Czech Republic Investment Visa (Golden Visa)

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 23 September, 2025

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Czech Republic Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 4.4

Internet Infrastructure 5.0

Country Stability 5.0

Cost of Living 3.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 5.0

Taxes 4.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Maximum of 2 years.

Possible to extend? Yes, if you continue to meet investment and other legal requirements.

Who can apply? Third-country nationals making a significant investment.

Minimum Income Requirements Investment of at least 75 million CZK (approximately $3.65 million USD)

Time for visa applications 30–60 days, depending on complexity.

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Are you considering investing in Europe and looking for a way to live and do business in the heart of the EU? Czechia offers a unique opportunity through the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment.

Unlike traditional “golden visa” programs, this residence permit is designed for serious investors who want to actively contribute to the Czech economy by developing business projects and creating new jobs. With its strategic location, stable economy, and strong connection to both Western and Eastern Europe, Czechia is an attractive base for entrepreneurs who want to expand into the European market.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment, from eligibility and requirements to the application process.

Czechia Golden Visa Overview

The Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment is a Czech immigration option created to attract significant foreign investment into the country. It was introduced in 2017 as part of amendments to the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals, reflecting Czechia’s strategy to strengthen its economy and create new jobs through international business activity.

This residence permit is aimed at third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) who are prepared to make a substantial financial commitment and actively participate in running a business in Czechia. It combines the benefits of residence with the obligation to contribute to the local economy, making it different from passive “golden visa” schemes in other countries.

Who Is It For?

Entrepreneurs and investors planning to launch or expand a business in Czechia with a qualifying investment.
Executives, partners, or statutory representatives of companies engaged in such investments.
Non-EU nationals seeking long-term residence through active business activity, rather than real estate purchases or passive investment.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

Reside in Czechia long-term while carrying out your investment activities.
Directly manage or represent a business that is responsible for a significant investment project.
Sponsor close family members for residence permits under family reunification rules.
Benefit from Czechia’s central location in Europe, making it easier to expand into the EU and Schengen markets.

Czechia Golden Visa Requirements

Applying for the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment in Czechia requires preparing both standard immigration documents and special proofs connected to your investment and stay. Below is an overview of what you’ll need.

Basic documents needed:

Completed application form for a long-term residence permit.
A valid travel document (passport).
Recent passport-sized photographs (per Czech official guidelines).
Document confirming accommodation in Czechia.
Criminal record clearance from your country of citizenship and any countries of long-term residence.
Administrative fee payment confirmation.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves (and any accompanying family members) during their stay in Czechia. This is to ensure that the residence is not dependent on public funds.

For business-related residence permits, including the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment, this typically means proving at least 50 times the Czech existential minimum (currently about 156,500 CZK).

Private Health Insurance

All applicants are required to secure comprehensive private health insurance valid in Czechia. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the application and cover the entire intended period of residence.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans here.

Evidence of the Investment

Since this permit is tied to a business commitment, applicants must submit documents confirming the intended investment project, such as:

A business plan approved by the relevant Czech authorities.
Evidence of capital funds available for the project.
Registration in the Commercial or Trade Register.

The minimum qualifying investment is CZK 75 million (approximately EUR 3 million), along with the creation of at least 20 full-time jobs for EU citizens.

How to Apply for the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment in Czechia must be done in person at a Ministry of the Interior office. Below is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents, including a valid travel document, application form, recent photograph, proof of registration in the relevant register, your business plan, financial statements, proof of funds for investment, medical insurance, and confirmation of no outstanding debts. Additional documents (such as medical reports or extracts from penal registers) may also be requested.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

You can complete the form online and print it, or download a blank version and fill it out in Czech using block capitals. Forms are also available for free at Ministry of the Interior offices.

Step 3: Book an Appointment

Make an appointment online or by phone to submit your application. If no appointments are available before your deadline, you must still submit your application without a reservation to maintain your legal stay.

Step 4: Submit Your Application in Person

Visit the Ministry of the Interior office in person to hand in your application, documents, and pay the administrative fee of CZK 2,500 (card payment only).

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes up to 30 days, or up to 60 days in complicated cases. During this period, you are legally allowed to remain in Czechia even if your current visa or permit expires.

Step 6: Provide Biometrics and Collect Your Residence Card

If your application is approved, you will be invited to the Ministry of the Interior to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature. You must then return to pick up your finished biometric residence card.

Step 7: Register Your Address and Health Insurance

Within 3 working days of arrival in Czechia (if applying from abroad), you must register your place of residence at the local Ministry of the Interior office. You are also required to maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of your stay.

Czechia Golden Visa Stay Requirements

Holders of the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment must comply with several stay requirements in Czechia. You are expected to actually reside in the country for the majority of the permit’s validity and to maintain the investment activity that justified your residence. This means continuing to operate your business according to the approved investment plan, keeping the required number of employees, and staying in good financial standing without outstanding tax or social security debts.

You are also required to report any change of residence, business details, or other relevant circumstances to the Ministry of the Interior. In addition, you must keep your health insurance valid at all times and make sure your travel document and residence card remain valid. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to difficulties when extending the permit or, in some cases, revocation of your residence status.

How Much Does the Czech Investor Visa Cost?

The cost of obtaining the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment in Czechia is made up of several administrative and related fees. When submitting your application in person at the Ministry of the Interior, you must pay an administrative fee of CZK 2,500, which can only be paid by card. In addition to this, you should also consider other potential costs linked to your application, such as:

Official translations of documents into Czech, if your paperwork is issued in another language.
Verification or notarization of documents.
Health insurance, which must be valid for the full duration of your stay.
Renewal fees if you extend your permit in the future.

The exact total will vary depending on your circumstances, but the mandatory fee for filing the application is fixed at CZK 2,500.

Taxes for People With a Long-Term Residence Permit for Investment

If you hold a Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment in Czechia, you will generally be treated the same way as other foreign residents when it comes to taxes. Your tax obligations depend on whether you are considered a tax resident or a non-resident. You are typically considered a Czech tax resident if you have a permanent home in Czechia or if you spend more than 183 days in the country during a calendar year. As a resident, you are required to declare and pay tax on your worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Czechia.

For investors, this usually means paying corporate income tax if you establish a Czech company, as well as personal income tax if you receive salary or dividends from that company. The standard corporate income tax rate is 19%, while personal income tax is generally 15% for most income, with an additional 23% rate applying to income above a certain threshold. Social security and health insurance contributions are also mandatory for employees and employers.

It is important to keep accurate financial records, meet all filing deadlines, and ensure that your investment activities remain compliant with Czech tax law, as failing to do so can affect your eligibility to renew your residence permit. Many investors choose to work with a local accountant or tax advisor to make sure they are meeting their obligations fully and taking advantage of any available treaties that prevent double taxation.

Living in Czechia with a Golden Visa

Living in Czechia with the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment offers both stability and opportunity. As a permit holder, you are legally allowed to reside in the country while managing your business or investment activity. This means you can take advantage of Czechia’s central location in Europe, reliable infrastructure, and strong business environment while enjoying the same everyday rights and services available to long-term residents. This includes access to healthcare, education for your family, and the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays.

Beyond business, life in Czechia offers a high quality of living at a relatively affordable cost compared to many other EU countries. Cities like Prague and Brno provide vibrant cultural scenes, historic architecture, and international communities that make it easy to settle in. Whether you prefer a bustling urban lifestyle or a quieter environment in smaller towns, the permit allows you to build a home base in Czechia while pursuing your long-term investment goals.

Best Cities to Live in Czechia

Prague

As the capital and largest city, Prague is the most popular choice for foreigners living in Czechia. Known for its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, vibrant cultural life, and international business opportunities, it offers everything from world-class restaurants to a growing start-up scene. For investors, Prague provides access to major industries, international connections, and a large expat community, making it easier to integrate both professionally and socially.

Brno

Brno, the second-largest city, is often considered the country’s innovation hub. It is home to leading universities, research centers, and a thriving technology sector, which attracts both local and foreign entrepreneurs. Compared to Prague, Brno has a more relaxed pace of life and lower living costs, while still offering excellent transport connections, a lively café culture, and a welcoming expat scene.

Ostrava

Located in the northeast of Czechia, Ostrava is an industrial city that has been undergoing a cultural and economic transformation in recent years. Known for its festivals, modern cultural venues, and developing infrastructure, it is an appealing choice for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle. While smaller than Prague or Brno, Ostrava offers strong opportunities in heavy industry, energy, and emerging business sectors, making it attractive for certain types of investment.

Cost of Living

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK). 1 CZK = approximately $0.045 USD.

The average net monthly salary in the Czech Republic is around 36,330 CZK, which equates to approximately $1,640 USD.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Prague

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - $1,090 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - $1,450 per month
Basic Utilities - $315 per month
Wi-Fi - $27 per month
Public Transport - $1.30 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - $400–$500 per month

Brno

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - $740 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - $1,010 per month
Basic Utilities - $159 per month
Wi-Fi - $19 per month
Public Transport - $1.10 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - $230–$460 per month

Ostrava

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - $507 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - $780 per month
Basic Utilities - $221 per month
Wi-Fi - $17 per month
Public Transport - $1.30 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - $400–$450 per month

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment?

This permit is available to third-country nationals who plan to make a significant investment in Czechia. This includes establishing a business, investing in a company, or contributing to the local economy in a way approved by the Ministry of the Interior. Applicants must meet financial, legal, and operational requirements as outlined in the official guidelines.

Can family members join me in Czechia under this visa?

Yes, immediate family members, including a spouse and dependent children, can apply for residence permits as your dependents. They must meet certain documentation and health insurance requirements, and their permits are typically linked to the duration of your investment permit.

How long is the Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment valid?

The permit is usually issued for two years. It can be renewed if you continue to meet the investment requirements and comply with Czech legal and tax obligations. Renewal applications should be submitted before the current permit expires.

Am I allowed to travel within Europe with this permit?

Yes, as a holder of this residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, this does not replace a visa if you intend to work or stay long-term in another Schengen country.

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