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Czechia

Zivno (Trade Licence) Visa

Europe

Last verified 26 May 2026

About this visa & living in Czechia

Czechia's Zivno (trade licence) route is technically a freelance visa rather than a 'nomad' visa, but it's been the standard way to live and work remotely from Prague for years. You get one of Europe's most beautiful cities, excellent beer, fast internet, easy travel across central Europe and a clear path to permanent residency. The trade-off is more paperwork than newer visas, but in return you get genuine integration rather than just a stamp.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: €5,400 / month · ~$5,832
Length of stay: 1 year
Processing time: ~3 months
Application fee: €240 · ~$259
Tax treatment: Local tax applies
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: Yes
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: From abroad only
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: ~$5,600 lump sum / proof of funds
Cost of living: ModerateGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Bureaucratic maze
Nationality restrictions: Only open to citizens of: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Israel

Required documents

Passport valid 90 days beyond visa
Czech trade licence (živnostenský list) for your profession
Proof of accommodation in Czechia for the year
CZK 124,500 in a Czech bank account
Criminal record from home country and any country lived in 6+ months
Travel medical insurance covering CZK 60,000+

Things to know

Tax residency trigger: Tax residency is typically triggered after spending more than 183 days (roughly 6 months) in the country in a calendar year — at that point local income tax rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Confirm with a local tax advisor before relying on this.
Application is made at a Czech embassy abroad — not in-country.
Counts toward EU long-term residency after 5 years.
Trade licence covers most knowledge work under 'free trades'.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Czechia Zivno (Trade Licence) Visa?

The Zivno (Trade Licence) Visa requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly $5,832 per month. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Czechia on this visa?

You can stay for 1 year. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes ~2-4 weeks. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Zivno (Trade Licence) Visa?

You must apply from outside Czechia, usually at a consulate or embassy in your home country.

Can I bring my family on the Zivno (Trade Licence) Visa?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Czechia?

Local income tax may apply, especially if you spend more than 183 days (about 6 months) in Czechia within a calendar year. At that point you typically become tax resident and local rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Always confirm with a local tax advisor.

Is the Zivno (Trade Licence) Visa renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Zivno (Trade Licence) Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes, time spent on this visa can count toward permanent residency in Czechia. Some nomad visas explicitly lead to PR or citizenship after a qualifying period; check the official programme rules for exact timelines.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid 90 days beyond visa; Czech trade licence (živnostenský list) for your profession; Proof of accommodation in Czechia for the year; CZK 124,500 in a Czech bank account; Criminal record from home country and any country lived in 6+ months; and other supporting documents. Always check the official source for the latest list.