From July 2023, qualified applicants wishing to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days can apply for a Visa which allows them to work 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 must 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, foreign workers do two visa options:
- Foreign employees. A long-term visa/permit for “other” purposes is now available for employees who will work remotely for a foreign company with a minimum of 50 employees during their stay in the Czech Republic.
- Freelancers. Self-employed freelancers who already hold a Czech trade permit can apply for a longer-term visa or self-employment permit. These candidates can perform contract work for Czech organizations while working for themselves as independent contractors. For example, an information technology consultant for Czech companies would fall into this group.
Suitable for both streams
- Information technology or STEM experience. Applicants must have three years of experience 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 earn at least 1.5 times the average gross annual wage.
- Process. From the moment an application is submitted, it can take up to 45 days to process. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will send you an email with the decision.
- Cost. The cost of the visa is CZK 2,500 (or approximately USD 115).
- Validity period. After one year, holders of any type of long-term visa must apply for a residence permit valid for an additional two years, for a total stay of three years.
- Local work. Local employment under a standard employment contract is not permitted for those participating in the digital nomad program on either of the two visa flows.
- Dependents. The applicant’s immediate family members, including spouses, registered partners or dependent children, have the option to apply for a long-term visa/permit for ‘family purposes’. These applications must be submitted simultaneously with the main applicant’s application. However, it is important to note that dependents who hold these visas are not eligible for employment. Individuals wishing to work in the Czech Republic must start a separate work permit application process, which requires sponsorship from a Czech employer.
- Possibility of expansion. The government has no plans to extend the program beyond the countries that are currently eligible.
