Family Reunification Residence Permit

The Czech Republic has modernized its immigration system with the Foreigners Information System (FIS). You must now submit your application through a digital workflow. Before you begin, check if your "sponsor" (the family member already in Czechia) has lived there for at least 15 months. If they have not reached this mark, you should apply for a Long-Term Visa (Type D) for family purposes instead, as the Long-Term Residence Permit requires this waiting period.

Step 1: Create your Foreigner Account

Visit the Foreigners Information System (FIS) portal to create your secure Foreigner Account. This is your digital hub where you will upload documents, receive notifications, and track your application status. Ensure the email address you use is one you check daily, as the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) will send "Requests to Supplement" (notices for missing documents) here with strict 10–15 day deadlines.

Step 2: Prepare and Translate Documents

Gather all required paperwork. Every document not originally in Czech must be translated by an official translator. Documents issued outside of Czechia must also be apostilled or legalized (verified for international use). You will need:

• Proof of Relationship: Your marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of dependency.
• Proof of Funds: You must show you have approximately 120,000 CZK (half for children) or that your sponsor’s monthly net income covers the "subsistence minimum" plus housing costs.
• Proof of Accommodation: A lease or a Doklad o zajištění ubytování (Proof of Accommodation form) signed by your landlord. The landlord's signature must be notarized.
• Criminal Record Extract: From your home country and any country where you lived for more than 6 months in the last 3 years.
• Health Insurance: You must purchase comprehensive insurance from Pojišťovna VZP (PVZP) or another authorized provider, with coverage of at least EUR 60,000.

Step 3: Submit the Digital Application

Complete the application form within your Foreigner Account and upload the digital copies of your documents. Once submitted, you will pay the administrative fee through the portal.

Step 4: Consular Interview and Biometrics

If you are applying from outside the Czech Republic, you must schedule an appointment at the nearest Czech Embassy or Consulate. You will present your original documents, participate in a brief interview, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

Step 5: Travel and Final Biometrics

Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Czechia to collect your permit. Within 3 business days of arriving in the country, you must visit an MOI office to provide your final biometric data. You will then be issued your residence card, which grants you free access to the labor market, meaning you can work anywhere in Czechia without a separate work permit.

Total Estimate: Approximately 23,000–33,000 CZK per adult. Note: This does not include costs for official translations, notarization of signatures, apostilles, or travel expenses to the embassy.

• Standard Statutory Limit: The Ministry has up to 270 days (approx. 9 months) to make a decision.
• Reunification with Blue Card Holders: The processing limit is reduced to 180 days.
• Digital Target: Under the new FIS system, the Ministry aims to process first-time permits within 60 days, though you should prepare for the full statutory period.
• Document Validity: Most supporting documents (like bank statements or criminal records) must not be older than 180 days at the time of submission. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended stay.