No digital nomad visa — here’s what actually works
Czechia does not have a digital nomad visa. Unlike Portugal (D8 visa) or Croatia, there’s no dedicated permit for remote workers employed abroad. Your options depend on your nationality and how long you plan to stay.
EU/EEA citizens: No visa needed. Stay and work freely. Register at the Foreign Police (Cizinecká policie) if staying longer than 30 days — it’s a formality.
Non-EU citizens on Schengen: 90 days within any 180-day period, visa-free for most nationalities (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.). Technically, working remotely in Czechia on a tourist entry is a gray area — you’re not employed by a Czech company, but you’re performing work on Czech soil. Most remote workers do this without issues.
Longer than 90 days (non-EU): You need either a Živnostenský list (trade license) or a long-term visa.
The Živnostenský list route
The Živnostenský list (trade license) is the most common path for non-EU freelancers and remote workers staying long-term in Prague. It lets you operate as a self-employed person (OSVČ) in Czechia.
Get a Czech address
You need a registered address in Czechia. A notarized landlord consent letter works. Some co-living spaces provide this.
Apply for Živnostenský list
Visit the Živnostenský úřad (Trade Licensing Office) in your district. Bring passport, address proof, and CZK 1,000 fee. Available in 5 working days.
Apply for long-term visa (Zábor D)
Apply at the Czech embassy in your home country BEFORE entering Czechia. Requires: trade license, proof of funds (CZK 124,500 in bank), health insurance, clean criminal record.
Wait for visa processing
Processing takes 60-90 days at most embassies. Some (US, UK) may be faster. You cannot wait in Czechia during processing.
Collect visa and enter Czechia
Pick up your visa at the embassy. Enter Czechia and register at Foreign Police within 3 days of arrival.
Register for health and social insurance
Within 8 days of starting your trade license activity, register at VZP (public health) or get commercial insurance. Register at ČSSZ (social security).
Costs and processing times
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Živnostenský list | CZK 1,000 (EUR 40) | One-time fee at trade office |
| Long-term visa application | CZK 2,500 (EUR 100) | Non-refundable |
| Health insurance (commercial) | CZK 1,200-3,500/month (EUR 48-140) | VZP public insurance available after 1 year of tax payments |
| Proof of funds | CZK 124,500 (EUR ~5,000) | Must show this balance at time of application |
| Criminal record apostille | Varies by country | US: ~USD 50. UK: ~GBP 26 |
Total upfront: approximately EUR 200-300 in fees, plus EUR 5,000 proof of funds (not spent, just shown).
Processing time: 60-90 days for the visa after submission. Plan 3-4 months from first steps to having the visa in hand.
Alternative options
Schengen hopping: Some remote workers alternate 90 days in Czechia with 90 days in a non-Schengen country (UK, Albania, Turkey). This resets the Schengen clock but isn’t a long-term solution and may raise questions at border control if done repeatedly.
Employee card (Zaměstnanecká karta): If your employer sets up a Czech entity or uses an Employer of Record (EOR), you can get an employee card. Processing: 60-90 days. More paperwork but gives you proper employment rights and public health insurance from day one.
Czech freelance visa vs. trade license: These are the same thing. The Živnostenský list is the trade license; the long-term visa based on it is sometimes called a “freelance visa.” Don’t get confused by different names for the same process.
Tax implications
Operating under a Živnostenský list means you’re a Czech tax resident if you stay 183+ days per year. Czech income tax is a flat 15% (23% on income above CZK 1,935,552/year). You can deduct 60% of income as flat-rate expenses (no receipts needed) for most freelance activities. Social and health contributions add roughly 11% on top. Effective tax rate for most remote workers: 20-25%.
Get a Czech accountant (daňový poradce). Budget CZK 500-1,500/month (EUR 20-60). Recommendations from expat Facebook groups are reliable.