This residence permit can be obtained if you are a family member of an EU citizen and plan to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days. The application must be submitted exclusively within the territory of the Czech Republic, and the applicant may stay there until the Ministry of the Interior issues a decision. Furthermore, close family members of EU citizens are eligible for residence more easily than extended family members.

Family members are divided into:

• Close family members: Spouses, registered partners, parents or descendants under 21 years of age, or those dependent on maintenance or care.

• Extended family members: Other relatives, unmarried partners in a permanent relationship, or those dependent on maintenance, care, or living in a shared household.

Validity of the residence card:

3–5 years

Rights and benefits:

• Free access to the labor market without additional permits, including the right to work while waiting for the application to be approved.

• The ability to travel within the Schengen Area without a visa and to leave and re-enter the Czech Republic repeatedly.

Submitting the application:

In person at a branch of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

Deadline:

No later than 3 months after entering the Czech Republic, the expiration of a previous permit, or the moment you become a close family member of an EU citizen.

Legal status during the process:

You are legally residing in the Czech Republic while your application is being processed, even if your visa or previous permit expires in the meantime.

Fee:

200 CZK

Processing time:

Up to 60 days, unless the proceedings are suspended or a legal reason for an extension exists.

Documents required

Close family member must provide:

• Completed application form – available on the Ministry of the Interior’s website

• Travel document

• Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)

• Proof of accommodation (e.g., lease agreement or accommodation confirmation)

• Health insurance

• Proof of the EU citizen relative’s residence (not required for Czech citizens or EU citizens with a registration certificate or permanent residence)

• Two photographs

Extended family member additionally needs to provide:

• Proof of financial means

• Possible additional requirements:

  • Health clearance certificate

  • Criminal record extract or equivalent document

Document requirements:

• Documents must be originals or officially certified copies

• Documents must be no older than 180 days (exceptions include birth certificates, etc.)

• Documents in a language other than Czech/Slovak must be accompanied by an official certified translation into Czech.

• Documents from some foreign countries may require an apostille or superlegalization

Appointment reservation:

Schedule your application appointment in advance online or by phone.

Extension of residence permit card:

You may apply for an extension repeatedly if you plan to continue residing in the Czech Republic and remain a family member of an EU citizen. Applications can be submitted in person at the Ministry of the Interior, by mail, via data box, by email with an electronic signature, or through an authorized representative.

From my experience, clients most often need help with how to demonstrate sufficient regular income, how to prove a relationship with an unmarried partner, or have questions about health insurance. If you decide to contact me, I will be happy to answer all your questions.