Who qualifies for permanent residency in the Czech Republic?
To qualify for permanent residency in the Czech Republic, a foreigner typically needs to have lived there for at least 5 years. However, there are situations where you can apply before meeting this 5-year requirement.
Who can apply for permanent residency before 5 years?
Humanitarian reasons:
The spouse of a refugee (if the marriage was registered before arriving in the Czech Republic).
A child of a refugee under 18 (if they didn't apply for refugee status).
Former Czech citizens.
Specific cases:
If it serves the interest of the Czech Republic.
Family connections:
Minor children of those holding permanent residency.
If the cancellation of your permanent residency happened less than 3 years ago due to absence from the EU for up to 12 months (or 6 years in some cases).
After 2 years with temporary residency as a family member of an EU national who has permanent residency in the Czech Republic.
How is the time counted for permanent residency?
1 year counts as half if you were out of the Czech Republic for more than 310 days or hold a long-term student visa (D/VC/24 or D/VC/23).
Who doesn’t need to pass the Czech language test?
Children under 15 years old.
People who studied in a Czech school (primary, middle, or university) for at least 1 year.
EU and non-EU family members of permanent residents.
People with disabilities.
Anyone over 60 years old.
Reasons for rejection:
Concerns with state security.
Using fake documents.
Polygamy (you can only reunite with one spouse).
Disrupting public order.
Providing false information in the interview.
Failing to meet long-term stay conditions.
You have active deportation from another EU country.
Reasons for permanent residency cancellation:
You obtain Czech citizenship.
You get deported.
You pass away.
You’re convicted of a crime with a sentence longer than 3 years.
You’re convicted for 3 continuous years.
