After you settled in the Czech Republic you will probably want to open a Czech bank account. No matter what is your purpose of staying, working, studying, business, for all these purposes you may need to open a bank account.
In the Czech Republic, you will find a variety of national as well as international banks, which can provide you with a wide range of services and facilities for foreign customers. In general, rules for opening a bank account are similar in each bank, but each bank has its own terms and conditions.
There are 3 types of bank account in the Czech Republic:
- The Basic account - allow you to deposit and withdraw money at ATMs, but you are now allowed to overdraft;
- The current account - allow you to deposit and withdraw money at ATMs, plus you will be able to make transfers and payments;
- The savings account - in case if you are interested in savings, but in the Czech Republic, the interest rate is high.
Companies can open a professional bank account.
You would need to present your passport and another form of identification such as a driver’s license or identity card. Most banks also ask for a residency certificate or work contract to prove your link to the Czech republic. We recommend EU citizens to obtain the Czech Temporary residency certificate which will make your process faster and will also allow you to ask for a mortgage in the future and get a Czech credit card. Some Czech banks might require your job contract or income tax report for the purpose of getting a credit card or mortgage, so the Czech Temporary certificate makes your life in the Czech republic easier!
One of the most popular banks for foreigners is Fio, Air, and Equa bank where you can make an account free of charge.
Bank account for Trade License / Zinvo holder
If you just registered your trade license, you don’t need to have zivno bank account and you can use your current bank account for invoices and paying taxes. Because your Czech tax is calculated from your Czech invoices, not from your bank transactions. So, private bank transactions are not considered as income.
Some banks might ask proof of your tax residency in the Czech republic which can be arranged by Pexpats.