The Czech Republic (Czechia) has always been a magnet for travelers, boasting a rich history, breathtaking architecture, and a fusion of both Western and Eastern European cultures.
Whether you are drawn to the medieval allure of Prague, the historic tales of Brno, or the natural beauty surrounding Český Krumlov, Czechia offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be explored.
But what if you're a digital nomad, enticed by Czechia's allure and desiring a longer stay than the average tourist visa allows? The answer lies in Czechia's 'Živnostenské oprávnění' or the 'Živno' visa. This unique visa is redefining the traditional work and travel paradigm, allowing digital professionals to immerse themselves in Czechia’s vibrant tapestry for an extended period.
In this article, you'll uncover a detailed breakdown of the 'Živno' visa, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and its many benefits.
Does Czechia Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
While not offering a typical digital nomad visa, Czechia provides a long-term residence visa known as 'Živnostenské oprávnění' or simply 'Živno'. This allows digital nomads to work as freelancers in the Czech Republic for up to one year.
Benefits of Czechia Digital Nomad Visa
The Czechia digital nomad visa offers numerous advantages for those seeking to establish a working foothold in Europe.
Not only does it allow freelancers to work in the Czech Republic for up to a year, but this visa can also be renewed as a residence permit for an additional two years.
One of its standout features is the freedom it grants: visa holders can travel to all 26 Schengen countries in Europe without any visa hassles, which means you can travel and work in other European countries without a visa.
Additionally, it stands out as an economical choice. With the trade license fee set at just 1,000 CZK (approximately $45 USD) annually, it's a more cost-effective option compared to other visas.
Who Can Apply for Czechia Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, applicants must be citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the U.K. or the United States.
Applicants must also hold a university degree or higher in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or possess at least three years of work experience in the IT industry.
If employed by foreign companies, they'll also need to meet the minimum income requirement of CZK 60,530 per month (or approximately $2,710).
How to Apply for Czechia's Long-Term Residence as a Digital Nomad
To apply for the Czechia digital nomad visa, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose the embassy where you want to apply
You will have to contact the embassy where you want to apply by email or phone and ask them if they accept visa applications and if they have free appointment slots. You can check the full list of Czechia embassies and consulates abroad on the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.
Step 2: Collect all the required documents
All documents must be translated or filled out in Czech. The full list of documents is provided in the next paragraph.
Step 3: Prepare for the immigration interview
You will have to explain your purpose of stay, your business plan, and your connection to Czechia.
Step 4: Submit your application
You will have to apply at the embassy and wait for a response. The official approval time is 90-120 days, but it can vary depending on many factors.
Step 5: Register with the Foreign Police
If your application is approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport that allows you to enter Czechia and register at the foreign police within three days of arrival.
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Apply with iVisa nowDocuments Required for Czechia's Long-Term Residence
The documents required for applying for the Czechia digital nomad visa are:
- A valid passport from your home country that is not older than 10 years, has at least two blank pages and is valid for another 1.5 years.
- A visa application form, fully completed with the correct information, printed and signed at the end.
- Two recent photos, in compliance with the photograph requirements for Czech visa application.
- A trade license that allows you to work as a freelancer or contractor in Czechia. You can apply for it online on the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.
- Proof of accommodation arranged for at least one year in Czechia. This can be a rental contract, a confirmation from a hotel or hostel, or an invitation letter from a friend or relative who lives in Czechia.
- Proof of sufficient financial funds in your bank account. You need to have at least 149,000 CZK or 6,100 USD in your account and provide a bank statement or a letter from your bank.
- Proof of medical insurance that covers your whole stay in Czechia and the whole territory of Europe. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of 60,000 EUR or 1.5 million CZK.
- A criminal background check from your home country and from any other country where you have lived for more than six months in the past three years. The document must be apostilled or legalized by the relevant authorities.
How Much Does Czechia's Long-Term Residence Cost?
The cost of the Czechia digital nomad visa depends on several factors, such as the type of trade, the embassy fees, the translation fees, and the insurance fees.
Here is a breakdown of the possible costs involved in applying for the Zivno visa:
- The trade license fee is 1,000 CZK (~ $45 USD) per year.
- The embassy fee for the visa application is 2,500 CZK (~ $113 USD) for a single-entry visa or 5,000 CZK (~ $226 USD) for a multiple-entry visa.
- The translation fee for the required documents can vary depending on the translator and the number of pages, but it can range from 300 CZK to 600 CZK (~ $14 USD to $27 USD) per page.
- The insurance fee for the medical insurance that covers your whole stay in Czechia and Europe can also vary depending on the insurance company and the coverage, but it can range from 1,500 CZK to 3,000 CZK (~ $68 USD to $136 USD) per month.
Therefore, the total cost of applying for the Zivno visa can range from 10,000 CZK to 20,000 CZK (~ $453 USD to $906 USD). You should also keep in mind that these costs are estimates and they may change depending on various factors.
Timeline for Applying For Czechia's Long-Term Residence
The timeline for applying for Czechia’s digital nomad visa can vary depending on several factors, such as your nationality, the embassy where you apply, the type of trade, and the availability of the required documents. However, the total timeline for applying for the Zivno visa can range from four to six months.
Need Help with Czechia's Visitor Visa?
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Apply with iVisa nowWhat If I’m Not Eligible for Czechia's Long-Term Residence as a Digital Nomad?
If you are not eligible for Czechia’s digital nomad visa, you may have the option to apply for a tourist visa.
This type of short-term visa allows you to stay and visit Czechia for up to 90 days within 180 days. You need to apply for this visa at the Czech embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residence and submit the required documents. You also need to pay the embassy fee and wait for a response. The official approval time is 15 days, but it can vary depending on many factors.
If your application is approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport that allows you to enter Czechia and visit tourist attractions within the validity period of your visa. You cannot work or conduct business activities with this visa.
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Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Czechia
Paying taxes as a digital nomad in Czechia can be a complex and challenging issue, as it depends on several factors, such as your nationality, residency status, income source, tax treaty, and tax obligations in your home country.
However, if you are a freelancer or contractor in Czechia with the Zivno visa, you are going to most likely be considered a tax resident of Czechia and you have to pay income tax on your worldwide income. The income tax rate in Czechia is 15%, plus a 7% solidarity surcharge for income above 1.5 million CZK (~ $68,000 USD) per year.
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