Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic offers a great opportunity to secure a second home and European base for business or investment opportunities. The country also boasts one of the best passports in the world, ranked 14 in the Nomad Passport Index for 2024, making it an excellent addition to your passport portfolio.
Though it’s part of central Europe, many still perceive the Czech Republic to be part of eastern Europe, a legacy of its time as part of Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union coupling of the Czech and Slovak regions which was peacefully dissolved in 1993. The official currency is the Czech Koruna and, despite being a European Union (EU) member state, it hasn’t adopted the euro.
Known as Czechia by its population of over to 10.8 million people, it neighbours Austria, Germany and Poland. Comprised of the historical provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, the republic is famous for its medieval charm and developed modern economy. Bohemia is dominated by the national capital, Prague, a city of castles, bridges, stunning architecture and art.
The nation still has strong connections to its ancient and medieval roots, which are visible in the many castles – more than 2,000 are dotted around the country – the charming towns, beautiful cities and towering mountains. This is a land of myth and stories, so it’s little surprise that the locals love their beer – Czechs have the highest consumption in the world.
If you have Czech ancestors, don’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get your hands on a powerful Tier A EU passport. Set up a call with us and we’ll word hard to smooth your path to secure your citizenship by descent (CBD).
Benefits of Czech Citizenship by Descent
Strong Passport
One of the biggest reasons to apply for Czech citizenship by descent is its passport.
According to the Nomad Passport Index, the Czech passport is the 14th most powerful in the world, offering visa-free access to 121 countries worldwide or 174 with the help of visa-on-arrival and eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) programs.
If you’re a digital nomad, investor or entrepreneur frequently travelling for business, investment opportunities or just fun, becoming a Czech citizen is an option worth your time and consideration.
European Union Member State
The Czech Republic joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, which means its citizens can live, work and study anywhere in the EU. As EU citizens, they have access to travel opportunities, tuition in world-class schools and colleges, which is often free, universal healthcare and a high standard of living.
Moreover, Czech citizenship offers far more than lifestyle perks. The EU is the world’s largest single market, making it a hub of work, investment and business development opportunities.
Whether you want to settle, study or start a business venture in a prospering market, Czech citizenship can assist and support you every step of the way.
Taxes in the Czech Republic
Although Czechia is far from tax-free, it has simplified its personal and corporate tax regime.
The personal income tax rates here are 15% and 23%. The lower figure is the basic rate, while the higher rate applies to earners who earn more than the statutory limit (36 times the monthly average).
While corporate income stood at 19%, it increased to 21%. So, while the Czech Republic isn’t a low-tax country, its rates aren’t high either.
With strategic tax planning, you can take advantage of certain reliefs in Czechia while enjoying all the perks of living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Get Czech Citizenship by Descent in 2024
To apply for Czech citizenship by descent, you must prove your heritage, fulfil the eligibility criteria and present your personal and ancestral documents. The documents must be translated into the Czech language.
Before considering Czech citizenship, you should note that the Czech Republic and Slovakia came into existence after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993.
The dissolution date and the nationality of those living in the former Czechoslovakia region are of utmost importance when working out if you are eligible.
Who Can Claim Czech Citizenship by Descent?
The foundation of Czech citizenship by descent can be found in the Czech Citizenship Act No. 186/2013 Section 31 (Acquiring Citizenship by Declaration).
Under the Act, applicants can claim their citizenship by declaration if they:
- Have lost their Czech/Czechoslovak citizenship
- Are the direct descendants of current or former Czech/Czechoslovakian citizens.
Who Is Eligible for Czech Citizenship by Descent?
To be eligible for Czech citizenship, at least one of your ancestors (mother, father, grandparents or great-grandparents) must fulfil all the conditions mentioned below:
- Have been born in the Czech Republic or the territory of the former Czechoslovakia
- Did not leave Czech territory before 1918
- Did not become citizens of the Slovak Socialist Republic on or after January 1, 1969
- Have not held Slovak citizenship after January 1, 1969, nor currently be a citizen of Slovakia.
If at least one of your direct ancestors meets all the criteria mentioned above, you’d still be eligible for Czech citizenship even if:
- They lost their Czech citizenship.
- They were a Czechoslovakian citizen until December 31 1992, and, since then, did not declare whether they were Czech or a Slovak citizen.
- The ancestors were born in Czechoslovakia between October 1, 1949 and May 7, 1969 and didn’t acquire Czech citizenship by declaration.
The above points may seem pretty complex but have, in fact, been simplified. The law further mentions specific dates, criteria and affiliations that must be met for eligibility. As it is a relatively complex process, we always recommend that you seek guidance and support. Let our team of country-specific advisors do the heavy lifting for you. Get in touch to find out how.
The Czech Citizenship Act
The Czech Citizenship Act includes the following clauses regarding Czech citizenship by declaration:
Section 31 Paragraph 2 – Former Czechoslovak Citizens
Former Czechoslovakian citizens who permanently resided in the Czech Republic/Czech Socialist Republic can also apply to acquire Czech citizenship by declaration.
The one exception is that the applicant cannot be a Slovak citizen on the declaration date.
Section 31 Paragraph 3 – Ancestry
The Czech Citizenship Act was amended in 2019 to include citizenship by ancestry for people of direct Czech origin.
As per Section 31.3, if your parents or grandparents are current or former Czech/Czechoslovakian nationals, you can apply for Czech citizenship by declaration.
The Application Process
You can submit your Czech citizenship application to regional authorities if you are in the Czech Republic. However, if you live abroad, you can submit your application to your nearest Czech embassy.
The regional authorities will forward your application to the Czech Ministry of Interior within 30 days of your application submission.
It is up to the Ministry of Interior to accept or reject your application. Once the Ministry receives your application, it can decide on your citizenship within 120 days.
Should You Get Czech Citizenship by Descent?
With a strong passport, EU membership and a simplified tax regime, Czechia offers many benefits to those who qualify through ancestry.
Moreover, the Czech Republic has recognised the right of dual citizenship since 2013. So, you don’t need to worry about having to renounce your current citizenship. Provided your home country allows it, you can become a Czech citizen and retain any other passport you currently hold.
Taking all this into consideration, if you’re eligible for Czech citizenship by descent, it could be time to start applying. While the rules might seem complicated and the paperwork onerous, there’s no time like the present to claim your birthright and reconnect with the land of your forefathers and foremothers.
However, with birth, marriage and death certificates required, you’ll need to extract a significant bundle of documents to prove your lineage.
That’s where Nomad Capitalist comes in.
From extensive research and speaking with those who’ve already gone through the process, we know how complicated and overwhelming it can be. The challenges of compiling documents and dealing with bureaucracy can seem insurmountable but the rewards are considerable. That’s why our citizenship-by-descent service is designed to make the process easier.
We’ll help you track down all the paperwork you need while walking you through every step of the process to guarantee you have the best possible chance of obtaining your new citizenship.
Czech Citizenship by Descent: FAQs
If you’re eligible, having another passport is a good option if you wish to relocate permanently, visit the country or move there at a future date.
The rules can be complicated but, in essence, if your mother, father, grandparents or great-grandparents were born there, you already have a strong case for citizenship.
Having a second citizenship opens up new opportunities in a new place. The benefits are numerous, from travel to lifestyle, tax and asset diversification.
As a Czech citizen, you don’t have to relinquish any existing passports. So, provided the nations where you already hold citizenship permits it, you can hold dual or multiple passports.
Yes. Even though the Czech Republic is not part of the eurozone, it is an EU member state.
The Czech Republic is a safe, stable, parliamentary democracy with a low crime rate and low incidence of violent crime.
Go Where You’re Treated Best
Even though it has streamlined personal income and corporate tax rates to reasonable levels, the Czech Republic is often ignored as a low-tax jurisdiction. That’s a shame because though Czech residents pay tax on income derived from worldwide sources, non-residents are only required to pay tax on Czech-sourced income.
Moreover, Czechia has a base rate of 15% applying to certain types of non-Czech investment income such as dividends and foreign interest.
There’s a lump sum tax deduction for the self-employed which means business owners and the self-employed don’t have to itemise actual expenses. Depending on the type of business activity this lump sum deduction (think unvouched expenses) can reduce the tax on income by up to 40% or 60%, potentially lowering the effective tax rate on self-employed income below 10%.
However, tax planning is required if you choose to live in Czechia. Aside from the potential tax benefits of spending time in the Czech Republic, the cost of living in the country is surprisingly low, around 30% less expensive than in the US or the UK.
Prague is considered something of a haven for retirees and entrepreneurs and is also developing a reputation for offering top-quality medical services. In fact, with the Czech Republic already an attractive relocation destination for foreigners, the benefits of citizenship by descent just keep stacking up.
So, if you’re eligible, you could already be sitting on the key to all the benefits of second citizenship, such as tax optimisation, improved travel potential and a better lifestyle, not to mention new wealth protection and investment opportunities.
Discover how you can leverage your ancestry to obtain a second passport – check if you’re eligible here.
