Who can get Czech citizenship?
The Ministry of Interior can grant Czech citizenship to a person who is:
1. Integrated into Czech society through:
Family;
Work;
Social connections.
2. Has permanent residency in the Czech Republic.
To get permanent residency here, foreigners need to have lived in the Czech Republic for at least 5 consecutive years. For those foreigners who stay here on the temporary residency of a close family member of an EU citizen, it is 2 consecutive years (where they must have been a close family member for at least 1 year).
Close family members are for example married couples, registered partners, children and parents.
There are some possible exemptions from this rule, such as: being born in the Czech Republic, at least one of the parents being a Czech citizen, a spouse or registered partner being a Czech citizen, being adopted by a Czech citizen after reaching adulthood, and others.
3. Has fiscal residency in the Czech Republic
The applicant needs to prove they have been living in the Czech Republic for at least half of the duration of their permanent residency while the consecutive duration of their absence cannot exceed 2 months unless it was for grave reasons such as pregnancy, serious illness, study, or work purposes.
There are some possible exemptions from this rule as well: The applicant has a permanent residency in the Czech Republic and their spouse or partner that lives with them in the same household is a Czech citizen OR the applicant is under 18 years of age
4. Has to prove Czech language proficiency
To obtain Czech citizenship, applicants must prove their Czech language proficiency at a B1 level.
You do not have to take this test if you :
Studied at least 3 years of primary school, high school, or university with the language of the course being Czech
Are younger than 15 years old or older than 65 years old
Have successfully taken the maturity exam in the Czech language, or have a Czech language certificate from ALTE association on the level B1 or higher
5. Has to prove knowledge of Czech traditions
The proof of the Czech constitutional system and general cultural, historical, geographical, and societal realities of the Czech Republic. This is done through an exam.
You do not have to take this test if you :
Studied at least 3 years of primary school, high school, or university with the language of the course being Czech
Are younger than 15 years old or older than 65 years old
6. Has not in the last 3 years violated law regulations
To obtain Czech citizenship, the applicant must not have violated any laws related to taxes, social security, migration regulations, health insurance, customs, or other legal obligations in the last three years.
7. Has to present income information for the past 3 years
You should provide proof of income for the last 3 years. Income can be from employment or business or any private income that is declared with the Czech tax office for last 3 years
8. Shouldn't be dependent on the social support system
To obtain Czech citizenship, applicants cannot be dependent on the social support system of the Czech Republic unless there are serious and justified reasons.
Where can I get Czech citizenship?
You must personally submit your Czech citizenship application at the regional office (krajský úřad) responsible for your permanent address, or at the municipal district office of Prague 1 to 22 if you live in Prague. Keep in mind the Ministry of Interior can invite you for an interview before they decide.
What do I have to bring with me?
Birth certificate;
Marriage certificate or divorce documents;
Criminal clearance report;
Curriculum vitae in the Czech language including proofs and information about living in the Czech Republic (your work contracts, accommodation contracts, etc.);
Proof of proficiency in the Czech language;
Confirmation of study (if relevant).
Documents issued by a different country need to be apostilled and translated by an official translator.
How much is it going to cost me?
You will have to pay 2000,- CZK if you get granted Czech citizenship (if you are a legal adult; 500,- CZK if the applicant is under 18 years old). In special cases, the Ministry of Interior may lower these costs.
Czech Citizenship Application Processing Time
The process of applying for Czech citizenship typically involves two main stages:
- Regional Office (Krajský Úřad) Submission: After you submit your application to the relevant regional office, they have 30 days to forward it to the Ministry of the Interior.
- Ministry of the Interior Review: Once the Ministry of the Interior receives your application, they have up to 180 days (6 months) to make a decision regarding your citizenship.
The decision will be sent by post to your residential address. Keep in mind that additional documents or clarification may extend the timeline. Also, ensure you meet all the requirements, such as proving B1-level Czech language proficiency, a clean legal record, and not depending on the Czech social support system without valid reasons.
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