Key Updates on Minimum Living Costs and Housing Expenses for Visa Applicants
Starting from January 1, 2025, new financial requirements for foreigners applying for residence permits in the Czech Republic will take effect. These changes affect the minimum subsistence amount and housing cost requirements necessary to prove sufficient financial means for a stay in the country.
1. Minimum Subsistence Amount (Životní Minimum)
As of January 1, 2023, the official minimum subsistence amount in the Czech Republic is 4,860 CZK per month. However, when assessing financial requirements, different amounts apply depending on family composition and age.
✔ For the first assessed person: 4,470 CZK per month
✔ For additional persons in the household:
- 4,040 CZK for individuals over 15 years old who are not dependent children
- 3,490 CZK for dependent children aged 15 to 26 years
- 3,050 CZK for dependent children aged 6 to 15 years
- 2,480 CZK for dependent children under 6 years
📌 Important: The relevant age is determined based on the month for which the subsistence amount is calculated.
2. Housing Cost Requirements (Náklady na Bydlení)
Applicants must also prove sufficient financial means to cover housing expenses. As of January 1, 2025, the maximum normative housing costs are:
✔ 17,298 CZK for a household with one or two persons
✔ 19,865 CZK for a household with three persons
✔ 23,984 CZK for a household with four or more persons
If an applicant can provide verified proof of different actual housing costs, the authorities will consider the real expenses instead of the normative values.
What qualifies as housing expenses?
- Rent payments
- Utility costs (gas, electricity, water, sewage, waste collection)
- Central heating or solid fuel costs (if not included in rent)
- Fees for provided accommodation
