Banking in the Czech Republic 2026: opening an account as a foreigner

Opening a bank account in the Czech Republic

You'll generally need a passport (plus a second ID for many banks) and often proof of a Czech address such as a rental contract or utility bill. EU/EEA citizens can usually open an account with an ID or passport; non-EU nationals typically also show a residence permit (povolení k pobytu), long-term visa or temporary protection document. Some banks ask for proof of income or employment. Under Czech law every consumer legally resident in the EU has the right to a basic payment account, so banks cannot turn you away simply for being a foreigner. Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, Komerční banka, Raiffeisenbank and UniCredit are common choices, and the digital-first Air Bank is popular with newcomers; English-language service is widely available in Prague and other cities.

Currency, multi-currency and moving money

Accounts are held in Czech koruna (CZK). The Czech Republic has not joined the euro — the government confirmed in 2026 that it is not pursuing euro adoption — so your salary, rent and utilities are all in koruna. The country is inside SEPA, though, so euro transfers across the EU are fast and low-cost (a currency conversion may apply since your account is in CZK). Most residents pair a local koruna account with a multi-currency app like Wise or Revolut for cheap FX between CZK, EUR and other currencies. Crypto on-ramps run through EU-regulated exchanges under MiCA; banks vary in how they treat crypto-related transfers, so confirm your bank's policy.

At a glance

Deposit protection and reporting

Deposits at Czech banks, building savings banks and credit unions are protected up to the equivalent of EUR 100,000 per depositor per institution through the Financial Market Guarantee System (Garanční systém finančního trhu), with basic payouts starting within seven business days. The Czech Republic exchanges account information automatically under the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS), so accounts of tax residents of other participating countries are reported to their home tax authorities. Rules change, so confirm the current position before you rely on it.

Where it fits in a borderless plan

The Czech Republic's legal right to a basic account, SEPA access and English-speaking Prague branches make it a solid Central European base, even though it stays on the koruna rather than the euro. Banking is one pillar of a borderless setup. Line it up with where you are tax-resident, your Bitcoin self-custody plan, and the rest of daily life. If you're moving to work remotely, see our Czech digital nomad visa guide, and compare countries in our banking-abroad guide.