Persons who want to relocate from the UK to the Czech Republic must comply with the same formalities applicable to nationals from third party countries, following the implementation of the Brexit laws. One of the main consequences is that British nationals must now apply for a visa in order to immigrate to the Czech Republic (our team offers assistance on this matter).
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Immigration requirements for short stays | Having a valid passport (visa obligations are not imposed for short-term stays). |
Immigration requirements for long stays | In order to relocate from the UK to the Czech Republic, Britons must hold suitable visas. |
Visa exemptions for Britons | Only for stays of up to 90 days |
| Reasons of arrival for which visa exemptions are granted | – tourism, – visiting family and friends, – attending business events, – short-term training/ study (maximum 90 days) |
| Can Britons travel to other European states visa-free? | Yes |
| Obligation to apply for a residence permit | Persons who relocate from the UK to the Czech Republic need to apply for a residence permit during their visa formalities (residence permits are mandatory for stays over 90 days). |
| Reasons for which Britons can relocate to Czech Republic for long stays | One can relocate from the UK to the Czech Republic for long stays for: – employment, – investments, – business, – family reunification, – study, – research, – humanitarian reasons, etc. |
| Visas designed for Britons | There aren’t any visa programs specifically designed for Britons, they need to apply for visas following the rules for third-party nationals (in this case, the obligation is to obtain visas for long-term stays in accordance to the reason of the arrival). |
| Visa processing fees | CZK 2,500 or CZK 5,000 (it depends on the visa type) |
| Residency permit fees (yes/no) | Yes |
| Where to apply for a Czech residence permit | Ministry of the Interior |
| Requirements to become a Czech permanent resident | At least 5 years of residency in Czech Republic |
| Minimum residency for citizenship | 5 years of permanent residency (10 years in total, as permanent residency can be obtained after 5 years of legal stay) |
| Ways to acquire citizenship in Czech Republic | – descent, – naturalization, – declaration, – special merit |
| Fee for citizenship formalities | CZK 2,500 for adult applicants and CZK 500 for minors |
Table of Contents
When can UK nationals immigrate to the Czech Republic visa-free?
The Czech Republic immigrationlaw stipulates that certain nationals from third party countries can arrive here without a visa for short-term stays (the rule includes British nationalsas well). These are defined as any stays that have a duration of maximum 90 days, in a period of 180 days.
For what purposes can Britons stay visa-free in the Czech Republic?
British nationals can relocate from the UK to the Czech Republic visa-free if they come here for the following purposes:
- tourism;
- to visit family members living in the Czech Republic (or friends);
- to participate in various meetings, such as business meetings, cultural events, etc.;
- to participate in short-term study classes.
What identity document can I use when going to the Czech Republic?
The passport is the only identity document that is accepted by theCzech Republic immigration authorities upon the arrival in the state of any third party country national.
What rules should I be mindful of concerning my passport?
It is very important to know that your travel document must have a validity date of at least 3 months beyond the date of the departure from the EU state (Czech Republic in this case).
What is the entry/ exit system?
This system is automatically applied to all individuals who arrive for short-stays in EU countries every time they cross the EU borders. Thus, those who arrive from the UKwill also be directly affected by this new protocol, which will register the following personal information:
- the name;
- the data of the travel document;
- the biometric data (fingerprints and photo);
- the date of entry;
- the place of entry;
- the exit information (end of visit in the EU area).
The infographic below presents the immigration rules for British nationals:
On what grounds can foreigners relocate from the UK to the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic immigrationlaw prescribes a wide range of reasons for which foreigners, including UK nationals, can relocate here. Besides short-term stays, which are mainly related to tourism, foreigners can remain here on long term, allowed for the following legal grounds:
- employment;
- investment;
- study;
- family reunification;
- research;
- humanitarian reasons;
- asylum, etc.
For what visa should I apply if I want to immigrate to the Czech Republic?
If you plan to immigrate to the Czech Republic on a long-term (or even permanent) basis you will need to apply for the long-term visa. This is the main immigration document that opens the pathway to relocation in this country for all third-party countries nationals, Britonsincluded.
What visa is available for employment purposes?
Many foreigners opt toimmigrate to the Czech Republicfor employment purposes. Third party countries nationals, UK included, can apply for the employee card, which is available for all types of work activities (skilled and unskilled). Other visa options are available, and our immigration lawyers in Czech Republic can present them.
We invite you to watch a short presentation on how to immigrate to Czech Republicfrom UK:
How can I relocate to the Czech Republic for business purposes?
British nationals who want to start a business activity in the Czech Republic and who want to live here can apply for a long-term visa issued for business purposes. It is also possible to obtain a visa for investment purposes (please mind that business and investments are 2 separate matters, with different requirements – our team can present the basic criteria imposed to investors).
Does the Czech Republic offer a working holiday visa for UK nationals?
No. The Czech Republichas a Working Holiday program, but it has been initiated, up until this moment, only with 9 partner countries. UK nationals who hold dual nationality can, however, participate in the program if they are nationals of these partner countries (such as New Zealand, Canada, Israel).
How much does it cost to apply for a visa in the Czech Republic?
A long-term visa costs CZK 2,500. Please mind that if youarrive from the UK with the purpose of applying for a long-term visa for employment or business, the administrative fee is CZK 5,000.
What can I do if my visa application is rejected?
In some cases, visa applications are rejected due to various reasons stipulated by theCzech law. While all visa refusals will include an explanation as to why the decision was taken, applicants have the right to appeal the decision in a period of 15 days.
Who handles the appeal?
The appeal for a long-term visa refusal must be addressed directly to the Ministry of the Interior of Czech Republic. Our immigration lawyer in the Czech Republic can offer legal guidance and representation in the procedure.
It is recommended to contact our immigration lawyers in the Czech Republic for more information.
