Czech Republic Freelance Visa (Zivno Visa): How to Apply

The Czech Republic freelance visa is actually a long-term business visa for freelancers known as Zivnostenske opravneni or Zivno for short. It allows freelancers to live in the Czech Republic for six months to a year and enjoy all that the Czech Republic has to offer.

While this visa is not particularly for digital nomads, it can be a good fit for those digital nomads who are freelancers and want to live in the Czech Republic. To ensure we’re all on the same page, we’re going to keep referring to the Zivno visa, or freelancer visa, as the Czech Republic digital nomad visa because if you’re reading this, you’re probably a digital nomad.

The application process can take quite a bit of time and plenty of paperwork. Many people choose to work with a professional firm to help complete and submit all of the paperwork mostly because everything must be written in Czech. However, it’s still important to know the process and how to apply for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa, which is why we wrote this guide to help you along the way.

One of the benefits of having a visa for the Czech Republic is that you have free movement around the 26 Schengen countries in Europe. Only a couple of other digital nomad visas allow this kind of travel: Portugal, Malta, and Estonia.

What is a Freelance Visa?

The Czech Republic freelance visa is a long-term business visa for freelancers. This category makes it a little more difficult for people to receive the visa since they have to tie their freelance business to the Czech Republic in some way. In other words, they need a reason to live in the country for their work.

Unlike other digital nomad visas, the Czech Republic visa allows you to work with Czech citizens and companies for your freelance work. So, you can have a Czech company as a client.

Pro Tip: Many people get the visa when they want to teach English in the country.

Czech Republic Freelance Visa Requirements

The number one requirement for applying for the Czech Republic zivno visa is that you must be a freelancer. This means you work with clients and perform services for them. Along with this requirement, you’ll also need:

• Valid Passport – Issued within the last 10 years and have 2 blank pages
• Proof of Purpose – Trade License to perform freelance work in the Czech Republic
• Proof of Accommodation – A lease or booking during the time of your stay
• 124,500 CZK – You must have at least 124,500 CZK (~ $5,644 USD) in your bank account
• Criminal Background Check – Issued and notarized from your country of origin or residence country
• Proof of Medical Insurance – You must have medical coverage in the Czech Republic
• Completed Application – Translated or filled out in Czech

**Important note from our partners:

“If you are from Russia, Africa, Middle-east or Asia, know this:
For certain areas (Russia, Africa, Middle-east and certain Asian countries) there are strict quotas imposed by the Czech government for the yearly number of applicants, therefore it is very difficult to obtain an appointment at the relevant embassies. We assure you our best efforts to get you an appointment, but due to the limited yearly quotas, we cannot guarantee you’ll get it.”

Steps to Apply for the Visa

Now that you know the requirements to apply for the Czech Republic freelance visa (Zivno visa), let’s dive into the step-by-step process of applying for it.

Step 1: Obtain a Trade License

One of the requirements of the Zivno visa is that all freelancers must have a Trade License to operate within the Czech Republic. Check the job requirements that need a Trade License to see if yours meets them.

In order to apply for a Trade License, you must have the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Completed Application
• Address in Czech Republic
• Trade Type
• Criminal Background Check
• 1,000 CZK Fee (~ $45 USD)

All of these documents must be written (or translated) to Czech.

When working with a firm to submit your visa and trade license application, they will often allow you to use a virtual address for your business if you do not already have accommodations set up in the country. If you do have accommodations, ask your landlord to complete this form allowing you to conduct business out of the residence.

Once you have gathered all of these documents, submit your Trade License application online here.

Within three to five days, you’ll receive a temporary Trade License number, which you will use for your visa application.

Step 2: Submit the Visa Application

Once you’ve obtained your Trade License, it’s time to submit your application for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa.

You must submit your documents in person at a Czech Republic Embassy. Many people must visit the Czech Republic Embassy located in their country of residence or origin. However, there are some exceptions listed here where they can visit any Czech Republic Embassy in the world to apply for the visa.

The documents needed to apply for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa include:

• Valid Passport
• 2 Passport Photos 
• Proof of Funds – Bank statement showing at least 124,500 CZK (~ $5,644 USD) in your account and a notarized copy of a credit or debit card with your name on it
• Purpose of Stay – Your temporary Trade License
• Proof of Accommodation – Lease or booking in the Czech Republic for the length of the visa
• Criminal Background Check – Translated to Czech and apostilled from your country of origin or residence (US citizens only need an Affidavit for this)
• Proof of Health Insurance – Letter of coverage in the Czech Republic for the length of your visa
• Visa Fee – $227 USD when applying in the United States; must be paid in cash or money order in the local currency

Remember, you must translate all of these documents into Czech to be valid.

Step 3: Attend Immigration Interview

When you submit your visa application, you will also have to attend an immigration interview. The embassy will ask you questions such as why you want to live in the Czech Republic, what kind of business you’ll be doing, and your financial situation.

The interview isn’t meant to intimidate you! Answer the questions truthfully. They are just doing their due diligence to make sure you’re eligible to receive the Czech Republic freelance visa.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

It takes between 90 and 120 days for the embassy to approve or deny your visa application. In the meantime, enjoy the next three months or so while you wait!

Step 5: Register with Foreign Police

Once your visa application is approved and you receive permission to live in the Czech Republic, you’re allowed to come and start this next chapter of your life.

Within three days of entering the Czech Republic, go to the Foreign Police and register your address. They will give you a stamp which is important for the next step.

Step 6: Register Official Trade License

After receiving your stamp from the Foreign Police, go to your local Trade License Office for your official Trade License. You’ll show them the stamp and your temporary Trade License. Within three to five days, pick up your official license and start your work in the Czech Republic.

With this official Trade License, you will then have to register your Tax ID to pay Czech taxes and Social Insurance.

Important Information About the Czech Republic Freelance Visa

As we mentioned before, the Czech Republic freelance visa is not an actual digital nomad visa; it is simply applicable to a lot of digital nomads. Therefore, there are some differences you must be aware of before applying for it.

Firstly, you are expected to pay Czech Republic taxes. The tax structure can be complicated, so we recommend finding an accountant specialized in local taxes and the Zivno visa.

You can also renew your visa to extend your stay in the Czech Republic. Remember to renew your Trade License as well at this time.

Applying for this visa can be tricky, especially because the documents must be in Czech. To make the process much easier, many applicants decide to hire the help of professional lawyers or immigration firms to submit the documents for them.

Schedule a consultation with a professional firm to start your application here.

Why the Czech Republic?

If you want to live a European lifestyle enjoying the gorgeous, colorful architecture, soaking in rich history, and experiencing a new culture with an affordable cost of living, then the Czech Republic is for you!

The digital nomad and expat community in the Czech Republic has increased drastically over the last few years, which means you can network and grow your friend group even easier. Prague is also becoming one of the popular digital nomad destinations within Europe. It’s also a great country for English speakers as many Czechs speak English very well.

There are also a ton of coworking spaces popping up all over the country, especially in Prague. The WiFi is also fairly reliable in major cities.

Overall, the Czech Republic is a pretty affordable place to live compared to other European countries like France and Spain. A single person may spend around $1,500 USD per month living in the city center plus additional expenses.

Let’s also not forget that the Czech Republic is centrally located. So, you can easily visit and explore other European countries by plane, bus, or train. Plus, with the visa, you can travel to the Schengen Area countries freely without a tourist visa.

Get Help Applying for the Czech Republic Freelance Visa

Even with the help of this article, applying for the Czech Republic digital nomad visa may still be confusing.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone!

With our trusted resources and professional partners, Nomads Embassy can help you submit your application and begin your new life in the Czech Republic.

Contact us to start your Czech Republic digital nomad visa today!

**If you are from Russia, Africa, Middle-east or Asia, know this:
For certain areas (Russia, Africa, Middle-east and certain Asian countries) there are strict quotas imposed by the Czech government for the yearly number of applicants, therefore it is very difficult to obtain an appointment at the relevant embassies.

We assure you our best efforts to get you an appointment, but due to the limited yearly quotas, we cannot guarantee you’ll get it.