Permanent residence after five years

After five years of continuous legal stay, most non-EU residents can apply for permanent residence, with an A2 Czech certificate and proof of income and housing.

The main route for people on employee cards, Blue Cards and similar permits is permanent residence after five years of continuous residence. The five years must be complete on the day you hand in the application, so you cannot file early.

Continuous means you did not break your stay. A single trip abroad cannot be longer than six months in a row, and all your absences together cannot exceed 310 days. Time on a long-term visa or residence permit counts fully, including the waiting period after an on-time renewal. Time spent studying counts only half. Some stays do not count at all, such as seasonal work visas and au pair stays. If your history is complicated, check with the Ministry.

Blue Card holders have an extra route based on five years spent in EU countries, which can include time on a Blue Card elsewhere in the EU. The conditions are specific, so ask the Ministry whether it fits you.

For a first application inside Czechia you must go in person to the Interior Ministry office. The usual papers are the application form, passport, proof of accommodation, proof of income or funds, a photo and the A2 Czech certificate unless you are exempt. The office can also ask for a criminal record type document and your consent to check with the tax office.

Once granted, the permanent residence card is issued for 10 years at a time (5 for children under 15). Card renewals can be filed from 90 days before it expires.

Because the A2 exam has a waiting list, many people register for it about a year before they reach five years.

In Brno

Brno applicants apply in person at the Interior Ministry office at Tuřanka 1554/115b. Book through the Foreigners Portal user account or +420 974 801 801.

In Prague

Prague applicants apply in person at the Interior Ministry office that covers their district. Check the Ministry's list of Prague offices before booking.

Step by step

1. Work out the date you reach five years of continuous stay. Count study time as half and check that no trip abroad was longer than six months.
2. Join the A2 exam waiting list well before that date unless you are exempt.
3. Gather proof of income (for example payslips or tax returns), proof of accommodation, a photo and your exam certificate.
4. Book an in-person appointment at your Interior Ministry office for a date on or after your five-year mark.
5. Hand in the application and pay CZK 2,500.
6. After approval, attend the fingerprint appointment and collect your new card.

Last checked 2026-11-09. Open this guide in the app to add the dates to your calendar.