It possesses a rich Socio-cultural heritage that was influenced by other European countries. Its unique location makes it a hotspot for foreign employees, international businesses, investors, and tourists.
Aside from free education, affordable cost of living, excellent quality of life, quality healthcare, advanced infrastructures, and available jobs for both expats and residents are some of the most popular reasons why millions of expats and foreigners from across the world choose to live here.
The Czech Republic has one of the favorable immigration policies for expats in Europe.
Immigration legislation states that all non-EU nationals that intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days, conduct business activities, or paid service must apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you should know if you plan to apply and obtain a resident permit in the Czech Republic.
Who needs a Czechia Residence Permit?
If youโre an EU citizen or have a family member who is a European Union national, or citizen of Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you travel, live, and work here for up to 90 days without a visa.
This means that you only need your ID card or international passport to travel to the Czech Republic. If you plan to stay in Czechia for more than 90 days, you must register your stay at any police department close to your place of residence.
If you are staying in a hotel, thereโs no need to bother yourself, the accommodation provider will complete this task on your behalf. Once your presence has been registered, you can apply for a temporary residence certificate.
Brits planning on staying in the country for more than 3 months must possess a certificate of temporary residence. This application for this program is free at all offices of the Ministry of the Interior.
If you are not a citizen of any country in the EU, Schengen area, or the UK, you are what is called a third-country national. This means that you need a travel visa and work permit to live and work in Czechia.
Residence permits are managed and issued by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. You can apply for a long-term residence permit at any Foreignersโ Residence Unit (Department for Asylum and Migration Policy).
Required documents
If youโre applying for a Czechia residence permit, youโll need to file your application with the following documents.
- Passport or National ID
- Two passport photographs
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of finance and financial sustenance
- A document confirming the entry into the pertinent business register, list, or record
- Income tax assessment and a written report from the relevant Tax Authority
- Medical report
- Completed application form
- A document confirming the purpose of your stay
- Travel medical insurance
Application procedure
You can apply for a long-term permit (pลechodnรญ pobyt) online on the official website of the Ministry of the Interior Czech Republic or any Foreign Police in the country. Before your application can be approved, you must already possess a valid visa and the purpose of your stay must be unchanged.
The application procedure is supervised by the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals. To apply for a permit in Czechia, you must take the required documents in the list above to any MOI worker or office near you.
Youโll also have to bring along the equivalent of CZK 2500 or CZK 5000 if youโre applying for an Employee card or Blue card. All documents must be submitted in person and translated into Czech. Foreign public documents must be provided with a higher verification by either an Apostille or super legalization.
If your application is approved, youโll receive a biometric card that would allow you to live and work in Czechia for more than a year. Most applications for a permit are reviewed and approved/declined within 60 days.
Your biometric ID card contains your biometric data [passport photograph, fingerprint, and personal information]. It allows the authorities to verify the identity of foreigners living here.
According to the Decree on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Territory of the Czech Republic, all foreign nationals can apply for a permanent residence permit after living in Czechia for five years.
Being a full EU member state and the Schengen zone, A Czech Republic residency card will allow you and your family can travel to any country of your choice in Europe.
Naturalizing and acquiring citizenship rights will grant you access to one of the most valuable passports in the world. Your passport will grant you visa-free travel to over 91 countries including the USA, the UK, and Canada.