PERMITS

• RESIDENCE PERMIT
  • First Time Applicants
  • Extensions
  • Service Companies

RESIDENCE PERMIT

Applicants without a valid permit must make the first time application at a Czech embassy or consulate outside the country. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an English page with the locations and contact information. The popular locations near the Czech Republic are Dresden, Munich, Bratislava, and Vienna.

The "longer than 90 day visa" is valid for a period up to one year. The following documents (not older than 180 days, preferably not older than 90 days) are required for first time applicants:

• passport valid for entire duration of visa
• reason for application (confirmation of employment, family reunification, etc.)
• confirmation of no criminal record (requires officially translated birth certificate)
• accommodation confirmation
• proof of sufficient funds
• application form
• 4 passport size photographs (might be 3, depends who you ask)

The "longer than 90 day visa" can be extended multiple times within the period from three months from expiry to two weeks from expiry. If your visa will expire within two weeks, prepare for a trip abroad because you will need to apply again as a first time applicant. Extensions can be obtained at any office of the "Foreigners' Police" within the Czech Republic. Contact information in the major cities is as follows:

Extension of an existing visa requires the following documents (not older than 90 days):

• passport valid for entire duration of visa
• reason for application
• confirmation of no criminal record
• accommodation confirmation
• proof of sufficient funds
• application form
• 4 passport size photographs
• tax authority confirmation of no taxes owing (may take a week, from the district office where you are resident)
• social insurance authority confirmation of no payments owing (may take a week, from the district office where you are resident)

The official list of required documents changes frequently, as do the unofficial lists, meaning depending on who you ask (this includes the staff at the various offices). You may get asked for additional documentation. Under these circumstances, you can argue until you're blue in the face but it would probably be faster to get the requested documents. Also, the above information refers to "simple" applications. If your residency application is more complicated for any reason, we recommend getting professional advice for your required documentation.

Several companies offer services in obtaining residency permits for individuals. If you prefer to have someone else do the legwork, contact the following: