For refugees who have found safety and a new home in the Czech Republic, gaining citizenship is a final step on a long journey to full integration and permanent stability. It is the key to unlocking all the rights and responsibilities of a Czech national including an EU passport, the right to vote and a permanent sense of belonging. However, the process of transition from the status of refugee to the status of a citizen is a different legal process with certain requirements under the Czech Citizenship Act. Unlike routes such as marriage, it doesn’t have a “fast track” but requires showing a long-term, real commitment to living in Czech society.
Standard naturalisation
It is essential to know that there is no special and accelerated naturalisation procedure for refugees under the Czech legislation. Level two, your application will be considered under the usual naturalisation process but like all long-term residents. This means that you need to fulfill a series of strict criteria which are focused on integration, a clean record and long-term ties with the country.
Basic requirements for eligibility
In order to apply for Czech citizenship as a refugee (or, rather, as a holder of international protection), you must meet all the following requirements:
Legal status and residency period
Status: you must currently hold, or have held, the status of international protection (mezinarodni ochrana). Including asylum (azyl) and subsidiary protection (doplnkova ochrana).
Residency: You have to have been legally and continuously resident in the Czech Republic for a substantial period of time. The standard one is a minimum of 10 years.
Important Note: The time you spent in the territory before being granted international protection (e.g. while your application was being processed), may be counted towards these 10 years, but typically only from the date you applied for international protection. Time spent illegally in the country is not counted.
You must have been physically present in the country for at least a half of each year within this period.
Permanent residence
You must have a permanent residence (trvaly pobyt) permit when you apply. Holders of international protection can apply for permanent residence after continuous residence in the Czech Republic for 5 years. The status is an important step towards citizenship.
Clean criminal record
You must not be convicted of intentional criminal offence in Czech Republic or abroad. The authorities will do a good check.
You will need to provide a criminal record extract from your country of origin which can be really difficult or impossible for refugees to obtain. In such cases, you have to submit a formal affidavit why you are unable to procure the document and the Ministry of the Interior will consider your situation on an individual basis.
Czech Language must have some knowledge of the Czech language
You must be able to show a sufficient knowledge of the Czech language divided into the language level B1 (intermediate). This is proven by taking a cert language test administered by an accredited institution.
Knowledge of Czech Realia
You have to show that you have a knowledge of Czech constitution, political system, culture, history and geography. This is tested under the same language requirement certified exam.
Financial and Legal Obligations
You have to demonstrate that you have been fulfilling all the legal obligations, such as paying taxes, social security and public health insurance contributions.
Renunciation of former Citizenship (except)
As a rule, the Czech Republic requires applicants for naturalisation to forego their previous citizenship. This can be a major obstacle for refugees, as reaching out to the authorities of their country of origin can be dangerous or practically impossible.
Key exemption: There is an exception to this rule in the law if you can prove that giving up your citizenship will seriously harm you. Or if you were born, the state won’t allow renunciation. As a refugee, you are in a very good position for claiming this exemption based on your well-founded fear of persecution. You will have to have a detailed explanation and evidence for your claim.
Step-by-step process
- Apply for permanent residence: After completing the 5 years legal stay, apply for Permanent Residence permit before the Ministry of the Interior.
- Complete the 10-year residency period. Make sure that you satisfy the requirement of continuous physical presence.
- Language and Realia Exam: Join and successfully pass the certified exam. Many non-profit organisations provide preparation courses.
- Gather documentation: This is a complicated step. Key documents include:
- Application form for Naturalization as a Citizen.
- Valid ID (or passport if you have one).
- Permanent Residence card.
- Document proving your grant of international protection.
- Criminal record affidavit (how it’s impossible to obtain one from your home country).
- Certificate of passing the exam in the Czech language and realia.
- Evidence of payment of taxes and insurance.
- 15th Amendment: A detailed explanation why you should not renounce your original citizenship.
- Make the application: Make the whole application in the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior in person. The appointment is recommended.
- Await the decision: The processing time takes up to 180 days. The ministry will verify all the information.
- Take the Oath: Assuming you pass, you will be called to take your oath of allegiance in the process of naturalization, at which point you officially become a citizen.
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Traveling to Czechia: Visa requirements
Living in Czechia
Getting a job as an expat in Czechia
