Permit guides
Permanent residence after 5 years: documents checklist
povolení k trvalému pobytu po 5 letech nepřetržitého pobytu, § 68
After 5 years of continuous residence in Czechia. Answer a few short questions. The permit is already chosen.
Step 1 of 4
What is your citizenship?
Your passport country. It decides which permits apply to you and how foreign documents must be verified.
Quick picks
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Documents at a glance
Applying inside Czechia
- Application form for permanent residence (Tiskopis žádosti o vydání povolení k trvalému pobytu – občané třetích zemí) source (opens in a new tab)
- Valid passport (cestovní doklad) source (opens in a new tab)
- Proof of accommodation (doklad o zajištění ubytování) source (opens in a new tab)
- Proof of funds or income (doklad o zajištění prostředků k pobytu na území) source (opens in a new tab)
- Passport photo (fotografie) source (opens in a new tab)
- Czech language exam certificate (doklad o zkoušce z českého jazyka) source (opens in a new tab)
- Parental consent (souhlas rodičů) Only if this applies to you source (opens in a new tab)
- Criminal record extracts from other countries (doklad obdobný výpisu z evidence Rejstříku trestů) Only if the office asks source (opens in a new tab)
- Release of the tax office from confidentiality (prohlášení o zproštění mlčenlivosti finančního úřadu) Only if the office asks source (opens in a new tab)
Applying at an embassy
- Application form for permanent residence (Tiskopis žádosti o vydání povolení k trvalému pobytu – občané třetích zemí) source (opens in a new tab)
- Valid passport (cestovní doklad) source (opens in a new tab)
- Proof of accommodation (doklad o zajištění ubytování) source (opens in a new tab)
- Proof of funds or income (doklad o zajištění prostředků k pobytu na území) source (opens in a new tab)
- Passport photo (fotografie) source (opens in a new tab)
- Czech language exam certificate (doklad o zkoušce z českého jazyka) source (opens in a new tab)
- Parental consent (souhlas rodičů) Only if this applies to you source (opens in a new tab)
- Criminal record extracts from other countries (doklad obdobný výpisu z evidence Rejstříku trestů) Only if the office asks source (opens in a new tab)
- Release of the tax office from confidentiality (prohlášení o zproštění mlčenlivosti finančního úřadu) Only if the office asks source (opens in a new tab)
Fees and processing time
| Case | Fee | Processing time | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applying inside Czechia | 2,500 CZK (1,000 CZK under 15). Paid by payment card only, at the Ministry office. source (opens in a new tab) | 60 days. The time stops while the proceedings are interrupted. | Unlimited. The card is valid 10 years (5 years under 15). |
| Applying at an embassy | 2,500 CZK. Consular fee, paid at the embassy in local currency or by card. source (opens in a new tab) | 180 days. | Unlimited. The card is valid 10 years (5 years under 15). |
How to prepare your application
- Choose your citizenship, the permit and where you apply.
- Collect each document on the list. Check its age, original or copy, translation and apostille.
- Book an appointment or prepare to send the application in time.
- Pay the fee in the way the office accepts.
- After approval, give biometrics and collect your card in time.
Questions and answers
When can I apply for permanent residence?
When you have at least 5 years of continuous residence in Czechia on the day you apply.
Do I need a Czech language exam?
Yes, unless you are exempt: under 15, 60 or older, one school year studied in Czech in the last 20 years, another recognised Czech exam, or a disability that affects communication.
How do I prove my income?
Employees: an employer confirmation of average net monthly earnings for the previous calendar quarter, or payslips for the last 3 months, plus proof that the job continues. Bank statements are not accepted for permanent residence.
How much is the fee?
2,500 CZK (1,000 CZK under 15), paid by payment card at the Ministry office.
How long does it take?
60 days inside Czechia, 180 days at an embassy.
Does the integration course apply to me?
No. The law (§ 155b) requires the course for long-term residence permits and for permanent residence under § 66. Permanent residence after 5 years is § 68.
Sources
- https://ipc.gov.cz/typy-viz-a-pobytu/obcane-tretich-zemi/trvaly-pobyt/povoleni-k-trvalemu-pobytu-po-5-letech-prechodneho-pobytu-v-ceske-republice/
- https://ipc.gov.cz/formulare-a-dokumenty/nalezitosti-dokumenty/formalni-pozadavky-nalezitosti-dokumentu/
- https://ipc.gov.cz/formulare-a-dokumenty/nalezitosti-dokumenty/doklad-o-ubytovani/
- https://ipc.gov.cz/formulare-a-dokumenty/nalezitosti-dokumenty/doklad-o-zajisteni-prostredku-k-pobytu-na-uzemi-finance/
- https://ipc.gov.cz/formulare-a-dokumenty/nalezitosti-dokumenty/fotografie/
- https://ipc.gov.cz/formulare-a-dokumenty/nalezitosti-dokumenty/doklad-o-zkousce-z-ceskeho-jazyka/
- https://ipc.gov.cz/typy-viz-a-pobytu/obcane-tretich-zemi/dlouhodobe-pobyty/povoleni-k-dlouhodobemu-pobytu-za-ucelem-studia/
- https://ipc.gov.cz/formulare-a-dokumenty/nalezitosti-dokumenty/doklad-obdobny-vypisu-z-rejstriku-trestu/
- https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/1999-326
Other permits
- Employee cardzaměstnanecká karta
- EU Blue Cardmodrá karta
- Long-term residence for businessdlouhodobý pobyt za účelem podnikání
- Long-term residence for family reunificationdlouhodobý pobyt za účelem společného soužití rodiny
- Long-term residence for studydlouhodobý pobyt za účelem studia
- Long-term residence extensionprodloužení platnosti povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu
- Registration certificate for EU citizensosvědčení o registraci (potvrzení o přechodném pobytu)
- Residence card for family members of EU citizenspovolení k přechodnému pobytu rodinného příslušníka občana EU (pobytová karta)