Opening a Bank Account in the Czech Republic as a Foreigner: Documents, Birth Number, Refusals and Your Right to a Basic Account

Updated: 13 November 2026

Salary, rent, insurance, tax refunds, proof of funds for a residence permit — almost everything in Czechia is easier with a local account. Here is what documents banks ask for, when opening online will not work and what to do if a bank says no.

Why you need a Czech account

• Salary. Czech employers almost always pay by bank transfer.
• Proof of funds. For a visa, a residence permit or an extension, the Ministry of the Interior accepts a statement from an account in the applicant’s name.
• Regular payments: rent, utilities, insurance and phone bills are easiest by standing order or direct debit.
• Tax refunds and benefits are simpler to receive by transfer than by postal order.

Documents you will need

1. Passport — the main ID for non-EU citizens.
2. Proof of residence status: residence permit card (průkaz o povolení k pobytu), long-stay visa or temporary protection document. Some banks require non-EU citizens to use the residence card itself — with only a visa in your passport, not every bank will open an account.
3. A second ID if the bank asks: a driving licence or a national ID card.
4. A Czech address, phone number and e-mail.
5. Sometimes an employment contract, confirmation of studies or proof of income.

Requirements differ between banks and change over time. Check the list on your chosen bank’s website before you go.

Birth number and opening online

The Ministry of the Interior assigns a birth number (rodné číslo) automatically to foreigners whose permitted stay exceeds 90 days. If your stay is shorter, you can request one from the Ministry in writing with a justification — the fee is CZK 1,000. People with temporary protection or special long-term residence are not assigned a birth number.

Opening an account in an app is usually designed for Czech IDs and a birth number. Without them, it is more reliable to visit a branch with your passport and residence card.

Basic payment account — your legal right

The Payment Services Act (No. 370/2017 Coll.) guarantees a basic payment account (základní platební účet) to every consumer legally staying in the EU. This includes foreigners with temporary or permanent residence in Czechia, applicants for international protection and people granted asylum, subsidiary or temporary protection.

• What it includes: account maintenance, cash deposits and withdrawals, transfers and standing orders, direct debits, a payment card and internet banking.
• Deadline: the bank must open the account or refuse in writing no later than 10 working days after you apply.
• Price: no higher than the usual market price. Some banks, such as Komerční banka, offer the basic account free of charge.

The bank may refuse only if:

• you already hold a Czech account with the same functions — unless your bank has told you it is closing it;
• within the last 12 months the bank terminated your basic account contract, or another payment services contract because of a serious breach;
• opening the account would breach anti-money-laundering law.

Why banks refuse

• Customer checks. The bank may ask about the purpose of the account, your employer and the source of your money. Vague answers are a common reason for refusal.
• Your document expires soon. If your residence card runs out in a few weeks, the bank may ask you to renew it first.
• Russian and Belarusian citizens. EU sanctions restrict deposits above €100,000 for citizens and residents of these countries, but the restriction does not apply to people holding a temporary or permanent residence permit in the EU. In practice, banks check such clients more closely.
• No Czech address or phone number — the bank has no way to confirm how to reach you.

If you are refused a regular account, apply in writing for a basic payment account specifically. Disputes with banks about payment services are handled free of charge by the Financial Arbiter (finanční arbitr).

Your account and residence permit: things to remember

• Extended your permit or received a new card or passport — show the new document to your bank. Many banks restrict transactions until your details are updated.
• A new passport must also be reported to the Ministry within 3 working days.
• For proof of funds, get a statement in your own name — the Ministry assesses whether you have enough money for the period of stay.
• Leaving for good — close the account so you do not pay for services you no longer use.

Common mistakes

• Going to the bank with a visa that expires in a couple of weeks.
• Trying to open an account online without a birth number and getting stuck at identity verification.
• Accepting a verbal refusal: for a basic account, the bank must answer in writing.
• Not updating your document at the bank after extending your residence permit.

Sources

• Zákon č. 370/2017 Sb., o platebním styku
• Komerční banka — informace o základním platebním účtu
• MV ČR — přidělení rodného čísla
• European Commission — FAQ: sanctions against Russia, deposits
• Finanční arbitr ČR

This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Check the current rules before making a decision, or contact us.