Freelancer Visa for Non-EU Citizens in the Czech Republic

Your Path to Independent Work in Europe

Start your business in the heart of Europe. We help non-EU citizens obtain the Czech Freelancer Visa (Živno visa), granting you legal self-employment status in the Czech Republic.

The initial visa is valid for 1 year, after which we help you extend it into a Long-Term Residence Permit (biometric card valid for 2 years). Whether you are a digital nomad, consultant, or creative professional, our team ensures your transition to the Czech market is seamless and fully compliant.

Non-EU freelancer working on a laptop in a Prague café while preparing documents for a Czech freelancer visa

What’s Included in Our Service

Our Freelancer Visa Package for non-EU citizens includes everything you need to successfully apply and start your freelance life in the Czech Republic:

  • Support on Taxes and Payment instructions
  • Consultation call to discuses next steps
  • Preparation and translation of all documents
  • Set-up of your Czech Trade License (Živnostenský list)
  • Appointment booking at the Czech Embassy
  • Activation of Trade Licenses after visa approval
  • Registration with Tax OfficeSocial Security, and Health Insurance
  • Registration with the Foreign Police 

Full Service fee 15,200 CZK

What We Need From You

To begin your application, we will guide you in gathering the following:

  • Valid Passport & 2 ID-sized photos.
  • Proof of Accommodation: A rental contract in the Czech Republic. 
  • Proof of Funds: A bank statement showing a balance of at least 150,000 CZK (or equivalent).
  • Criminal Clearance Report: With an apostille/superlegalization (required for most countries).
  • Affidavits: For US Citizens, we prepare the required affidavit for you.
  • Business Address (Sídlo): Required for your license. (We can arrange a Professional Business Address for an additional fee).

Processing Timeline (2026)

The total timeline typically ranges between 3 to 6 months, depending on your home country and embassy workload.

  • Phase 1: Preparation (1–2 weeks): We prepare your documents and trade license.
  • Phase 2: Submission: Filing at the Czech Embassy (based on current appointment availability).
  • Phase 3: Processing (60–120 days): The Ministry of the Interior reviews your application.
  • Phase 4: Arrival & Activation (1 week): Finalizing your registrations in the Czech Republic.

Our Commitment: While we cannot speed up government authorities, we guarantee that your application is 100% complete and error-free to prevent any unnecessary delays.


Important Information

You must apply for this visa in person at a Czech embassy.

  • Location: Usually your home country or an approved third-country location (e.g., Dresden for citizens of the USA, UK, Australia, Israel, Canada, Japan, etc.).

Exclusions

To maintain transparency, please note the following are not included in our fee:

  • Embassy Fee (approx. 5,000 CZK)
  • Translation and Notarization fees
  • DHL/Courier delivery
  • Virtual or Business address fees (if requested)

Ready to start your freelance career?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a Czech client before I apply?

While you don’t necessarily need a long-term contract, the Ministry often requires “Letters of Intrest” or “Future Cooperation Agreements” from potential clients (Czech or international in the CZ) to prove your business is viable.


Can I work as an employee on a Freelancer Visa?

No. The Živno visa is strictly for self-employment (OSVČ). You cannot be employed by a company under a standard employment contract. If you wish to work as an employee, you would need an Employee Card. However, you can provide services to companies as an independent contractor.


What is the “hidden” cost of being a freelancer in Czechia?

Once your visa is active, you are responsible for monthly Social Security and Health Insurance contributions. For 2026, the minimum monthly payments have been adjusted. We provide a full breakdown of these costs during our consultation to help you budget correctly.


What happens if I don’t have a local Czech address yet?

A legal Business Address (Sídlo) is mandatory to register your Trade License. If you haven’t found a permanent apartment yet, we can provide a Virtual Business Address for an additional fee to get your license active immediately.


Is the 150,000 CZK “Proof of Funds” spent during the process?

No. This money stays in your bank account. You simply need to provide a bank statement or letter as proof that you have enough capital to support yourself during your first months in the Czech Republic.


How long can I stay on this visa?

The first visa is issued for 12 months. Before it expires, we help you file for an extension at the Ministry of Interior (OAMP). The extension is usually granted for 2 years and comes in the form of a biometric residence card.


How long can I stay Can I apply for the Freelancer Visa from inside the Czech Republic? this visa?

Only if you currently hold a long-term visa or residence permit (like a student visa) and are looking to change your purpose of stay. Most first-time applicants must apply in person at a Czech Embassy outside of the country.