Czechia

Czechia offers non-EU nationals a genuine route to EU residency through self-employment or a company — the "Živno" (trade licence) or an s.r.o. company. It's one of Europe's most accessible business-residency pathways, with the lowest funds threshold of any major EU programme, a competitive flat tax, and a clear path to EU permanent residency and, in time, citizenship.

Non-EU nationals can live in Czechia by holding a trade licence (živnostenský list) as a self-employed person (OSVČ), or by running a limited company (s.r.o.). The route works in sequence: you obtain the trade licence or company, then a long-term visa for the purpose of business (initially 1 year), which converts to a long-term residence permit for business (up to 2 years, renewable). After 5 continuous years of legal residence you qualify for EU permanent residency; after 10 years (or 5 years of permanent residence) you may apply for Czech citizenship. This is a genuine residency route — you're expected to actually live in and run a real business in Czechia, not hold a passive permit. Note: a new Foreigners' Residence Act is expected to take effect in 2026, digitising procedures and tightening genuine-purpose checks

Non-EU national, 18+; a trade licence (živnostenský list) or registered company; proof of sufficient funds (~€5,700/year); a registered business address in Czechia; accommodation proof; clean criminal record (from your country of origin, apostilled/translated); comprehensive long-term health insurance covering Czechia; and genuine intent to run a business and reside in the country. Qualified/regulated trades require proof of relevant qualifications; "free" trades do not.

Trade licence or company registration; long-term business visa/permit; proof of funds (~€5,700); registered business address; accommodation proof; apostilled + Czech-translated criminal record certificate; long-term health insurance valid in Czechia; passport valid 3+ months beyond the permit. Foreign documents must be officially translated into Czech and generally be less than 180 days old.