Obtaining a Czech passport

Czech citizenship can be obtained by birth, adoption, descent or naturalization in case of continuous residence in the territory of the country for at least 10 years and integration into society. For some categories of applicants, such as spouses of Czechs, the required period of residence is reduced to 7 years. The key document defining the requirements for applicants, the procedure and conditions for obtaining citizenship of the Czech Republic is the Citizenship Act No. 186/2013.

The Czech Republic is popular among immigrants who want to move to a country with a high standard of living (14th place in Europe), a stable economy, and opportunities for professional growth. The passport of the Republic allows you to enjoy all the advantages of EU citizenship, including traveling without a visa, the right to choose among 27 states of association a country to work, study, do business. Further you will learn about the process, conditions of acquiring Czech citizenship and possible alternatives.

Advantages of Czech citizenship

Obtaining a Czech passport allows you to expand your range of rights and opportunities even compared to permanent residents of the country. Among the key benefits of citizenship are:

1. diplomatic and consular assistance of the Republic, as well as the protection of other EU states, should it be needed while abroad;
2. permission to vote and stand for election;
3. travel to more than 160 visa-free countries;
4. the right to reside, do business, and work in any state without additional permits;
5. the opportunity to receive quality education (free of charge in the Czech language) that complies with European standards, and to have priority in entering a higher education institution over non-EU residents;
6. access to state support programs and social benefits, including medical care, pensions, educational subsidies;
7. the possibility to inherit the status and use simplified procedures for obtaining a Czech passport for family members.

Also, holders of citizenship of the republic cannot face refusal to enter the territory of the country and be deported.

According to feedback from immigrants who have obtained a passport in the Czech Republic, the main disadvantage of naturalization is its duration, so it is worth considering alternative options for moving to Europe. During a free consultation with international law specialists, you will be provided with an individualized solution to quickly acquire EU citizenship, taking into account your preferences and specific situation.

Main ways of obtaining a Czech passport

Foreigners wishing to immigrate to the Czech Republic and become its full citizens can achieve this in different ways: through naturalization, marriage to a local passport holder and repatriation.

Naturalization

To become a citizen of the Czech Republic by standard naturalization, one must have lived in the country for 10 years, as well as integrate into society by demonstrating knowledge of culture, history, the constitution of the republic and the national language. Among the most common grounds for obtaining a residence permit and subsequently a Czech passport are:

1. Work. In order to work in the republic, a work permit must be obtained before entering its territory. The application is submitted by the Czech employer to the Bureau of Labor with the submission of the employment contract concluded with the foreigner and proof of qualification or compliance with the requirements of the regulated profession (lawyer, teacher, etc.). On the basis of the permit, the foreigner receives a visa with the right to apply for a residence permit, which is confirmed upon arrival in the country. The residence permit is issued for a period of up to 2 years with the possibility of extension. Citizenship can be issued after 10 years of residence in the Czech Republic.
2. Highly qualified professional activity. A residence permit for highly qualified professional activity in the Czech Republic (EU Blue Card) can be obtained on the basis of an employment contract with a validity period of 12 months or more and a guaranteed annual salary of at least 15,220 EUR. It is also necessary to have a specialized education diploma and medical insurance. The permit is issued for a maximum of 3 years with the possibility of extension for a similar period. After 5 years the holder of the EU Blue Card can obtain a permanent residence permit, and further - apply for citizenship in the framework of standard naturalization.
3. Family reunification. A foreigner who is a resident of the Czech Republic may apply for a residence permit for his/her family members (spouse, children, including dependent adults, other relatives in his/her care) at the Ministry of the Interior office. The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 2 years with the possibility of extension (5 years for relatives of permanent residents). To submit a request, the receiving party must prove family ties, have suitable housing and sufficient funds to support themselves and their relatives. The status of the application can be checked on the website of the MOI portal for foreigners.
4. Marriage. Marriage to a Czech citizen does not qualify for the simplified citizenship procedure. Foreign spouses of Czechs have the opportunity to obtain a passport through standard naturalization, provided they have lived in the country for 5 years with a permanent residence permit and meet other legal requirements, including knowledge of the state language. A residence permit is issued as part of family reunification. In this case, the residence permit is issued immediately for 3 or 5 years, and for close family members of EU citizens it is possible to obtain a residence permit after 2 years of continuous residence in the country.
5. Study. The prerequisite for a student residence permit, which is issued for a maximum of 2 years, is a certificate of enrollment in an educational institution. It is also necessary to confirm the availability of funds for staying in the territory of the Republic, housing, documents on absence of criminal record and parental consent (if the applicant has not reached the age of majority). The permit can be extended for a maximum of 2 years or until the completion of studies. It should be taken into account that only half of the time spent in the Czech Republic with a student residence permit is counted when applying for a residence permit.
6. Scientific research. A residence permit for scientific research is valid for up to 2 years and can be extended for the same period of time. The main condition for the permit is a cooperation agreement concluded with an accredited organization. The receiving party also undertakes to cover all expenses related to the foreigner's stay in the Czech Republic, if they arise after the expiry of the residence permit.
7. Running a business. In order to carry out business activities in the territory of the Republic, foreigners must obtain a business visa, which is valid for up to one year. After entering the country, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit by providing proof of registration in the commercial or trade register as a self-employed person. The document is issued for a maximum of 2 years with the possibility of repeated extensions for similar periods.
8. Job search or starting a business. Immigrants who have completed an accredited study program in the Czech Republic and wish to find a job or start a business can obtain a residence permit valid for 9 months without the right of extension. The applicant must prove sufficient financial means and housing (rented or own), health insurance, no criminal record. After finding a job or starting a business in the Czech Republic, it is possible to request a new residence permit by changing the basis.

Investments

A residence permit is available for investments in the Czech Republic in the amount of CZK 75,000,000 (approx. EUR 2,984,437) and the creation of at least 20 new working places for EU citizens and their family members. Part of the investment may include not only financial means, but also other assets, including intangible ones.

The request for a residence permit is submitted at the Czech consulate by appointment, and after arrival in the country the permit is confirmed in person at the Ministry of the Interior. The status of the case is checked online on the website of the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy. The residence permit is valid for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension for a similar period an unlimited number of times. Investors can apply for citizenship by standard naturalization after 10 years of residence on the territory of the state.

Repatriation

A simplified citizenship procedure is available to residents of the former Czechoslovakia and their direct descendants who do not hold a Slovak passport. The main condition for repatriation is proof of origin. If the application is made by descendants of former citizens of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (ČSSR), documents proving family ties must be presented.

Citizenship can be applied for at a consulate abroad or at a regional office of the Czech Ministry of the Interior with the payment of a fee (20 EUR). It is also possible to send documents by mail. The repatriate is not obliged to meet the requirements for residence in the state, as in the case of naturalization, to take tests for knowledge of the language and culture of the republic.

Requirements and procedure for obtaining a Czech passport

Acquisition of Czech citizenship is done by submitting a personal application, substantiated, signed and dated. In case of standard naturalization, it is necessary to collect a dossier, which includes the following documents:

1. сivil status certificates (birth, marriage/divorce/death of spouse, other);
2. certificate of absence of criminal record issued by your state not later than 6 months ago;
3. free-form autobiography containing information about your residence in the territory of the Republic, family and social life, income-generating activities;
4. proof of passing a test of knowledge of the state language and country specifics (constitutional system, culture, history, geography) or education received in the Czech Republic for at least 3 years;
5. proof of absence of debts in the customs or tax registry (document is valid for 30 days);
6. current residence permit for the Czech Republic;
7. proof of income (employment contract, pension certificate, etc.).

Depending on the grounds, additional information may be required, such as proof of employment or education diploma, report cards and others. Documents issued by foreign authorities must be translated into Czech and apostilled. Spouses can apply for citizenship jointly, it is also possible to include minor children in the application.

In order to obtain a Czech passport through naturalization, the following steps must be completed:

1. Issuance of a long-term D visa. To enter the Czech Republic and stay more than 90 days, it is necessary to apply for a visa by applying to the embassy of the Republic abroad. The main condition for the issuance of the document is the justification of the purpose of immigration. It is also necessary to submit a passport, a photo of 35 × 45 mm, a certificate of no criminal record, proof of housing and means to stay in the country, a receipt of payment of the fee (99 EUR). The visa for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit is valid for 6 months.
2. Obtaining a residence permit. Upon arrival in the Czech Republic, a foreigner is obliged to register within 30 days by applying to the Ministry of Interior and to obtain a residence permit. In order to obtain a residence permit, it is necessary to confirm the legality of stay in the country by presenting a visa and paying a fee (99 EUR). The request is considered within 60 days. If the request is approved, the applicant submits biometric data and receives a residence permit card. The term of validity of the residence permit is a maximum of 2 years with the possibility of extension if the conditions of the initial permit are maintained.
3. Registration of permanent residence. After continuous and legal residence in the territory of the country for at least 5 years, it is possible to apply for the status of permanent resident. The conditions for granting a permanent residence permit are knowledge of the Czech language, absence of criminal record, proof of sufficient income and housing (own or rented). Depending on the grounds for immigration, additional documents may be required. The application is submitted in person at the office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic with the payment of a fee (99 EUR). The permanent resident status is valid indefinitely, and the document must be renewed every 10 years.
4. Obtaining citizenship. After 10 years of residence in the country, it is possible to apply for citizenship by applying in person to the regional office of the Czech Ministry of Interior and paying a fee (80 EUR). The applicant must demonstrate sufficient income and housing, knowledge of the Czech language, no serious criminal record and no debts to the state. Also, the period of absence from the Czech Republic cannot exceed 2 months (up to 6 months for a valid reason). The case is considered for about 7 months. In case of a positive decision, the applicant receives a certificate of Czech citizenship at the swearing-in ceremony.
5. Passport and ID-card issuance. Within 60 days after obtaining Czech citizenship, it is necessary to apply for an ID-card, which is issued on the basis of a birth certificate, proof of naturalization, identity card. The document can be issued at the regional offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by submitting biometric data and paying a fee (from 10 EUR). On the basis of ID-card you can get a passport. The application must be submitted in person to a regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or a consulate of the Republic abroad, after paying the fee (from 24 EUR) and submitting biometric data. A passport is needed only for traveling outside the country.

Obtaining Czech citizenship through naturalization in most cases requires 10 years of residence in the territory of the state. However, you can speed up the process leading to an EU passport by using the simplified immigration method. Repatriation programs in a number of countries allow you to legally obtain European citizenship in 4-14 months. Experienced lawyers will offer you the best plan for obtaining an EU passport and provide professional support at every stage. Learn all about simplified immigration programs during a consultation with international law specialists.

How much time and money it takes to obtain a Czech passport

Acquiring Czech citizenship is a lengthy process that requires a lot of time and significant financial investment. In addition to administrative fees, a significant part of the costs is spent on accommodation and living expenses. In 2025, the estimated costs per person in the Czech Republic will be 760 EUR per month. Renting a one-room apartment will cost at least 593 EUR.

Depending on the basis, it is necessary to collect a dossier, translate and legalize documents (the cost of one apostille - from 15 EUR), as well as take a Czech language test (127 EUR). The following is a comparative overview of the time and administrative costs of different options of acquiring citizenship of the Czech Republic.

1. Repatriation: no residency required, processing cost — 54 EUR.
2. Standard naturalization: minimum residency requirement — 10 years, processing cost — 610 EUR.
3. Investment: minimum residency requirement — 10 years, processing cost — 610 EUR.
4. Marriage to a Czech citizen: minimum residency requirement — 7 years, processing cost — 410 EUR.

The overview only takes into account the application fees (visa, residence permit and permanent residence, citizenship, ID-card, passport), so the total amount will be much higher. In addition, investors planning to move to the Czech Republic should invest about 3 000 000 EUR in the economy of the country, which is the most serious item of financial expenses.

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What doesn't work: how you can't get a Czech passport

Obtaining Czech citizenship, regardless of the basis, involves meeting certain requirements and going through standard procedures. Getting acquainted with the reviews of immigrants who have obtained status in the republic, you can encounter a number of misconceptions about the ways of acquiring a second passport and opportunities to bypass the rules to achieve success. Let's take a look at some of the most common myths about obtaining Czech citizenship:

1. Fictitious marriage to a Czech citizen. Marriage to a Czech citizen, even a genuine one, makes it easier to obtain a residence permit, but it does not allow you to automatically become a passport holder of a given EU country. Moreover, each case is checked individually by the authorities - it is necessary to provide evidence that the relationship is not fictitious. If false information is found and attempts to conclude a union for the purpose of acquiring citizenship are found, both parties will be subject to administrative and/or criminal penalties, and the foreigner will be deported from the Czech Republic with a ban on further entry.
2. A Czech passport can be obtained through the birth of a child in the Czech Republic. Unlike most Latin American countries and the United States, the Czech Republic does not recognize the principle of “jus soli” (“right of the soil”). According to the law, citizenship is acquired by a child only if at least one of its parents is Czech. The place of birth does not affect the possibility of obtaining status in the Republic.
3. Investments in the economy of the Republic to obtain a Czech passport. In all EU countries there is no program of acquiring citizenship for investments. Investments in the economy of the state are the basis for obtaining residence permit and permanent residence. In order to obtain citizenship, investors must stay in the Czech Republic for 10 years, know the state language and demonstrate integration into society by standard naturalization. In addition, the country has one of the highest thresholds for financial investments for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit.
4. A passport can be purchased. The misconception that it is possible to buy a Czech national document arises from the offers of fraudsters who promise citizenship in exchange for money. However, a passport can only be obtained if official migration procedures are followed. An attempt to buy citizenship of any EU country leads to administrative and criminal liability, deportation and further ban on entry into the country.

Providing false information or concealing information for the purpose of illegally acquiring a Czech passport is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 EUR. Any attempts to circumvent the legislation may result in revocation of status and confiscation of illegal documents.

The path to obtaining a Czech passport requires precise adherence to established immigration procedures and knowledge of current legislation, which specialists possess. International legislation lawyers can help you to choose a relocation program that suits your goals and preferences. With simplified immigration procedures, the process of obtaining an EU passport is reduced to 4-14 months. Learn all the details of alternative options for acquiring European citizenship during a free consultation with immigration specialists.

Dual citizenship in the Czech Republic: whether it is allowed to hold more than one passport

The legislation of the Czech Republic since 2014 allows for dual and second citizenship. Thus, naturalized foreigners are not obliged to renounce the passports of their countries of origin. It is worth considering that some states do not allow the presence of a second citizenship, so it is recommended to clarify this point before starting the immigration process. In particular, after going through the naturalization procedure in the Czech Republic, you may lose your status in Austria and the Netherlands.

It is important to understand the difference between second and dual citizenship. In the first case, it is the possession of two national documents, each of which is recognized by only one state. Dual citizenship, on the other hand, is a legal status that arises when there is an agreement between countries. Bipatrides, unlike holders of several passports, can choose the place of military service and tax residency, receive social benefits in both states. It should be taken into account that the Czech Republic has not concluded agreements on dual citizenship with any state.

Where it is faster and easier to obtain a second passport: an overview of alternatives

One of the best solutions for foreigners wishing to access all the rights and opportunities in the European Union is to obtain citizenship of one of the EU countries, not necessarily the Czech Republic. Holders of a European passport can live and work in any state of the association, so it is worth considering available simplified programs that allow you to obtain citizenship much faster than the standard naturalization, which takes 10 years in the Czech Republic.

In particular, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Romania offer citizenship on condition of ethnic or territorial affiliation to a country or people. Our lawyers will help you gather the necessary documents and ensure compliance with all legal regulations - with their assistance you can become a European passport holder in as little as 4-14 months. You can learn more about this during a free consultation - fill out the form right now.