IMPORTANT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Permanent residency may be granted mainly for the former Czech citizens or for humanitarian reasons (for example spouse and children of persons who were granted asylum in the Czech Republic).

For information on Permanent Residency Permit for citizens of EU countries (including EEA countries and Switzerland) and their family members and for the family members of the Czech citizens click here.

Applications for permanent residency may be accepted at Czech Embassy or Consulate General that has jurisdiction over the state where the applicant is residing, please follow the link. In some cases, it is possible to apply in the Czech Republic directly (one of the conditions is at least an eight year-long legal stay upon filing the application). The following information is meant only for the applicants applying in the United States.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed and signed Application form for Residence Permit

2. Completed and signed Application form for Czech Visa

• Applicable also for citizens of visa waiver countries, special entrance visa is required in order to obtain a Residence Permit.

3. Passport, valid for at least one more year

4. Four (4) official passport size photographs

5. A document confirming sufficient financial resources for your stay in the Czech Republic:

• Please enclose either an original bank account statement from either a Czech or US bank indicating the present minimum balance at least 12,500.00 USD or equivalent amount in the Czech crowns (proof of ability to use/withdraw funds on the territory of the Czech Republic is required - for example copy of VISA, MASTERCARD etc, is acceptable),
• Or an official confirmation stating that you will be receiving your social security checks or other financial support during your stay in the Czech Republic with the minimum amount of 400.00 USD per month,
• Or an affidavit signed by a Czech citizen that he/she will support you in the Czech Republic during your stay.

6. A document regarding your accommodation in the Czech Republic:

• The original statement of the owner of an apartment stating his/her ability and willingness to provide accommodation for the time of your stay (signature of the owner must be notarized by a Czech Notary).
• In the case of a lease of an apartment/house, the original or a notarized copy of the lease contract.
• In the case of an under lease, the original or a notarized copy of the lease contract and affidavit signed by the owner confirming the under lease (signature must be notarized by a Czech notary).

7. Criminal History Background

• Completed and signed Affidavit, confirming that you have never been charged by indictment and sentenced for a felony of any kind
• Notary Public have to notarize your signature. Affidavit is not required for children fifteen years of age or younger.
• For non-US nationals only: The Criminal History Record from the country of your nationality.
• Additionally, if, during the last three years, you have lived in any country for six months or longer, please contact the Embassy for more information.

8. Document confirming purpose of your request for permanent residency:

• Original or certified copy of the Birth Certificate issued in the Czech Republic
• Certificate of Naturalization as a proof of lost of the Czech citizenship
• Other documents confirming lost of the Czech citizenship
• Asylum approval for the principal applicant

9. A processing fee click here (application for immigrant visa). We will not accept personal checks. Consular fee may change due to the rate of exchange without prior notice!

10. A stamped (pre-paid), self-addressed envelope (Certified or Express Mail). The Consulate is not responsible for any lost or damaged packages.

Which important rules are necessary to follow when applying for the residency permit?

• All documents must be presented in an original or a notarized copy (accepted certifications are from a Czech Notary, Czech Embassy or Czech Consulate).
• All U.S. documents must be presented with an official translation into the Czech language and legalized withthe Apostille.
• A Czech notary must notarize all affidavits and legal documents issued and signed in the Czech Republic.
• Unless otherwise noted (passport, birth or marriage certificate), submitted documents cannot be older than 6 months.
• Please state your mailing address, E-mail and/or your phone/fax number in the U.S. on the application.
• Translations:
• Please note that the Czech Consulate does not provide translation services.

What happens after you send your application to the appropriate office?

• At first, we will make sure that the application is completed properly and all the required documents are enclosed. Incorrectly or insufficiently completed applications will be returned to the applicant. If a supporting document is missing, we will notify the applicant immediately. Completed applications are delivered to the appropriate office of the Czech Ministry of Interior for further processing and our office will return your passport in the provided envelope.
• The Czech Immigration Police will make the final decision up to 180 days and our office will be notified about the result. Additional documents may be also requested.
• If your application is approved, you will be asked to provide your passport once again to the Czech Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain an "immigration" visa. An immigration visa is a special type of visa, which enables foreigners to enter the territory of the Czech Republic for the purpose of receiving a Residence Permit. The immigration visa is valid for 180 days, but you can stay in the Czech Republic using this visa for three days at the most. Within these three days you have to pick up your Residence Permit at the appropriate office of the Ministry of Interior. The Residence Permit is valid for a period of 10 years, and it is possible to extend its validity in the Czech Republic. There is an additional fee in the amount of 1000,- CZK to have the Residence Permit issued in the Czech Republic.