Permanent Residence Permit without Previous Residence in the Czech Republic

GENERAL INFO

TO APPLY IN CZECHIA

TO APPLY FROM OUTSIDE CZECHIA

EXTENSION

The Ministry of the Interior issues a permanent residence permit without meeting the requirement of previous continuous residence in the Czech Republic to those third countries citizens who apply for it and meet the requirements stipulated by law.


In what cases can you apply for a permanent residence permit without meeting the requirement of previous continuous residence?

You can apply for a permanent residence permit without meeting the requirement of previous continuous residence:

  1. on humanitarian grounds – especially as a spouse or a child of a foreigner with granted asylum, or if you were previously a citizen of the Czech Republic;
  2. for reasons of special consideration,
  3. if your residence is in the interest of the Czech Republic,
  4. as a minor child of a foreigner residing in the Czech Republic with a permanent residence permit if family reunification of these foreigners in the Czech Republic is the case.


How long is a permanent residence permit valid for?

The permanent residence permit’s validity is not limited in time, only the permit document’s validity is. A permanent residence permit document is issued for 10 years, in the case of foreign nationals under 15 years of age for 5 years. The validity of the document can be extended repeatedly.


What does a permanent residence permit look like?


What obligations does this residence permit mean?

If you hold a permanent residence permit, you must follow the obligations for foreigners stipulated by law.


What does this residence permit enable you to do?

If you hold a valid residence permit, you can leave and re-enter the Czech Republic repeatedly. You can also travel within the Schengen Area without a visa.

As permanent residence permit holders, you also have free access to the labour market, access to the public medical insurance and a right to social welfare benefits. If you meet the requirements laid down in the Pension Act, you can also receive a retirement pension.