To open an account with a Czech bank as a foreigner, in most cases all you need is your passport plus a second form of ID — and, if you're from outside the EU, a residence permit or visa as well. Czech law guarantees your right to a basic account, so a bank can't turn you away simply because you're not a Czech citizen. Below you'll find which documents to prepare, where it's easiest to open an account, how online applications differ from in-branch ones, and a step-by-step process for 2026.
The exact list depends on your nationality and the bank, but the basic set is nearly the same everywhere: two identity documents plus proof of your address in Czechia. For non-EU nationals, the key document is your residence permit.
Opening a bank account for foreigners in Czechia is governed by the Payment Services Act (zákon o platebním styku, No. 370/2017 Sb.). It grants the right to a so-called basic payment account (základní platební účet) to every consumer legally residing in an EU or EEA country — that includes EU citizens and their family members, foreigners with legal residence (temporary or permanent), and people who've applied for international protection or been granted asylum. A basic account covers cash deposits and withdrawals, payment orders, direct debits, a debit card, and internet banking. A bank can only refuse such an account for a narrow set of reasons (for example, if you already hold a suitable account at a Czech bank). If a bank refuses you despite your legal status, that's grounds to cite the law or consult a migration lawyer.
For foreigners these two paths differ far more than they do for Czechs.
Banks vary noticeably in how easy they are to open an account with. Air Bank and Fio banka have traditionally been expat-friendly, while ČSOB and Komerční banka are classic choices with wide branch networks and multilingual support. For a detailed comparison of fees and terms, see our guide to the best bank in Czechia for foreigners.
| Bank | How to open | What you'll need | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bank | Online (via website) or in-branch | Czech phone number + 2 documents; non-EU citizens must have a residence permit | Those who already have a residence permit and a Czech SIM card |
| Fio banka | In-branch (online only for citizens of certain EU countries) | Passport + second document | Those willing to visit a branch; expat-friendly |
| ČSOB | In-branch | Passport + residence permit/visa; Ukrainians need only a passport | Those who want a large bank with support for newcomers |
| Komerční banka | In-branch | Passport + residence permit | Those who want a classic bank with many branches |
| Raiffeisenbank | In-branch, partly online | Passport + residence permit | Those who want service in English |
| mBank | Online or in-branch | ID document + proof of legal residence | Those looking for a simple, free account |
Account maintenance is free at many banks (Air Bank, Fio banka, mBank, and others) if you meet a few simple conditions, but fees change over time — check the current pricing and requirements on your chosen bank's website.
At some banks (Air Bank, for example), contracts and the app are only available in Czech. If the language is a barrier, bring along a translator — it'll make signing faster and safer.
Opening an account is noticeably easier for Ukrainians with temporary protection (dočasná ochrana): banks accept a Ukrainian passport, and a residence permit or visa usually isn't required. Major banks, including ČSOB, have run special packages for people arriving from Ukraine. It's still a good idea to have a Czech phone number. Welcome bonuses and perks tied to these packages change from time to time, so check current terms on the bank's website.
A note on status: the EU's temporary protection scheme has been extended until 31 March 2027. In Czechia, the 2026 extension happened in two steps — first, online registration through the Information Portal for Foreigners (open until 15 March 2026, extending protection to 30 September 2026), and then a visa stamp obtained by 30 September 2026, which extends the status to 31 March 2027. Deadlines and procedures can change, so check the official ipc.gov.cz portal — how current your status is directly affects whether your account keeps working.
It's usually easy for foreign students to open an account: many banks offer free student banking. Terms depend on age and proof of enrolment.
You'll typically need to meet an age requirement (usually 15–26), plus provide an ID document and proof of enrolment (potvrzení o studiu). Check the bank's website for exact terms and age limits.
Services like Revolut and Wise can be set up online in minutes and are handy for multi-currency transactions and international transfers — see more in our guide to sending money from Czechia. However, they usually give you only an IBAN rather than a classic Czech account number, and sometimes even a foreign IBAN. Some Czech employers and government offices (úřady) may not accept such an account for salary payments or benefits. So it's best to treat Revolut and Wise as a supplement to, not a replacement for, a proper Czech bank account.
Setting up a živnost (OSVČ)? It's worth opening a separate business account right away — find out how in our guide on how to set up a živnost in Czechia, and accountants can help with the tax side. If you've just arrived, our first-steps checklist can help you make sure you've covered everything.
Yes, as long as your stay is legal. A long-term visa, a residence permit, or a temporary protection card all count as valid proof of legal residence. EU citizens just need a passport. Ukrainians under temporary protection can often get by with just a Ukrainian passport.
Not always. Many banks are fine with just a correspondence address. But some banks ask for a rental agreement (nájemní smlouva) or a certificate of accommodation (potvrzení o ubytování) — check in advance.
Yes, almost always. It's used to receive codes and to link your internet banking. Air Bank explicitly states that a foreign number won't work. Get a local prepaid SIM before visiting the bank.
At many banks, maintenance is free as long as you meet a few simple conditions (such as a certain number of payments per month). Check the exact fees and terms on your chosen bank's website, as prices change from time to time.
It depends on the bank. ČSOB, Komerční banka, and Raiffeisenbank more often offer service in English, whereas Air Bank's contracts and app are Czech-only. If language is an issue, bring along a translator.
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