How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner in 2025: a detailed guide

Home » blog » How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner in 2025: a detailed guide

The property market in the Czech Republic is maintaining steady growth in 2025. The average price per square metre in Prague exceeded CZK 130,000. At the same time, demand from foreigners increased by 14%, especially in tourist and university cities – Brno, Olomouc, Karlovy Vary. And if you are also interested in this region, read the article further – we will tell you how to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner.

What foreigners are allowed in the Czech Republic

Since 2009, Czech law has allowed EU citizens to purchase property without restrictions. Persons from third countries (including the CIS) are also free to buy properties for personal ownership as long as they do not violate the Foreign Investment Control Act. Only a passport, tax number and proof of source of funds will be required.

In 2025, the procedure is regulated by the country’s Civil Code and does not require additional authorisations. The purchase of real estate in the Czech Republic is accompanied by a standard transaction with notarisation and registration in the Cadastre.

City or resort: where to buy favourably

Location affects not only the price of the flat, but also the potential for capital growth. The difference between cities can be as much as 40% in price per square metre with a similar level of comfort.

Buying a flat in the Czech Republic in 2025 offers a wide range of choices in terms of price, metre and prospects:

Prague – business centre, studios from CZK 4.5 million, highly liquid properties with yields up to 6% per annum.
Brno – technology cluster, active rental market, one-bedroom flats from CZK 3.2 million.
Karlovy Vary – spa segment, relevant for long-term investments, housing from CZK 2.9 million.
Plzeň, Ostrava, Liberec – cities with developing infrastructure, ideal for initial investment.

How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner, if the budget is limited – pay attention to the secondary market or houses with history without repair. Such objects are 15-25% cheaper than new buildings.

How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner: preparation of documents

The list of documents remains universal. The transaction is accompanied by a standard legal package:

List of documents:

Passport with notarised translation.
Identification number (Rodné číslo) – issued by the tax office.
A contract of sale (Kupní smlouva) signed by both parties.
Power of Attorney (if a representative is involved), also translated and certified.
Extract from the property cadastre (výpis z katastru).
Confirmation of payment of advance or full amount.
Reference from a bank or mortgage institution if you have a loan.
State fees paid (0.01% of the amount, minimum CZK 500).

Registration in the cadastre takes 20-30 days. Once the data is entered, the flat in the Czech Republic for non-residents officially becomes property.

Visa, residence permit and permanent residence permit: does buying a home have an impact?

How can a foreigner buy a flat in the Czech Republic and get a visa or residence permit? The mere fact of owning a property does not give an automatic basis for a residence permit in the country. The asset improves the image of the investor. When applying for residence permit or residence permit in the Czech Republic, the presence of housing is considered as a stable connection with the state.

In practice, if an applicant invests CZK 5 million or more in property and has rental income, he or she will receive an advantage when applying for a residence permit on business grounds.

Mortgage

Foreigners in 2025 continue to use local banks’ mortgage programmes. How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner with a loan – apply to institutions with international practice:

Czech Savings Bank.
Commercial Bank.
CSOB.

Terms and Conditions:

rate from 5.3 per cent per annum;
down payment – from 30 per cent;
a term of up to 30 years.

The bank requires a regular income (domestic or foreign), credit history and tax residency registration. Foreigners most often use financing for properties in Prague and Brno, where the value of housing exceeds CZK 4 million.

How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner: the course of the transaction

The process of buying a home in the Czech Republic demonstrates high legal transparency and stability at every stage. All actions are organised in a clear structure that eliminates risks and uncertainties.

The transaction is formalised in a consistent manner:

Selection of the object with further legal verification – analysing the property history, encumbrances and debts.
Conclusion of a preliminary contract and advance payment – the standard amount is 10% of the cost of housing.
Signing of the main sale and purchase agreement with fixing of payment terms and transfer terms.
Certifying documents with a notary and submitting an application to the cadastral chamber for registration of the transfer of rights.
Transfer of the balance to the seller’s account or a lawyer’s deposit (advokátní úschova) for added security.
Handing over the keys and drawing up an acceptance certificate with fixing the condition of the object.

The procedure can be completed in four to six weeks in the standard course of registration. Legal support costs 1-1.5% of the property value, notary services cost about 0.5%. Additional costs may include translation of documents and consultations for international settlements.

Taxes

When buying a flat in the Czech Republic, there is no acquisition tax from 2020. The buyer pays:

stamp duty for registration – approximately CZK 500;
annual property tax – CZK 500-5,000 depending on the area and region;
possible tax on rental income – 15% for residents, 35% for non-residents.

All amounts are subject to declaration. The Tax Service strictly controls transactions, especially those involving offshore accounts.

Housing as an investment: a growing trend

Flats in the Czech Republic for foreigners are becoming increasingly popular for investment. The average rental yield is 4.5 per cent per annum, up to 7 per cent in Prague and Brno. In 10 years, house prices have increased by 98%, especially in the Vinohrady, Karlin and Andel districts.

There is a steady trend towards purchasing properties and then organising long-term leases through professional agencies. The minimum entry fee starts from CZK 2.5 million.

Conclusions

It is no more difficult for a foreigner to buy a flat in the Czech Republic than it is to sign a lease in Berlin. A clear procedure, a stable legal framework, favourable investment conditions and complete transparency make the property market attractive for both living and business.

How to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen in 2025: a complete analysis of stages and conditions

When planning to invest in European real estate, many consider the Czech Republic as a stable and affordable country. However, how to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen in 2025 without violating existing legislation and minimizing risks?

The answer requires a comprehensive approach, taking into account legal, financial, and migration aspects. The country has a clear legal mechanism that allows the acquisition of real estate even by non-residents under certain conditions.

Legal framework: what do foreigners need to know?

According to current legislation, apartments in the Czech Republic are available to foreigners without serious restrictions. Ownership of residential real estate is permitted not only for citizens of EU countries but also for individuals from third countries.

How to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen without a permanent or temporary residence permit? In this case, reliable transaction support will be required, especially when registering property rights through a local notary.

In 2025, it remains mandatory to provide documents confirming the legality of the origin of funds. Also, registration of the transaction in the cadastre and coordination with financial institutions will be required if a mortgage is used.

How to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen: procedure specifics

To understand how to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen, several key steps need to be considered. First and foremost is the analysis of the property, verification of the transaction’s legality, and obtaining all necessary permits. Then, it is necessary to open an account in a Czech bank and ensure the ability to transfer funds. Only after that does the legal part of the sales contract process begin. The main stages of purchasing housing for foreigners include:

selection and verification of the real estate property, including legal status;
signing a preliminary sales contract;
opening an escrow account in a Czech bank for secure fund transfer;
concluding a notarial contract;
registering the transaction in the land cadastre;
handing over keys and signing the acceptance-transfer certificate.

These steps form a universal algorithm applicable to most properties. How to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen is a question that depends not on nationality but on the legal accuracy of executing the transaction.

Prague and other regions: where to look for housing?

When choosing a location, it is important to consider not only the budget but also the purpose of the purchase. Apartments in the Czech Republic for non-residents are most often purchased in Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary, or Pilsen. In the capital, there is high demand, but prices are higher, averaging from 5000 euros per m² in the city center. In the regions, the cost is significantly lower, ranging from 2500 to 3500 euros per m².

Buying an apartment in the Czech Republic in tourist-attractive cities is suitable for rental and subsequent income generation. For personal residence, it is better to focus on quiet residential areas with developed infrastructure and no overload from tourist flows.

What documents are needed for the transaction?

The list of documents required for the transaction varies depending on the buyer’s status. How to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen without a permanent residence or visa? The solution lies in properly preparing the document package and working with a lawyer. Mandatory documents needed for real estate acquisition include:

copy of the passport with a notarized translation;
proof of the source of funds;
bank statement confirming the availability of funds in the account;
contract with a real estate agent (if necessary);
preliminary agreement and final sales contract;
spouse’s permission for the transaction, if applicable.

A complete set is required for registration in the cadastre and obtaining property rights.

Mortgage: is financing available for foreigners?

In 2025, Czech banks continue to provide mortgages to foreigners, but the conditions may be stricter. Usually, a higher down payment is required—around 30%, as well as proof of income within the European Union. Some banks require a permanent residence permit, while others are willing to work with non-residents with a reliable credit history.

It is important to note that the question of how to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen with a mortgage requires consultation with a specific bank. Practice shows that having an account and a long presence in the country increases the chances of approval. The average interest rate in 2025 is around 5–6% annually in euros.

Taxes and associated expenses

Additional expenses are incurred when buying an apartment in the Czech Republic, which cannot be ignored when budgeting. In addition to the cost of the property itself, it is necessary to consider the registration tax (4%), notary and real estate agent services, as well as expenses for mortgage processing and bank transfers. From a tax perspective, owning property does not entail additional obligations, except for an annual property tax.

How to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen without exceeding the planned budget? The answer is simple—carefully consider all indirect expenses and seek advice from accredited specialists.

Residence permit and subsequent permanent residency

Simply acquiring real estate in the Czech Republic does not automatically grant the right to obtain a residence permit. However, having a residential property in the country is considered an indirect advantage when applying for a long-term visa. By complying with stay deadlines and regularly updating status, the opportunity to obtain permanent residency eventually arises.

Thus, apartments in the Czech Republic for foreigners can be the first step towards full integration into the European environment. Many buyers view real estate as a means not only to preserve capital but also to obtain a stable status in the EU.

Is buying real estate in 2025 profitable?

In times of instability, the demand for stable European markets continues to grow. That is why more and more investors are wondering how to buy an apartment in the Czech Republic for a foreign citizen without facing bureaucracy. Clear transaction structures, transparent procedures, and property rights protection make the country an attractive choice.

For non-residents, buying an apartment is not only a way to preserve capital but also a path to legal integration into the European Union. A well-thought-out approach, consultations with lawyers, and precise adherence to rules allow for a quick and secure transaction!

May 23, 2025

Commerce and Rental: Why Buy Real Estate Abroad in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has long established itself as one of the most stable and investment-attractive markets in Europe. Against the backdrop of political predictability, economic growth, and liberal legislation, the question of why to buy real estate abroad here becomes particularly relevant. Unlike countries with high entry barriers, the Czech Republic offers a clear transaction structure and guarantees for foreign investors.

Developed infrastructure, access to European markets, and high rental demand make the Czech market especially interesting for capital investment. Purchasing real estate abroad in this case ceases to be a matter of prestige—it becomes a pragmatic step towards stability and asset growth.

Czech Republic as a strategic choice: why buy real estate abroad in Eastern Europe?

Thanks to its geographical location, the Czech Republic acts as a transit center of Europe. A stable economy, neutral politics, and a high security index create an attractive business environment. This is particularly important in times of global crisis when investors’ attention shifts to markets with minimal risks.

For those considering where to invest in real estate abroad in 2025, the Czech Republic remains one of the key destinations. Here, there is a stable growth in housing and commercial property prices, as well as a steady rental income. In addition, state support for foreign investments and double taxation agreements make investments even more attractive.

Commercial real estate investment: trends and profitability

The commercial segment in the Czech Republic demonstrates stable demand. Retail spaces, office buildings, warehouses, and hotel properties quickly find tenants, especially in Prague, Brno, and Olomouc. Purchasing commercial property in the Czech Republic allows investors to generate income from both rent and resale with value appreciation.

Amid high competition in Western European countries, the Czech market remains accessible and promising. Investors from CIS countries are increasingly questioning why to buy real estate abroad, considering Prague as an alternative to Berlin or Vienna. The commercial sector shows a yield of 5% to 8% annually—figures that exceed the profitability of many European stocks.

Investment forms and legal aspects

One of the factors of attractiveness of the Czech Republic lies in the clear structure of property registration. Foreign citizens can directly own properties without the need to establish legal entities or obtain additional permits. Legislation regulates rent and resale of properties in the owner’s interests, ensuring protection of rights.

Moreover, profitable real estate investments here are not limited to housing—they cover a wide range of properties: from lofts and apartments to business centers and warehouse terminals. Foreign investors increasingly view citizenship through property investment as a long-term goal, especially given the Czech Republic’s openness to qualified expatriates and investors.

Key advantages of the Czech market

Before choosing an investment direction, it is important to consider key arguments in favor of a specific region. The Czech Republic offers several factors that make the real estate market particularly reliable:

stable macroeconomic situation and predictable profitability;
high rental demand from students, migrants, and professionals;
centralized location in the EU and logistical accessibility;
absence of currency control and flexible tax system;
high legal security for foreign owners.

Thus, the answer to the question of why to buy real estate abroad takes on a specific investment focus.

Which properties are in demand in 2025?

Foreign buyers’ investment interest in 2025 is shifting towards properties that combine stable income and potential value growth. Primarily, these include:

residential apartments in historic areas of Prague;
commercial spaces with long-term leases;
properties located near universities and business districts;
new buildings meeting ecological standards;
properties with potential for resale after reconstruction.

This choice not only helps preserve invested assets but also ensures their growth through market dynamics.

Who is Czech real estate suitable for?

Investing in Czech real estate will be rational for:

businessmen diversifying asset portfolios;
those considering obtaining residency through property investment;
parents providing education in the Czech Republic for their children;
investors seeking long-term passive income;
entrepreneurs developing international business in the EU.

For each, the Czech market offers a clear structure, minimal risks, and the potential for profitability growth without additional expenses.

Resale prospects and capital growth

Due to the low initial cost of properties and stable demand, property resale in the Czech Republic remains a sought-after investment instrument. This is particularly relevant for properties acquired before completion of construction or in areas undergoing active reconstruction. Value appreciation reaches 15-20% within the first three years after purchase, exceeding the average profitability of most stocks and banking instruments.

Thus, the question of why to buy real estate abroad receives a clear answer when considering profitability parameters and growth predictability.

Conclusion

The answer to why buy real estate abroad in the context of the Czech Republic is formed from a combination of factors—accessibility, stability, profitability, investor rights protection, and high rental demand.

Amid unstable currency markets, geopolitical changes, and global inflation, Czech real estate serves not only as a means of capital preservation but also as a strategic asset with high growth potential!

May 23, 2025