Navigating the Immigration Process: EU Citizens

The front door of the Ministry of the Interior, for EU citizens
The front door of the Ministry of the Interior, for EU citizens

Government officiated processes are challenging to navigate, especially in a foreign country where you may have limited language skills. Fortunately, it is possible to prepare for your immigration appointment to minimize stress on the day of your appointment at the Ministry of the Interior.  Read this article to learn how EU Citizens can efficiently go through the immigration process. For non-EU citizens, read this article.

Requirements

There are several documents needed prior to your appointment.  The requirements differ slightly depending on which application you are pursuing.

First of all, within the first 30 days of your stay in the Czech Republic, you must register with the Foreign Police (Olšanská 2).  They will tell you how much time you have before you must apply for your temporary residence card at the Ministry of the Interior.  After you submit your application, in approximately two weeks, your temporary residence card will be available for pick-up.  You will receive a letter in the mail, or you can look at the status of your application here.

For confirmation of temporary residence in the Czech Republic, the requirements are here.  For confirmation of permanent residence in the Czech Republic, the requirements are slightly different, and they are listed here.  In addition to these requirements, your application should be completed entirely.  A paper copy can be found in the office of the Ministry of the Interior, or online.

Directions

When you have all of the necessary paperwork prepared, it is time to go to the Ministry of the Interior building.  Although it is outside of central Prague, public transportation makes it a relatively simple trip.

Step One:  Take the C (red) line of the Metro in the direction of Háje.  Get off the metro at Chodov.  When you exit the metro station, take the stairs at the far right end.

Step Two:  You will find a bus stop next to the metro exit.  Take bus #197 in the direction of Smíchovské nádraží, but only for two stops.

Step Three:  Push the stop button on the bus for Na Jelenách.  Cross the street and walk to the Ministry of the Interior building, and enter through the front door labeled “EU.”  This office is for citizens of the EU and their family members.  For non-EU citizens, directions can be found here.

Step Four:  Walk up the stairs and through the biometrics collection waiting room, into the large hallway and waiting room.  If you have an appointment, check in no more than 15 minutes before your appointment.  You do not need to take a number; your name will be called.  If you do not have an appointment, take a queue ticket and pay close attention to the screen above the door; if you do not notice your number being called, you will miss your turn.  The wait can last more than an hour, so it is important to have all of the documents prepared ahead of time to avoid having multiple appointments.  If you would like somebody from Foreigners.cz to review your documents prior to your appointment, it is possible to arrange that.

Additional Information

In case you need to buy stamps, the nearest post office is in Chodov.  Take the 197 bus back to Chodov, and walk down the street called Roztylská in the same direction as the Ministry Office.  Turn right on Hráského and follow the street around the turn. Tel: 271 914 594

If you need to take additional photos for your application, a FotoLab is conveniently located near the Chodov metro stop.  Tel: 731 142 179

Additional Services

Although the process is manageable, it can be helpful to have some extra help along the way.  You probably do not have time to go through the entire process on your own.  The temporary residence permit can be done by power of attorney, and that will save you time.  For the permanent residence permit, we recommend our consultation service. Whether it is having a translator by your side in the office, or an extra set of eyes confirming that your immigration documents are all in order, there are resources available here.

Foreigners.cz

2 thoughts on “Navigating the Immigration Process: EU Citizens

  1. What are the requirements for a person over 60 years old who is self employed please?

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