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Permanent Residence

Permanent Residence in the Czech Republic: Complete 2026 Guide

15 min readUpdated 2026-03-15

Permanent Residence (trvalý pobyt) gives you the right to live and work in the Czech Republic indefinitely. Learn about the 5-year requirement, A1 exam, and application process.

What is Permanent Residence (trvalý pobyt)?

Permanent Residence is an indefinite residence status in the Czech Republic. Once granted, you can live and work freely without any employer restrictions, access public healthcare, and eventually apply for Czech citizenship.

Key facts:

  • Validity: Indefinite (card renewed every 10 years)

  • Fee: 2,500 CZK

  • Processing time: 60 days (up to 90 in complex cases)

  • Legal basis: Act No. 326/1999 Coll. (§ 65–87)

  • Main requirement: 5 years of continuous residence in the Czech Republic

    • Who can apply?

    Standard path — 5 years of continuous residence: Most applicants need 5 uninterrupted years of legal residence. Time on a short-term visa (under 90 days) does NOT count.

    Shortened paths:

  • Spouse of Czech/EU citizen: 2 years of continuous residence

  • Parent of a Czech citizen minor: Immediate eligibility

  • EU permanent resident from another EU country: 5 years total EU residence, last 2 in Czech Republic

  • Humanitarian reasons: At the discretion of the Ministry

    Continuous residence means:

  • You must not have been absent for more than 6 consecutive months

  • Total absences must not exceed 10 months in the 5-year period

  • Exceptions: serious reasons (illness, pregnancy, study abroad, work posting — max 12 months)

    • Requirements and documents

    Required documents:

    1. Application form — Completed at the OAMP office

  • 2. Valid passport

  • 3. 2 passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm)

  • 4. Proof of 5 years continuous residence — Visa stamps, residence cards, travel history

  • 5. Proof of accommodation — Rental contract or ownership

  • 6. Proof of income/finances — Employment contract, tax returns, bank statements showing you can support yourself (subsistence minimum: 4,860 CZK/person/month + housing costs)

  • 7. Criminal record — From Czech Republic AND home country, not older than 180 days

  • 8. A1 Czech language certificate — From an accredited exam center (UJOP)

  • 9. Health insurance confirmation — Public health insurance (VZP or others)

    Financial proof required:

  • Single person: ~4,860 CZK/month + housing

  • Couple: ~8,550 CZK/month + housing

  • Family with children: Adds ~2,480 CZK per child

    • The A1 Czech language exam

    You must pass a Czech language exam at level A1 (basic user) from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

    Exam details:

  • Level: A1 (basic — greetings, simple questions, everyday situations)

  • Fee: ~3,300 CZK

  • Duration: ~60 minutes

  • Pass mark: 60%

  • Sections: Listening, reading, writing, speaking

  • Provider: UJOP (Ústav jazykové a odborné přípravy Univerzity Karlovy)

  • Booking: Via cestina-pro-cizince.cz

    Exemptions from the exam:

  • Children under 15

  • Adults over 65

  • People with certain disabilities

  • Those who completed education in Czech

  • Those who passed B1 or higher Czech exam

    Tip: CzechPath offers free A1 exam practice with real-format questions. Use our practice tests to prepare.

    • Application process

    Step 1: Check your eligibility Confirm you have 5 years of continuous residence and calculate any absences.

    Step 2: Book the A1 exam Register at cestina-pro-cizince.cz. Exam centers are in Prague, Brno, Plzeň, and other cities.

    Step 3: Gather documents Start with the criminal record — it takes the longest and expires after 180 days.

    Step 4: Submit at OAMP Visit your regional OAMP office (Odbor azylové a migrační politiky). Book an appointment at frs.gov.cz.

    Step 5: Provide biometrics Fingerprints and photo taken at the OAMP office.

    Step 6: Wait for decision Standard: 60 days. You'll receive a written decision.

    Step 7: Collect your PR card Valid for 10 years. Must be renewed before expiry (the status itself is permanent).

    Rights with Permanent Residence

    With PR you can:

  • Live and work in the Czech Republic without restrictions

  • Change employers freely (no notification needed)

  • Access public healthcare

  • Access social benefits

  • Vote in local elections

  • Study under the same conditions as Czech citizens

  • Travel within the Schengen area (90 days in 180 days)

  • Apply for Czech citizenship (after 5 more years with PR, or 10 years total)

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do I need to live in Czech Republic for PR?

    5 years of continuous legal residence. Time on short-term visas (under 90 days) does not count. If you are married to a Czech or EU citizen, the requirement is reduced to 2 years.

    Do I need to speak Czech for Permanent Residence?

    Yes, you must pass an A1 Czech language exam. This is the basic level — greetings, simple questions, everyday situations. The exam costs about 3,300 CZK and is taken at UJOP centers.

    Can I leave the country with Permanent Residence?

    Yes, but avoid absences longer than 6 consecutive months. Your PR can be revoked if you are absent for 6+ continuous months without a serious reason.

    What is the subsistence minimum for PR?

    For a single person: 4,860 CZK/month plus housing costs. For a couple: 8,550 CZK/month. Each child adds approximately 2,480 CZK.

    Ready to start your application?

    CzechPath turns this guide into an interactive checklist with AI support, deadline tracking, and document generator.

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