Residency in Czech Republic can be obtained as long as certain legal requirements are met. One of them refers to the physical address where the person resides. Currently, there isn’t any program that allows foreigners to simply rent/buy property for residency in Czech Republic. However, foreigners can purchase properties here and become residents following the standard immigration rules – our lawyers can offer the necessary legal support.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | Applicable to non-EU citizens |
Business investment option | Yes |
Real estate investment option | Yes |
| Other investment options (if available) | Investments in: – know-how, – equipment, – other tangible and intangible assets |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | Long-term residence, which can open the pathway to permanent residence if conditions are met (no direct citizenship route) |
| Direct immigration with family members | Yes |
| Family members allowed to join the program | Close family members and children |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment | – 5 years for permanent residency by investment, – 10 years for citizenship |
| Dual citizenship permitted | Yes |
| Reasons to choose the Czech Republic | – strategic location, – skilled workforce, – reliable infrastructure, – institutional support for businesses, – large FDI market |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | 188 (142 visa free, 37 visa on arrival, 9 eTA) |
| Living requirement in the Czech Republic | – |
| Residence visa/citizenship processing time | – 30-45 days for the residence visa, – 180 days for citizenship |
| Additional financial requirements for family members | – |
| Personal income tax rate | – standard tax rate: 15% for gross income up to CZK 1,867,728 (calculated for 2022) – 23% for the amount that exceeds CZK 1,867,728 |
Table of Contents
Is there any program that offers residency in Czech Republic?
Yes,residency in Czech Republiccan be obtained through investments. The purpose of the program is to stimulate foreign investments in the country, for which businessmen will receive, among many, the right to residency, but simply purchasing a property in this country will not automatically result in residency rights.
How can one acquire residency through investments in Czech Republic in 2026?
Some of the characteristics of the program are:
- foreign businessmen must invest at least CZK 75 million;
- the business they set up here must create at least 20 jobs offered to EU citizens;
- if the foreigner has a family, the document will be extended to the family members as well;
- the immigration documents can be obtained in a period of 30-45 days (a shorter amount of time, compared to other visa formalities applied in this country).
In the infographic below, we invite you to find out how you can obtain Czech residency through real estate in 2026:
What documents should the investor in Czech Republic prepare?
According to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, interested applicants should submit the following:
- a valid passport and a recent photograph;
- a document which states that the investor has access to the necessary funding for making a significant investment in Czech Republic (the document must be issued with maximum 30 days before the application date);
- the financial documents of the company the investor owns in his or her country – it is necessary to lodge the latest 2 financial statements.
Who else can benefit from the investment visa in Czech Republic?
The legislation on Czech immigrationstates that this visa can be extended to the company’s passive shareholders, who can obtain the visa for a period of 2 years.
Is it possible to acquire Czech Republic citizenship by investment?
Although in many countries there are special immigration programs addressed to foreign investors acquiring citizenship, in Czech Republic citizenship by investment is not possible.
We invite you to watch a short video on purchasing a property in Czech Republic (we mention that the law was changed and now it is not possible to obtain residency based on real estate investments):
What should a foreigner know when purchasing a Czech property in 2026?
Foreigners are allowed to purchase properties in Czech Republic and this applies to foreigners from outside the European Union (EU) as well, but the legal procedures applicable to each category of nationals can vary. For example, EU citizens do not need to comply with any particular regulations.
What are the fees associated with buying a property in Czech Republic?
Those moving to Czech Republic should know that, when purchasing a property, the following transaction costs will apply:
• the legal fees related to the transaction are to be paid by the buyer (accounting for 1% from the value of the property);
• properties are charged with the value added tax, which, in Czech Republic, is imposed at a rate of 21%;
• the buyer is also required to pay the registration fees (charged at 0.01%-0.02%);
• the agent’s fee is also a fee payable by the buyer, and it varies from 2.5% to 5%;
• upon the sale of a property, the seller has to pay the real estate acquisition tax, charged at a rate of 4%.
How much does it cost to buy an apartment in Prague?
Prague is the capital city of Czech Republic, where the majority of foreigners arrive for employment or business opportunities. If you want to arrive here in 2026 for the purpose of purchasing an apartment or another type of real estate, you must know that in the beginning of 2026, the average price is CZK 155,000 per square meter.
What should I do if I want to become a resident of Czech Republic?
You will have tomove in Czech Republicfor a determined/undetermined period of time, for a specific purpose. Residency formalities must be initiated provided that you will live here for at least 90 days. You will have to get in touch with the immigration authorities and check all the legal obligations, in accordance with your nationality.
Do I need to obtain a visa if I want to become a resident?
This depends on your nationality. For instance, EU/EEA nationals are exempt of any visa obligations, but third party foreigners relocating here will have to obtain suitable visas (and residence permits) in accordance with their purpose of arrival.
What are the main categories of residency in Czech Republic?
Foreigners can obtain:
- temporary/long-term residency;
- permanent residency.
When can I become a permanent resident?
After 5 years of continuous stay in Czech Republic. Please mind that if you buy a property in Czech Republic and you will live in the respective real estate, the same legal timeframe applies (there are no exemptions concerning this matter, unless we refer to close family members of EU citizens, who are entitled to apply for permanent residency after 2 years of stay).
Do I need to pay processing fees when I apply for residency in Czech Republic?
Yes, the Czech authorities apply governmental fees charged for the processing of the application. The standard fees are CZK 1,000 for applicants aged under 15 years, and CZK 2,500 for those older than 15. Applications made from outside the country cost CZK 5,000.
Do I need to renew my permanent residency rights?
No, once you have been granted the status of permanent resident, you will be registered as a permanent residency with the Czech authorities. However, you will receive a permanent residence card, that is renewable every 10 years (5 years in case of holders under 15 years of age).
Considering that the procedure for acquiring a property here is more complex, we invite those moving to Czech Republic to request information or legal representation from our lawyer.
