Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is a Czech citizen and is registered for permanent residence in the Czech Republic?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Czechia
You can live, rent a home, open a bank account and use ordinary services in Czechia for the period on your card.
A close family member’s card lasts for the expected stay of their family member, up to five years; certain other family members’ cards last up to three years.
It can be extended repeatedly while you live in Czechia and still qualify as a family member.
Study in Czechia
You can live and study in Czechia on the same general basis as other people living there lawfully.
Work in Czechia
Holders can work for any employer without a separate work permit or employee card, and can run a business.
Travel without visas
With a valid card and travel document, you can leave and return to Czechia repeatedly while your card is valid.
You can also visit the Schengen Area without a visa, but the card does not let you settle indefinitely in another country.
Permanent residence after five years
You can generally gain permanent residence after five years of continuous temporary residence.
The wait is two years for a close family member of a Czech or EU citizen with permanent residence, if the relationship has lasted at least one year.
Permanent residence documents last ten years and can be extended repeatedly for ten years at a time.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Ministry of the Interior office responsible for the place where you live in the Czech Republic.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior office handles temporary residence permits for family members of EU citizens in your city?”
Download the application form
Download the application for a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen.
Get the formFill in the form
Fill in the form online, then print and sign it. You can instead print the blank form and fill it in legibly using block capitals and Latin characters.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Czech Republic temporary residence permit application for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local office.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book through the Information Portal for Foreigners or by telephone. Booking is recommended but not required; without an appointment, you wait for your turn.
Book an appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment in the Czech Republic to apply for a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Hand in your application
Bring your signed form and required documents to your local Ministry of the Interior office and apply in person. Pay the CZK 200 fee by card at the office.
Find application instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Czech Republic temporary residence permit application for a family member of an EU citizen in person?”
Wait for the decision
Respond if the Ministry asks for more documents or another appointment. You can follow your application’s status through the Information Portal for Foreigners.
Follow your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check the status of a Czech Republic temporary residence permit application for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Collect your residence card
Once approved, follow the Ministry’s instructions to collect your residence card. You can then use it to document your residence in the Czech Republic.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Czech Republic temporary residence permit card as a family member of an EU citizen?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Child's birth certificate
Bring the original birth certificate showing that you are your Czech child's parent. A custody or adoption decision can also show your family relationship; bring the original.
Child's residence record *
Bring a certificate showing that your Czech child lives in the Czech Republic. Bring the original or a certified copy issued no more than 180 days ago.
* Only if your Czech child does not have an EU registration certificate or permanent-residence permit.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Lost or damaged card
Report a lost, stolen or damaged residence card within three working days.
Late reporting of a lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen card can lead to a fine of up to CZK 5,000.
Reporting personal changes
Report changes to your name, marital status, travel document or residence document within 15 working days.
Report a new address within 30 working days if you will live there for more than 180 days.
Late reporting can lead to a fine of up to CZK 3,000.
Residence can end
You can end your residence voluntarily, or it may be taken away if your family relationship no longer qualifies, you stop living together in Czechia, or for serious legal reasons.
Exceptions and your family life must be considered.
For ordinary reasons, you generally get 60 days to leave; you may apply for another residence status and keep work access while that application is decided.
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 joinCrowdSauce 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 joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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