Czechia offers two routes. Freelancers use the Živno visa: register a trade license, show about 130,000 CZK in the bank and a place to live. US citizens who are highly qualified IT professionals, employees or freelancers, can also apply through the government's Digital Nomad Program.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | 90 days in any 180 (Schengen) |
| Route for remote workers | Živno (freelance trade license) long-term visa, or the Digital Nomad Program for US IT professionals |
| Money you need to show | Živno: no income minimum, but about 130,000 to 150,000 CZK (about $5,600) in a bank account in your name. Digital Nomad Program: income set by the ministry; check its current figure |
| Length | Long-term visa for 1 year, then residence permits of up to 2 years |
| Government fees | 2,500 CZK embassy fee, plus trade license and address costs |
| Timeline | Digital Nomad Program: about 45 days after admission. Živno: often 90 to 120 days |
| Where you apply | At a Czech embassy or consulate abroad (not from inside Czechia as a tourist). The Digital Nomad Program first needs admission by the Ministry of Industry and Trade |
| Family | Under the Digital Nomad Program, spouse, partner and children can apply at the same time |
| Long-term residence | Permanent residence after 5 years |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
Czechia offers two routes. Freelancers use the Živno visa: register a trade license, show about 130,000 CZK in the bank and a place to live. US citizens who are highly qualified IT professionals, employees or freelancers, can also apply through the government's Digital Nomad Program.
- Remote employees of companies outside Czech Republic: yes.
- Freelancers and business owners: yes.
- Money: Živno: no income minimum, but about 130,000 to 150,000 CZK (about $5,600) in a bank account in your name. Digital Nomad Program: income set by the ministry; check its current figure.
Open question: The Digital Nomad Program's income figure is published by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and changes; check it before applying.
Documents
Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.
- Passport valid 9+ months beyond your stay
- Trade license (živnostenský list) and a registered business address
- Bank letter showing about 130,000 CZK
- Notarized proof of accommodation (no Airbnb)
- Apostilled criminal record with Czech translation
- Comprehensive health insurance from an approved Czech insurer
Step by step from the US
- Check your numbers against the rule above, using the last 6 to 12 months of income.
- Order US documents: FBI background check, apostilles and translations where needed.
- Apply: At a Czech embassy or consulate abroad (not from inside Czechia as a tourist). The Digital Nomad Program first needs admission by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
- Buy health insurance that meets the requirement for your whole stay.
- Arrive and register your address and any residence card on time.
Taxes
- Freelancers can choose the flat-tax regime (paušální daň): one monthly payment covering income tax, social and health insurance, about 8,000 CZK a month at the lowest tier
- More than 183 days makes you a Czech tax resident
- The US-Czech totalization agreement prevents double social security
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- You can't apply as a tourist from inside Czechia
- Register with the Foreign Police within 3 working days of arriving
- Short-term rentals don't count as accommodation
Where to live in Czech Republic
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Prague · Brno · Olomouc · Plzeň.
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
- Czech Consulate General, Chicago: Digital Nomad Program (official)
- Nomad Tax Guide: Czech Živno visa (Jun 2026)
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