Is there a realistic chance of obtaining a Czech long-term visa or residence permit now?
The short answer is yes, in theory. In practice, however, the process is difficult and expensive, and some visa categories have a high refusal rate – particularly business visas based on company ownership. The current regulations for issuing these visas and permits are quite strict. Let's examine the three main options for obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit in the Czech Republic and their key features:
- Business visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
Business visa (residence permit) for the Czech Republic
We'll be direct: it is best not to try this route. Unfortunately, the reality is that you are highly likely to be refused. The refusal rate for these types of permits is extremely high, close to 100%.
From a formal standpoint, the legal possibility of obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic through company ownership does exist. On the surface, the process seems straightforward: you register a Czech company in your name, prepare a relatively simple set of corporate documents, submit your residence permit application, attend an interview, and receive your visa.
In practice, these are indeed the actual steps. However, if your company is a "shell" with no genuine business activity, your application will most likely be rejected. This method worked about ten years ago, but today such applications are almost always refused. The change occurred because a large number of foreigners used this visa route, causing the authorities to shut it down.
A Czech long-term visa for company owners is achievable only if you are serious about starting a genuine business and can provide clear evidence of this to the Czech authorities.
Such evidence must include:
- A genuine business presence (an office, a retail location, or a store)
- Actual financial transactions in the company's bank account directly linked to its business activities.
- Partnerships with established Czech companies (operating companies in your industry, not "shell" companies)
- Hired employees, with a strong preference for Czech citizens.
Moreover, all of these factors must come together perfectly. Even a flawless application may still be rejected by the Czech authorities. On the other hand, setting everything up is expensive, and you will have to decide whether the goal justifies the costs and effort.
Additionally, many people reasonably ask how they can set all of this up without already having a long-term visa. This creates a vicious circle: without a residence permit, you cannot properly establish the business, but without an established business, you cannot obtain the permit. It is an absurd situation, but this is the current reality.
At present, our company does not provide company formation services for the purpose of obtaining long-term business visas in the Czech Republic. Our position is based on the understanding that the client would most likely lose money without receiving the visa. However, if a client fully understands the risks and still wishes to proceed, we take on the project. Since this often involves a significant financial investment, we ensure transparency by clearly describing all potential risks.
Furthermore, many companies in the Czech Republic offer services for obtaining business visas and residence permits. Their typical proposal is: "We prepare the documents, you apply at the consulate, and you take your chance of getting the visa. The fee for the document package is EUR 4,000, paid in advance, with no guarantee of success." We consider this practice highly unethical because the service provider knows in advance that the client will most likely not receive the permit. However, the choice is yours.
In most cases, people who try to obtain a Czech residence permit through a company end up with a company they do not need. The company must then be closed down (liquidated). This is a matter we can assist you with.
If you are still determined to relocate to the Czech Republic, a more realistic option at present is a Czech work visa. This is what we will cover in the following section.
Long-term work visa (residence permit) for the Czech Republic
If you are determined to live in the Czech Republic, a long-term work visa is currently a much more realistic and, in fact, viable option. People are successfully obtaining these visas and moving here. However, there are a few important requirements.
The process requires a job offer from a legitimate Czech company – one with a history and actual employees (not a "shell" company). The company provides you with a document package, which you submit at the consulate with your visa application. Work-based residence permits are indeed being issued, and the chances of success are currently fairly good. How long this opportunity will last is uncertain, but it will likely also be restricted in the future.
Let's address the financial aspect of work visas. The initial cost of the work visa documents is usually low (EUR 1,000–2,000 per person), and the approval rate is high. However, there is an important point to consider. In this case, you are officially employed. On paper, you receive an official salary, which means your employer (the company you work for) is required to pay taxes on your behalf – around EUR 300–400 per month. In reality, you will be responsible for covering these costs yourself; your visa status directly depends on these payments.
Unfortunately, you will have to pay these costs for at least five years, or your visa will be canceled. Also, during these five years, you cannot switch to a different visa type (for example, a business visa). You can change the company that employs you (for example, you could open your own company and employ yourself to avoid dependence on third parties). However, the main requirement remains: you must continue paying taxes on your salary, and you cannot reduce your salary to lower the tax amount.
In short, it is a realistic option, but one that involves long-term costs.
Student visa (residence permit) for the Czech Republic
To be honest, this is the category we follow least closely, although we do have some relevant information.
Student visas are generally issued without major issues. Although refusals do occur, they are quite rare. The Czech Republic has a large number of international students, and we believe this trend will continue.
However, a student visa is not suitable for everyone and is granted primarily to young people. If an individual over 40 claims that they are coming to the Czech Republic to study, it is understandable that the Czech authorities will view this with skepticism.
For this visa, the choice of educational institution is very important. The institution must provide a confirmation letter stating that the person has been accepted and will attend the institution. You will need this document from a reputable university or organization. The Czech Republic has many high-quality language schools that handle this aspect quite well. Naturally, all of this involves significant expense.
We recommend this visa only for individuals who are genuinely coming to the Czech Republic to study. If your goal is to work or run a business, this visa is not a good fit for a number of reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Czech Long-Term Visas in 2026
Can I obtain a long-term visa and immigrate to the Czech Republic by opening a company there?
Theoretically, yes. In practice, however, starting a company solely to obtain a visa is nearly pointless. Although it is easy to prepare the basic set of documents, your chances of actually having the visa approved are extremely low. If you are interested in this topic, see our full article on Czech residence permits.