Moving to Czech Republic
3 routes for people from the US, Canada and the UK, each checked against official sources. Find the one that fits, then check it with the source before you apply.
Keep your job, work remotely
Czech digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Program (fast-track long-term visa for 'other' purposes or for business)
IT or marketing specialists from 12 listed countries, including the US, Canada, UK and Australia, who work remotely for a foreign employer or as Czech-licensed freelancers.
- What you need
- Nationality of an eligible country: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States.
- Work as an IT specialist or marketing specialist. Secondary sources say a university degree or about 3 years of experience is needed.
- Income of at least 1.5 times the Czech average gross annual wage announced by the Ministry of Labour (about CZK 69,836 a month for 2026 per secondary sources). (CZK 69,836 a month)
- Employees: remote employment with a foreign employer (secondary sources say the employer needs 50+ staff). Freelancers: a Czech trade licence (živnostenský list).
- Not for
- Nationalities not on the list
- Professions other than IT or marketing
- Working for Czech employers (employee track)
- Where you apply
- From home, at a consulate. First request inclusion in the programme from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (digitalnomad@mpo.gov.cz), then apply for the long-term visa at a Czech embassy or consulate (for US residents, the Embassy in Washington or a consulate with jurisdiction; in-person interview for business visas).
- How long it takes
- Not officially stated for the fast track. Ordinary business long-term visas take 90-120 days (Washington embassy).
- First permit
- Long-term visa up to 1 year (secondary sources).
- Renewal
- Long-term visas can be extended up to a year or changed to a long-term residence permit (business route); details for the 'other' employee track not verified.
- Longer term
- Permanent residence after about 5 years. Citizenship after about 10 years.
- Family
- Spouse and children can apply for long-term visas for family purposes.
Freelance or your own business
Czech zivno visa / freelance visa
Long-term visa for the purpose of business (with trade licence)
Freelancers or sole traders of any nationality who register a Czech trade licence and can show about CZK 156,500 in funds.
- What you need
- Funds of at least 50 times the existential minimum: 50 x CZK 3,130 = CZK 156,500 (Embassy Washington page). (CZK 156,500 a lump_sum)
- Proof of business purpose: trade licence (živnostenský list) register extract or Commercial Register extract.
- Proof of accommodation in Czechia (Czech-language documents, notarised in Czechia where required).
- US citizens: Criminal History Affidavit; other nationals: apostilled criminal record certificate with Czech translation.
- Travel medical insurance.
- Not for
- People who need a fast answer (90-120 days processing)
- Anyone unable to attend an in-person interview at the embassy
- Where you apply
- From home, at a consulate. US residents apply in person, by appointment (washington.visa@mzv.gov.cz), at the Embassy in Washington or the consulate covering their state of permanent residence. Interview required; you must be in the US when the visa is issued.
- How long it takes
- 90-120 days from receipt of a complete application (official, Embassy Washington).
- First permit
- Long-term visa up to 1 year.
- Renewal
- Before expiry, extend up to one year or switch to a long-term residence permit for business.
- Longer term
- Permanent residence after about 5 years. Citizenship after about 10 years.
- Family
- Family members apply for long-term visas for family purposes; funds requirements per person not verified.
Family roots
Czech citizenship by declaration for children and grandchildren of former citizens
Nabytí státního občanství prohlášením (Act 186/2013, s.31(3))
Americans whose parent or grandparent was a Czech or Czechoslovak citizen and lost it (for example by naturalizing in the US).
- What you need
- Parent or grandparent was a former Czech/Czechoslovak citizen. Excluded: those whose ancestor lost citizenship under the 1945-46 decrees or treaties, and anyone who is or was a Slovak citizen (mandatory declaration of non-acquisition of Slovak citizenship). No filing deadline is stated.
- Family tree; birth and marriage certificates for applicant and ancestors; proof of date and manner of loss (e.g. US Certificate of Naturalization, certified true copy accepted); photo ID; copies of old Czechoslovak documents. US documents need an apostille and translation by a Czech court translator. Forms completed in Czech and signed at the Embassy.
- No language test.
- Not for
- Great-grandchildren
- Current or former Slovak citizens
- Where you apply
- From home, at a consulate. In person by appointment at the Czech Embassy in Washington (or other US Czech consular posts); forwarded to the regional office of the ancestor's last Czech residence or Prague 1.
- How long it takes
- Not stated; add at least 6 months of archival research if the ancestor left before 1953.
- First permit
- Not a permit.
- Renewal
- Not applicable.
0 - Family
- A parent can declare for a minor child (s.31(5)).