Family reunification in Czechia in 2026: who can join you, the 15-month rule and how much you need to earn
Updated: 13 November 2026
You live and work in Czechia and want your family with you? That is what long-term residence for the purpose of family reunification (společné soužití rodiny) is for. Here is who can apply, what income you must prove and where people most often go wrong.
- The sponsor usually must have lived in Czechia for at least 15 months on a long-term permit, or hold permanent residence.
- The application is usually filed at a Czech embassy abroad.
- You must prove family income at least equal to the sum of subsistence minimums plus housing costs.
- Fee CZK 2,500 (under 15: CZK 1,000); decision within 270 days.
- Documents no older than 180 days, with an apostille where required and a Czech translation.
Who can be a sponsor
A foreigner with long-term or permanent residence in Czechia who has lived here continuously for at least 15 months. Families of EU Blue Card holders, researchers and some other categories can apply without this waiting period. If the 15 months have not passed yet, family members can apply for a long-term visa for family purposes.
Who can join you
- Your spouse — both spouses must be over 20.
- Minor children (yours, your spouse’s, adopted or in your care) and dependent adult children.
- Parents over 65 living alone, or those unable to care for themselves for health reasons.
How much you need to earn
Family income must be at least the sum of the subsistence minimums of all family members plus standard (or actual) housing costs. Subsistence minimum according to MPSV:
- first adult in the household — CZK 5,000;
- each further adult — CZK 3,750;
- child under 6 — CZK 2,480, 6–15 — CZK 3,050, 15–26 (dependent) — CZK 3,490.
Example: a couple with a 4-year-old child — 5,000 + 3,750 + 2,480 = CZK 11,230 a month plus housing costs.
Documents
- Application form (green form), passport, 2 photos.
- Marriage or birth certificate — original, with an apostille or legalisation where required, and a Czech translation.
- Proof of accommodation in Czechia.
- Proof of income (salary statements, bank statements, tax return).
- Criminal record extract — for applicants over 15.
- Health insurance — submitted after approval.
How the process works
- Book an appointment and file in person at the Czech embassy; it forwards the case to the Ministry of the Interior.
- Decision within 270 days (an incomplete application takes longer).
- After approval, the embassy issues a 60-day entry visa.
- Within 3 working days of arrival, visit the Ministry for biometrics; you then collect the card.
Family members with this permit generally have free access to the labour market. Switching to a different purpose of stay is generally possible after 3 years.
Common reasons for refusal
- Insufficient or unproven income.
- Suspicion of a marriage of convenience.
- Documents without an apostille or translation, or older than 180 days.
- The sponsor has not yet reached 15 months or their permit is about to expire.
Need help?
We will calculate the required income, check your documents, arrange translations and prepare the embassy application.
Sources
- MZV ČR — dlouhodobý pobyt za účelem sloučení rodiny
- MPSV — životní a existenční minimum (aktualizace 1. 10. 2026)
- Portál veřejné správy — povolení k dlouhodobému pobytu
This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Check the current rules before making a decision, or contact us.