Czech Republic (CZ)
Czech Republic is a landlocked Central European parliamentary republic of 14 regions, home to the fairy-tale spires of Prague — one of Europe's best-preserved medieval capitals — as well as world-famous Bohemian crystal and glasswork, the birthplace of Pilsner lager, a thriving startup and tech scene anchored in Prague and Brno, and one of the lowest unemployment rates and most stable economies in the EU.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Czech Republic.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have full freedom of movement and do not require a visa to enter, live, and work in Czech Republic. As a Schengen member, Czech Republic also allows visa-free short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) from many countries including: USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, UK, and most Latin American and South-East Asian countries. See the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mzv.cz) for the current complete list.
Immigration to Czech Republic is managed by the Ministry of Interior (Ministerstvo vnitra — MV ČR) and the Foreign Police (Cizinecká policie). For residence permit applications: Odbor azylové a migrační politiky (OAMP — Department of Asylum and Migration Policy) at mv.cz. EU citizens register at the local Cizinecká policie (usually located in police stations or dedicated foreign police offices). Czech immigration website: cizinci.cz. Prague foreign police office is extremely busy — book appointments well in advance online. For non-EU citizens, ensure you apply for permit renewals at least 3 months before current permit expiry.
Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa)
Citizens of countries requiring a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period
10–15 working days (up to 45 days in complex cases)
- ✓Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond intended stay)
- ✓Completed visa application form
- ✓Biometric passport photos
- ✓Travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Czech Republic
- ✓Proof of financial means (sufficient funds)
- ✓Purpose of visit documentation (invitation, hotel booking, etc.)
- ✓Return/onward travel ticket
EU Temporary Residence Registration (EU Citizens)
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying in Czech Republic for more than 30 days
30 days (legally required)
- ✓Valid national ID card or passport
- ✓Proof of purpose (employment contract, business registration, study enrollment, or self-sufficiency)
- ✓Proof of accommodation (rental agreement)
- ✓Completed registration form
- ✓For employment: employer confirmation
- ✓For self-employment: živnostenský list
- ✓For study: university enrollment confirmation
- ✓For self-sufficient persons: proof of health insurance and sufficient financial means
Employee Card (Non-EU)
Non-EU citizens with a concrete job offer from a Czech employer
30–60 days (some nationalities expedited)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Completed application form
- ✓Job offer/employment contract (employer must have the position in the vacancy register)
- ✓Education qualifications (certified translation)
- ✓Biometric photos
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Czech Republic
- ✓Medical report (zdravotní způsobilost)
- ✓Criminal record extract from home country and Czech Republic
Long-Term Residence Permit (Non-EU)
Non-EU citizens with specific purpose (family reunion, study, business)
60–90 days
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Purpose-specific documents (family: sponsor's residence permit; study: university enrollment; business: živnostenský list)
- ✓Proof of accommodation
- ✓Financial means (sufficient for duration)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Criminal record certificate
Permanent Residence (Non-EU)
Non-EU citizens after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Czech Republic
60–180 days
- ✓5 years continuous legal residence in Czech Republic
- ✓Proof of continuous residence
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Financial means
- ✓Czech language certificate B1 (or exam at Czech language testing centre)
- ✓No criminal record
- ✓Health insurance
EU Long-Term Resident Permit
Non-EU citizens after 5 years continuous legal residence in Czech Republic
60–180 days
- ✓5 years continuous legal residence
- ✓Stable income
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Czech language certificate B1
No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (Czech Republic)
Digital NomadCzech Republic has no dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live and work remotely in Czech Republic freely — register přechodný pobyt at Cizinecká policie within 30 days. Non-EU remote workers must apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit (Povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu) under the business/self-employment purpose by registering a Czech trade licence (živnostenský list).
EU/EEA registration: 30 days statutory maximum. Non-EU long-term residence: 60–90 days at Ministry of Interior (OAMP).
- ✓EU/EEA nationals: valid passport or national ID; register přechodný pobyt at Cizinecká policie within 30 days of establishing residence
- ✓Non-EU: registered živnostenský list (trade licence) obtained from the relevant Trade Licensing Office (živnostenský úřad); proof of business activity; proof of financial means; accommodation in Czech Republic; valid passport; criminal record certificate; health insurance
EU Blue Card
Blue CardNon-EU citizens with a recognised higher education qualification (minimum 3-year programme) and a job offer with gross salary at least 1.5× the Czech national average gross wage. From 1 May 2026, the threshold is CZK 73,823/month gross (approximately CZK 885,876/year; approximately €2,960/month at 2026 rates), raised from CZK 68,400/month. Verify the current threshold at mvcr.cz before applying.
30–60 days
- ✓Recognised university degree (at least 3-year programme)
- ✓Employment contract for minimum 1 year with salary ≥ CZK 73,823/month gross (from 1 May 2026)
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Czech Republic
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Criminal record certificate
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