Moving to Prague from Canada: visas, documents and the first weeks

You can fly from Canada to Prague on a passport and a return ticket, and for ninety days nobody will ask you much. The questions start on day ninety-one. Living here means a permit, and the permit needs paperwork that takes weeks to assemble on the Canadian side.

This is the order of events for a Canadian arriving to work, study or settle. Forms, fees and conditions change, so check each step with the Czech authorities.

The 90-day starting point

Canadian citizens can enter the Schengen area without a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180, counted across all Schengen countries together (as of 2026; check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The EU is also introducing a travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, so check the official EU pages for the start date before you book. The Schengen 90/180 rule explains the day count. A short stay is a way to look around, not a way to live here.

Choosing a residence route

The Ministry of the Interior (OAMP) decides on permits, and most first applications start at the Czech embassy or consulate in Canada. After arrival, a permit holder reports a change of address to OAMP, not the police; the foreign police guide explains the split.

The employee card is tied to a vacancy in the central register, with pay at least the minimum wage for the agreed hours (as of 2026; check the Ministry of the Interior). Working in Prague as a foreigner and digital nomads in Czechia cover the routes. Canada is reported among the countries listed for the digital nomad programme, which is not a separate visa type and has conditions. Younger Canadians can also ask the embassy whether a youth-mobility arrangement covers their age group.

Documents to start early

Supporting documents are generally expected to be no older than 180 days at filing, with exceptions, and a police certificate can have a shorter limit (as of 2026; check the embassy). Do not collect everything in one go and then wait six months; time the certificates to the application.

Health cover, tax and money

Employees in Czechia are normally covered by public health insurance through their job. Otherwise a non-EU resident must hold commercial insurance that meets the legal conditions (as of 2026; check the Ministry of the Interior); Czech health insurance for newcomers explains who pays what.

Tax deserves the most care. Czechia treats you as resident with a permanent home here or at least 183 days of stay in a year (as of 2026; check the Financial Administration), while Canada has its own rules on who stays a Canadian tax resident after leaving. Check both sides and any treaty; Czech tax for expats sets out the Czech view. A Czech account soon after arrival helps (opening a bank account, sending money abroad).

Housing and credit

Most newcomers rent first; renting in Prague with no Czech is a practical start. Lenders do not usually see your Canadian credit record, which is why building a mortgage-ready credit profile matters early. If you plan to buy later, Hypoteky.com has a guide to mortgages for foreigners in Czechia.

Daily life

Winters are cold and grey, and summers warm; Prague weather by season helps with packing, and what to bring covers voltage and plugs. Canadian driving licences are not automatically valid for residents. Exchange rules depend on your residence status and the licence, so check with the Prague authorities (as of 2026; check the Ministry of Transport).

Frequently asked questions

Can Canadians live in Prague without a visa?

Only for up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. Longer stays need a residence permit.

Do I need an apostille?

Often, for public documents such as certificates. Ask the Czech embassy which of yours need one.

Where do I apply for a permit?

Usually at a Czech embassy or consulate in Canada. The Ministry of the Interior decides.

Order a copy of your birth certificate and ask the Czech embassy which documents need an apostille.

This is a general explainer, not legal advice.