Bringing your family to Czechia

If you are from outside the EU, your spouse and children usually apply for a family reunification permit, and you often need to have lived here for a while first. If you are an EU citizen, your family uses a separate, simpler route.

If you live here on a non-EU permit, your family applies for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of family reunification (dlouhodobý pobyt za účelem společného soužití rodiny). Family members who can apply include your spouse, your children under 18 and your spouse's children under 18, and in some cases a dependent adult child or a lone parent over 65.

You, the sponsor, need to meet one of the conditions. With most long-term or permanent residence permits you need more than 15 months of residence here, and both spouses must be at least 20. With an employee card you need more than 6 months. Blue card, intra-company transfer card and researcher permit holders can bring family straight away.

Typical documents: application form, passport, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, a photo, comprehensive health insurance, and the original marriage or birth certificate. Applications from abroad also need a criminal record certificate from the country of citizenship (not under 15). Most applications from abroad are made in person at a Czech embassy or consulate.

The fee is CZK 2,500 (CZK 1,000 for children under 15). The decision normally takes 60 days. The permit lasts as long as yours, but at least one year, or two years if you have permanent residence.

If you are an EU citizen living here, your non-EU family member applies for temporary residence of an EU citizen's family member (přechodný pobyt rodinného příslušníka občana EU) at an Interior Ministry office, for stays over 90 days. Close family (spouse, children under 21, dependent parents) need the application form, passport, proof of the relationship, proof of accommodation, health insurance, proof of your EU residence, and two photos. The fee is CZK 200.

For what each status allows once your family is here, see the Family member and EU family member status pages.

Step by step

1. Check which sponsor condition applies to your permit and when you meet it
2. Gather the original marriage or birth certificates and, from abroad, the criminal record certificate
3. Arrange accommodation and health insurance for your family member
4. Book an appointment at the Czech embassy (from abroad) or Interior Ministry office (in Czechia)
5. Pay the fee and give fingerprints and a photo when asked
6. After approval, register your family member's address and arrange their school or insurance

Last checked 2026-11-11. Open this guide in the app to add the dates to your calendar.