Permanent Residence (5-Year Pathway)

To apply for permanent residence (trvalý pobyt), you must submit your application in person at the Ministry of the Interior office (OAMP) responsible for your place of residence. While the Ministry launched a digital immigration platform in January 2026 to streamline the process, you will still need to visit an office for biometric data collection.

Step 1: Verify Your Residency Timeline

Before applying, ensure you have lived in the Czech Republic for at least 5 years of continuous residence.

• Standard permits (Work, Business, Family) count as 100% of the time.
• Student permits count as 50% (e.g., 2 years of study equals 1 year toward your 5-year goal).
• Absences: You must not have been outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months or a total of 10 months across the entire 5-year period.

Step 2: Pass the Czech Language Exam

Unless you are exempt (under 15, over 60, or a former student of a Czech-language school), you must pass a Czech language exam at the A2 level.

• Note: If you apply after April 11, 2026, you will take a modernized version of the exam focused on practical communication.
• Register for the exam at a certified school; you can find more information on the official exam portal.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

All documents must be in Czech or accompanied by a soudně ověřený překlad (certified translation). Documents (except your passport) must not be older than 180 days.

• Application Form: Completed in Czech.
• Passport: Must be valid.
• 2 Photos: Standard passport size (35 x 45 mm).
• Proof of Accommodation: A notarized lease or an "Owner's Confirmation" (Potvrzení o zajištění ubytování).
• Proof of Funds: Documents showing your regular net income meets the living minimums after housing costs are deducted.
• Language Certificate: Your A2 level certificate.

Step 4: Book an Appointment and Submit

Book your submission appointment via the FRS online portal. On the day of your appointment:

1. Bring all original documents and the administrative fee in the form of kolky (revenue stamps).
2. Submit your application to the officer.
3. Provide your biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo).

Step 5: Decision and Card Collection

The Ministry will review your application. If they require more information, they will contact you by mail. Once approved, you will be invited to the office to pick up your biometric residence card. This card is valid for 10 years (5 years for children) and can be renewed indefinitely.

Fees are paid using kolky (revenue stamps), which you can buy at any branch of the Czech Post (Česká pošta).

Item	Cost
Adult Application Fee	2,500 CZK
Child Application Fee (Under 15)	1,000 CZK
Czech Language Exam (A2)	2,500 – 3,500 CZK

Total Estimate: Approximately 5,000 – 6,000 CZK for an adult applicant. Note: This does not include costs for certified translations, notarized lease signatures, or passport-style photos.

The Ministry follows strict legal deadlines, though actual times may vary based on the complexity of your case.

• Standard Processing: The legal deadline is 180 days from the date of submission.
• EU Nationals/Family Members: Usually processed faster, within 60 days.
• Document Validity: Most supporting documents (income, accommodation) are only valid for 180 days from the date of issuance; ensure they are "fresh" when you submit.
• Status Validity: Your permanent residence status is for life, but the physical biometric card must be renewed every 10 years.

If your current visa expires while you are waiting, you can request a překlenovací štítek (bridge label) in your passport to remain legally in the country.