Moving to Spain from Czech Republic: Complete 2026 Guide

Czech citizens enjoy full EU freedom of movement rights in Spain. No visa required. Simply register after 90 days and start enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle that thousands of Central Europeans have already discovered.

Key Facts for Czech Citizens

Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
Citizenship: 10 years residency required
Dual Nationality: Czech Republic allows dual citizenship (since 2014), but Spain requires renunciation

EU Free Movement Rights

As a Czech citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is one of the core benefits of EU membership since the Czech Republic joined in 2004. You can enter Spain with your Czech passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.

While no permission is needed to relocate, registration with Spanish authorities is mandatory if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to Spanish public services.

Why Czechs Choose Spain

Spain has become increasingly popular among Czech citizens seeking a lifestyle change:

Climate: Exchange Pragues cold winters for Spains 300+ days of sunshine and mild Mediterranean weather
Cost of Living: Comparable to or slightly higher than Czech Republic, with significantly better climate
Healthcare: Excellent public healthcare system accessible to EU residents
Lifestyle: Outdoor Mediterranean culture, beaches, mountains, and world-renowned cuisine
Tourism Opportunities: Czech speakers with tourism or hospitality experience find opportunities in Spains tourism industry
Direct Flights: Regular connections between Prague and major Spanish cities
Retirement Destination: Increasingly popular choice for Czech retirees seeking warmer climates

Registration Process

EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:

Empadronamiento. Register at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) to establish official residence. This is your first step and required for most other procedures.

NIE Certificate (Green Card). Apply at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or police station. This foreigner identification number is essential for working, buying property, or opening a bank account.

Social Security Number. Required if you plan to work in Spain. Apply at the Social Security office (Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social).

Tax Registration (NIF). Necessary if you become a Spanish tax resident or conduct economic activities in Spain.

To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.

Path to Spanish Citizenship

Czech citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities.

Important dual citizenship consideration: Since January 1, 2014, the Czech Republic permits dual and multiple citizenship. Czech nationals can acquire foreign citizenship without automatically losing their Czech nationality. However, Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with the Czech Republic.

This means that while the Czech Republic allows you to hold multiple citizenships, Spain will require renunciation of Czech citizenship when naturalizing. The Czech government maintains a registry of citizens who hold concurrent nationality. Many Czech residents in Spain choose to maintain their Czech citizenship and EU residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.

Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:

10 years of legal, continuous residence
Clean criminal record in Spain and Czech Republic
Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
Proof of integration into Spanish society

Spanish Consulates in Czech Republic

Spain maintains diplomatic representation in the Czech Republic:

Embassy of Spain in Prague. Badeniho 401/4, 170 00 Praha 7. Tel: +420 233 097 211 / +420 606 623 060. Email: [email protected]. Open Mon-Thu 08:30-16:30, Fri 08:30-14:00.

The embassy is accessible by public transport: Tram to Spejchar (150m walk), Bus to Hradcanska (150m walk), or Metro to Hradcanska (350m walk).

Note: Spains embassy in Prague is the only Spanish representation in the Czech Republic. It was established in 1993 following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

Tax Considerations

Czech Republic-Spain Tax Framework

Both countries are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A Double Taxation Agreement exists between the Czech Republic and Spain.

183-Day Rule: If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must pay taxes on your worldwide income to Spain.

Key Points:

Czech Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type under the tax treaty. Coordination between Czech and Spanish authorities required
Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
Tax Rate Comparison: Czech Republic has a flat 15% income tax; Spain has progressive rates up to 47%. Planning is essential.
Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
Wealth Tax: Spain has a wealth tax that the Czech Republic does not. Important for high-net-worth individuals
Social Security: EU coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only

Frequently Asked Questions

Is English sufficient to live in Spain?

English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities, making initial settling easier. However, learning Spanish will significantly improve your quality of life, job prospects, and ability to navigate bureaucracy. Many Czechs find Spanish relatively accessible.

Can I keep my Czech citizenship if I become Spanish?

The Czech Republic has allowed dual citizenship since 2014. You would not lose Czech citizenship by acquiring another nationality. However, Spain requires renunciation of Czech citizenship when naturalizing. Most Czechs in Spain choose to maintain their Czech citizenship.

Where do most Czechs live in Spain?

Popular destinations include Barcelona, Madrid, and coastal areas like the Costa Brava and Costa Blanca. The Canary Islands also attract Czech residents seeking year-round warmth, especially during winter months.

Can I transfer my Czech pension to Spain?

Yes, Czech state pensions can be paid directly to your Spanish bank account under EU coordination rules. Youll need to coordinate with the Czech Social Security Administration (CSSZ) and Spanish authorities. Private pension arrangements may vary.

We Handle Everything

Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Czech citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.

We assist with:

NIE registration and EU residence documentation
Tax residency planning and optimization
Social security coordination between Czech Republic and Spain
Property purchase procedures
Business establishment in Spain
Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)

Schedule a Consultation

This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from the Czech Republic as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.