Czech Republic (CZ)

The national identity card for Czech citizens. Contains biometric data and can function as an eObčanka (electronic ID) with a chip for digital government services. Czech citizens must hold a valid ID card from age 15. EU citizens can use their own national ID card for residence purposes.

Czech biometric passport for travel outside the EU. Non-EU citizens require a valid passport to enter and reside in Czech Republic. Always carry a copy; police may request identification. Non-EU citizens should always have their passport available.

The biometric residence permit card (průkaz o povolení k pobytu) issued to non-EU citizens. Grants the right to reside and work in Czech Republic. Applied for at the Cizinecká policie (Foreign Police / Immigration Police) or via the Ministry of Interior.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying in Czech Republic for more than 30 days must register their temporary residence (přechodný pobyt) at the local Cizinecká policie within 30 days of arrival. This is a registration obligation, not a permit requirement. A certificate of registration is issued.

Permanent residence permit for both EU and non-EU citizens who have resided legally in Czech Republic for the required period (generally 5 years continuous). Provides near-equal rights to Czech citizens, including the right to work without restriction.

The licence to operate as a self-employed person (živnostník) or run a small business. Obtained from the Živnostenský úřad (Trade Licensing Office). Required before commencing any self-employed or freelance activity. Cost: CZK 1,000. Can be obtained online via the Portál občana.

A mandatory electronic communication system for all businesses (právnické osoby and živnostníci) to communicate officially with Czech government bodies. Managed by the Ministry of the Interior. All government correspondence to businesses is sent exclusively via datová schránka. Individuals can register voluntarily.

EU/EEA driving licences are fully valid in the Czech Republic. Non-EU licence holders may drive for up to 90 days from establishing permanent or temporary residence, after which the licence must be exchanged at the local transport authority (obecní úřad obce s rozšířenou působností). Some non-EU countries have bilateral exchange agreements; others require a written theory test. Bring your original foreign licence for the exchange process.

Required for school enrolment, marriage registration, benefits applications (rodičovský příspěvek), and immigration. Foreign birth certificates must be apostilled (if from a Hague Convention country) and officially translated into Czech by a certified sworn translator (soudní tlumočník).

Required for spousal benefits, family visa applications, joint tax filing, and some property matters. Foreign marriage certificates require apostille and certified Czech translation. Czech civil marriages performed at matriční úřad (registry office).

Required for regulated professions (medicine, law, teaching, engineering) and qualification recognition. Must be apostilled and translated by a certified sworn translator. Recognition processed by MŠMT (Ministry of Education) or professional chambers (e.g. ČLK for doctors, ČAK for lawyers).

Extract from the Czech criminal register. Required for some employment, regulated professions, business licences, and immigration applications. Obtained at Czech POINT, Cizinecká policie, or online via Portál občana. Non-Czech applicants may need criminal record certificates from their home country.

Written rental contract between landlord (pronajímatel) and tenant (nájemce). Required for residence registration (přihlášení k pobytu), health insurance registration, and most official processes. Should clearly state rent amount, deposit (kauce), utilities, and notice periods.