If you have ever thought of living in Prague, you should consider the Czech Republic’s digital nomad visa program, which provides freedom for digital nomads to live and work in the country. The Czech Republic has multiple tourist attractions, including castles, national parks, Bohemian Paradise, cathedrals, monasteries, and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Czech Republic is an excellent destination if you are interested in natural attractions and history, and the country’s smaller land mass makes it very easy to have time to explore the entire country. The Czech Republic has a unique visa program for digital nomads that allows them to live in the Czech Republic for up to 365 days. This program allows digital nomads to explore the Czech Republic and have the flexibility to work for local companies. The only catch with this program is that the application process is much more time-consuming. However, it is still well worth the wait for many people.
Map of Czech Republic
At first glance, this digital nomad visa may seem similar to other Eastern European digital nomad visa programs. However, one distinguishing factor is that you can work for companies in the Czech Republic under this visa. This unique advantage is not seen in many other digital nomad visa programs. This visa is called the Zivno Visa or Trade License Visa. Although the visa name differs, digital nomads can still use this visa to live and work in the Czech Republic.
Living in the Czech Republic can be an enriching experience for digital nomads who choose to live in Prague or other cities. The cost of living in the Czech Republic is low, and it is easy to travel to bordering countries such as Germany, Poland, Austria, and Slovakia. The Czech Republic is a very affordable place to live, as the country’s minimum wage is only around €650/month ($634 USD). However, the country’s average salary is more than double this amount. Prague, in particular, will be more expensive, especially since many expats and digital nomads have been travelling to and living in this city.
Related content: How To Obtain Your Digital Nomad Visa In Estonia.
Working from home in the Czech Republic
In order to be eligible, you need to be 18 years or older and be able to perform work remotely while living in the Czech Republic. The application process is complicated, as you have to apply at an embassy and complete an interview. You will also need to meet other requirements to show that you run a legitimate business. These requirements include a website, business plan, and online resume. You will also have to answer questions about your business and educational background during the interview.
Related content: Romania’s New Digital Nomad Visa For Expats
Charles Bridge and Vltava river at Night in the Czech Republic
To apply, you must submit your application to a Czech Republic Embassy in your home country and be prepared to travel there for an interview. Many digital nomads may prefer other programs because they can apply online while away from their home country. However, these steps can be worthwhile if you are interested in the additional flexibility and have your heart set on the Czech Republic over other destinations. All in all, you should plan for this process to take months, and you still need to be prepared to do additional paperwork during your first week in the Czech Republic.
Czech Republic aerial view
You must apply for a trade license to work in the Czech Republic. Luckily, you can complete this portion of the application online. You must submit an application form, a passport copy, your address in the country, your criminal background check, and the type of trade you will be performing. There are around 60 types of unqualified trades to consider, and some potential options could include research, marketing, consulting, and wholesale or retail trading. It may help to have your business idea connect to the Czech Republic somehow, but this is not a requirement. You have the freedom to work for local and global companies if you are accepted.
Czech Republic Bridge At Night
You must also submit your digital nomad visa application and the required supporting documentation. Some of the needed documentation includes the following:
Passport photos and copy of passport showing that it is valid;
Proof of sufficient funds, which includes savings of around €5,200 ($5,075 USD);
Your trade license approval;
Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic;
Criminal background check;
Health insurance that covers €60,000 ($58,563 USD) in expenses.
Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic
Applicants are required to complete an interview at a Czech Republic embassy in their home country and should be prepared to answer questions about the reasoning behind their decision to live there. The interviewer may ask questions about the applicant’s purpose of stay, work experience, educational experience, and knowledge of the Czech Republic’s social system.
You will definitely need to plan in advance for this visa, which can be difficult, as you must confirm accommodation before applying. It usually takes around 90-120 days for you to hear a decision about your visa. This may make it challenging to plan accommodations and flights in advance.
Related article: The Basics of How To Get a Second Passport Or a Second Residency.
Prague Sunset, Czech Republic
Once you reach the Czech Republic, there are a few more important steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition. Within three days of arriving, it is mandatory to register with the Foreign Police. This is a straightforward process that involves filling out a registration form and providing your passport, proof of accommodation, and visa documents.
After completing the registration with the Foreign Police, you will need to visit the Trade Office to submit your temporary trade license and stamp. This step is essential for digital nomads as it allows you to legally work and operate your business in the Czech Republic. The Trade Office will review your documents and issue you a temporary license, which you can use immediately.
Once you have submitted your temporary license, you may need to wait for several days for the Trade Office to process your application. During this time, it's a good idea to explore the beautiful city of Prague or other parts of the country. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, visit the famous landmarks, and indulge in the local cuisine.
After the waiting period, you can return to the Trade Office to pick up your permanent trade license. This license will provide you with the necessary documentation to legally work and reside in the Czech Republic for the duration of your digital nomad visa. It's important to keep this license with you at all times and to comply with any regulations or requirements set by the Czech Republic authorities.
Panoramic view of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
After reading this, many people may feel overwhelmed by the application process and wonder why they should not consider other digital nomad programs instead. The key distinguishing factor of this digital nomad visa program relative to other digital nomad visa programs is that you have the freedom to work for and do contracting work for companies in the Czech Republic. This visa could be a great choice if you are on the fence about whether you want to work for a local company or freelance, and it could also be helpful if you have a specific economic interest in the Czech Republic. You also have the option to renew for another year if your trade license is still valid.