Updated on December 20, 2025. Do you use legal stamps to pay administrative fees in the Czech Republic? As of January 1, 2025, these stamps, often required at Ministry of Interior offices such as the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, will no longer be valid. Prepare in advance to avoid any issues. Learn how to navigate this change smoothly.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The phase-out of legal stamps is approaching quickly. Here’s what you need to know:
- December 31, 2024: This is the final date to use or return your unused legal stamps. After this deadline, they will lose their value and become obsolete.
- From January 1, 2025: Legal stamps will no longer be accepted at any Czech administrative offices. Payments for administrative fees will transition to modern methods, such as card payments or bank transfers. In certain cases, cash payments may still be available, but always check in advance.
Make sure to take action before the end of the year to avoid losing money on unused stamps.
How to Handle Existing Stamps
If you still have unused legal stamps at home, don’t worry—you have options:
- Use Them Before the Deadline
- You can continue to use legal stamps for administrative fees until December 31, 2024. Be sure to plan ahead and use them for any upcoming payments.
- Return Unused Stamps
- Return unused and undamaged stamps to selected branches of Česká Pošta. A small administrative fee applies, so act sooner rather than later.
- Avoid Hoarding Stamps
- If you regularly purchase stamps in bulk, consider reducing your purchases to prevent having excess stamps after the deadline.
Taking action now will help you avoid complications once the legal stamps are phased out.
Changes to Payment Methods at OAMP Starting January 1, 2025
From January 1, 2025, the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy (OAMP) of the Ministry of the Interior will no longer accept legal stamps as a form of payment. Here are the key updates for administrative fee payments:
- Submitting applications by post:
If you send your application by post, it must be submitted no later than December 31, 2024. Applications sent after this date using legal stamps will not be accepted, and the applicant will be required to pay the fee using a cashless method. If an application is sent by post after January 1, 2025, with legal stamps, the stamps will not be valid, and the applicant will be required to pay the fee via a cashless method. - Payment at OAMP offices:
Payments at OAMP offices will only be possible via credit or debit card. Cash payments will not be accepted under any circumstances. - Online payment option:
Applicants will also have the option to pay fees online through the Ministry’s Integrated Portal (IPC). This allows payments to be made without logging into a personal account, enabling a third party to complete the payment on behalf of the applicant. This payment can be made by anyone without needing to log into the applicant’s IPC account.
Why the Change?
The decision to phase out legal stamps is part of a broader effort to modernise administrative processes in the Czech Republic.
The production and distribution of legal stamps have become increasingly expensive. The government expects to save millions of Czech crowns annually by eliminating them.
In today’s digital age, people view stamps as an outdated payment method. Transitioning to modern systems aligns with the country’s push towards digitalisation.
By eliminating the need for printing and transporting stamps, this change contributes to reducing waste and supports sustainability efforts.
The end of legal stamps marks a significant shift in how authorities manage administrative fees in the Czech Republic. With the December 31, 2024 deadline fast approaching, it’s crucial to take action now—whether by using up your stamps or returning them at designated post office branches.
Please note that cash payments will no longer be accepted at OAMP offices. Ensure you have a valid credit or debit card for payment when submitting your application in person.
Need assistance? If you have questions about the phase-out or require help navigating administrative processes, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Source of photo: Personal photo
Source of text: mfcr.cz
