Moving to the Czech Republic: The options available for European citizens

9. 4. 2024

The Czech Republic represents a promising center of economic growth in Central Europe. In recent years, the country has shown remarkable dynamism in the economic sector, emerging as a popular destination for investment, business, and job opportunities, where ongoing efforts to promote innovation and research have paved the way for new growth trajectories.

In this context of growth, the capital, Prague, emerges as a multicultural and multiethnic city with its exceptional blend of tradition and modernity. The city, with its history dating back thousands of years, offers a unique environment for those who wish not only to explore the richness of its traditions but also to take advantage of the professional and business opportunities that it offers. With an expanding economy and an ongoing commitment to innovation, the city has thus become a popular destination for professionals and students seeking new horizons.

The multiplicity of job prospects, vibrant cultural communities, and excellent infrastructure contribute to making the Czech Republic an attractive place to call “home”. However, in order for foreigners to take full advantage of all the offered opportunities, it is essential for them to obtain a residency status which not only guarantees them legal residency, but also opens the door to a range of benefits, including access to health services, education, and unrestricted employment opportunities.

In conclusion, although applying for residency in the Czech Republic may seem a purely bureaucratic action, it is the necessary means of fully integrating into society and taking full advantage of the opportunities offered.

Residence permit: How to get it

Obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic for citizens of EU member states represents the acquisition of a right rather than an obligation, and it is an essential document for those who intend to move to the country long-term or permanently.

The Czech Republic provides for three different types of residence permits: fixed-term, indefinite, and permanent. In the case of European Union citizens, the type of permit to be considered is the indefinite one, known locally as “přechodný pobýt” and created specifically to facilitate citizens of the Union.

This certificate is reserved for member citizens who plan to reside in the Czech Republic for a period longer than three months, provided that they do not pose a threat to national security or significantly disturb public order.

This permit is required primarily for practical reasons, particularly in cases where official confirmation of residence in the Czech Republic is needed, like in case it is requested by another authority, or for the establishment of a claim to social benefits.

In this way, residence can be registered either for a specific purpose (employment, self-employment, or study) or without specifying a purpose.

To apply for such a certificate, the EU citizen must fill out a specific form available at the office of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic (MOI).

It is also necessary to register with the office of the foreigners’ police, the Cizinecká Policie, and provide detailed documentation specifying an emigration purpose. To minimize possible complications, it is advisable to declare an intention to live in the Czech Republic for work purposes as it is a less binding choice compared to other options.

The documentation required for a permanent residence permit includes presenting an identity card or passport, the employment contract, the rental contract, health insurance automatically provided with the conclusion of the employment contract, and, finally, two passport photos.

One aspect not to be underestimated is the rental contract, which often causes complications when applying for a permit. To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to present a certificate of trust issued by the landlord in good time to the police offices.

All documents submitted must be in Czech or Slovak, or officially translated into Czech. Documents drafted in other languages are accepted without translation only in the cases specified by Regulation (EU) 2016/1191.

The application will be processed within 30 days of receipt. If it is successful, the MOI office will contact the applicant to collect the certificate, which is valid for 10 years and non-renewable, if your stay extends beyond the validity of your permit, you will need to apply for another one.

For the application in Prague, you can use the postal service by sending the required documents to the competent MOI office.

For starting a business or renting a house, it is strongly recommended to obtain confirmation of residence for EU citizens, although it is not mandatory. In fact, in these cases, EU citizens are not obliged to submit confirmation of residence in the Czech Republic, although it is highly recommended to speed up and simplify the bureaucratic process.

The new bill for the acceleration and digitisation of residence permit procedures

A recent bill, initiated by the Ministry of the Interior, aims at digitising the procedure for applying for and using residence permits in the Czech Republic for foreign nationals. The main objective is to simplify communication between non-Czech citizens and the public administration while accelerating the process of issuing the permit.

According to Interior Ministry spokesman Adam Rözler, the project will soon be submitted to the government for review. Under the new proposal, citizens will interface with the authorities through electronic means, using online forms and receiving automatic updates on the status of their applications. In order to facilitate this transition to digitalisation, the Ministry plans to develop a comprehensive information system, allowing foreigners to create an electronic identity and a dedicated account.

The digitisation of the entire process will not only lighten the load on the offices in charge of the residence application procedures, but will also bring greater relief to the foreigners themselves.

Infact the residence application experience for foreigners is often a long and complex path, which can be extremely stressful due to the multiple procedures and documentation required. This process, which is a fundamental step, often turns into a treacherous journey, characterised by uncertainties and various bureaucratic hurdles.

In addition to the digitalisation of the procedure, the bill makes changes to the registration process for EU citizens planning to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days. There is also a refinement of the role of the guarantor, namely that individual or organisation that guarantees the purpose of the foreigner’s stay on Czech territory.

The legislation is expected to enter into force at the beginning of 2026, coinciding with the launch of the new information system. In the same year, registration for EU citizens will remain becoming mandatory from 2027.

Adam Rözler pointed out the inadequacies of the current law, considering it outdated and unclear due to frequent amendments. However, he pointed out that the new legislation will not lead to significant changes in the conditions for obtaining a residence permit, as the main change concerns the digitisation process.

Sources: https://www.expats.cz/, https://www.mvcr.cz/, https://italiapragaoneway.eu/, https://www.migrace.com/