Czechia: Hidden Citizenship-by-Descent Gem? New Data Suggests So
For the purposes of Czech Section 31(3), investment migration professionals should screen clients who may have Central European ancestry, writes Parviz Malakouti and Samuel Durovcik.
Czechia Investor Visa
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Program Type:
Active Investor Visa
Processing Time:
3 months
Citizenship Timeline:
10 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
5 years
Physical Presence Required:
184 days a year
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
184 countries
Minimum Contribution:
CZK 75 million (~US$3.6 million)
Contribution Options:
Business Investment
On This Page
Program Overview
Czechia Investor Visa
The Czech Republic offers a two-year, renewable residence permit for investment to third-country entrepreneurs who plan a “significant investment” and to executives of companies pursuing similar investment plans.
Applicants must invest at least CZK 75 million (~US$3.6 million) and create at least 20 new jobs for EU citizens for a minimum of two years each.
Investors may substitute up to 60% of the required funds with other tangible or intangible assets, including technologies and information know-how.
Czechia Investor Visa
How to Qualify
To qualify for the Czech Republic Investor Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Invest at least CZK 75 million (~US$3.6 million). Up to 60% of the investment may consist of other tangible or intangible assets, including technologies and information know-how
- Create at least 20 new jobs for EU citizens or their family members for a minimum of 2 years
- Be third-country, non-EU entrepreneurs making a significant investment, or executives in companies that have investment plans that meet the capital above and job creation criteria
Czechia Investor Visa
Salient Benefits
- Freedom of movement within Schengen
- Path to citizenship
- Permits dual/multiple citizenship
- Lower cost of living
- Safety and security
- Enhanced business access to large economies
Czechia Investor Visa
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
Permanent residence is generally available after 5 years of continuous legal temporary residence (or after 2 years if, for at least one of those years, the applicant has been a close family member of a Czech citizen or an EU citizen with permanent residency).
After an additional five years of holding and maintaining continuous lawful residence as a permanent resident, applicants can qualify for citizenship if they meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate Czech language ability at approximately B1 level
- Pass a test on Czech society, culture, and institutions (usually in Czech)
- Have a clean criminal record and comply with legal obligations (e.g., no unpaid taxes, social, or health insurance)
- Show stable accommodation and means of support
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Czechia Investor Visa
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to: Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic (in person at Ministry offices).
Legislation upon which this program is based: Government Regulation No. 223/2017.
Czechia Investor Visa
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
Czechia Investor Visa
Qualifying Real Estate
As noted in the program qualifications above, an investor can qualify for this program with a local property purchase above the minimum investment threshold. View eligible properties curated by IMI and our real estate partners:
Czechia Investor Visa
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Czechia Investor Visa
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.