Can a foreigner buy a flat in Czechia and get a mortgage?

30 September 2026

In short: anyone can buy property in Czechia. A mortgage is more complicated and depends mainly on your residence and income.

Buying property

Since 19 July 2011, people from countries outside the European Union can buy property in Czechia without restrictions, following an amendment to the Foreign Exchange Act (Patria, in Czech). You do not need Czech residence to buy.

The process is the same as for Czechs: reservation agreement, purchase contract, escrow and registration in the land registry. The contracts are in Czech, so an interpreter, or at least someone who explains them to you, is worth it.

The mortgage

This is where banks draw distinctions. Four things matter most:

• Residence. Permanent residence makes it easiest. With temporary residence, only some banks lend, usually on stricter terms. How long your permit is valid also matters.
• Income. Banks want to see income earned in Czechia, ideally in crowns paid into a Czech account. They are more cautious with income from abroad.
• Own funds. The Czech National Bank sets the limit: a bank may lend at most 80 % of the property value, or 90 % for applicants under 36. Foreigners without permanent residence are often asked for more of their own money.
• Documents. Besides your passport and residence permit, mainly proof of income. Documents from abroad usually need an official Czech translation. The full list is in the documents checklist.

In what order to proceed

• First find out whether and how much a bank will lend you. Only then look for a specific flat.
• Sign a reservation agreement only once your financing is clear. Otherwise you may lose the reservation fee.
• Set aside extra money for the valuation, fees, translations and moving.
• Have the bank contract explained in your language before you sign it.

This article is general and educational, not a loan offer. Terms differ by bank and by your situation. Figures as of September 2026.