europe Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Czech Republic: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Czech Republic for US/EU companies. Visa options, tax implications, best cities, and practical tips for digital nomads.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from the Czech Republic. EU/EEA citizens enjoy unlimited work rights, while non-EU citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days or apply for the Zivno freelance license for longer stays. The country offers exceptional internet infrastructure, a vibrant expat community particularly in Prague, and a central European location with affordable living costs compared to Western Europe.
Visa Options
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
As an EU member state, the Czech Republic grants full freedom of movement to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. You can live and work indefinitely without special permits. Registration with local authorities is required for stays exceeding 30 days.
Non-EU Citizens: Short-Term Stay
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan) can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area for tourism or short-term remote work for foreign companies.
Zivnostensky List (Trade License)
The Zivno is the most popular option for non-EU remote workers and freelancers. This trade license allows you to work as a self-employed individual in the Czech Republic:
- Valid for up to 2 years initially, renewable
- Application process takes 1-3 months
- Requires proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial means
- Must demonstrate clean criminal record
- Allows you to invoice clients and manage your own business
The Zivno gives you a long-term residence permit and is relatively straightforward to obtain compared to employee visas.
Employee Visa
If you’re employed by a Czech company or transfer to a Czech branch of your employer:
- Requires job offer from Czech employer
- Employee visa or Blue Card (for highly skilled workers)
- Longer processing time (2-4 months)
- Employer must provide supporting documentation
Digital Nomad Considerations
While the Czech Republic doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa yet, the Zivno license effectively serves this purpose for remote workers willing to register as freelancers.
Tax Implications
Tax Residency
You become a Czech tax resident if you:
- Stay in the Czech Republic for more than 183 days in a calendar year, or
- Have your permanent home or center of vital interests in the country
Income Tax for Residents
Czech tax residents are taxed on worldwide income with a flat rate system:
- 15% flat tax on income up to CZK 1,935,552 (~$86,000)
- 23% on income exceeding this threshold
- Basic tax allowance of CZK 30,840 (~$1,370) annually
Self-Employed Tax (Zivno Holders)
If working under Zivno license:
- 15% income tax on net income
- Health insurance: approximately $70-100/month (minimum required)
- Social security: approximately $100-150/month (minimum required)
- Can deduct 60% of income as expenses (lump sum) or actual expenses
- VAT registration required if turnover exceeds CZK 2 million (~$88,000)
Non-Residents
Non-residents working remotely for foreign companies while in Czech Republic for under 183 days typically don’t owe Czech income tax, provided no Czech permanent establishment exists.
Double Taxation Treaties
The Czech Republic has tax treaties with over 90 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. These treaties generally prevent double taxation, but you should consult with an international tax advisor for your specific situation.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Prague
The capital city is the top choice for remote workers, offering a perfect blend of historical beauty and modern infrastructure. Prague boasts an extensive network of coworking spaces (Impact Hub, Locus Workspace, K10), hundreds of cafes with reliable WiFi, and a massive expat community. The cost of living is moderate ($1,500-$2,000/month for comfortable living), and English is widely spoken. Excellent public transport, international airport connections, and vibrant cultural scene make it ideal for digital nomads.
Brno
Czech Republic’s second-largest city offers a more affordable alternative to Prague ($1,000-$1,400/month) while maintaining excellent infrastructure. Home to several universities, Brno has a young, educated population and growing tech sector. The city features multiple coworking spaces (SOHO Brno, Mozaika), good internet, and a emerging startup scene. Less touristy than Prague with authentic Czech atmosphere and easier integration into local community.
Pilsen (Plzeň)
Famous for its beer heritage, Pilsen is increasingly attractive to remote workers seeking lower costs ($800-$1,200/month) and authentic Czech experience. The city has good internet infrastructure, several coworking options, and is only 90 minutes from Prague by train. Smaller expat community means more opportunities to learn Czech and experience local culture, while still having necessary amenities for remote work.
Timezone Overlap
The Czech Republic operates on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer.
Working with US Companies:
- East Coast (EST/EDT): 6 hours ahead (9 AM in New York = 3 PM in Prague)
- West Coast (PST/PDT): 9 hours ahead (9 AM in San Francisco = 6 PM in Prague)
Expect 2-4 hours of overlap with US East Coast during standard business hours. Many remote workers adjust schedules to start later (10 AM-11 AM) for better alignment with US colleagues.
Working with European Companies:
- Perfect alignment with most EU countries (±1 hour maximum)
- Same timezone as Berlin, Vienna, Rome, Stockholm
- Ideal for synchronous collaboration across Europe
Working with UK Companies:
- 1 hour ahead of UK (GMT/BST)
- Excellent overlap for real-time communication
Working with Asian Companies:
- 7 hours ahead of Dubai
- 6.5-7.5 hours ahead of India
- 7-8 hours behind East Asia
- Requires asynchronous work methods
Your Czech Republic Remote Work Setup Checklist
- 1 Determine visa requirements and apply for Zivno license if staying long-term
- 2 Secure accommodation (Bezrealitky.cz, Sreality.cz for long-term rentals)
- 3 Obtain comprehensive health insurance valid in Czech Republic
- 4 Register at local Foreign Police office (within 3 days of arrival for non-EU)
- 5 Set up Czech bank account (Fio Banka, Air Bank popular for expats)
- 6 Get local SIM card (T-Mobile, O2, Vodafone offer good data plans)
- 7 Register for health and social insurance if obtaining Zivno
- 8 Find coworking space or reliable work location with good WiFi
- 9 Consult with local tax advisor about your obligations
- 10 Join expat communities (Prague Expats Facebook, Meetup groups)
- 11 Start learning basic Czech (Czech is challenging but locals appreciate effort)
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to get a Zivno trade license in Czech Republic?
The Zivno application process is straightforward but bureaucratic. You'll need to gather documents including proof of accommodation, health insurance, financial means (typically bank statements showing ~$5,000), and a clean criminal record check. The entire process takes 1-3 months on average. Many expats use relocation services or lawyers to help navigate the Czech bureaucracy, which can cost $300-800 but significantly speeds up the process. Once obtained, the Zivno allows you to work as a freelancer and provides a long-term residence permit.
Is Prague too expensive for long-term remote work?
Prague is more expensive than other Czech cities but still affordable compared to Western European capitals. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $800-1,200/month, outside center $600-900. Food, transport, and entertainment are reasonably priced. Total monthly budget for comfortable living: $1,500-2,000. Consider living outside the tourist center (Prague 3, 6, 7, or 10) for better value while still having good access to amenities and coworking spaces.
Can I survive in Czech Republic without speaking Czech?
Yes, especially in Prague where English is widely spoken in expat-friendly areas, restaurants, and coworking spaces. Most young professionals speak good English. However, government offices, banks, and medical facilities may require Czech, so having a Czech-speaking friend or using translation services is helpful. Outside Prague, English proficiency drops significantly. Learning basic Czech phrases shows respect and makes daily life easier, though Czech is considered one of the more challenging languages for English speakers.
What healthcare options are available for remote workers in Czech Republic?
If you have Zivno license, you must register with Czech public health insurance (VZP, CPZP) costing around $70-100/month minimum. This provides access to Czech healthcare system, which is generally good quality and affordable. Alternatively, private international health insurance is acceptable for visa purposes if you're not yet in the public system. Many expats supplement public insurance with private coverage. Pharmacies are widely available, and Prague has English-speaking doctors and clinics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Czech Republic for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Czech Republic for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Czech Republic.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Czech Republic?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Czech Republic visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Czech Republic?
The cost of living in Czech Republic is moderate, with monthly budgets of $2,000-3,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Czech Republic have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Czech Republic's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Czech Republic?
The best cities for remote workers in Czech Republic typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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