Immigration to
Czech Republic
Types of residence permits in the Czech Republic:
A Czech residence permit is a plastic ID card that contains information about the holder: photo, initials, biometric data. The document also indicates the validity period of the permit and the type of residence permit, based on the approved purpose of immigration – work, study, entrepreneurship, or other. To obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic, the candidate must meet certain legislative requirements and provide a complete dossier.
Legal grounds for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic:
Information about the legal norms for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic is contained in the Act on the Stay of Foreigners. According to this document, an immigrant can apply for a residence permit if they have legal grounds for long-term stay in the state.
Study
A residence permit is issued to students who come to the Czech Republic for the purpose of studying for a period of more than three months. The residence permit is issued for 12 months with the right to renew if the educational process continues under the previously approved conditions. Together with the main dossier, the foreigner submits to the migration service a certificate of enrollment in an educational institution, as well as a document confirming the availability of financial means to pay for education and accommodation in the state. If the student is a minor, the petition is submitted by a parent or guardian. The fee is 105 EUR, the processing time of the document is up to 60 days.
Work
ertain position. The document can be issued to representatives of specialties specified in the central register of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the republic. For an alien worker to obtain a residence permit, they must enter into an employment contract with a local employer for a period of at least three months. The residence permit may be approved if the migrant’s working week exceeds 15 hours and the salary is at least the minimum monthly remuneration in the country (717 EUR in 2023). The document is issued for the period specified in the employment contract, but not more than 2 years. The permit is renewed if the conditions for granting the status are met.
Family reunification
Family members are granted a residence permit on the same terms as the sponsor, but for at least one year. Relatives of permanent residents have the right to apply for a two-year residence permit in the country. The cost of a residence permit is 105 EUR, the application is considered for 270 days or six months if the inviting person is a holder of the EU Blue Card. When submitting documents, candidates must provide proof of their relationship with a resident/citizen of the Czech Republic, and the receiving party must provide evidence of financial means to support relatives (at least 205 EUR per month per family member).
Research
A foreigner immigrating for research purposes at the invitation of a research organization, university, or other specialized institution may obtain a residence permit for a period of one year or more. The main document required to approve the status is a written commitment by the inviting party to cover any employee expenses. The fee is 105 EUR, the processing time for the application is two months.
Investments
Foreigners who are entrepreneurs or co-founders of Czech organizations who intend to invest funds in the development of the company through the purchase of real estate, equipment, or intangible assets have the right to obtain a Czech residence permit. The immigrant must provide a certificate of financial availability, information about the source of income, tax statements confirming the absence of debt obligations, as well as a detailed business plan for planned financial investments. The authorized authorities consider the application for a residence permit for 30 days. The cost of the consular fee is 210 EUR.
Business
Entrepreneurs who have registered a new company or purchased an existing organization on the territory of the Czech Republic may obtain a residence permit. To obtain the status, the entrepreneur must provide the authorized body with registration data, information about the founders, and a certificate confirming the absence of tax and insurance debts of the company. A residence permit is issued for a period of one to two years, with the right to renew. The decision is made within two months, consular fees are 210 EUR.
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic
Documentation
Once the applicant has determined the basis for their move, they must prepare the necessary documents to confirm their identity and the legality of their long-term stay in the country. The documentation process can take several months. At this stage, the foreigner incurs costs associated with the translation and legalization of documents – the authentication of one page is approximately 25 EUR.
Visa issuance
The foreigner must obtain a long-term type D visa by submitting an application to the consular office of the republic abroad or to the migration service department in the Czech Republic. The applicant fills out a special form that can be downloaded from the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or requested from the foreign diplomatic mission of the state. The cost of the service is 42 EUR. A type D visa entitles the holder to obtain a residence permit immediately upon arrival in the Czech Republic.
Residence permit approval
Within 120 days of arriving in the Czech Republic, the foreigner must submit an application for a residence permit to the Department of Residence of Foreigners of the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior. The issuance of a residence permit takes from 30 days. If the authorized authorities approve the request, the applicant receives an email. The residence permit card is issued in the same institution where the application was submitted.
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers
and consultants will work with you to:
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants will work with you to:
- Assess your eligibility for immigration
- Prepare your immigration application
- Navigate the immigration process
We are committed to helping you immigrate successfully.
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