The new Foreigners Act: what changes and when

Czechia has a new law on the entry and stay of foreigners. It was signed in November 2026 but is expected to apply only from 1 January 2029. Until then nothing changes: renew, report and apply exactly as you do now.

The Czech Republic has passed a completely new law on the entry and stay of foreigners (zákon o vstupu a pobytu cizinců, also called the cizinecký zákon). It replaces the current Act on the Residence of Foreigners from 1999, which had been changed so many times that it became hard to follow. The Chamber of Deputies passed it unanimously on 11 September 2026, the Senate approved it without changes on 21 October 2026, and the President signed it on 4 November 2026.

The most important point for you today: it does not apply yet. The Interior Ministry expects it to take effect on 1 January 2029. Until then, every deadline, form and office visit on this site still works the same way. Do not delay a renewal, an address change or an A2 exam booking because of the new law.

The main change is digital. Residence matters are meant to move online: from 2029 foreigners should get a personal account for dealing with the authorities, sending applications and receiving decisions. The ministry also says the new system will link state databases, so your details are checked automatically instead of you bringing the same papers again and again. Exactly which applications must be filed online, and from when, will follow from the final text and the ministry's guidance.

Employers, schools and other organisations that bring foreigners here get a bigger role as a guarantor (garant). They will have electronic access to information about your stay and new duties linked to its purpose, for example reporting when you stop working or studying for them. If you hold an employee card or study here, expect your employer or school to be more involved in your file.

EU citizens who stay longer than 90 days will have to register. Today this is voluntary. Radio Prague reports a fine of up to CZK 10,000 for not registering, and that the voluntary period ends in 2030. If you are from the EU, there is nothing you have to do yet, but registering now under the current rules already gives you a certificate that proves your stay.

The law also makes it easier to cancel the residence of people who commit crimes or threaten public order, gives the government more say over which countries people come from, for what purpose and in what numbers, and is meant to stop people delaying a deportation by claiming a relationship with a Czech citizen after a refusal. The ministry stresses that the basic conditions for getting a permit stay the same.

Some things are not clear yet from public information, for example how existing permits move over to the new system and whether any card or permit names change. We will update this guide when the ministry publishes practical guidance. If you have an account with us and switch on emails, we will tell you when something changes for your status.

Step by step

1. Carry on as usual: the current rules apply until the new law takes effect, expected on 1 January 2029.
2. Keep your renewal, address-change and passport dates in your calendar. None of them are paused.
3. If you are an EU citizen staying longer than 90 days, consider registering now. It will become compulsory later.
4. Create a user account on the Interior Ministry's Foreigners Portal (ipc.gov.cz) if you don't have one. It is already used for booking appointments and is where the online system will grow.
5. Check back here or on the Foreigners Portal in 2028 for the practical details before the switch.

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