A Czech passport is a good way to settle in a cheaper part of Europe. Czechs have the right to move, live and work freely in any EU country without having to obtain a visa or a work permit. In addition, the holder of a Czech passport has access to the same educational opportunities as the citizens of other EU countries.
Read on to learn about the requirements for a potential Czech citizen, restrictions, and the documents that you need to collect.
Basic Requirements for Obtaining Czech Citizenship
There are several ways to become a Czech citizen, each with its own nuances. However, the basic rules are identical. If you want to get a passport of this country, you must:
- Have a permanent residence permit.
- Pass the exam for foreigners on the knowledge of the language and history of the Czech Republic.
- Have no criminal record.
- Prove your employment and financial independence
Pilsen. Photo: Nicole Baster (Unsplash)
Who Can Be Denied Czech Citizenship
When the Czech authorities consider an application for Czech citizenship, there are a number of reasons why they may reject the application. We list some of the most common reasons:
- the applicant is considered a threat to national security or public order of the country,
- the applicant has links to terrorist organisations,
- some of the required documents are missing,
- mistakes were made or false information was provided when submitting an application,
- the applicant failed to provide proof of their legal residence in the Czech Republic.
How to Pass the Citizenship Exam
You need to pass an exam to become a Czech. Otherwise, you will not get a passport. The exam consists of a language test and questions about the constitutional system of the Czech Republic, cultural, geographical and historical aspects. You need to answer at least 60% of the questions correctly to pass the exam.
The exam consists of three parts:
- Knowledge of the country’s history and the modern era.
- Reading, listening and writing.
- Speaking.
You need to apply in advance and pay a fee of CZK 5,700 (USD 259) to take the exam. If you cancel your application, you will need to pay an additional cost for processing information in the amount of CZK 700 (USD 32).
Prague. Photo: Dušan veverkolog (Unsplash)
How You Can Acquire Czech Citizenship
Each of them differs in terms of the requirements and the set of documents that you need to submit.
Through Naturalisation
This is the most common option for most foreigners. The key requirement is that the applicant must have lived permanently for a certain period of time in the Czech Republic. The applicant must prove that he or she has been living in the country for this period continuously: five years for most foreigners or three years for the citizens of EU countries, the EEA and Switzerland over the past ten years. The maximum period of permissible absence is up to two months in a row, or six months if there was a serious reason for such a protracted absence.
To apply for citizenship through naturalisation, you will need to submit the following documents:
- a permanent residence permit;
- a certificate proving that you passed the citizenship exam;
- a certificate of a clean criminal record;
- an income certificate.
By Birth
In this case, to be deemed eligible, an applicant must have roots or ancestors in the Czech Republic. All family ties must be documented. You have to prove that your parents or grandparents were Czechs or Czechoslovaks. The following additional documents from relatives are required:
- birth, marriage, and death certificates,
- old passports,
- military ID cards or other proof of Czech roots.
Photo: Barbora Volakova (Unsplash)
For Special Merit
Czech citizenship is granted to individuals who are of particular importance to the Republic. They may include scientists, artists, athletes or other prominent people who, in one way or another, benefit the country. Citizenship for special merit may be granted within the framework of the performance of international obligations or for humanitarian reasons.
Applicants for citizenship for special merit do not have to meet all the standard requirements. You can live in the country for less than three years and do not have to take the citizenship exam. There is only one inviolable rule: the applicant must submit a certificate of no criminal record.
In this case, the following documents must be submitted:
- Letters of recommendation or other evidence of contributions in the fields of science, culture, or sport.
- Documents confirming the legal status of your stay in the Czech Republic: a visa or residence permit.
How to Apply for Czech Citizenship
- Collect the necessary documents: proof of legal residence in the country, proof of Czech language proficiency, a certificate of no criminal record, etc.
- Complete and submit the application for citizenship. It should be done in person at a regional authority or at one of the local municipal authorities in Prague.
- Pay the fees: CZK 2,000 (USD 91) per adult or CZK 500 (USD 23) per child. Refugees applying for citizenship also pay the fee of CZK 500 CZK (USD 23).
- Wait for the decision. Once the application has been submitted, it starts to be considered. This can take from several months to a year, or even longer, depending on the specific circumstances. If the decision is positive, a corresponding letter with instructions on next steps will be sent.
- Pass the interview. In some cases, you will need to turn up for an interview to confirm the information provided in the application, or to clarify the details.
- Take an oath. Before obtaining citizenship, you will need to swear allegiance to the Czech Republic at a solemn ceremony.
- Get a passport. After the successful completion of all stages, you just need to pick up the passport.
In a Nutshell
To apply for Czech citizenship, you must have been a long-term resident in the country, have local roots or be a significant person to Czech society. In each of these cases, the requirements for the set of documents differ. However, the mandatory criteria remain the same for everyone: legal residency in the country and no criminal record. If you meet all the requirements, you will find it easy to obtain a Czech passport.
Cover photo: Prague. Rodrigo Ardilha (Unsplash)
