Loading...
Loading...
Combined residence and work permit for non-EU nationals with a specific job offer. Tied to one employer and job position; a labour market test applies. Open to all nationalities; can be extended before expiry.
For non-EU professionals with a university degree and a job offer meeting the minimum salary threshold (1.5x the average Czech gross salary, approximately CZK 60,000+/month). Provides flexibility to change employers after 2 years.
For non-EU nationals conducting self-employed or freelance activities in Czech Republic. Requires a valid Czech trade licence and proof of financial self-sufficiency (approximately EUR 5,000 in savings). Open to all nationalities.
For non-EU spouses and dependent children of long-term Czech residents or citizens. The sponsor must have stable income and adequate accommodation. Work rights are generally included; application processed at Czech embassies.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work freely. Register with local authorities within 3 months of arrival.
The Czech Republic is an EU/Schengen member; EU/EEA citizens have full freedom of movement. Non-EU nationals can apply for a long-term residence permit (over 90 days) for purposes including employment, study, or family reunification. The Czech Republic has been actively attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs through various programs, including a qualified worker scheme. Prague is a particularly popular expat destination in Central Europe.
Non-EU workers in the Czech Republic must obtain an Employee Card (replacing the old work permit system), which combines work authorization and residence in a single document. The employer applies jointly with the employee, and there is a requirement to prove no suitable Czech or EU candidate was available. The Highly Qualified Employee Card (Blue Card equivalent) is available for degree-level professionals.
Spouses and minor children of Employee Card holders can apply for family member long-term residence permits. The sponsor must demonstrate adequate income and housing, and the process typically takes several months through the Czech Ministry of Interior.
The Czech Republic has a flat income tax rate of 15% on employment income up to a threshold, and 23% on income exceeding approximately CZK 1.9 million/year. It is generally considered one of the lower tax jurisdictions in the EU. Corporate tax is 19%. The Czech Republic has around 90 tax treaties.
The Czech Republic has a compulsory public health insurance system; employees are automatically enrolled through employer contributions. Non-employed expats must arrange and pay for public health insurance themselves. The system provides comprehensive coverage, and Prague has several English-friendly clinics and hospitals.
Opening a bank account in the Czech Republic usually requires a valid residence permit and passport. Major banks include Ceska sporitelna, Komercni banka, CSOB, and Moneta Money Bank. Mobile banks like Revolut and Wise are widely used by expats to supplement local accounts.
The Czech Republic does not have a formal golden visa or investor residency program. Business owners can apply for trade residence permits if they establish a Czech company and demonstrate active business operations. The minimum economic activity requirements are modest but the process involves Czech trade licensing authorities.