Czech Digital Nomad Visa: IT/STEM Program vs. Zivno Route
With its rich cultural heritage, central European location, and growing tech ecosystem, the Czech Republic has emerged as a prime destination for digital nomads. While no official “Digital Nomad Visa” exists by name, two distinct pathways offer legal solutions for remote workers:
- Digital Nomad Program (2023) – Targeting IT/STEM professionals from select countries.
- Zivno (Živnostenský List) Visa – A general freelancing/business route.
1. Digital Nomad Program (2023)
Overview
Launched in July 2023 and managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO), this program grants 1-year renewable visas (extendable up to 3 years via residence permits) for remote-working IT, technology, engineering, and marketing professionals. Unlike the Zivno route, the Digital Nomad Program aims to attract highly skilled foreign employees/freelancers contributing specialized expertise without directly entering the local labor market.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality Restrictions: Currently open to citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US.
- Professional Qualifications:
- A STEM/IT university degree or 3+ years of industry experience.
- Remote employment with a foreign company (50+ employees) or freelance work under a Czech trade license (IT/marketing services).
- Minimum Monthly Earnings: 1.5× the Czech average gross salary (~65,012 CZK / $2,730 as of 2024).
- Health Insurance: International coverage valid in the Czech Republic.
Application Process
- Submit Documents: Passport, criminal record check, proof of income, remote work contracts (translated into Czech).
- In-Person at Embassy: Apply at a Czech embassy/consulate in your home country.
- Processing: ~45 days, with decisions via email. Some applicants get notifications earlier.
- Fees:
- Visa application: ~2,500 CZK (~$115)
- Residence permit renewal (after year 1): ~1,000 CZK (~$45)
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and dependents can apply simultaneously but generally cannot take local employment. They’re considered dependents of the principal applicant.
2. Freelance Visa (Zivno/Živnostenský List)
Overview
The Zivno visa is a long-term business visa designed for general freelancers — not specifically for digital nomads, but widely used by them. It allows you to stay 6–12 months in Czechia, with the possibility of limited Schengen area travel. This route does require engaging in some Czech-based economic activity (local clients), so it’s less purely “remote” than the Digital Nomad Program.
Eligibility Criteria
- Freelance Status: Must prove self-employment (client contracts, portfolio, etc.).
- Financial Requirements: Typically show ~124,500 CZK (~$5,644) in savings.
- Trade License: A “živnostenský list” to operate legally in Czech Republic.
Application Process
- Obtain Trade License:
- Apply at the Trade Licensing Office (fee: 1,000 CZK) with a valid Czech address (sídlo).
- Receive a temporary license in ~3–5 days.
- Visa Submission: At a Czech embassy, provide passport, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, health insurance.
- Arrival Steps:
- Register with the Foreign Police within 3 days of entry.
- Activate your trade license fully (finalizing all tax/social insurance registrations).
- Fees:
- Visa application: ~220 EUR
- Trade license fee: 1,000 CZK
- Tax Obligations: 15–23% income tax plus social security contributions, depending on your earnings and chosen scheme.
3. Comparative Analysis
| Criteria | Digital Nomad Program | Zivno Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | IT/STEM employees & freelancers | General freelancers (any industry) |
| Nationality Restrictions | 8 countries (AU, CA, JP, NZ, KR, TW, UK, US) | None (all nationalities can apply) |
| Minimum Income | ~65,012 CZK/month | ~124,500 CZK in savings |
| Local Client Requirement | None (can fully work for foreign employers) | Yes (some Czech-based business activity) |
| Duration | 1 year (renewable up to 3 years) | 6–12 months (renewable options exist) |
| Family Inclusion | Allowed (family cannot take local jobs) | Not explicitly stated (may vary by case) |
| Processing Time | ~45 days | 60–90 days |
4. Healthcare, Insurance, & Schengen Mobility
All long-term Czech visas demand valid health insurance. For the Digital Nomad Program, international coverage is mandatory. Zivno holders typically join Czech public health insurance if they earn enough as freelancers.
Both visas permit 90/180-day Schengen travel. However, prolonged absences might disrupt your residency continuity, so keep local obligations in mind.
5. Common Challenges
- Language Barriers: Embassy applications require Czech translations. Consider professional help.
- Zivno Complexity: Balancing local Czech clients with purely remote work can be tricky if your main goal is 100% foreign-based remote income.
- Quotas & Restrictions: Some nationalities face stricter quotas for Zivno. Meanwhile, the Digital Nomad Program is limited to 8 countries, albeit faster processing for IT pros.
6. Strategic Recommendations
For IT specialists and high-skilled freelancers from the eight eligible countries, the Digital Nomad Program provides more straightforward access, longer validity, and family inclusion. If you don’t meet those nationality/industry requirements, the Zivno visa is a viable route—just be prepared for extra paperwork, local client requirements, and full tax compliance in Czechia.
Conclusion & Next Steps
By introducing the Digital Nomad Program, the Czech Republic has established itself as a Central European tech hub eager to welcome global remote workers. Meanwhile, the Zivno business visa remains an alternative for broader freelancing endeavors. Regardless of your chosen pathway, plan for Czech bureaucracy, potential language hurdles, and firm tax obligations once you’re on Czech soil.
Our agency can assist with both the Digital Nomad and Zivno routes—ensuring correct documentation, translations, and compliance. We’re here to help you settle into Czech life smoothly.
Contact Us for Digital Nomad Support
FAQs: Czech Digital Nomad Visa & Zivno
- Does the Czech Republic offer an official “Digital Nomad Visa”?
- They have a 2023 Digital Nomad Program for IT/STEM workers from 8 countries, plus a Zivno route for general freelancers, but no single label called “Digital Nomad Visa.”
- Can I bring my family under the Digital Nomad Program?
- Yes, spouses and dependents may join, though they typically cannot work locally. They must apply concurrently at the Czech embassy.
- Is Czech health insurance required for Zivno holders?
- Zivno freelancers often must join Czech public health insurance if they stay beyond a certain threshold. The Digital Nomad Program might only require international coverage initially.
- How do taxes work if I do purely foreign remote work?
- Once you have a residence permit in Czechia, you generally become liable for Czech taxes. Confirm your tax obligations with a Czech accountant or specialized service.
