RESIDENCE PERMIT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic is a small but stable and developed country in the central part of Europe. Membership in the EU and a comfortable geographical location in the neighborhood of Germany and Poland allow the country to increase trade relations and attract foreign investment, which contributes to the welfare and social security of the population.
Most often foreigners come to the Czech Republic to study, work or do business. In almost every case it is necessary to obtain a residence permit. This is a prerequisite for legal stay in the country for more than 3 months and the initial stage on the way to obtaining the status of permanent resident and citizenship of the Czech Republic. About how to get a residence permit in the Czech Republic in 2025 and will be discussed in this article.
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How to get a residence permit in the Czech Republic
Officers of special departments of the Czech police are responsible for processing applications and making decisions on the issuance of residence permits in the Czech Republic. Usually, the list of required documentation (see below) and all procedural actions are carried out through the Czech Consulate in the foreigner's country.
In case of fulfillment of all legal requirements and a positive decision to grant a residence permit, the candidate receives a long-term visa, which allows you to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days. Upon arrival in the country no later than 3 days must go to the local police station, the address of which will be given by the Consulate staff, where the foreigner will take biometric data, in particular, fingerprints.
After that, within 2 months the foreigner will receive a special card or a residence permit in the Czech Republic. It is recommended to check on the spot the functionality of the card and the reliability of the data specified in the document. In case of change of residence or other important information related to the purpose of stay in the Czech Republic, it is necessary to inform the police officers about it.
Initially, a long-term visa or residence permit in the Czech Republic is issued for one year. No later than 15 days before the expiration of the document must apply to the police for an extension for another two years, of course, if the reasons for staying in the Czech Republic allow it. The maximum period of validity of the residence permit is 10 years. After 5 years of residence in the territory of the Czech Republic it is possible to obtain permanent residence permit, and after 10 years and citizenship.
Grounds for a residence permit in the Czech Republic
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Study and research.
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Employment.
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Business.
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Family reunification.
Let's dwell on each of the options in more detail.
Residence permit in the Czech Republic for study and research purposes
One of the most popular ways of moving to the Czech Republic with the subsequent registration of a residence permit is to receive education in a Czech university. A prerequisite for the issuance of a long-term visa will be confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution and the ability to cover living and study expenses. Parental consent will be required for underage students.
Foreign scientists who have concluded a long-term cooperation agreement with one of the Czech research institutes are also granted a residence permit in the Czech Republic. The decision on granting a long-term visa in both cases is made within 2 months.
Residence permit in the Czech Republic for employment purposes
In order to carry out professional activities in the Czech Republic, foreign workers must obtain a residence permit, for this purpose there are two main ways:
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Employee Card. Issued to specialists from abroad for the duration of the employment contract, but not more than 2 years, with the right to extend it. Obtaining a document does not depend on the level of qualification or a certain sphere of activity. The main requirement is the approval of local authorities for a foreigner to occupy a vacancy and the employer's consent to employ this specialist.
As a rule, the card holder must perform a specific type of work, a change of workplace or employer is agreed with the migration department of the police. The period of issuance does not exceed 2-3 months.
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EU Blue Card. It is issued to highly qualified foreign specialists able to fill scarce vacancies on the Czech labor market. The main requirements are as follows:
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a labor contract for a period of at least one year;
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a salary level at least one and a half times higher than the average in the Czech Republic;
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proof of professional skills in the form of educational diplomas or certificates.
The processing time of an application for an EU Blue Card is up to 3 months.
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Residence permit for business purposes in the Czech Republic
Foreign entrepreneurs receive a residence permit in the Czech Republic within 2 months after submitting the relevant application. For this purpose, the following conditions must be met:
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have a registered business in the Czech Republic, i.e. provide an extract from the commercial register;
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pay taxes correctly and comply with Czech law;
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the company must be profitable and have a positive impact on the Czech economy.
Residence permit in the Czech Republic for the purpose of family reunification
The holder of a residence permit in the Czech Republic may be joined by close relatives – spouses and children under 18 years of age, as well as parents over 65 years of age who are dependent on the foreigner. The main requirements are financial security to cover the living expenses of all family members and living space sufficient for accommodation. That is, despite the fact that the purchase of real estate in the Czech Republic formally does not affect the positive decision to grant a residence permit, in practice it is a big plus. The term of consideration of the application – up to 4 months.
Documents for residence permit in the Czech Republic
The list of documents for a residence permit is sent to the Czech Consulate in the country of the immigrant. Depending on the reasons for travel, Czech employees may request additional or clarifying information, but the basic requirements are as follows:
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A completed application form.
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A passport issued at least 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure from the Czech Republic.
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Three passport-sized photographs (35 x 45 mm).
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Proof of financial security for living in the Czech Republic. As a rule, a bank statement or a valid international credit card is accepted. The total amount of funds must be at least 15 times the Czech minimum subsistence level (3,130 CZK), i.e. 46,950 CZK or 1,980 EUR
For businessmen, the total amount increases to 156,500 CZK or 6,590 euros. Plus all immigrants need to have a living wage for each month in double amount – 6,260 CZK or 265 euros.
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Availability of a place of residence in the Czech Republic – at least 8 sq.m. for one person or 12.6 sq.m. for two people (rental agreement or real estate in ownership).
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Medical insurance.
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Certificate of absence of a criminal record.
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Documentary confirmation of the purpose of the trip. For example, a business registration certificate, work permit or enrollment in a Czech university.
The period of consideration of documents usually does not exceed 2-3 months, in special cases it can be extended up to 6 months.
What gives you a residence permit in the Czech Republic
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Free visit to Schengen countries for a short period of time (up to 90 days within 6 months).
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The right to work, study and do business in the Czech Republic.
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The opportunity to buy real estate in Europe at reasonable prices.
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The price-quality ratio for goods and services in the Czech Republic is more attractive than in many European countries.
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Living in a country with a low crime rate and rich culture.
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