Mortgage for foreigners — conditions for EU and non-EU citizens
A foreigner in Czechia can get a mortgage, but the conditions vary by citizenship and length of residence. Here's a breakdown for EU citizens, non-EU citizens, and practical tips for a successful application.
EU citizens — almost the same conditions as Czechs
EU/EEA citizens have nearly identical conditions to Czech citizens. Banks require:
- Permanent residence in CZ or long-term residence with registered address
- Tax residency in CZ or verifiable income from Czech sources
- Employment contract in CZ for at least 3–12 months (depends on bank)
- Standard LTV 80 %, under-36s up to 90 %
If you work in Czechia and earn here, conditions are practically the same as for Czech citizens. Rate, fixation period, fees — all identical.
Non-EU citizens — stricter conditions
Citizens from third countries (Ukraine, Vietnam, Russia, USA, etc.) face a more complex situation:
- Permanent residence in CZ is almost always required (after 5 years of legal residence)
- Higher down payment — typically 30–40 % instead of 20 %
- Stable employment — minimum 12, often 24 months with the same employer
- Interest rate is usually 0.2–0.5 % higher than for Czechs / EU citizens
Some banks (Air Bank, Equa bank) prefer not to deal with non-EU clients at all. Others (UniCredit, Raiffeisenbank, ČSOB) have a long track record working with foreigners.
Special case: Ukrainians with temporary protection
Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection have limited options in 2026. Most banks will not grant a mortgage because temporary protection is not equivalent to long-term residence. After obtaining permanent residence (after 5 years), conditions align with other non-EU citizens.
Alternatives: co-signing with a Czech partner, an American mortgage with a bank that accepts it (rare).
Documents the bank requires
- Passport and proof of residence (residence permit, or confirmation of permanent residence)
- Employment contract in CZ, or tax returns if self-employed
- Proof of income for the last 3–6 months
- Bank statements for the last 6–12 months
- Information about previous loans in CZ and abroad (the bank may check international registries)
Some banks require officially translated documents (Czech sworn translation), especially for non-EU citizens.
Foreigner-friendly banks
- UniCredit Bank — Italian origin, friendly toward international clients
- Raiffeisenbank — Austrian origin, multilingual service
- Hypoteční banka, ČSOB — most experience with non-EU clients
- mBank — flexible with EU citizens
Less foreigner-friendly: Air Bank, Equa bank (prefer Czech clients with full credit history in CZ).
FAQ
Can I, as an EU citizen, get a mortgage if I work in Germany but want to buy a flat in Prague?
Very difficult. Most Czech banks require income taxed in CZ. If you earn in Germany and want to buy in CZ, try UniCredit or Raiffeisenbank — they have experience with international clients. Alternative: co-signing with a Czech partner.
How long do I have to wait for permanent residence in CZ?
EU citizen: 5 years of continuous residence. Non-EU: 5 years on a long-term residence permit. Without permanent residence, your chances of a Czech mortgage drop drastically.
Can I take a Czech mortgage with a foreign property as collateral?
No. Czech banks accept only properties located in the Czech Republic as collateral (and in some cases Slovakia). For a foreign property, you need a bank in that country.