a physical address to register for a trade license or visa in another country, many companies offer the option of using a virtual address.
This makes submitting your application more manageable and convenient without setting up a physical address whilst not yet in the country. If you have a place to stay, kindly request your landlord to fill out this form for you to pursue business from the residence.
After you have collected all the important documents, submit your Trade License application online at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
✔️ Step 2: Schedule an Appointment at the Czech Embassy
Schedule an appointment at your nearest Czech Embassy. Individuals must submit their applications in person and undergo an interview.
You must answer the questions truthfully. During the immigration, interview fingerprints will be taken for identification.
Bring all your gathered documents with copies to your appointment. Incomplete applications will be immediately denied and sent back to the applicant – any incomplete forms cannot, under any circumstances, be accepted for processing.
⏳ Step 3: Await the Confirmation
The legal processing time for long-term visas is 90 days, which can be extended to 120 days.
⛑️ Step 4: Get Medical Insurance
Once your visa application is accepted and you are given consent to spend time in the Czech Republic, you must register for health insurance during your entire stay.
👮🏼♂️ Step 5: Register with Foreign Police
Within three days of arriving in the Czech Republic, you must register your permanent residence with the Foreign Police and receive an official stamp.
✅ Step 6 – Register Official Trade License
After obtaining your stamp from the Foreign Police, it is time to go to the Trade License Office to receive your official Trade License.
Show your temporary Trade License and the stamp to receive your official license within three to five days. Then, you can finally begin working in the Czech Republic! After you receive your Trade License, the next step is to acquire a Tax ID in order to pay Czech taxes and Social Insurance.
❗️ 3 Important Notes on the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
It is important to note that the Czech Republic digital nomad visa is not strictly a “digital nomad visa", yet many digital nomads can easily employ it.
⚡️ Important Differences to a Typical Digital Nomad Visa
- It is expected to pay Czech Republic taxes. The tax structure can be complicated, so we recommend finding an accountant specializing in local taxes and the Zivno visa.
- It is possible to renew your visa to extend your stay. You must also renew your Trade License at the same time.
- The application process can be complicated, especially because the documents must be in Czech. To simplify the process, many applicants opt to employ the expertise of professional attorneys or immigration firms to submit their paperwork.
Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of Czech's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement A bank balance of $7058 when applying Duration of Visa One year Cost of Visa $45 Processing Time 90-120 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes Ease of Applying 5/10 Tax Obligations Yes Global Peace Index Ranking 8/163
🍁 Why Czech Republic is a great place for Remote Workers
The Czech Republic is a lovely place for digital nomads to land. The country offers an incredible European lifestyle at an affordable cost.
With vibrant, colorful architecture and deep history, digital nomads can immerse themselves into the new culture while also enjoying the convenience of reliable WiFi and increasing numbers of co-working spaces throughout the major cities.
English is widely spoken here, so communication with locals is easier than ever. As a Schengen country, those with a long-term visa can explore the entire Schengen area without applying for a new visa. With all these benefits, digital nomads will likely continue growing in numbers in the coming years.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
Does the Czech Republic have a Digital Nomad Visa?
It’s important to know that the Czech Republic doesn’t have a special digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, various visas are available for digital nomads, permitting them to stay in this beautiful country for a certain period and work remotely during their visit.
Can foreigners work in the Czech Republic?
Yes, foreigners can work on a short-term or long-term basis. Those staying for over 90 days must complete the necessary registration process, obtain a Czech visa, and register with the Foreign Police within three days of arrival.
How do I make a visa appointment for my digital nomad visa?
To make an appointment, you must contact the nearest Czech embassy in your home country or the consulate in a neighbouring country.
How long is the processing time for a digital nomad visa for the Czech Republic?
The legal processing time for long-term visas is 90 days. This period can be extended to 120 days.
Is the Czech Republic a good place to live as a digital nomad?
Absolutely. With a vibrant culture and easy access to the rest of Europe, the Czech Republic is an excellent choice for digital nomads. Plus, it’s affordable and offers reliable WiFi and increasing numbers of co-working spaces throughout the major cities.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with my long-term visa?
Yes, as long as you have a valid visa and abide by the 90/180 rule. This means you can stay in all Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
Is the Czech Republic affordable to live in?
Yes, the cost of living in the Czech Republic is relatively low compared to other European countries. Rent and food costs are particularly affordable, while transportation costs are also reasonable.