Czech Permanent Residence

Who it's for

Third-country nationals who have lived in Czechia continuously for five years on temporary residence and want settled status, plus specific categories (such as some family members of permanent residents, or applicants on humanitarian and other legally defined grounds) who may qualify sooner or directly.

Requirements

• Five years of continuous residence in Czechia on temporary residence (or a qualifying shorter/direct ground)
• Passing the required Czech language examination (for the standard 5-year route)
• Proof of accommodation and sufficient financial means
• Clean criminal record
• Valid travel document

What you can do

• Live in Czechia on a settled, long-term basis
• Work or run a business with free access to the labour market
• Access public services and benefits close to those of Czech nationals
• Hold long-term-resident-EU status with associated EU mobility rights
• Build toward eligibility for Czech citizenship (separate process)

How to apply

Apply at a Ministry of the Interior office in Czechia. The standard route requires completing the recognised Czech language exam and evidencing the five years of continuous residence.

Biometric data are collected before the permanent residence card is issued.

Documents

• Completed application form
• Valid travel document (passport)
• Passport photograph
• Proof of the required period of continuous residence (or qualifying ground)
• Certificate of the Czech language exam (5-year route)
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means
• Criminal record documents as required