Czech words you will meet at the office
59 words from forms, letters and counters, explained in plain English.
| Czech | English | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| apostila | apostille | International certificate that makes a foreign public document valid here. |
| biometrické údaje / biometrika | biometric data | Photo and fingerprints taken for your card. |
| cestovní doklad | travel document | Usually your passport. |
| cizinecká policie | foreign police | Police unit for foreigners. You meet it mainly for registering after arrival. |
| datová schránka | data box | Official electronic mailbox for talking to authorities. |
| DIČ | tax ID number | Usually CZ plus digits. |
| dlouhodobé vízum | long-term visa | A visa for stays over 90 days. |
| dlouhodobý pobyt | long-term residence | The permit most non-EU people hold for study, family or business. |
| doklad o zajištění ubytování / potvrzení o zajištění ubytování | proof of accommodation | A rental contract or a form signed by the owner confirming you can live there. |
| dočasná ochrana | temporary protection | Status for people who fled the war in Ukraine. |
| hlášení pobytu | registration of stay | Telling the police where you are staying after arrival. |
| IČO | company or business ID number | Eight digits. Every company and self-employed person has one. |
| kolková známka | revenue stamp | A stamp you buy to pay some fees. Many offices now take cards. |
| komplexní zdravotní pojištění | comprehensive health insurance | Private insurance for those outside the public system. |
| lhůta | time limit, deadline | |
| lékařský posudek | medical certificate | |
| modrá karta | EU Blue Card | Permit for highly qualified workers. |
| MV ČR (Ministerstvo vnitra) | Ministry of the Interior | Runs residence permits for non-EU citizens and the Foreigners Portal (ipc.gov.cz). |
| nájemní smlouva | rental contract, lease | |
| OAMP | Department for Asylum and Migration Policy | The part of the Interior Ministry that handles residence permits. People often just call it the immigration office. |
| odvolání | appeal | |
| OSVČ (osoba samostatně výdělečně činná) | self-employed person | |
| oznámení změn | notification of changes | The form for reporting a new address, passport or name. |
| plná moc | power of attorney | Lets someone act for you at an office. |
| pokuta | fine | |
| poplatek za komunální odpad | municipal waste fee | Yearly fee paid to the city in Brno. |
| potvrzení | confirmation, certificate | A written document confirming something. |
| pořadové číslo / lístek | queue number / ticket | Take one from the machine when you arrive. |
| pracoviště | office, workplace | A branch office, for example the Ministry's office in Brno. |
| průkaz o povolení k pobytu | residence permit card | The biometric card you carry. |
| přechodný pobyt | temporary residence | Mainly used for EU citizens and their family members. |
| překlenovací štítek | bridging visa sticker | Lets you travel while your extension is being processed. |
| přepážka | counter | |
| přerušení řízení | suspension of the procedure | The clock stops, usually while you get missing papers. |
| razítko | stamp | Official stamp. Many documents are only valid with one. |
| registr řidičů | driver register | The office that issues and exchanges driving licences. |
| rezervace / objednání | booking | Booking a time slot online or by phone. |
| rodné číslo | birth number | Czech personal ID number. Foreigners can get one. |
| rozhodnutí | decision | |
| správní poplatek | administrative fee | |
| správní řízení | administrative procedure | The formal process after you file an application. |
| termín | appointment; also deadline | Mám termín means I have an appointment. |
| tiskopis / formulář | form | |
| trvalý pobyt | permanent residence | Usually available after 5 years. Also means your official registered address. |
| vyúčtování | annual statement, bill settlement | For example the yearly energy or service charge statement. |
| výpis z rejstříku trestů | criminal record extract | |
| výzva | request, notice | A letter asking you to bring something or do something by a deadline. |
| zaměstnanecká karta | employee card | A combined residence and work permit. |
| zdravotní pojištění | health insurance | |
| změna adresy | change of address | |
| zálohy | advance payments | Monthly payments that are settled later in the vyúčtování. |
| úřední hodiny | office hours | Hours when the office is open to the public. |
| úřední překlad | official translation | A translation by a court-registered translator, with a stamp. |
| úředně ověřená kopie | certified copy | A copy certified by a notary or Czech POINT. |
| čestné prohlášení | solemn declaration | A signed statement that something is true. |
| řidičský průkaz | driving licence | |
| živnostenský list / živnost | trade licence / trade | What you need to work as a self-employed person. |
| živnostenský úřad | trade licensing office | |
| žádost | application | Žádost o prodloužení = application for extension. |
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