Eligibility quiz
Are you of Czech origin?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Czech Republic
You can live indefinitely in the Czech Republic.
Your residence card needs replacing, but its expiry does not itself end your permanent residence.
Study in Czech Republic
You can study in the Czech Republic without a limit on the level or subject imposed by your residence status.
Admission, tuition and student support have separate rules.
Work in Czech Republic
You can work for any employer, change jobs or work for yourself immediately, without a separate immigration work permit.
Visit Schengen countries
With a valid passport and Czech residence card, you can visit other Schengen countries, normally for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
Rent or buy housing
You can rent or buy housing in the Czech Republic and open an account.
Use public healthcare
You are covered by public health insurance, whatever your citizenship.
The insurance pays for covered healthcare, though you must register with an insurer and some care may require a payment from you.
Get support
You may qualify for social support, including family, housing, pension, unemployment or education support, under its rules.
For state social support, residence generally counts after 365 days from registration.
Resettlement help may cover moving, housing, healthcare and schooling, plus up to CZK 50,000 per adult or CZK 20,000 per person under 18; it is discretionary and quotas may apply.
How to apply
From outside the CzechiaFrom outside the Czechia
Find your consulate
Find the Czech consulate responsible for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Czech consulate serving your city handles a Czech compatriot permanent residence application?”
Get the certificate form
Get the application form for a Certificate of Affiliation with the Czech Compatriot Community Abroad.
Find the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get the Czech Republic Certificate of Affiliation with the Czech Compatriot Community Abroad application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete the application form for the Certificate of Affiliation with the Czech Compatriot Community Abroad.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Czech Republic Certificate of Affiliation with the Czech Compatriot Community Abroad application?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook your certificate appointment
Contact the consulate by email or telephone to book an appointment for your certificate application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment at the Czech consulate serving your city for a Certificate of Affiliation with the Czech Compatriot Community Abroad?”
Attend your certificate appointment
Bring your completed certificate application, original travel document and required supporting documents to the consulate. Submit them in person and take part in the interview.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Certificate of Affiliation with the Czech Compatriot Community Abroad application at the Czech consulate serving your city?”
Wait for your certificate
Wait for your certificate application to be assessed and receive your certificate. You will need it for your permanent residence application, and it must be no more than 180 days old when you apply.
See certificate processSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive a Czech Republic Certificate of Affiliation with the Czech Compatriot Community Abroad after applying?”
Download the application form
Download the permanent residence application form.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the permanent residence form in Czech using Latin letters, select the purpose for the Czech compatriot route, and sign it.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Czech Republic permanent residence application form for the Czech compatriot route?”
Book your residence appointment
Follow your consulate's procedure to book an appointment to submit your permanent residence application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Czech compatriot permanent residence application appointment at the Czech consulate serving your city?”
Attend your residence appointment
Bring your signed application, certificate and required documents to the consulate and submit them in person.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Czech compatriot permanent residence application at the Czech consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while the Ministry of the Interior considers your application. Respond to any requests for information or documents.
See the decision processSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Czech compatriot permanent residence application through a consulate take?”
Once in the CzechiaOnce in the Czechia
Give your biometric data
After approval, follow the instructions you receive and attend when called to give your biometric data.
Find biometric instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I give biometric data after approval of Czech compatriot permanent residence?”
Collect your residence permit
Attend when called for biometric verification and collect your confirmation and residence permit. The permit lets you live permanently in the Czech Republic.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Czech Republic permanent residence permit after approval under the Czech compatriot route?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get birth records for you, your parent and your Czech grandparent to show how you are related. Provide officially certified copies for the Czech community certificate application.
Grandparent's Czech origin records
Provide official records or archive records that help show your Czech grandparent's Czech origin. These can include official records of Czech nationality; provide officially certified copies.
Family tree
Prepare a family tree connecting you to your Czech grandparent through your parent. Write it in Czech for the Czech community certificate application.
Marriage certificates *
Get the marriage records that connect you, your parent and your Czech grandparent. Provide officially certified copies for the Czech community certificate application.
* Only if a marriage record is needed to show your family connection.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Documents and address
Keep a valid passport and residence card, follow residence registration rules and report required changes and lost or damaged documents.
Replace the card generally every 10 years for adults or every 5 years for children under 15.
Health insurance payments
Participation in public health insurance is compulsory.
Depending on your situation, the premiums are paid by your employer, the state or you.
Integration course
Complete the adaptation and integration course within one year of the final decision, unless an exemption applies.
Permits already issued and valid before 1 January 2021 are exempt.
Permanent residence can end
Your permanent residence can end at your request or be cancelled for serious public-order or security reasons, certain deception or other legal violations.
It can also be cancelled after a long absence when the rules on absence and return apply.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
CrowdSauce by Expats.cz
English Facebook group for people interested in Czech visas and local life
Join on FacebookExpats and foreigners in the Czech Republic #LifeInCzechia
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Request to joinExpats in CZE - help and support group
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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