Moving to the UK from the Czech Republic: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Free movement ended on 31 December 2020. New Czech arrivals need a visa.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •Czech police certificates are available same-day at CzechPOINT offices.
- •Budget 60,000 to 150,000 CZK for visa and IHS costs.
- •The Czech Republic permits dual citizenship (since 2014).
The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004, and Czech citizens could live and work freely in the UK until Brexit. Since 1 January 2021, new Czech arrivals need a visa. This guide covers the options for Czech nationals in 2026.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Brexit and Czech Citizens
Before Brexit, Czech citizens could live and work freely in the UK. Since 1 January 2021, new arrivals must apply for a visa. Czechs who were in the UK before 31 December 2020 could apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.
Visa Routes
- Skilled Worker visa. The main work route. Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
- Health and Care Worker visa. Reduced fees for healthcare roles.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Student visa. Czech students now pay international fees. See the student visa guide.
- Graduate route. 2 years after a UK degree. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Czech passport. National ID cards are no longer accepted for UK immigration.
- No TB test required.
- English language test. Required. Tests available in Prague and Brno.
- Criminal record extract. From the Ministry of Justice or CzechPOINT, approximately 100 CZK, same-day processing.
- Certified translation. Czech documents must be translated into English.
Costs in Czech Koruna
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately 40,000 to 85,000 CZK)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately 58,000 CZK)
- English test: approximately 6,000 to 7,500 CZK
- Criminal record extract: 100 CZK
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
See our UK visa fees guide.
The Czech Community in the UK
The Czech community in the UK is smaller than the Polish or Romanian communities but well established, with an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 Czech-born residents concentrated in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
Path to Settlement
After 5 years on a qualifying visa, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. The Czech Republic has permitted dual citizenship since 2014.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.