Who Can Move to the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic welcomes EU/EEA citizens without visa requirements — they can live and work freely. For citizens of non-EU countries, various visa and residency permit pathways exist depending on your purpose of stay (work, study, family reunification, or self-employment).
EU/EEA Citizens: What You Still Need to Do
While EU citizens don't need a visa, those staying longer than 30 days are encouraged — and staying longer than 90 days are required — to register with the Odbor azylové a migrační politiky (Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, DAMP). You'll need:
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Proof of address (rental contract or property ownership)
- Proof of sufficient funds or employment
- Health insurance
Non-EU Citizens: Visa & Permit Types
Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
Allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Not suitable for those wishing to work or study.
Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
For stays exceeding 90 days for specific purposes: employment, self-employment, study, or family. Valid up to 1 year and can be the first step toward a residence permit.
Employee Card (Zaměstnanecká karta)
A combined work and residence permit for non-EU nationals employed in the Czech Republic. Your employer typically initiates the process, and you apply at the Czech embassy in your home country.
Intra-Company Transfer Card
For employees transferred within a multinational company. Valid for up to 3 years.
Freelancer / Self-Employment Permit
Non-EU freelancers can apply for a long-stay visa for self-employment and subsequently a permanent residence permit after 5 continuous years.
Permanent Residency & Citizenship
| Status | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| EU Long-Term Residency | 5 years of continuous legal residence |
| Permanent Residency (non-EU) | 5 years continuous lawful stay |
| Czech Citizenship | 10 years of permanent residency (with exceptions) |
Address Registration (Ohlášení pobytu)
Once you have accommodation, you must register your address at the local municipal office (obecní úřad or magistrát). This is mandatory and enables access to public services. Your landlord may need to sign a confirmation of housing consent.
Practical First Steps After Arrival
- Register your address at the local municipal office.
- Open a Czech bank account (required for payroll and many services).
- Obtain a Czech tax ID number (daňové identifikační číslo) if working.
- Register with a general practitioner (GP) under the Czech public health system if eligible.
- Get a Czech SIM card — major providers include T-Mobile, O2, and Vodafone.
Where to Get Official Help
The Ministry of the Interior's website (mvcr.cz) is the authoritative source for all residency and visa information. Many expat centres (Centra na podporu integrace cizinců) offer free advisory services in English and other languages across major cities.