How to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic in 2021

Advantages of the Czech Republic for life

The Czech Republic has a significant number of advantages, thanks to which this country is often chosen as a “second home”. For example, among the Russian-speaking population, the Czech Republic is consistently among the top 5 places to move.

1. High standard of living Despite the fact that the Czech Republic joined the EU only in 2004, living standards in the country are rapidly approaching those of advanced European countries. The Czech government is interested in creating all the conditions for a quality life, which the country does very well.
2. Security The Czech Republic is rightfully recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, something that many other countries cannot boast of. Residents of the Czech Republic obediently comply with the laws, and the level of legal consciousness of the population is at a very high level.
3. Inexpensive cost of living The Czech Republic is an EU country, but prices here are several times lower than in other European countries. This plus affects not only the fact that living in the country is very comfortable, but also indirectly influences obtaining a residence permit, since the applicant will need to prove his worth. The minimum threshold in the Czech Republic is lower compared to other European countries.
4. Ecology, cleanliness The Czech Republic is a very clean country where the environment is given special importance. The population and the Government are working together to improve environmental indicators in the country, carefully taking care of cleanliness in the country. They are great at it.
5. Ease of doing business Business conditions in the Czech Republic are extremely convenient, from the ease of opening a company to low tax rates. For example: The corporate income tax rate in the Czech Republic is only 19%, although a reduced rate also applies.
6. Quality education A student visa is perhaps one of the most popular grounds on which a student applies for a residence permit in the Czech Republic. The level of education in the Czech Republic is extremely high, and a diploma from a Czech university is valued in the EU and the USA. Moreover, higher education in the Czech Republic is free.
7. Relatively simple procedure for obtaining a residence permit Compared to other countries, obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic is relatively simple. If you meet the necessary requirements, in just a couple of months you can obtain a residence permit, which will allow you to apply for permanent residence and citizenship after a while.
8. Free movement within the EU countries Residence permits in the Czech Republic allow you to freely enter and exit other countries of the European Union. However, please note that the maximum period of stay in another country, as a general rule, should not exceed 90 days.

What does a Czech residence permit provide?

Russian or other foreign citizens who have received a residence permit have the opportunity to live for a long period of time in the Czech Republic. They are granted almost all the rights (except for participation in the political life of the country) as the local population. The advantages include:

1. After a certain period of time specified in the legislation, become a Czech citizen.
2. Travel to Schengen countries without a visa.
3. Get an education and work (if the program allows it).
4. Use the services of public medical institutions, deducting a certain amount to the medical fund.
5. Receive benefits for sick leave, maternity leave, and a pension.
6. Apply for a loan from any Czech bank, and preferential rates are possible for citizens of this country.

Children whose parents have received a temporary or permanent residence permit have the right to attend free schools and kindergartens in the republic.

What should you consider before moving to the Czech Republic?

• Unpredictable climate Residents of the Czech Republic do not consider the unpredictability of the climate a minus, but for many visitors to the country it becomes stressful. It is quite difficult to predict the weather in the Czech Republic, but in modern realities, weather services allow you to minimize the risks of getting wet when it suddenly begins to rain.
• Czech language Upon arrival in the country, you should immediately start learning the Czech language, since knowledge of it will be needed for a comfortable stay in the Czech Republic. Especially if you plan to obtain Czech citizenship.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic

Important: To acquire a residence permit in the Czech Republic, you first need to obtain a long-term visa, and then, while already in the Czech Republic on a long-term visa, apply for a residence permit.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic begins with choosing a basis. Each basis has its own characteristics, and therefore we recommend that you seek the help of specialists to get advice on the most profitable and simplest method in your case. GFLO Consultancy is pleased to offer you a free consultation. Write to us if you need our help.

The most popular grounds are:

• Studying Going to university in the Czech Republic is a frequently used reason among the young population.
  As noted above, Czech education is recognized as being of high quality, which attracts potential students from all over the world. Important: To qualify for free education in the Czech Republic, you must have a high level of knowledge of the Czech language, as well as undergo the nostrification procedure. Nostrification is a procedure for recognizing educational documents issued in a foreign country.
• Employment Employment is also an excellent option for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic. It is quite common for qualified specialists to be sent to a branch of a company in the Czech Republic, which allows them to apply for a residence permit.
• Entrepreneurship By establishing a company in the Czech Republic, it is possible to obtain a long-term visa, which gives the right to reside in the Czech Republic. The requirements for obtaining a visa are as follows: you must conduct a real business in the Czech Republic and confirm the availability of sufficient funds for residence and business development.
• Family reunification Marriage with a citizen of the Czech Republic gives the right to apply for a residence permit. A similar rule applies to minor children whose parents permanently reside in the Czech Republic.

Employment in the Czech Republic

If you are a certified specialist and know a foreign language, we will take this into account when selecting a vacancy for you. Send your resume to our email with a description of your wishes, qualifications and skills.

If you prefer a part-time schedule, we suggest working 20-30 hours per week. This is employment for positions not related to cleaning of premises.

List of current vacancies (work in shifts):

• Printing shop worker;
• Worker in a sausage shop;
• Production and quality control of parts;
• Work in factories: automobile plant, foundry, plastic processing plant, metal structures plant.

You can look for work in the Czech Republic on your own, but then you will have to submit documents to our representative every 3 months. Work can be provided both in the capital and in other Czech cities with a high standard of living. The average salary is 1000–1500 € per month. Contact our staff for more information.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic

As noted above, initially a foreign citizen must obtain a long-term visa, which allows him to apply for a residence permit in the future.

Please note: If you have a residence permit in the Czech Republic, a foreigner must stay in the country for at least 183 days a year.

The step-by-step procedure for obtaining a residence permit is as follows:

1. Choice of base;
2. Obtaining a long-term visa;
3. Preparation of documents and submission of an application for a residence permit in the Czech Republic.

Preparation of necessary documents:

• scans of identification documents (foreign and internal passports);
• statement;
• health insurance;
• confirmation of the presence of sufficient funds to live in the Czech Republic in the account;
• certificate of good conduct;
• photos;
• a document confirming the existence of grounds for obtaining a residence permit (for example, a document confirming admission to a university in the Czech Republic).

All documents must be translated into Czech and certified by a notary.

Interesting: Submission of an application as a general rule is carried out at the regional office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic. However, the application can also be submitted at the Czech consulate in the country where the applicant is located.

The processing time for an application for a residence permit takes on average from 2 to 4 months, depending on the chosen basis.

Grounds for obtaining a Czech residence permit

The legislative framework of this country provides for many programs under which foreigners can obtain a temporary residence permit. The basis for registration may be marriage with a Czech citizen, family ties, or employment. But, attracting the attention of Russian citizens are programs related to training for wealthy categories, doing business and for retirees.

Czech Republic residence permit when purchasing real estate

When buying a standard apartment or an expensive cottage in the Czech Republic, foreign citizens should not count on automatically receiving a residence permit. The laws of this country do not provide for granting such a right on this basis. But, of course, owning real estate gives more advantages to obtaining a residence permit in the shortest possible time. After all, this is one of the factors confirming the applicant’s solvency.

Russians who own real estate on Czech soil (regardless of the cost) can easily obtain a Schengen multiple entry visa.

Czech Republic residence permit through business

This program provides several opportunities for wealthy foreigners to obtain a permit:

1. Open a new enterprise. It is allowed to attract Czech investors.
2. Register as a private entrepreneur. Obtaining permission is not difficult; the whole procedure lasts no more than a week. In addition, in the Czech Republic, private enterprises operate under a simplified system - tax reporting is submitted only once a year. The main condition is that your own business must generate at least a minimum income that covers monthly expenses in the amount of CZK 3,500 per family member.
3. Purchase a functioning and income-generating company/enterprise.

Upon first application, foreign citizens are issued a residence permit for 6 months. Upon expiration of the period, it is subject to extension. The main criterion for this is business profitability and timely payment of taxes. If all factors are met, the residence permit is already issued for a longer period - a maximum of 2 years.

Czech Republic residence permit for students

One of the most accessible ways to obtain a Czech residence permit for the category of Russians from 18 to 26 years old. The first thing you need to do is enroll in one of the accredited universities in the country. Training is conducted in two languages: state and English. When enrolling in a course with Czech as the language of instruction, you have the opportunity to study for free.

After receiving an official letter of acceptance to the university, the applicant applies to the Consulate for a long-term student visa. A Russian citizen gets the opportunity to obtain a residence permit only after successfully completing 1 course.

The main advantages of this program include:

• obtaining a decent European education;
• it is not necessary to purchase a social insurance policy;
• there is no prohibition on carrying out labor activities;
• possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit.

After the five-year period, there is a real opportunity to become a citizen.

Czech Republic residence permit for pensioners

Czech legislation does not provide for special programs for this category of foreign citizens. Russian pensioners can obtain a residence permit under general conditions. The most accessible programs for this category of foreigners are considered to be: moving to relatives who have Czech citizenship, or starting their own business in the Czech Republic.

How can we help?

• We will provide free legal advice on the most advantageous basis for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic;
• we will register a company in the Czech Republic if you choose the basis of 'entrepreneurship';
• We will help you fill out forms and guide you through the necessary documents;
• We will take charge of communication with migration authorities;
• We will give practical advice on how to successfully pass an interview;
• We will help with moving to the Czech Republic, including finding housing;
• We will answer all questions during the process.

Write to us if you need help.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Question No. 1. What are the conditions for a foreigner to stay in the Czech Republic?

According to the laws of the Czech Republic, the basis for residence in the country for a period of up to three months is the acquisition of a short-term visa, which is issued for a period of up to six months.

In a situation where the period of stay in the Czech Republic is more than 90 days, then it is necessary to apply for a “D” visa (long-term).

The maximum validity period is 180 days, and you can enter an unlimited number of times.

Question No. 2. What does a residence permit in the Czech Republic give?

The residence permit gives:

• Free visit to the Schengen countries for a short period of time (up to 90 days within six months).
• Opportunity for employment, study and doing business in the Republic.
• The right to purchase real estate in Europe at an affordable price.
• The quality-price ratio for goods and services in this country is more attractive than in some European countries.
• The Czech Republic has a low crime rate and a rich cultural heritage.