There are some big changes as of 1 October 2026! The Czech Republic has increased the minimum living amounts. As a foreigner, you should be aware of these changes because they may affect the income that needs to be demonstrated when applying for certain residence permits. Don’t worry, it doesn’t apply to everyone, only to specific types of residence applications. Find out more in this article!
The New Living Minimum Amount
Effective 1 October 2026, the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs updated the living minimum amounts. This represents the minimum income considered necessary to cover basic personal needs.
The new monthly amounts are:
| Household member | Monthly amount |
| Single person | CZK 5,500 |
| First person in a multi-person household | CZK 5,000 |
| Each additional person who is not a dependent child | CZK 3,750 |
| Dependent child under 6 | CZK 2,480 |
| Dependent child aged 6–15 | CZK 3,050 |
| Dependent child aged 15–26 | CZK 3,490 |
You can calculate the living minimum for a household by adding the relevant amounts for each member. Therefore, if you are just one adult, it would be CZK 5,500 per month, or if you’re a couple with a toddler, it would be CZK 11,230.
NOTE: These figures represent the living minimum only. Housing costs are assessed separately where applicable.
How Could This Affect Me?
The living minimum is often considered as part of financial eligibility in certain immigration procedures. The change may therefore be crucial for foreigners, who must demonstrate sufficient regular monthly income.
This change doesn’t automatically increase the financial requirement for every residence permit. If you’re about to apply for or renew your residence permit, check what applies to your specific application.
Living Minimum vs. Subsistence Minimum
These two terms might be confusing, but they mean different things:
The living minimum covers basic personal needs varying according to the number of persons in the household.
The subsistence minimum represents the income needed to secure necessities at a survival level. It remains CZK 3,130.
The distinction matters because certain long-term visa and long-term residence applications require foreign nationals to demonstrate funds calculated using the subsistence minimum, and not the living minimum.
Do You Need More Money?
Not necessarily. Czech immigration distinguishes between proving sufficient funds for your stay and demonstrating sufficient regular monthly income. The living minimum may affect income requirements for certain residence applications, but it doesn’t increase the required savings for every applicant by default.
Depending on your residence category, you may need to provide the following:
- Bank statements proving sufficient funds
- An employer’s confirmation and payslips documenting regular income.
- An employment contract or confirmation of ongoing employment.
- Tax documents and social security contribution confirmations for self-employed applicants.
- Proof of financial support or covered expenses, where accepted under the applicable rules.
TIP: Before applying, check the financial requirements and supporting documents for your specific residence category to ensure you provide the correct evidence.
Need help with your Czech residence permit?
Understanding which financial requirements apply to your situation can be confusing, especially when the rules distinguish between savings, regular income, and household living costs.
Our relocation team can help you identify the relevant requirements, understand which documents you need, and prepare for your residence application.
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