Eligibility quiz
Are you married to the person you want to live with, or are you in a same-sex partnership with them?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Czech Republic
Your permit lets you live in Czech Republic with your family member.
It initially lasts as long as their residence document, but at least one year; if they have permanent residence, it may last two years.
It can be extended repeatedly for the length of their document, or for five years if they have permanent residence.
Study in Czech Republic
You can study in Czech Republic while you continue living there with your family member.
Work in Czech Republic
You can work without a separate employment permit when joining a qualifying family member, including someone with permanent or valid long-term residence or asylum.
Travel in Schengen
You can visit Schengen countries without a visa, normally for up to 90 days in any 180 days.
Normally, you must carry a valid travel document and your residence card.
You can also leave and re-enter Czech Republic while your permit is valid.
Use public healthcare
Public health insurance covers holders under 18 until they turn 18 or their permit expires.
After 18, employment normally brings public health insurance through the employer.
How to apply
From outside the CzechiaFrom outside the Czechia
Find your consulate
Find the Czech consulate that accepts family reunification residence applications from where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Czech consulate covering your city accepts long-term residence permit applications for family reunification?”
Download the application form
Download the general long-term residence application form.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the form in Czech and sign it. You can fill it in online and print it, or print it and write in block capitals using Latin letters.
See form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Czech Republic long-term residence permit application form for family reunification?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Arrange an appointment with your consulate to apply in person.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment at the Czech consulate for your city for a long-term residence permit for family reunification?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your signed application, passport and required documents to the consulate and hand them in person. Pay the application fee at the same time; ask the consulate how it accepts payment.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for a Czech Republic long-term residence permit application for family reunification at the consulate for your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision on your application and respond to any requests from the authorities.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Czech Republic long-term residence permit application for family reunification take at a consulate?”
Get your entry visa
After approval, provide any additional items the consulate asks for, including travel medical insurance if required, and complete its visa collection formalities. The visa lets you travel to the Czech Republic to collect your residence permit.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect a Czech Republic visa to collect my long-term residence permit for family reunification at the consulate for your city?”
Once in the CzechiaOnce in the Czechia
Collect your residence card
After entering the Czech Republic, report to the Ministry of the Interior and attend the appointment it gives you to collect your residence card. Give your fingerprints and photograph if requested; the card is your residence permit.
Find card instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I report to the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior and collect my long-term residence permit card for family reunification?”
Complete the integration course
If you are required to take the adaptation and integration course, register, pay the course fee and enrol in a recognised course. Complete it within one year of collecting your permit or the decision taking legal effect.
Register for the courseDocuments needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate
Bring your original marriage certificate or official partnership document to show your relationship with your spouse or partner. Get it from the office that issued it.
Partner's residence record
Bring evidence of your spouse or partner’s Czech residence permit or other qualifying status. It should also show how long they have lived in the Czech Republic, where a waiting period applies.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Arrival and changes
Report your arrival within three days, unless your accommodation provider has done so.
Report a change of address within 30 working days.
Report changes to your name, civil status, travel document or residence card information within three working days.
Extension deadline
To keep living in Czech Republic after your permit expires, apply for an extension no earlier than 120 days before expiry and no later than its last day.
If you apply on time, your stay remains lawful while your application is being decided.
Health insurance requirement
You must maintain the required health insurance and show proof of travel medical insurance during a residence check.
After 18, comprehensive private insurance is generally required unless you have public insurance, normally through employment.
Travel and residence documents
You must keep a valid travel document and show valid documents when required.
Report a lost, stolen or damaged residence card within three working days, return it when it expires, and promptly report a lost or stolen travel document to police.
Residence can be lost
Your permit can end on expiry or request, or be revoked for certain crimes or repeat offences, security or removal grounds, false or forged documents, sham marriage or paternity, or missing child consent.
Other grounds include not living with your family, insufficient funds or housing, missing insurance, or your family member's permit ending.
Family life must be considered; if revoked, you receive a departure deadline.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Join on FacebookRelocation to Czechia - Work Study Business Residence Permits
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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