Legal services · Czech Republic

Immigration, visas and residence permits in Czech Republic

Czech immigration law is complex and document-intensive.

In brief

Czech immigration rules depend on nationality, purpose of stay, employment status, family situation and intended duration of residence. EU citizens have different rights from non-EU nationals. For non-EU nationals, common routes include the employee card (zaměstnanecká karta), blue card (modrá karta), business visa, family reunification, or long-term visa. Permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) is generally available after five years of continuous legal residence. PEERS Czechia helps foreigners choose the appropriate route and prepare the required documentation.

How we can assist

Short-term and long-term visa applications
Employee card (zaměstnanecká karta) applications and renewals
EU Blue Card (modrá karta) for highly qualified professionals
Business visas and entrepreneur immigration
Family reunification applications
Student visa applications
EU citizens' registration and temporary residence confirmation
Permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) applications
Czech citizenship and naturalization
Citizenship by descent where applicable
Appeals against visa or residence permit refusals
Mobility and relocation coordination
Nostrification, apostille and document legalization

Typical situations we advise on

A foreign employee needs an employee card or blue card to work legally in Czechia

An expat family wants to bring family members to Czechia under family reunification

A foreign entrepreneur wants a business visa or long-term visa for business purposes

A foreigner who has lived in Czechia for five or more years wants to apply for permanent residence

A foreigner with Czech ancestry or a Czech parent wants to explore citizenship options

A visa or residence permit application has been refused and an appeal is needed

How it works

Assessment of your situation

We assess your nationality, purpose of stay, current status and family situation to recommend the correct immigration category and strategy.

Document preparation

We identify all required documents, explain which need apostilles, certified translations or notarization, and assist in preparing a complete and accurate application.

Application filing and authority contact

We file the application or advise on filing at the relevant authority (Czech embassy or MOI office), and handle authority communications on your behalf where possible.

Follow-up and next steps

We monitor the case, advise on any requests for additional documents, and plan next steps — whether renewals, permanent residence or other follow-on matters.

Documents you may need

Helpful to have ready

Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
Recent passport photos
Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated where required)
Proof of accommodation in Czech Republic
Employment contract or business documents (depending on visa type)
Proof of sufficient financial means
Health insurance coverage documentation
Educational or professional qualification documents where required

Frequently asked questions

Can PEERS help with Czech residence permits?

Yes. Our immigration team assists with a wide range of Czech residence matters: long-term visas, employee cards (zaměstnanecká karta), blue cards (modrá karta), family reunification, permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) and Czech citizenship applications.

How long does it take to get a Czech employee card?

Processing times for Czech employee cards depend on the relevant authority and current workload. We do not guarantee timelines, as these depend on Czech immigration authorities. We can advise on what is typical based on current experience and your specific situation.

What is the difference between an employee card and a blue card in Czech Republic?

The employee card (zaměstnanecká karta) is available to most non-EU workers. The blue card (modrá karta) is intended for highly qualified professionals with a university degree and a high-salary employment contract. The correct option depends on your qualification level and salary. We can advise which is more appropriate for your situation.

Can I apply for Czech permanent residence after living in Czechia?

Non-EU nationals generally need to demonstrate five years of continuous legal residence in Czechia before applying for permanent residence (trvalý pobyt). Certain exceptions and shorter periods may apply in some cases. EU citizens have different rights. We can advise on eligibility based on your situation.

Can I appeal a Czech visa or residence permit refusal?

Yes, decisions by Czech immigration authorities can generally be appealed. Deadlines for appeals are strict, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as you receive a refusal. We assist with preparing appeals and representing clients in administrative proceedings.

Ready to get started?

Describe your situation to find out whether and how we can assist with your immigration & visas matter in Czechia.

Describe your case