Medieval castles and world-class beer are what put The Czech Republic on the map for many travelers.
However, in recent years, the Central European nation has also gained traction as a great base for digital nomads.
While the digital nomad scene in the Czech Republic is certainly still growing, it has established itself as a Mecca for history buffs and intrepid adventurers who want to work remotely.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring digital nomad visas in the Czech Republic, as well as the best places to live as a remote worker, and the overall cost of living, to help you determine whether it’s the right location for you.
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Visas In The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Zone, and because of this, residents of the other 25 Schengen countries can visit for up to 90 days without needing to obtain a visa.
U.S. citizens can also benefit from visa-free travel for a period of up to 90 days.
If you’re from a country outside of the EU and the U.S., you’ll need to obtain a Schengen Visa in order to visit. With this pass, you’ll be able to stay in the Czech Republic for 90 out of every 180 days.
This visa also enables you to visit any other countries that are part of the Schengen Zone, which makes traveling to Europe much easier.
Alternatively, if you wish to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you can apply for a Czech Republic digital nomad visa.
To qualify for permanent residence in the Czech Republic, you must have lived there for 5 years continuously.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Czech digital nomad visa is a long-term residence permit that enables the holder to live in the country for up to a year while working remotely as a freelancer.
The requirements differ from some other digital nomad visas in that you must have your own personal website and online resume, as well as a business plan and business card.
You’ll also need to provide proof that you can work anywhere in the world.
You must have at least CZK 124,500 (US$5,720) in your bank account and you’ll need to pay an application fee of CZK 1,000 (US$46.)
The process of being approved for this visa includes an interview with a member of the consulate in your nearest Czech embassy.
You’ll be questioned about your reasons for staying in the Czech Republic, as well as your accommodation plans, etc.
Once you’ve completed the interview, you can expect to get your approval within 90-120 days.
Best Places To Live In The Czech Republic For Digital Nomads
There are plenty of different places to stay in the Czech Republic as a digital nomad, depending on your interests and requirements.
Prague
The most popular place for digital nomads in the Czech Republic is its bustling capital —- Prague.
Around 6,000 digital nomads and expats live in this corner of the country at any given time, and given the city’s affordability and ease of amenities, it’s easy to see why.
Malá Strana — also known as Lesser Town —- is one of the most popular areas for nomads and has a nice mix of both expats and locals.
This neighborhood is close to the city center on the left bank of the Vltava River but manages to remain a quiet place for those who like a little peace after a day exploring the city.
Alternatively, young and health-conscious digital nomads may choose the Vinohrady neighborhood, which has an abundance of green parks, a farmer’s market, and a smattering of trendy coffee shops.
Digital nomad families and those on a tighter budget will prefer the neighborhood of Dejvice.
While this district is still fairly close to the center of Prague, its location means the prices are lower and there are plenty of great schools nearby for nomadic families to choose from.
As a popular digital nomad city, there are plenty of coworking spaces in Prague to choose from, where you can go and connect with like-minded individuals from all walks of life.
Here are several of the best coworking spaces in Prague:
- WorkLounge Diamant
- WeWork
- Locus Workspace
Brno
The southeastern city of Brno is known for its mouthwatering culinary scene and its exquisite range of modern architecture, attracting a cultural crowd of digital nomads.
Those who want to be close to the action can choose to stay in the city center —- Brno-střed — while those looking for more comfortable accommodation options should take a look at the Masaryk’ district. I
f you’re willing to stay on the outskirts of the city and commute in, you’ll find the neighborhoods of Ivanovice, Útěchov, Kníničky, Ořešín, and Soběšice to be great options.
These are especially suited to those who like to be surrounded by nature or digital nomad families as there is lots of open green space.
If you’re concerned about safety, you’ve no need to worry.
Brno, like the rest of the Czech Republic, is a very safe place to live. However, if you’re still worried, then avoid staying in the inner city district of Zábrdovice.
While Brno may not be as well known for its digital nomad scene as Prague, there are still several options for coworking.
Below are some of the best coworking spaces in Brno for digital nomads:
- COWO BRNO
- Brain Farm Brno
- Impact Hub Brno
Olomouc
Olomouc sits along the Morava River and was once the capital city of Moravia.
It has always been one of the most important destinations within the Kingdom of Bohemia, which means that even today, the city is brimming with historic buildings and monuments.
In fact, Olomouc is very similar to how Prague was before it became a tourist haven.
As a less popular destination for travelers than other cities, such as Prague, the cost of living is even cheaper in Olomouc than in other places.
This means it is well suited to digital nomads who are traveling to save money or those who are on a tight budget as their money will stretch further here.
Olomouc is a small city and as such, is very walkable. This means that wherever you choose to live, you’ll have easy access to everything you need.
Staying in the heart of the city is a more expensive option. However, you’ll find a wealth of attractions on your doorstep and prices are much more reasonable than in other European cities.
You’ll find some of the most historic and charming apartments in the area that surrounds Masarykova třída.
Olomouc has only recently started to grow its digital nomad scene and now has a handful of coworking spaces.
The city also is home to a thriving cafe culture, which means you’ll never be short on somewhere to sit down with a coffee, get to work, and likely meet some new friends.
Here are some of the best coworking spaces for digital nomads in Olomouc.
- Vault 42
- Coworking Olomouc
- Telegraph Coworking
Plzeň
Most famed for its beer that has been brewed in the city since the Middle Ages, Plzeň is another of the best places for digital nomads in the Czech Republic.
Smaller than other destinations on this list, Plzeň is a great place to consider if you prefer a town vibe or find yourself overwhelmed with larger cities.
Some of the city’s main attractions include its 19th-century brewery and Gothic cathedral.
The Slovany neighborhood in the southeastern part of the city is widely regarded to be the best place to live in Plzeň, for both expats and locals alike.
However, you can’t go far wrong with any of the districts as Plzeň is a safe place to live with great transportation connections and fascinating architecture in all corners of the city.
While not well known for its abundance of digital nomads as of yet, there are several places to connect with other expats.
Here are the most popular coworking spaces in Plzeň:
- STROM Offices
- Kolektiv Hub
- Hub 3
Cost Of Living In The Czech Republic
The cost of living in the Czech Republic varies significantly based on where you stay.
For example, you can expect your monthly living expenses to be around US$2,300 in the capital city of Prague.
However, if you choose a smaller city, like Olomouc, you can cut your costs down to as little as US$1,000 per month.
In total, living costs in the Czech Republic are approximately 42% lower than in the U.S.
Averagely, you can expect to spend around US$8 on an inexpensive fast-food meal, while a sit-down three-course meal totals around US$18 per head.
When it comes to accommodation, an apartment in Prague typically costs around US$800 per month. Rent in Plzeň and Olomouc can be as low as US$400 per month.
Alternatively, if you choose to stay in hostels, you’ll find that forms start at around US$20 per night, while private rooms begin at US$100 per night in Prague.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads In The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is certainly one of the best options for digital nomads, because of its affordability.
Here, you can live an extremely comfortable lifestyle on less than half of the budget you’d need for other well-known destinations, such as London or New York.
Coworking spaces in the Czech Republic are plentiful and high-speed WiFi is widespread, making it a convenient location for any digital nomad.
However, if you don’t fit the criteria for the Czech Republic’s digital nomad visa, which includes being established as a freelancer, you may find yourself limited in the amount of time you can spend in the country.
Not sure if the Czech Republic is the right place for you? Check out these other destinations:
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