Czech Republic

Work / Employment High confidence

Employee Card

A dual work-and-residence permit for third-country nationals with a registered Czech job offer; valid up to 2 years and renewable.

Processing time: 60 days; up to 90 days in complicated cases
Validity: Maximum 2 years, renewable
Language requirement: None for the permit itself (A2 Czech needed later for PR, B1 for citizenship)
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after 5 years of permanent residence

Requirements

Registered job offer/contract with a Czech employer
Job-vacancy identification number from the central database (unless free labour-market access)
Work permit if the role requires one
Proof of accommodation
Professional qualification certificate on request

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of accommodation required
Photograph meeting formal requirements required
Proof of work relation (employment contract, agreement, or preliminary commitment) required
Job-vacancy identification number (unless free labour-market access) required
Work permit if the role requires one
Professional qualification certificate (on request)
Criminal record certificate (when applying from abroad)
Medical report (on request)

Official fees

Administrative fee (in Czechia) 2,500 CZK

Consular fee (from abroad) 5,000 CZK

Extension fee 2,500 CZK

Estimated total 10,000 CZK

Process Steps

1
Secure job offer

Obtain a registered job offer/contract from a Czech employer.
2
Gather documents

Compile the application form and supporting documents.
3
Apply

Book an appointment and apply in person at a Czech embassy abroad or at a Ministry of the Interior office in Czechia.
4
Pay fee

Pay the administrative fee (CZK 2,500 in Czechia) or consular fee (CZK 5,000 from abroad).
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision within 60 days (90 days in complicated cases).
6
Biometrics

Attend biometric scanning after approval.
7
Collect card

Collect the biometric residence card within 60 days of scanning.

Official Sources

Official Employee Card - Information Portal for Foreigners (IPC) · Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

Work / Employment High confidence

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Card

A residence permit for managers, specialists, or trainee employees transferred within a corporate group to a Czech branch.

Processing time: Initial 90 days; extension 60 days
Validity: Managers/specialists max 3 years; interns max 1 year
Language requirement: None
Documents: 8 required

Requirements

At least 6 months' prior employment in the corporate group
Letter of transfer
Documentation of the inter-company relationship
Interns: university education certificate and training agreement

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of accommodation required
Photograph required
Letter of transfer required
Proof of at least 6 months' prior employment in the corporate group required
Documentation of the inter-company relationship required
Professional qualification certificate (if required)
Criminal-record-type certificate from country of citizenship required
Interns: university education certificate and training agreement

Official fees

Consular fee (initial) 5,000 CZK

Application fee (initial) 2,500 CZK

Extension fee 2,500 CZK

Estimated total 10,000 CZK

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm at least 6 months of prior employment within the corporate group.
2
Gather documents

Compile the transfer letter and supporting documents.
3
Apply

Submit initial applications in person at a Czech embassy.
4
Pay fee

Pay CZK 5,000 consular plus CZK 2,500 application fee.
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision within 90 days (initial).
6
Biometrics and collection

Attend biometric scanning and collect the card within 60 days.

Official Sources

Official Intra-Company Employee Transfer Card - IPC · Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

EU Blue Card High confidence

EU Blue Card

A residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with university-level education and a high-salary job offer (at least 1.5x the Czech average gross salary).

Processing time: 90 days standard; 30 days (60 in complex cases) for in-country Blue Card holders; 60 days for extensions
Validity: Contract duration plus 3 months, maximum 3 years, renewable
Language requirement: None for the permit itself (A2 Czech needed later for PR, B1 for citizenship)
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after 5 years (time in other EU states may count for EU long-term resident status)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after 5 years of permanent residence

Requirements

Higher vocational/university education of at least 3 years
Matching job offer
Employment contract or pre-contract of at least 1 year
Gross salary at least 1.5x the average gross salary in the Czech Republic
Compliance certificate for regulated professions

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of accommodation required
Work contract meeting salary and duration rules required
Proof of high qualifications (diploma) or employer confirmation required
Job-vacancy identification number required
Photograph required
Compliance certificate for regulated professions
Medical report (on request)
Criminal record certificate (on request)

Official fees

Administrative fee (in Czechia) 2,500 CZK

Consular fee (from abroad) 5,000 CZK

Estimated total 7,500 CZK

Process Steps

1
Secure qualifying job

Obtain a job offer matching your qualifications with a contract of at least 1 year and salary at least 1.5x the Czech average.
2
Gather documents

Compile the application form, diploma, and supporting documents.
3
Apply

Apply in person at a Czech embassy abroad or at a Ministry of the Interior office in Czechia.
4
Pay fee

Pay CZK 2,500 in Czechia or CZK 5,000 from abroad.
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision (90 days standard; 30 days for in-country Blue Card holders).
6
Biometrics

Attend biometric scanning.
7
Collect card

Collect the card within 60 days of scanning.

Official Sources

Study / Student High confidence

Long-term Residence for Studies

A residence permit for third-country nationals enrolled in study programs in the Czech Republic, with free labour-market access.

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: Up to 1 year (up to 2 years in cases set by law); university programs renewable repeatedly (max 2 years each)
Language requirement: None for the permit (depends on the study program)
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Study time counts at half toward the 5-year PR requirement in many cases; PR after qualifying residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after permanent residence is obtained

Requirements

Original confirmation of studies/enrollment
Proof of funds
Comprehensive medical insurance
Parental consent if under 18

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of accommodation required
Proof of funds required
Photograph required
Comprehensive medical insurance required
Original confirmation of studies/enrollment required
Parental consent if under 18
Criminal record certificate and medical report (on request)

Official fees

Administrative fee (in Czechia) 2,500 CZK

Consular fee (from abroad) 2,500 CZK

Estimated total 5,000 CZK

Process Steps

1
Gain enrollment

Obtain confirmation of enrollment from a Czech institution.
2
Gather documents

Compile supporting documents.
3
Apply

Book an appointment and apply.
4
Pay fee

Pay CZK 2,500.
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision within 60 days.
6
Biometrics

Attend biometric scanning.
7
Collect card

Collect the card within 60 days.

Official Sources

Official Long-term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Studies - IPC · Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

Self-employment / Freelance High confidence

Long-term Residence for Doing Business (Self-employment / Zivno)

A long-term residence permit for third-country nationals running a trade or business in the Czech Republic, based on a trade licence.

Processing time: 60 days standard
Validity: Maximum 2 years, renewable up to 2 years each time
Language requirement: None for the permit itself
Documents: 8 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after 5 years of permanent residence

Requirements

Trade/Commercial Register confirmation
Proof of funds for residence
Proof of no outstanding tax or social-security debts
Comprehensive medical insurance

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of accommodation required
Proof of funds for residence required
Trade/Commercial Register confirmation required
Proof of no outstanding tax or social-security debts required
Comprehensive medical insurance required
Photograph required
Medical report / criminal record certificate (on request)

Official fees

Administrative fee 2,500 CZK

Process Steps

1
Gather documents

Obtain Trade Register confirmation and compile supporting documents.
2
Complete form

Complete the application form.
3
Book appointment

Book an appointment at the embassy or MOI.
4
Submit and pay

Submit in person and pay CZK 2,500.
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision within 60 days.
6
Biometrics

Attend the biometric appointment.
7
Collect card

Collect the card within 60 days of biometrics.

Official Sources

Official Long-term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Doing Business - IPC · Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

Investor / Golden Visa High confidence

Long-term Residence for Investment

A long-term residence permit for substantial investors making at least CZK 75 million in investment and creating at least 20 jobs; grants temporary residence only, with no citizenship-by-investment route.

Processing time: 30 days standard; 60 days in complex cases; 60 days for extensions
Validity: Maximum 2 years, repeatedly renewable
Language requirement: None for the permit itself
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after 5 years of permanent residence; no golden-passport route

Requirements

Investment of at least CZK 75 million (up to 60% may be tangible/intangible assets, technology, know-how)
Creation of at least 20 new jobs for EU citizens or their family members for at least 2 years

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Investment and jobs documentation required
Proof of accommodation required
Photograph required

Official fees

Administrative fee (in Czechia) 2,500 CZK

Consular fee (from abroad) 5,000 CZK

Estimated total 7,500 CZK

Process Steps

1
Prepare documentation

Prepare investment and job-creation documentation.
2
Complete form

Complete the application form.
3
Schedule appointment

Schedule an appointment.
4
Submit

Submit the application in person.
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision (30-60 days).
6
Biometrics

Attend the biometric appointment.
7
Collect card

Collect the card within 60 days of biometrics.

Official Sources

Official Long-term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment - IPC · Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

Family Reunification High confidence

Long-term Residence for Family Reunification

A residence permit for family members joining a sponsor who holds qualifying residence in the Czech Republic.

Processing time: In-country 60 days; from abroad up to 270 days (90 days for EU Blue Card holders' families); extensions 60 days
Validity: Matches sponsor's permit (min 1 year); 2 years if sponsor holds permanent residence (extensions up to 5 years)
Language requirement: None for the permit itself
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after 5 years of permanent residence

Requirements

Sponsor holds a qualifying long-term/permanent permit and has resided over 15 months (both spouses >=20); OR holds an Employee Card and resided over 6 months; immediate for Blue Card, ICT, investment, or research permit holders
Original proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificate)
Proof of sufficient funds
Comprehensive medical insurance

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of accommodation required
Proof of sufficient funds required
Photograph required
Comprehensive medical insurance required
Original proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificate) required
Parental consent if under 18
Criminal record certificate from country of citizenship (from abroad)

Official fees

Administrative fee (in Czechia) 2,500 CZK

Administrative fee for minors under 15 1,000 CZK

Consular fee (from abroad) 2,500 CZK

Estimated total 6,000 CZK

Process Steps

1
Verify sponsor eligibility

Confirm the sponsor meets residence-duration conditions for the family route.
2
Gather documents

Compile proof of family relationship and supporting documents.
3
Apply

Apply in person at a Czech embassy abroad or at an MOI office in Czechia.
4
Pay fee

Pay CZK 2,500 (CZK 1,000 for minors under 15).
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision (60 days in-country; up to 270 days from abroad).
6
Biometrics and collection

Attend biometric scanning and collect the card within 60 days.

Official Sources

Official Long-term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Family Reunification - IPC · Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

Research / Scientist High confidence

Long-term Residence for Scientific Research

A residence permit for researchers with a hosting agreement from an approved Czech research organization, including free labour-market access and Schengen travel.

Processing time: 60 days
Validity: Maximum 2 years, repeatedly renewable
Language requirement: None for the permit itself
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for permanent residence after qualifying continuous residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after permanent residence is obtained

Requirements

Hosting agreement with an approved research organization
Written commitment from the research organization to cover stay/departure costs within 6 months after the hosting agreement ends

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Hosting agreement with the approved research organization required
Photograph required
Written commitment from the research organization to cover stay/departure costs required
Criminal record certificate (when applying from abroad)
Medical report and additional criminal record certificates (on request)

Official fees

Administrative fee (in Czechia) 2,500 CZK

Consular fee (from abroad) 2,500 CZK

Estimated total 5,000 CZK

Process Steps

1
Sign hosting agreement

Sign a hosting agreement with an approved research organization.
2
Gather documents

Compile supporting documents.
3
Book appointment

Book an appointment.
4
Submit

Submit the application in person.
5
Await decision

Wait for the decision within 60 days.
6
Biometrics

Attend biometric scanning.
7
Collect card

Collect the card within 60 days.

Official Sources

Official Long-term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Scientific Research - IPC · Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

Digital Nomad High confidence

Digital Nomad Program (MPO / CzechInvest)

A program for nationals of selected countries doing highly qualified remote IT/marketing work for a foreign employer, or freelancing under a Czech business licence.

Processing time: Within 45 days from submission
Validity: Long-term visa / residence permit (track-specific)
Language requirement: None
Documents: 4 required

Requirements

Citizen of Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, USA, or Taiwan
Track (a): employee of a foreign employer doing highly qualified IT or marketing work remotely
Track (b): freelancer holding a Czech business licence for IT-related business or marketing services
Must not have held a Czech long-term visa (>90 days) or long-term residence permit in the preceding year

Required Documents

Completed application form required
Criminal record certificate required
Proof of accommodation required
Financial/income documentation required

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm eligibility (eligible nationality) and the applicable track.
2
Follow track guide

Follow the MPO/CzechInvest track-specific guide.
3
Submit documents

Submit documents to digitalnomad@mpo.gov.cz.
4
MPO processing

MPO processes the file and refers it to the Ministry of the Interior.
5
Collect permit

Collect the long-term visa or residence permit.

Official Sources

Ancestry / Descent Medium confidence

Citizenship by Declaration - Ancestry / Descent

Acquisition of Czech citizenship by declaration for descendants of former Czech/Czechoslovak citizens who lost citizenship by 31 December 2013.

Language requirement: None
Documents: 3 required
Citizenship: Yes · By declaration to a Czech consulate or regional authority (no residence requirement)

Requirements

At least one parent or grandparent who was a former Czech/Czechoslovak citizen who lost citizenship by 31 December 2013
Applicant is not a citizen of the Slovak Republic
Loss did not occur under the specified post-war German/Hungarian nationality decree or Subcarpathian-Ukraine treaty

Required Documents

Documentary proof of lineage required
Documentary proof of the ancestor's loss of citizenship required
Declaration submitted to a Czech consulate or the relevant regional authority required

Process Steps

1
Verify eligibility

Confirm a parent or grandparent who was a former Czech/Czechoslovak citizen who lost citizenship by 31 December 2013.
2
Gather proof

Obtain documentary proof of lineage and of the ancestor's loss of citizenship.
3
Submit declaration

Submit the declaration to a Czech consulate or the relevant regional authority.

Official Sources

Official Children and Grandchildren of Former Czech Citizens - Embassy / MFA · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Permanent Residence High confidence

Permanent Residence after 5 Years (Third-Country Nationals)

Permanent residence for third-country nationals after 5 years of continuous residence, requiring an A2 Czech language exam.

Processing time: In Czechia 60 days; from abroad 180 days; card extension 30 days
Validity: PR status is unlimited; biometric card issued for 10 years (5 years for under-15s)
Language requirement: Czech language exam at A2 level (raised from A1; new format since 11 April 2026), with exemptions
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Granted after 5 years of continuous residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after 5 years of permanent residence (3 for EU nationals)

Requirements

5 years' continuous residence
Pass the A2 Czech language exam (or qualify for exemption)
Proof of funds
Proof of accommodation

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of accommodation required
Proof of funds required
Photograph required
Czech language exam certificate (A2) required
Parental consent if under 18
Criminal record certificate (on request)

Official fees

Administrative fee (in Czechia) 2,500 CZK

Administrative fee for minors under 15 1,000 CZK

Consular fee (from abroad) 5,000 CZK

A2 Czech language exam 3,200 CZK

Estimated total 11,700 CZK

Process Steps

1
Accumulate residence

Accumulate 5 years of continuous residence.
2
Pass A2 exam

Pass the A2 Czech language exam (or qualify for an exemption).
3
Gather documents

Compile supporting documents.
4
Apply

Apply in person at an MOI office.
5
Pay fee

Pay CZK 2,500.
6
Await decision

Wait for the decision within 60 days (180 from abroad).
7
Biometrics and collection

Attend biometric scanning and collect the card.

Official Sources

Permanent Residence High confidence

Permanent Residence of an EU Citizen (after 5 Years)

Permanent residence for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens after 5 years of continuous temporary residence, at a low fee and with no language exam.

Processing time: Max 60 days; extension 30 days
Validity: Card issued for 10 years
Language requirement: None
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Granted after 5 years of continuous temporary residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization possible after 3 years of permanent residence for EU nationals

Requirements

EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship
Proof of 5-year continuous temporary residence
Proof of accommodation

Required Documents

Application form required
Valid travel document required
Proof of 5-year continuous temporary residence required
Proof of accommodation required
2 photographs required

Official fees

Administrative fee 200 CZK

Process Steps

1
Accumulate residence

Accumulate 5 years of continuous temporary residence as an EU citizen.
2
Gather documents

Compile the application form and supporting documents.
3
Apply and pay

Apply at an MOI office and pay CZK 200 (credit card).
4
Await decision

Wait for the decision within 60 days.
5
Collect card

Collect the 10-year card.

Official Sources

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Citizenship by Naturalization (Conferment)

Naturalization under Act No. 186/2013 Coll. after qualifying residence, requiring a B1 Czech language exam and a Czech Life and Institutions exam; dual citizenship is permitted.

Processing time: No statutory total processing time published; appeal decisions carry a 120-day period
Language requirement: Czech language at B1 level (CCE-B1 certificate accepted) plus a Czech Life and Institutions exam, with exemptions
Documents: 8 required
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years' permanent residence (standard); 3 years for EU nationals; up to 10 years where prior residence was of another type

Requirements

5 years' permanent residence (standard); 3 years for EU nationals; up to 10 years for other prior residence types
Pass the B1 Czech language exam (CCE-B1 accepted) and the Czech Life and Institutions exam
Criminal record clearance from home country (not older than 6 months)
Tax, customs, and social-security debt-free certificates
Financial/income documentation for the prior 3 years

Required Documents

Free-form citizenship application required
Civil-status documents (birth/marriage/divorce certificates) required
CV in Czech required
Criminal record clearance from home country (not older than 6 months) required
Proof of passing the language (B1) and constitutional-knowledge exams required
Czech residence documentation required
Tax, customs, and social-security debt-free certificates (each within 30 days) required
Financial/income documentation for the prior 3 years required
Employment contracts and education certificates if applicable
Social-integration evidence

Official fees

State fee (adult) 2,000 CZK

State fee (child/asylum seeker) 500 CZK

CCE-B1 language certificate exam 4,000 CZK

Czech Life and Institutions exam 1,800 CZK

Combined exam fee 5,500 CZK

Estimated total 13,800 CZK

Process Steps

1
Meet residence requirement

Hold 5 years' permanent residence (3 for EU nationals).
2
Pass exams

Pass the B1 Czech language exam (CCE-B1) and the Czech Life and Institutions exam, unless exempt.
3
Gather documents

Compile civil-status documents, CV in Czech, debt-free certificates, and income documentation.
4
Apply

Apply in person at the regional or municipal-district authority for your registered permanent residence.
5
Pay fee

Pay the state fee (CZK 2,000 per adult) no later than 3 days after submitting the application.
6
Decision

The authority forwards the file to the MOI Citizenship Division for decision.

Official Sources

Asylum / Humanitarian High confidence

Asylum / Subsidiary Protection

International protection under Act No. 325/1999 Coll., covering asylum and subsidiary protection for those at real risk of persecution or serious harm.

Processing time: Decision on the merits within 90 days of commencement (extendable on legal grounds)
Validity: Status under asylum (section 12/13/14) or subsidiary protection (section 14a/14b)
Language requirement: None to apply
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Recognized refugees/asylees can access permanent residence (including the 4-year section 67 route)
Citizenship: Yes · May naturalize under Act 186/2013 after qualifying residence

Requirements

Declare intent to seek protection (at the border, airport, in detention, or to the police)
Real risk of persecution (asylum) or serious harm on return (subsidiary protection)
Undergo fingerprinting, photographing, personal check, and mandatory medical check-up

Required Documents

Declaration of intent to seek international protection required
Surrender of travel documents at the reception centre required
Submission to fingerprinting (dactyloscopy) and photographing required

Process Steps

1
Declare intent

Declare intent to seek protection at the border, airport, in detention, or to the police.
2
Reception centre

Report to a reception centre (within 24 hours by own means if not detained and told to report).
3
Registration

Undergo fingerprinting, photographing, personal check, document surrender, and a mandatory medical check-up.
4
Interview

Attend an interview with a Department for Asylum and Migration Policy (DAMP) officer (substantive interview commonly 2-3 hours or longer).
5
Decision

Receive a decision on the merits within 90 days of commencement.

Immigration Pathways

Employee Card

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Card

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

EU Blue Card

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Long-term Residence for Studies

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Long-term Residence for Doing Business (Self-employment / Zivno)

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Long-term Residence for Investment

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Long-term Residence for Family Reunification

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Long-term Residence for Scientific Research

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Digital Nomad Program (MPO / CzechInvest)

Requirements

Required Documents

Process Steps

Official Sources

Citizenship by Declaration - Ancestry / Descent

Requirements

Required Documents

Process Steps

Official Sources

Permanent Residence after 5 Years (Third-Country Nationals)

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Permanent Residence of an EU Citizen (after 5 Years)

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Citizenship by Naturalization (Conferment)

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Asylum / Subsidiary Protection

Requirements