Eligibility quiz
Are you married to, or in a registered partnership with, a Czech citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Czech passport and ID
Czech citizens can hold a Czech passport and identity card.
The identity card can be used for travel to EU countries and other countries that accept it.
Both documents expire and must be replaced, but citizenship does not need renewing.
Live in Czech Republic for life
Czech citizens can enter and live in Czech Republic indefinitely.
They cannot be refused entry or expelled.
Study in Czech Republic
Czech citizens can study in Czech Republic under the same rules as other Czech citizens.
Work in Czech Republic
Czech citizens can work or run a business in Czech Republic under the same rules as other Czech citizens.
Get help abroad
Czech embassies and consulates can help in emergencies, including illness, accidents, detention, a relative's death or lost documents.
They can help with contacts or issue an emergency travel document.
If Czech Republic has no representation outside the EU, you can seek another EU country's help.
Vote and run for office
Czech citizens can vote and stand in local, regional, parliamentary and presidential elections, subject to each election's age and other rules.
Citizens abroad can register at an embassy or consulate to vote in elections where voting abroad is allowed.
Use public services
Czech citizens can use public services under the same rules as other Czech citizens.
Social payments depend on conditions such as residence, income, family, disability or employment, not citizenship alone.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the regional office responsible for your permanent address. In Prague, find the responsible district office instead.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which office handles Udělení státního občanství in the Czech Republic for a permanent address in your city?”
Write your application
Write, date and sign an application for Czech citizenship, stating who you are, what you are asking for and which office it is addressed to. If you need a residence requirement waived, ask for this and explain that you share a household with your Czech spouse or registered partner.
See how to applySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I write an application for Udělení státního občanství in the Czech Republic and request a residence waiver?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local office.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book a visit if your local office requires an appointment.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for Udělení státního občanství at the responsible office in your city, Czech Republic?”
Hand in your application
Bring your written application and documents to your regional office, or your Prague district office, and fill in the questionnaire with the staff. Pay any administrative fee as instructed by the office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an application for Udělení státního občanství and pay the fee at the responsible office in your city, Czech Republic?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Ministry of the Interior to decide, and attend a meeting or provide more information if asked. Follow the instructions in the decision you receive.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens while I wait for a decision on Udělení státního občanství in the Czech Republic?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide your birth certificate. Get it from the office that issued it in the country where you were born.
Marriage or partnership record *
Provide your marriage certificate or the document recording your registered partnership. Get it from the office that issued it.
* Only if you have married or entered a registered partnership.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationDivorce or partnership decision *
Provide the final decision ending your marriage or registered partnership. Get a copy from the office that issued it.
* Only if you have divorced or ended a registered partnership.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationSpouse or partner's citizenship proof *
Provide proof that your spouse or registered partner is a Czech citizen. Ask your office what evidence it will accept.
* Only if you ask for the residence requirements to be waived.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationSpouse or partner's death certificate *
Provide the death certificate of your deceased spouse or registered partner. Get it from the office that issued it.
* Only if your spouse or registered partner has died.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military service
Czech citizens may have defence duties, including draft checks and military service, depending on age, fitness and circumstances such as an emergency or mobilisation.
Ordinary service in peacetime is not automatic.
Identity card duty
Czech citizens aged 15 or over who have permanent residence in Czech Republic generally must hold a valid identity card, with some exceptions.
Citizenship can end
You can give up Czech citizenship by formal declaration if you live permanently abroad and have no registered permanent residence in Czech Republic.
You must already have another citizenship or be acquiring one with the declaration.
Citizenship ends when you receive the document confirming its loss.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Applying For Czech Citizenship, anebo kde domov můj
Facebook group for people interested in Czech citizenship (English & Czech)
Request to joinPrague EXPATS
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech local life
Join on FacebookCrowdSauce by Expats.cz
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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