The Government has introduced a plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions in a 6-package process. Every Monday, the government will decide on the next step. Every Thursday, these steps will be approved based on the current epidemiological situation. For instance, on Monday, 26 April, the government is reopening kindergartens for all children in three selected regions.
Category: News
Any news related to the Czech Republic that expats should be aware of.
5 Years in Czechia? Apply for Permanent Residence Now and Make Sure You Take the Easier Czech Language Exam
Every foreigner living in Czechia for 5 continuous years has the right to apply for a permanent residence card. If you are a third-country citizen, however, you’ll need to pass a Czech language exam to be able to obtain it. The level of this exam will go up from A1 to A2 by the end of 2021. In fact, selected schools will increase the level to A2 as soon as this November. To take the easier level, you will need to apply for your permanent residence permit by the end of August 2021.
Coronavirus in Czechia: First Steps out of Lockdown on 12 April
The epidemiological situation in Czechia has been gradually improving. Therefore, the government has decided to no longer extend the state of emergency beyond 11 April. At the same time, we can expect some restriction relaxations from next Monday. This includes the relaxation of the limitation of movement, and the reopening of selected schools, shops, services, and businesses. What’s to open on 12 April? And what else is being relaxed?
Coronavirus in Czechia: Current State of Emergency Extended through 11 April
The Chamber of Deputies granted the government’s request and voted to extend the current state of emergency. The extension is valid through 11 April 2021. The deputies also discussed the possibility of relaxation of some restrictions in mid-April – including the easement of the ban of movement and gradual reopening of schools.
Census 2021: What You Need to Know as an Expat in Czechia
The 2021 Census is coming sooner than you think, with its online phase starting on 26–27 March and the paper phase starting on 17 April. According to the Czech Statistical Office, everyone must be enumerated, including expats. What do you need to know? How to get ready? What questions should you expect? Will the forms be in English? We know the answers!
Slight Relaxation of COVID-19 Restrictions from 22 March
Although the number of new COVID-19 cases in Czechia has been steadily decreasing, the situation in hospitals is still critical. Therefore, the Minister of Health, Jan Blatný, decided to extend current coronavirus restrictions to at least the end of the Easter holidays – including the ban of movement between districts. Still, there will be a slight relaxation of some of the current rules from 22 March.
Gender Pay Gap in Czechia One of the Highest in EU
Women in the Czech Republic earn on average 18,9 % less than men. Based on this, the Czech Republic belongs to the worst countries in the EU in this matter. The conference Equal Pay Day (EPD), taking place from March 26 to April 1, 2021, is trying to fight this serious issue.
FAQ: The Ban of Movement Between Districts due to COVID-19
Newly-set countermeasures regarding restrictions of movement and freedom might be rather confusing. Does the whole city count as one district? In which parts of the city can I move freely? Can I visit my relatives in the same district? We have decided to bring you a list of questions we predict will arise in the next couple of days.
Coronavirus in Czechia: New State of Emergency with Stricter Restrictions on Movement between Districts
Due to a rapid number increase of confirmed cases of coronavirus and shortage of capacity in hospitals in the Czech Republic, the local government was compelled to announce another state of emergency and tighten the rules in the country. Stricter measures that are effective from March 1 ban traveling between districts and order the wearing of proper respiratory protection.
Coronavirus in Czechia: Government to Tighten Restrictions Again
In response to the South African mutation of COVID-19 being detected in the Czech Republic earlier this week the Czech government is planning to introduce several countermeasures or a stricter curfew. These new restrictions mostly concern freedom of movement. While it is not yet clear whether the Chamber of Deputies approves them in the first place, they should supposedly come into effect on Monday, March 1.