So, you’ve made the decision. Perhaps, it is the magical cobblestone streets of Prague, the burgeoning technological industry of Brno or the breathtaking scenery of Bohemia that beckons you. Moving to Czechia is a thrilling venture, and you will soon have the chance to savour a glass of the world’s most delicious beer in a centuries-old pub. However, first, there is paperwork to address: the temporary residence permit.
The bureaucratic world is nothing to be afraid of. Just imagine that it is your key to opening up life in this beautiful country.
The major ways to your Czech home
Most people have one of two well-worn roads when it comes to the issue of relocating. It is up to your work circumstances.
The Business Permit (Zivnostensky list + Residence): The Way to Entrepreneurs and Freelancers.
The employee card relocating with a Job offer
This is the simplest path in case you have a certain job opportunity in one of the Czech firms. The Employee Card is important since it integrates work and residence permits in one application, which is easy to obtain.
The Journey
This is a partnership indeed between you and your future employer. It does not begin with you but with them.
The vacancy announcement and the Job offer
Your trip starts as soon as you put your signature on the employment contract. Just to start with, there is an urgent assignment from your new employer. They should post your workplace in a public register that is administered by the Ministry of Labour for at least 30 days. This is to demonstrate that they were unable to find an appropriate applicant within the EU/EEA initially. There is nothing to be concerned about; they are not supposed to take care of it.
The application
This is one of the tips that many people fail to follow. You have to apply to get the Employee Card at a Czech Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the country of your current place of residence. The default tourist visa to Czechia and subsequently applying is usually not possible.
You will be required to collect a package of documents, and normally it would consist of:
- A valid passport.
- An application form that is completed.
- A promise of employment that is binding or an employment contract.
- Evidence of accommodation in Czechia (the rental contract is most suitable).
- Passport-sized photos.
- A foreign criminal record abstract of your home country.
- Evidence of means (this is normally paid by your future salary).
The collection
Once you have submitted your application, it is sent to the Ministry of the Interior in Czechia by the embassy. Processing time may take different times, which in most cases range between 60 and 90 days. Patience is essential. After having been approved, you will go back to the embassy, where you will have the visa sticker attached to your passport, and you can then travel to Czechia.
Arrival and final formalities
During the initial three working days, you should go to the Foreign Police (Cizinek Polisi) and report your arrival. After that, 30 days later, you need to be registered in the office of the Ministry of the Interior to receive your biometric residence card.
Trade licence (Zivnostensky list)
This is your right to operate a business. You apply at a trade licensing office (Zivnostensky urad), which is usually situated in the town hall. The most important thing is to select the appropriate trade(s) in your business activity. Some are free trades, and the only requirement is a clean criminal record; others demand evidence of qualifications.
Business long-term residence permit
When you have your trade licence, you can apply for the residence permit itself. It works much like the Employee Card, where you need to apply at a Czech embassy in a foreign country, displaying accommodation, etc., except that it is more business plan-centred. You will be asked to demonstrate that you have enough funds to maintain yourself and conduct business, and that your business has a chance.
Take away
The process of getting a temporary residence permit in the Czech Republic is a long one, not a short one. It will need proper planning, a stack of papers and a good amount of patience. By knowing what route you should follow, the Employee Card or the Business Permit, however, and picking the steps to follow methodically will help you to open the door to your new life successfully.
Laws and procedures pertaining to immigration are subject to change. A qualified immigration lawyer or always consult the official site of the Czech Ministry of the Interior before applying to it to have the most updated information on the site before applying.
You can also view these posts
Traveling to Czechia: Visa requirements
Living in Czechia
Preparing for the immigration interview in Czechia
