If you can work remotely and want to experience how it is to live in the Czech Republic or the recent name Czechia, consider applying for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa. It's a visa given to individuals who can work online and base themselves in the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic is one of those European countries gaining popularity in the digital nomad scene. It's a landlocked country in Central Europe famous for its beautiful castles, medieval villages, unique culture, and impressive historical sights.
Digital nomads living in the Czech Republic will enjoy many benefits. It's one of the safest countries to live in Europe, has modern infrastructures and excellent public transportation. Compared to many other European countries, the cost of living in the Czech Republic is relatively cheaper. In Prague, for instance, the average cost of living is $2,294 per month. Plus, you can find many decent and affordable accommodations.
If you're ready to move as a digital nomad in the Czech Republic, here's everything you need to know about the Czech Republic digital nomad visa.
About the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
It's worth noting there's no official digital nomad visa for the Czech Republic. However, there are visas that digital nomads can apply for, allowing them to live in the Czech Republic for a certain period while working remotely.
The most suitable visa for digital nomads in the Czech Republic is the “Zivno visa,” a trade license that will allow you to do business in the country with a long-term business visa under the Trade Licensing Act. It's suitable for individuals who want to stay in the country for more than three months and up to a year while conducting business.
Applying for the Zivno visa will not require you to get a lawyer. However, the process is not as straightforward, and you may need some help. There are requirements you must fulfil and submit together with your application.
Once you get approved for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa, you can live in the country even if your business is outside the Czech Republic. Therefore, remote workers who are technically self-employed can qualify for the Zivno visa.
Applying for the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
You need to apply for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa through the nearest embassy or consulate in your country since you cannot apply for it when you are already in the Czech Republic.
Here are the steps involved for the application of the Czech Republic digital nomad visa:
1. Contact the Czech embassy in your country to schedule a visa appointment
Get in touch with the Czech embassy or consulate in your country. Call or email them to set an appointment for your visa application. You can only apply for the visa from the embassy in the country where you are currently residing legally.
2. Secure a Trade License
A trade license is required before you can work in the Czech Republic. Therefore, you must secure this license when applying for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa. You can apply for the trade license online via the Trade Licensing Register website of the Czech Republic. These are the documents you need to submit when applying for the trade license:
- Completed application form.
- Passport
- Address of the place where you will be staying while living in the Czech Republic.
- Indicate your trade type. Refer to this list of jobs requiring a trade license in the Czech Republic.
Make sure to translate these documents to the Czech language.
3. Submit your Application of the Czech Republic digital nomad visa at the embassy or consulate
The next step is to submit your digital nomad visa application and attach the required documents. Here are the documents you need to submit:
- Application form – fill out the application form completely. Sign and submit it.
- Valid passport – as with any visa application, you must submit your passport. It must remain valid for at least six months after its return date.
- Passport-sized photos – submit passport-sized photos taken in the past six months.
- Bank statement – you need to submit bank statements that will prove your financial means. You should have at least €5,084 in your bank account. Along with the bank statements, you must send in your card and proof that you are the cardholder.
- Proof of accommodation – you need to submit a document proving your accommodation for the entire duration of your stay in the Czech Republic.
- Zivno trade license – the trade license will serve as the reason why you need to stay in the Czech Republic.
- Criminal record documents– you need to show proof that you have not been convicted of any crime. You can submit criminal record documents issued by the police or court authority of your origin country.
- Health insurance – you must obtain a health insurance policy that can cover any medical expenses you could incur while living in the Czech Republic. The coverage should be at least €60,000.
4. Attend the Immigration Interview
After submitting your application, you will be scheduled for an immigration interview. The interview will take place in the Czech embassy. During the interview, you will be asked about your intention to work and live in the country, where you will stay, previous work, education, etc. Make sure to answer truthfully. Also, ensure you are not late for your interview schedule and wear something presentable.
5. Wait for a Response
After submitting your Czech Republic digital nomad visa application and attending the interview, all you will do is wait for the result. The processing time is 90 to 120 days from the day you applied. Once the result is available, you will receive an email or an SMS. If your visa application is approved, you can enter the Czech Republic and start living there as a digital nomad.
Entering the Czech Republic Using the Digital Nomad Visa
Once you have received your Czech Republic digital nomad visa and enter the country, here are the things you need to do to start living in the country.
- First, visit the Foreign Policy to register for your stay. Make sure you visit them within three days of entry into the country.
- Once the Foreign Policy gives you a stamp, visit the local trade office and submit the stamp together with the temporary license.
- After five days, you will receive a permanent trade license, and that's when you can start working as a digital nomad in the Czech Republic.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of Europe's most underrated countries. But if you have been to the country before, you will agree that it's one of the world's most beautiful countries. Despite being small, it offers countless sights to explore. Furthermore, it has a fascinating history and is home to impressive historical sites, from castles to monuments and churches. Therefore, if you decide to live as a digital nomad in the Czech Republic, you will have many things to keep yourself busy during your downtime.
Prague, the capital city, is where most digital nomads live in the country. Living in Prague as a digital nomad will cost you an average of $1,518 per month, which is lower than many other European cities.
In addition, Prague has many excellent accommodations you can rent long-term. Accommodations in Prague do not cost a lot of money. The average monthly rental for a studio in the city center is only $391 per month! Indeed, living as a digital nomad in the Czech Republic is cheaper than in many other countries, so it's not surprising why many are interested in applying for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa.
Another reason why many digital nomads are interested in living in the Czech Republic is that it's very safe. In fact, the Global Peace Index (GPI) hails the Czech Republic as the sixth safest country in the world. Prague, the capital city, has also ranked high among the safest cities in the world.
You won't have issues working as a digital nomad in the Czech Republic because the country has fast internet. Furthermore, many coffee shops, restaurants, and bars offer free internet, allowing you to get connected anywhere you go. There's also an increasing number of co-working spaces in the country, which makes it easier to connect with fellow digital nomads.
The biggest advantage to living in the Czech Republic as a digital nomad is you will have many things to do during your downtime, allowing you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. You can explore sights like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the magnificent Old Town Square. Furthermore, the country has a strong beer culture, and you'll find numerous bars and pubs to enjoy a glass or two after a day of working.
FAQs on the Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
How Long will the digital nomad visa for Czech Republic remains valid?
The Czech Republic digital nomad visa will be valid for six months up to a year. It will serve as a long-term visa for digital nomads, allowing them to live longer in the country.
Are there any extensions for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa?
You can extend the visa, but you must first apply for an extension of the trading license. The visa's initial validity is one year. But you can apply for an extension if you want to stay longer. It can be extended for another year, which you can request through the Ministry of Interior.
What's the Internet Speed in the Czech Republic?
The internet speed in the Czech Republic is fast. It's ranked 48th in the world for mobile internet speeds and 79th for fixed broadband speeds.
More European Countries With A Digital Nomad Visa
Besides the Czech Republic there are more countries in Europe that have implemented a digital nomad visa like Portugal, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Romania, Spain and many more for a full list check out this article:
