Czech Republic Modernizes Residency with Digital Shift
Czechia will implement a major legal reset in 2026, including a 90-day processing guarantee for Single Permits and a significant expansion of the Digital Nomad Program quota to 5,000. The changes also introduce new long-term residency paths for Ukrainian refugees and enforce mandatory integration courses.
Czech Republic Modernizes Residency with Digital Shift
The Czech Republic has officially moved its immigration system into the digital age. Under the latest Residence Act, the country now utilizes a centralized online portal for all residency applications, document uploads, and fee payments. While applicants still need to visit a Ministry of the Interior office for biometrics, the days of paper-heavy submissions are over. This "legal reset" also introduces a strict 90-day processing cap for Single Permits (Employee Cards), significantly speeding up the timeline for those moving for work.
The Digital Nomad Program is also seeing a major boost. Following high demand, the government is expanding the annual quota to 5,000 spots. This program specifically targets remote workers from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia who work for foreign companies with at least 50 employees. For those already in the country, Ukrainian refugees now have a clear path to transition to a five-year long-term residence permit after two years of temporary protection.
Who is affected
- Digital Nomads: Remote workers gain easier access through the expanded quota but must meet a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,500.
- Expats and Employees: All non-EU foreigners must now use the digital portal; employers face stricter reporting rules and fines up to 500,000 CZK for non-compliance.
- Long-term Residents: Most permit holders aged 15 to 60 must complete a mandatory Adaptation and Integration Course (AIC).
What to do
To get started, you will need to activate an e-ID to access the Ministry of the Interior portal. When applying for the nomad visa, prepare proof of remote employment and evidence that your income remains at least 1.5 times the average Czech salary.
If you are renewing a permit, ensure you have completed the four-hour AIC session, which costs 1,500 CZK. These courses cover local laws, taxes, and healthcare, and are now strictly linked to your residence status in the national database. Stay updated on nomad news to track further changes to ETIAS requirements for short-term travelers.
Read our full Czech Republic guide for the complete picture.