Status: family member of an EU or Czech citizen
For non-EU spouses, children and other relatives of EU citizens, and of Czech citizens living in Czechia.
This route is for close family (spouse, registered partner, children, dependent parents) and some more distant relatives of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, and of Czech citizens who live in Czechia. Most spouses of Czech citizens belong here rather than in the family-reunification permit for relatives of foreigners.
You get free access to the labour market and can work or run a business; while your application is pending, the sticker in your passport is enough to work.
The card lasts up to five years (some spouses of Czech citizens who never used EU free movement get a permit for up to three years instead). Apply for renewal before it expires; neither the Ministry nor gov.cz gives an earliest date, so ask the office when to file. The Ministry lists a CZK 200 fee.
You must actually live with your EU or Czech family member. Distant relatives must keep health insurance for the whole stay.
Permanent residence: after five years of continuous temporary residence, or after only two years if your EU or Czech family member has permanent residence and you have been their close family member for at least a year. The Ministry's page does not mention a language exam on this route; check with the office.
In Brno
In Brno, all Interior Ministry residence matters go to the office at Tuřanka 1554/115b. Book through the Foreigners Portal user account or +420 974 801 801.
In Prague
In Prague, go to the Interior Ministry office that covers your district (Chodov, Žukovského, Pekařská or Kolbenova).
Step by step
- Put your card expiry in your profile.
- Keep marriage or birth certificates with official translations ready.
- Report a move within 30 working days.
- Ask the Ministry about the two-year permanent residence route if your partner is a Czech citizen with permanent residence.
Last checked 2026-11-09. Open this guide in the app to add the dates to your calendar.