Czech Republic’s Long-Term Visas now available to digital nomads

Starting from 28th June 2023, Czech Long-Term Visas are now available for digital nomads and their family members who are nationals of specific countries and work in IT or STEM fields.

Digital nomads are individuals who work remotely in a different country from their home country while receiving salaries and benefits from their employers. Typically, digital nomads are not allowed to earn income in the host country.

On 28th June 2023, the Czech government introduced a new program called Digital Nomads, aimed at nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. This program is designed for individuals working in IT or STEM fields who wish to stay in the Czech Republic for long-term periods (more than 90 days). There are two categories under which applicants can qualify as digital nomads:

1. Individuals employed by a company outside the Czech Republic who work remotely within the country can apply for a Long-Term Visa for “Other” Purposes.
2. Individuals providing IT services to entities on a freelance basis within the Czech Republic, based on a Czech trade license, can apply for a Long-Term Visa for “Business.”

Once all the requirements are met, individuals who register for the Digital Nomads program will be granted an appointment to submit their Long-Term Visa applications at the Czech embassy or consulate in their country of citizenship or residence. These applications will receive expedited processing and are expected to be finalized within 45 days from the submission date.

Family members of digital nomads, including spouses or common-law partners and children, who meet the qualifications, can also register for the program and apply for Long-Term Visas for “Family” Purposes alongside the principal applicant.

With the introduction of the Digital Nomads program, the Czech Republic joins the growing list of countries offering visas and permits for digital nomads and remote workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-Czech employers who allow teleworking may now consider the Czech Republic as a potential destination for their employees seeking remote work opportunities.