Permanent Residence on Humanitarian Grounds (Section 66)

This pathway allows you to obtain permanent residence immediately without the standard five-year waiting period. You can apply either from within the Czech Republic or at a diplomatic mission abroad, depending on your current legal status.

Applying within the Czech Republic

You may apply in person at a Ministry of the Interior (MOI) office if you are currently staying in the country under a visa-free regime, a short-term visa, or any long-term visa or residence permit.

1. Book an Appointment: Use the online reservation system to schedule a slot at the Odbor azylové a migrační politiky (Department for Asylum and Migration Policy).
2. Submit the Application: Bring your completed purple application form and all supporting documents to the appointment. You will pay the administrative fee at this time using kolek (revenue stamps), which can be purchased at any post office.
3. Track Your Status: You will receive a reference number to monitor your application's progress on the official status portal.
4. Provide Biometrics: Once approved, the MOI will invite you to a separate appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
5. Collect Your Card: You must return to the office to collect your biometric residence card within 60 days of your biometric appointment.

Applying from Abroad

If you are outside the Czech Republic, you must apply through a diplomatic mission.

1. Locate your Embassy: Find the Czech diplomatic mission responsible for your country of origin or residence and schedule an application appointment.
2. Submit Documents: Present your application and original documents. The embassy will forward your file to the MOI in the Czech Republic for a decision.
3. Receive Entry Visa: If approved, the embassy will issue a D/VR (a special visa for the purpose of collecting a residence permit).
4. Report to the MOI: Within 3 days of arriving in the Czech Republic, you must visit an MOI office to register your arrival and begin the biometric process described in the "In-Country" steps above.

Fees are generally paid via revenue stamps (kolek) when applying inside the Czech Republic, or in cash/card at an embassy.

Item	Cost
Adult Application Fee	CZK 2,500 (approx. €100)
Child Application Fee (Under 15)	CZK 1,000

Total Estimate: Approximately CZK 2,500 per adult. Note: This does not include costs for official translations, notarization of lease agreements, Apostille/legalization of foreign documents, or the mandatory Adaptation-Integration Course (approx. CZK 1,500).

The time it takes to receive your permit depends on where you submit your file and the complexity of your humanitarian grounds.

• In-Country Applications: The legal processing limit is 60 days.
• Consular Applications (Abroad): The legal processing limit is 180 days.
• Document Validity: Supporting documents (such as proof of funds or criminal record extracts) must not be older than 180 days at the time of submission, except for travel documents and birth/marriage certificates.
• Residence Card Validity: Once issued, the physical card is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 15. It can be renewed indefinitely.
• Integration Requirement: You must complete a mandatory 8-hour Adaptation-Integration Course within 1 year of receiving your residence card.