Foreign nationals moving to the Czech Republic can apply for temporary or permanent residency. The Czech Republic has different types of temporary and permanent residency permits, which include the following:
Temporary Residency Permits
Employee Card
An employee card is granted to foreign nationals who have a job offer or employment contract in the Czech Republic. The employee card allows foreign nationals to work in the Czech Republic for a specific employer.
Blue Card
A blue card is granted to highly skilled workers, such as managers, scientists, or professionals, who are seeking employment in the Czech Republic. The blue card permits its holder to work and live in the Czech Republic.
Student Visa
A student visa is granted to foreign nationals who are enrolled in an educational institution in the Czech Republic. The visa allows students to study in the country and may also allow them to work part-time.
Family Reunification
Foreign nationals who are related to a Czech citizen or a foreign national with a permanent residency permit in the Czech Republic can apply for a family reunification permit. The permit allows family members to join their relatives in the country.
Business Visa
A business visa is granted to foreign nationals who are seeking to establish a business in the Czech Republic or to conduct business activities in the country.
Permanent Residency Permits
Long-Term Residence Permit
A long-term residence permit is granted to foreign nationals who have lived in the Czech Republic for at least five years. The permit allows its holder to work and live in the country indefinitely.
Permanent Residence Permit
A permanent residence permit is granted to foreign nationals who have been living in the Czech Republic for at least five years. The permit allows its holder to work and live in the country indefinitely.
Applying for Residency in the Czech Republic
Foreign nationals who want to apply for residency in the Czech Republic must submit their application to the Czech embassy or consulate in their home country. The application process may vary depending on the type of permit being sought.
In most cases, the following steps are required when applying for residency in the Czech Republic:
Submitting the application form: Applicants must submit a completed application form, which can be obtained from the Czech embassy or consulate in their home country.
Paying the fee: Applicants must pay the fee for the application.
Providing documents: Applicants must provide the required documents, which may include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of health insurance, and other supporting documents.
Attending an interview: Applicants may be required to attend an interview at the Czech embassy or consulate.
Waiting for the decision: Applicants will be informed about the decision on their application within a specific period.
Documents Required for Residency Application
Foreign nationals who want to apply for residency in the Czech Republic must provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means to support themselves
- Proof of health insurance
- A criminal record certificate
- A marriage certificate or other documents proving the relationship with the family member, in the case of a family reunification permit
Registering with Government Departments
Foreign nationals who have been granted residency in the Czech Republic must register with the Foreign Police department. The department issues a biometric card to the resident, which they must carry at all times. The card contains information about the resident’s identity, nationality, and residence status.
Where to Find Reliable Information
Foreign nationals who are planning to move to the Czech Republic or who have already moved to the country can find reliable, up-to-date information on residency on the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. The website provides information on the different types of permits, the application process, and the documents required. The following websites can be used to find reliable, up-to-date information on residence in the Czech Republic:
Ministry of the Interior: https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/residence-of-foreign-nationals.aspx
Czech Republic Embassy: https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/services/services_abroad/residence.html
InterNations: https://www.internations.org/czech-republic-expats/guide/visas-and-permits-16940/residence-permits-in-the-czech-republic-16947