Migration questions Czech Republic

To obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic, certain requirements must be met, depending on the purpose of stay (study, work, family reunification, or entrepreneurial activities).

General requirements:

- Application: A completed application for a long-term visa or residence permit. 

- Passport: A valid passport with sufficient validity period.

- Photographs: Two recent photographs of size 35 x 45 mm.

- Proof of purpose of stay: Documents confirming the purpose of stay, such as a letter of admission to an educational institution, employment contract, or marriage certificate.

- Proof of financial means: Evidence of sufficient funds for living in the Czech Republic.

- Health insurance: A policy covering medical expenses in the Czech Republic.

- Proof of accommodation: Rental agreement or other documents confirming the availability of accommodation.

 

Application processing times:

Study: Long-term residence permit applications for study purposes are processed within 60 days from the submission of all necessary documents. 

Work: Long-term residence permit applications for work purposes are generally processed within 90 days.

Family reunification: Family reunification applications are processed within 270 days.

Please note that requirements and processing times may change. It is recommended to consult official sources, such as the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, for up-to-date information.

Successful submission of documents for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic involves the following steps:

 

Determine the purpose of stay:

Select the appropriate category, such as study, work, family reunification, or entrepreneurial activity. The purpose of stay determines the type of visa or permit you will apply for.

 

Prepare the necessary documents depending on the chosen purpose.

 

Translation and legalization of documents:

All documents issued in a foreign language must be translated into Czech by a certified translator. In some cases, an apostille or consular legalization of documents may be required.

 

Submitting the application:

Outside the Czech Republic: Contact the nearest Czech consulate or embassy in your country to submit your application. Verify office hours and the need for an appointment.

In the Czech Republic: If you are already legally present in the Czech Republic, submit your application to the appropriate branch of the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. 

 

Payment of the consular fee:

A corresponding fee must be paid upon application submission. The fee amount depends on the type of visa or permit.

 

Provision of biometric data:

During the application submission process, you will have your fingerprints and photograph taken for a biometric card.

 

Obtaining a permit:

After approval of your application, you will be issued a biometric card confirming your residence permit in the Czech Republic.

 

Please note that requirements and procedures may change. It is recommended to consult official sources, such as the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, for up-to-date information.

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area possess special rights for staying and working in the Czech Republic thanks to the principle of free movement within the EU.

Stay

Up to 90 days: EU/EEA citizens can stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days without the need for registration or obtaining a permit.

More than 90 days: If planning to stay for more than 90 days, it is recommended to register at the local foreigner's police office within 30 days of arrival. For registration, you will need:

  - A valid passport or ID card.

  - Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement).

  - Proof of financial means.

  - Health insurance valid in the Czech Republic.

Work

EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in the Czech Republic without the need for a work permit. However, it is recommended:

Registration with the employment office: Although it's not mandatory, registration can facilitate access to certain social services and programs.

Taxation: The employer is required to register the employee with the tax authorities and social security system. Ensure that all necessary taxes and contributions are paid.

Social rights

EU/EEA citizens have the right to equal access to social services, including healthcare, education, and social security, provided certain requirements are met, such as registration and payment of contributions.

Additional recommendations

Consultations: Contact local information centers for foreigners for additional information and support.

Please note that while EU/EEA citizens have broad rights in the Czech Republic, completing certain administrative procedures will help avoid possible issues and ensure a comfortable stay in the country.

Citizens of non-European Union countries should consider a number of specific requirements and procedures when planning their stay and work in the Czech Republic.

 

Residency

 

Short-term stay (up to 90 days): Citizens of certain countries require a Schengen visa to enter the Czech Republic. A list of countries whose citizens are required to have a visa is available on the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

 

Long-term stay (over 90 days): For stays exceeding 90 days, a long-term visa or residence permit is required. The purpose of the stay can include work, study, family reunification, or entrepreneurial activity. Detailed information on visa types and required documents is available on the official website of the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

 

Work

 

Work permit: Citizens of third countries, who do not have free access to the Czech labor market, must obtain a work permit. This permit is issued by regional employment offices upon submission of a written application.

 

Employment card: Combines work permit and residence permit. It is issued for a specific job vacancy and employer. The application process and requirements are described on the Czech Ministry of the Interior's website.

 

Blue card: Intended for highly qualified specialists. It requires a higher education degree and an employment contract with a certain salary level. Details are available on the Czech Ministry of the Interior's website.

 

Additional recommendations

 

It is recommended to contact specialized agencies or law firms that specialize in immigration issues for professional assistance.

 

Please note that immigration laws and procedures may change. It is recommended to regularly check current information on the official websites of Czech government bodies.

Extending a residence permit in the Czech Republic requires compliance with certain procedures and deadlines.

 

Identify the type of your current permit:

 

Long-term visa (over 90 days): If you are in the Czech Republic on a long-term visa and plan to stay longer than a year, you need to apply for a long-term residence permit.

 

Long-term residence permit: If you already have this permit and plan to continue your stay, you need to apply for its extension.

 

Application deadlines:

 

Long-term visa: The application for a long-term residence permit must be submitted no earlier than 120 days and no later than the last day of your current visa's validity.

 

Long-term residence permit: The application for the extension is submitted within the same timeframe — no earlier than 120 days and no later than the last day of the current permit's validity.

 

Prepare the necessary documents:

 

- Completed application form: The official application form is available on the Czech Ministry of the Interior's website.

 

- Valid passport.

 

- Photograph: A current photograph of size 35 x 45 mm.

 

- Document confirming the purpose of stay: For example, an employment contract, confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution, or other relevant documents.

 

- Confirmation of financial solvency: Proof of sufficient funds for living in the Czech Republic.

 

- Confirmation of accommodation: Lease agreement or other documents confirming the place of residence.

 

- Medical insurance: A policy covering medical expenses in the Czech Republic.

 

Submission of application:

 

In person: Visit the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic at your place of residence.

 

By mail: In some cases, the application can be sent by mail. Check the possibility of this submission method at your regional office of the Ministry of the Interior.

 

Payment of administrative fee:

 

A state fee is charged upon submitting the application. The amount of the fee depends on the type of permit.

 

Waiting for a decision:

 

The processing time for the application may vary depending on the type of permit and individual circumstances. It is recommended to regularly check the status of your application and be ready to provide additional documents upon request.

 

Obtaining a new permit:

 

Once your application is approved, you will be issued a new biometric card confirming the extension of your residence permit.

 

Important: Adhere to the established application deadlines to avoid potential problems with staying in the Czech Republic. It is recommended to prepare all necessary documents in advance and, if necessary, seek advice from specialists or official authorities.

To obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic, it is necessary to arrange for medical insurance that meets the established requirements. Proper insurance arrangement is a mandatory condition for the successful consideration of your application.

 

Understanding medical insurance requirements:

 

Coverage scope: The insurance should provide coverage for costs of emergency and necessary medical care, including transportation in case of a serious illness or death.

 

Coverage amount: The minimum coverage limit per insurance event should be at least 60,000 euros.

 

Validity period: The insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of the intended stay in the Czech Republic.

 

Choosing an insurance company:

 

Local insurance companies: It is recommended to choose insurance companies registered in the Czech Republic, as their policies comply with local requirements and facilitate the application process.

 

Foreign insurance companies: If you choose a foreign company, ensure that its policy complies with Czech requirements. In this case, a notarized translation of the policy and general terms into Czech will be required.

 

Additional recommendations:

 

If necessary, consult specialists or official authorities for the most current information.

Obtaining citizenship of the Czech Republic is a process that requires fulfilling certain conditions and completing several stages.

 

Citizenship by birth

 

A child automatically becomes a Czech citizen if at least one parent is a citizen of the Czech Republic, regardless of the place of birth. If the parents are not married, official paternity establishment is required.

 

Citizenship through naturalization

 

Foreign nationals can apply for Czech citizenship by fulfilling the following conditions:

 

Permanent residence: Having a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic and actually residing in the country for at least 5 years. For EU citizens, this period is reduced to 3 years.

 

Integration: Proof of integration into Czech society, including knowledge of the Czech language, history, and culture. Passing the relevant exams is required for confirmation.

 

Good reputation: No criminal record or serious offenses.

 

Financial stability: Proof of stable income and financial solvency.

 

Fulfillment of tax obligations: No debts on taxes and other mandatory payments.

 

Citizenship by origin

 

Persons whose parents or grandparents were citizens of Czechoslovakia or the Czech Republic may be eligible for citizenship by descent. To do this, you must provide documents confirming the family relationship and citizenship of the ancestors.

 

Additional information:

Dual citizenship: Since January 1, 2014, the Czech Republic allows dual citizenship.

Exceptions: In some cases, such as significant contributions to science, culture, or sports, exceptions to standard requirements may be granted.

 

For current and detailed information, it is recommended to refer to official sources, such as the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

Holders of a temporary residence permit in the Czech Republic have the right to freely leave the country and return during the validity period of their permit. A temporary residence permit is issued in the form of a biometric card, which serves as confirmation of your legal status in the Czech Republic.

 

Travel within the Schengen Zone

 

With a biometric card for a temporary residence permit, you can freely travel to the countries of the Schengen Agreement without the need for additional visas. However, note that stays in other Schengen countries are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.

 

Travel outside the Schengen Zone

 

When traveling to countries not part of the Schengen area, you need to consider the visa requirements of these states. In some cases, a visa may be required even if you hold a Czech residence permit.

 

Returning to the Czech Republic

 

When returning to the Czech Republic, present your biometric residence card and a valid passport at border control. Ensure that both documents are valid at the time of entry.

 

Recommendations

 

Document validity: Before traveling, ensure that the validity of your residence permit and passport covers the entire duration of your planned trip.

 

Notifying authorities: If you plan to be absent from the Czech Republic for an extended period (more than 6 months), it is recommended to notify the local immigration authorities to avoid possible problems with renewing your residence permit.

 

Visa requirements: Before traveling to countries outside the Schengen area, verify the visa requirements for citizens of your country with a Czech residence permit.

If you have been denied a residence permit in the Czech Republic, it is important to act promptly and thoughtfully.

 

Review the reason for denial:

 

After receiving a notice of denial, carefully study its contents. The document should specify the reasons for the negative decision. Understanding these reasons will help determine your next steps.

 

Determine the possibility of appeal:

 

In most cases, you have the right to appeal the denial decision. According to information from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, an appeal can be filed within 15 days from the receipt of the decision.

 

Prepare the appeal:

 

- Gather necessary documents: Include all materials that may support your position, such as additional evidence, corrected, or missing documents.

 

- Draft a justification: Clearly lay out why you disagree with the decision and provide arguments supporting your stance.

 

Submitting the appeal:

 

The appeal should be submitted to the same authority that made the denial decision, i.e., the relevant branch of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. Pay attention to submission deadlines to avoid missing the opportunity to appeal.

 

Await the result:

 

After filing an appeal, your case will be reviewed by competent authorities. Processing times may vary, so it is recommended to regularly check the status of your case.

 

Alternative actions:

 

If the appeal does not yield a positive result, consider the possibility of resubmitting the application, addressing previously indicated shortcomings. Additionally, consult with specialists in immigration law to evaluate other possible options.

 

Recommendations

 

Consult professionals: Consulting lawyers or consultants specializing in immigration matters can increase your chances of a successful appeal.

 

Document all actions: Keep copies of all submitted documents and correspondence with official bodies.

When translator services are required:

 

Document translation: All official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and certificates, must be translated into Czech for submission to government agencies.

 

Oral translation: In some cases, for instance, during interviews at immigration services or notarial activities, the presence of a translator may be required.

 

Types of translations:

 

Sworn (certified) translation: This is an official translation done by a translator registered in the Czech Ministry of Justice's register. Such translations are certified by the translator's signature and seal and accepted by all government institutions. 

 

How to find an official translator:

 

Register of court translators: The Czech Ministry of Justice maintains an official list of court translators, available on their website. You can find a translator by language pair and region.

 

Translation agencies: Many agencies offer sworn translation services.