Who it is for
People from outside the EU who want to be self-employed in the Czech Republic, run a business, or sit on the statutory board of a Czech company.
The main requirements
- Proof of your business: an extract from the trade licence register (živnostenský list) or the company register.
- Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic.
- Proof of funds for your stay.
- A criminal record extract.
- Czech documents: supporting papers in Czech or with official Czech translations, apostilled where required, usually no older than 180 days.
How long it takes
You apply in person at the Czech embassy responsible for your country, with an interview and fingerprints. The Ministry of the Interior decides within 90 days by law, which can be extended to 120 days. The visa is issued for up to 1 year. Incomplete applications are rejected, so the file must be right the first time.
How Ascend helps
We write the business plan, organise the trade licence documents and build a complete file with the translations and apostilles it needs. Legal advice is handled by an independent lawyer, billed directly by the lawyer.
Questions people ask
Do I need a trade licence before the Czech business visa?
Yes. The purpose of your stay is proven with an extract from the trade licence register or the company register.
How long does the Czech business visa take?
The Ministry of the Interior decides within 90 days by law, extendable to 120 days in more complex cases.
Do my documents need to be translated?
Yes. Documents must be in Czech or officially translated, and foreign public documents must be apostilled or legalised.
Can Ascend guarantee approval?
No. The authorities decide every application. We prepare the strongest possible plan and file and tell you honestly in the clarity session whether your case is ready.
Rules checked October 2026. Immigration rules change; we confirm the current rules for your case in your session.