Asylum and Subsidiary Protection

Applying for international protection in the Czech Republic is a process that must be completed entirely in person within Czech territory. You cannot apply from abroad or at a Czech embassy. The process is governed by the Odbor azylové a migrační politiky (Department for Asylum and Migration Policy, or OAMP).

Step 1: Declaration of Intent

You must first declare your intention to seek international protection to the authorities. This is a verbal or written statement made to:

• The Alien Police at any border crossing or airport.
• A designated Reception Centre (Přijímací středisko), such as those in Zastávka u Brna or at the Prague-Ruzyně airport.
• The police at an Alien Detention Centre if you are already being held there.

Step 2: Formal Application and Biometrics

Within 24 hours of your initial declaration, you must report to a designated reception center to file your formal application. During this visit:

• Authorities will take your fingerprints and photographs.
• You must surrender your original travel documents (passport or ID) to the Ministry for the duration of the process.
• You will undergo a mandatory medical examination to ensure you do not pose a public health risk.
• Under 2026 rules, authorities may request access to your mobile phone to verify your identity and travel route.

Step 3: The Interview

You will be invited to one or more interviews with an OAMP officer. A free interpreter will be provided to ensure you can speak in a language you understand. You must explain in detail why you are seeking protection. Be prepared to provide:

• Evidence of persecution (documents, photos, or reports).
• Specific details regarding risks you face in your home country.
• Information regarding your journey to the Czech Republic (to determine if the Dublin System applies, which may require you to apply in the first EU country you entered).

Step 4: Residence During the Procedure

After the initial processing, you will likely be moved to an Accommodation Centre (Pobytové středisko). You will receive an Applicant Identification Card, which serves as your legal ID in the Czech Republic while you wait for a decision. Note that you generally cannot work for the first 6 months of the application process.

Step 5: Receiving the Decision

You must pick up your decision in person at the designated Ministry office. If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal to the Regional Court (Krajský soud).

There are no administrative fees for the asylum or subsidiary protection application process. The state provides basic necessities for those staying in state facilities.

Item	Cost
Application Fee	0 CZK
Legal Aid (NGOs/State)	Free
Interpretation Services	Free
Medical Examination	Free
Biometrics and ID Card	Free

Total Estimate: 0 CZK. Does not include: Private legal representation (if you choose not to use free services), independent translations of personal documents not provided by the state, or personal living expenses if you choose to live outside of state accommodation centers.

The time it takes to receive a decision depends on the complexity of your case and the current backlog at the Ministry.

• Standard Procedure: The Ministry is legally required to issue a decision within 90 days, though complex cases frequently take 6 to 12 months.
• Fast-Track Procedure: If an application is deemed "manifestly unfounded" (e.g., coming from a safe country of origin), a decision is typically issued within 30 days.
• Document Validity: Your Applicant Identification Card is usually valid for 3 to 6 months and must be renewed regularly until a final decision is reached.
• Appeals: If you appeal a negative decision, the court process can add several months or years to the total timeline. Under 2026 rules, courts must prioritize cases involving individuals with criminal convictions.