Czech Republic Entrepreneur Visa
Start your independent business in the heart of Europe with a long-term business visa built on a Czech trade licence. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders and freelancers from your first assessment to the day your residence permit is issued.
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For Freelancers and Solo Founders
The Czech long-term visa for business, commonly called the Ε½ivnostenskΓ½ route, is based on a trade licence. It lets you work as a self-employed person in a registered trade, such as consulting, IT, design or crafts, without setting up a larger company.
Because it does not require a big investment, it is one of the most accessible ways for independent professionals to settle in the Schengen Area.
Why Start a Business in the Czech Republic?
An accessible permit in a stable, well-connected European economy.
Low Barrier to Entry
You do not need a large investment or a company structure. A valid trade licence and proof of funds are the core of your application.
Flat-Rate Tax Option
Small self-employed people can choose a simplified flat-rate regime that replaces income tax and insurance filings. Eligibility depends on your turnover, so tax advice is wise.
Schengen Location
Prague sits at the crossroads of Europe, with easy travel to neighbouring markets within the Schengen Area.
Family Reunification
Your spouse and children can usually join you through family reunification, subject to the conditions that apply.
Strong Business Hubs
Prague and Brno offer a growing start-up and tech scene with a lower cost of living than Western Europe.
A Route to Permanent Residence
After five years of continuous residence, you may qualify for permanent residence, subject to conditions.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions for the Czech long-term visa for business.
A Trade Licence
A valid Czech trade licence, issued by the Trade Licensing Office, for the activity you want to carry out.
Proof of Funds
Funds equal to 50 times the subsistence minimum, which comes to roughly 150,000 CZK. The figure is updated from time to time, so we confirm it.
Accommodation
Proof of a place to live in the Czech Republic, with the owner’s consent, such as a rental agreement.
Health Insurance
Valid insurance that meets the Czech requirements for foreigners applying for a long-term visa.
Clean Criminal Record
A criminal record certificate from your home country and from countries where you lived for long periods.
Passport and Application
A valid passport, the application form and the consular fee, which is around 2,500 CZK.
From Entry Visa to Permanent Residence
Most applicants first obtain a long-term visa, then a long-term residence permit for business, and finally settle for the long term.
- You apply for the visa at a Czech embassy or consulate
- Embassy waiting times can be long, with reports of several months
- After arrival, you register with the Foreign Police within the legal deadline
- You apply for a long-term residence permit for business, then renew it as needed
- Permanent residence may be possible after five years of continuous legal residence
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Trade Licence Activation
We help you register your trade licence and activate your business identification number so you can legally invoice clients.
Consulate Filing
We prepare your visa application for the Czech embassy, with proof of funds, accommodation and insurance.
Entry and Registration
After approval you travel to the Czech Republic and register with the Foreign Police within the required deadline.
Social and Health Integration
We guide you through registering with the social security office and a health insurance provider.
Tax Registration
We point you to advisers for your tax setup, including the flat-rate scheme where you qualify.
What We Handle for You
Business immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your chances before you spend money on fees.
Trade Licence Guidance
Help choosing the right trade category and registering correctly.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents, apostilles and translations for you and your family.
Accommodation Guidance
Advice on the paperwork that proves your housing.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Arrival Support
Help with registration, insurance and settling in.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Czech entrepreneur visa.
Can my family join me on the business visa?
Yes, family members can apply for family reunification. They generally need to wait until you have your own residence permit, and they cannot usually work legally until their own permit is issued. We review the rules for your family.
Do I need office space to register my business?
You need a registered business address, which can be your home with the owner’s written consent or other premises. We help you present the right paperwork for your situation.
What is the physical presence requirement for founders?
The permit is meant for people who genuinely live and work in the Czech Republic. Long absences from the country can affect renewals, so plan your time carefully and confirm the rules for your case.
How much money do I need to show?
Applicants generally show funds equal to 50 times the subsistence minimum, which is roughly 150,000 CZK. The exact amount is updated, so we confirm it before you apply.
How long does the visa take?
Consulate waiting times vary and can be long, sometimes several months. We give you a realistic estimate once we know where you will apply.
Can I get permanent residence?
After five years of continuous legal residence, you may be able to apply for permanent residence if you meet the conditions. Citizenship is a separate and longer process.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Czech authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
Ready to Start Your Business in the Czech Republic?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which route fits and what your next steps should be.