Permanent Residence Application for Third-Country Nationals
Žádost o povolení k trvalému pobytu — občané třetích zemí
Application for permanent residence in the Czech Republic for non-EU nationals. Typically requires 5 years of continuous legal stay.
Explained step by step in Permanent Residence in the Czech Republic: Complete 2026 Guide
What to do next
Check this is the right form
After 5 years of continuous legal stay in CZ (or after 2 years for certain humanitarian cases). This is the major milestone on the path to Czech citizenship.Download the official form
Gather what to attach
8 documents go with this form.Fill it in
29 fields explained in plain English. Fill them in your browser, then copy your answers onto the official form.Submit it
Regional MoI office (OAMP).
At a glance
You (the applicant)
2,500 CZK (application submission in the Czech Republic)
180 days. It is 60 days only for the narrower routes — a § 66 application filed in the Czech Republic rather than at an embassy, and the EU citizen and EU family member routes (§ 169t(6)(h))
Download Official Form
Required Attachments
- Valid passport
- 2 passport photos
- Proof of 5 years continuous legal stay
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of income (employment confirmation + income certificate)
- Clean criminal record from CZ and home country
- Czech language exam certificate (A1 level for permanent residence)
- Health insurance
Guided Form Companion
Fill each field with guidance, then copy your answers onto the official form
Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay.
Fill in the fields above, then copy your answers onto the official form.
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Fields people get wrong
2 fields
Grounds for permanent residence
Legal basis: 5 years continuous stay, humanitarian reasons, Czech ancestry, international protection, etc.
History of residence in CZ
Complete timeline of all your residence permits, visas, and absences from CZ.
Tips & best practices
6
- Permanent residence never expires — only the card is renewed every 10 years
- You gain nearly equal rights to Czech citizens (healthcare, social benefits)
- Czech language exam (A1 level) is REQUIRED — prepare well in advance
- After permanent residence, you can apply for citizenship after another 5 years (10 years total)
- Continuous stay: absent max 6 months at once or 10 months total in 5 years
- Some time spent on certain permits may NOT count toward the 5 years — verify!
Common mistakes to avoid
5
- Not taking the Czech language exam before applying
- Extended absences breaking the continuity requirement
- Time on student visa counted differently than expected
- Criminal record extract too old (must be under 180 days)
- Not including the full residence history
Legal basis
Sections 66-75 of Act No. 326/1999 Coll.
Source: ipc.gov.cz