Bangladesh → Czechia: the Long-term Visa / Residence Permit for the Purpose of Doing Business (Czech "Živno" trade-license route; specialised Startup Visa via CzechInvest for innovative tech ventures) roadmap
For a non-EU person wanting to run a business, freelance, or be a company statutory body in Czechia, the standard route is the long-term visa for the purpose of doing business, which requires holding a Czech trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění) or company-register entry. Applicants must prove savings of at least 156,500 CZK (50x the 2026 existential minimum of 3,130 CZK, confirmed unchanged for 2026); the entry visa is valid up to 1 year and is then converted to a long-term residence permit (up to 2 years, renewable). Innovative tech founders may instead qualify for the dedicated Startup Visa run by CzechInvest, which offers priority embassy processing but is selective; figures for the general route are official and current, so confidence is medium (the discretionary, embassy-dependent processing and the narrower Startup Visa terms are less precisely fixed).
Moving from Bangladesh
- You apply for the Long-term Visa / Residence Permit for the Purpose of Doing Business (Czech "Živno" trade-license route; specialised Startup Visa via CzechInvest for innovative tech ventures) at the Czechia consulate, embassy, or visa application centre that serves Bangladesh, confirm the office and the current appointment wait for your region.
- Qualifications and work experience earned in Bangladesh usually need a credential assessment or recognition before they count toward Czechia's requirements.
- Budget for certified translation and apostille or legalisation of your Bangladesh documents (degree, police certificate, civil records).
- Check whether a Bangladesh passport needs a short-stay visa for any in-person biometrics or interview steps.
General guidance for any Bangladesh to Czechia applicant; the eligibility and fees below are set by Czechia.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- Third-country national (outside EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) intending to carry out a licensed trade, be self-employed, or act as a statutory body / member of a Czech trading company
- Hold or obtain a Czech trade licence (živnostenský list / živnostenské oprávnění) or registration in the commercial register confirming the business purpose
- Prove available funds of at least 156,500 CZK (50x the existential minimum), evidenced by bank statements
- Have secured accommodation in the Czech Republic for the duration of stay
- Provide a clean criminal-record extract and travel/comprehensive medical insurance
- Submit a complete application in person at a Czech embassy or consulate abroad (cannot be lodged from inside Czechia); Startup Visa applicants additionally need CzechInvest endorsement of an innovative business plan
Your step-by-step roadmap
Phase 1: Obtain trade licence and prepare
- Register for a Czech trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění) or set up a company / arrange statutory-body role
- Secure accommodation and gather proof of funds (min. 156,500 CZK), criminal-record extract, photos, and a valid passport
- Innovative tech founders: apply to CzechInvest for Startup Visa endorsement of the business plan
Phase 2: Apply for the long-term business visa
- Book an appointment and file the long-term (D) visa application for business at a Czech embassy/consulate abroad
- Submit supporting documents (none older than 180 days), pay the 5,000 CZK consular fee, and give biometrics
- Wait through the 90-day (up to 120-day) decision period; collect medical insurance and the visa on approval
Phase 3: Enter and establish business
- Enter Czechia on the long-term visa (max 1 year) and register your residence with the Foreign Police
- Activate the trade licence and start business activity; register for tax, social and health contributions
Phase 4: Convert to long-term residence permit
- Before the visa expires, apply for a long-term residence permit for doing business (up to 2 years, 2,500 CZK fee)
- Renew the permit and the trade licence in 2-year cycles, maintaining the business and proof of income
Phase 5: Permanent residence and citizenship
- After 5 years of continuous residence, apply for permanent residence (limit absences to under 6 consecutive months / 310 days total)
- After 10 years, apply for citizenship with B1 Czech-language and Czech-realities exams and proof of financial independence
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: Expect roughly 3-4 months from filing the visa application to entry (90-120-day decision, or about 30 days under the Startup/Key Personnel programme), then renewals every 1-2 years, with permanent residence reachable at 5 years and citizenship at 10 years.
Citizenship: Permanent residence is available after 5 years of continuous lawful residence on the business route, and Czech citizenship by naturalisation after 10 years of residence, subject to a B1 Czech-language exam, a Czech-realities/integration test, proven financial independence, and good conduct.
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.