Beginning in July 2023, qualified applicants who wish to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days may apply for a visa that will allow them to work either remotely for a home employer or as a freelancer.
Only nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States are eligible for the program.
Applicants are required to have a college degree or higher in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics or three years of professional experience in the information technology industry..
How does it work?
Under the digital nomad program, overseas employees have two visa options:
Foreign employees. A long-term visa/permit for “other” purposes is now available for employees who will be working remotely for a foreign company with at least 50 employees during their stay in the Czech Republic.
Freelancers. Freelancers who are self-employed and already hold a Czech trade license may apply for a long-term visa or a self-employment” permit. These candidates can undertake contract work for Czech organizations while working for themselves as independent contractors. For example, a consultant in the field of information technology for Czech companies would fall into this group.
Eligibility for both streams
Information Technology or STEM experience. Candidates must have three years of experience working in the IT industry or a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or higher.
Minimum salary level. Candidates must demonstrate that they make at least 1.5 times the average gross annual wage.
Processing. From the time an application is submitted, it may take up to 45 days to process. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will send you an email with the decision.
Cost. The cost of the visa is CZK 2,500 (or about USD 115).
Length of validity. After one year, holders of any type of long-term visa must apply for a residence permit that is good for another two years, for a total stay of three years.
Local work. For those participating in the digital nomad program on one of the two visa streams, local employment under a standard employment contract is not permitted.
Dependents. Applicants’ immediate family members, including spouses, registered partners, or dependent children, have the option to seek a Long-Term Visa/Permit for ‘Family’ Purposes. These applications should be submitted simultaneously with the principal applicant’s application. However, it’s important to note that dependents holding these visas are not eligible for employment. Individuals aiming to work in the Czech Republic must initiate a distinct application process for a work authorization permit, which requires sponsorship from a Czech employer.
Possibility for expansion. The government has no plans to extend the program beyond the nations that are already eligible at this time.
