Which changes a foreigner must report to the Czech Ministry of the Interior: new passport, surname, marriage, address, job — deadlines

Updated: 13 November 2026

Getting a residence permit does not end your dealings with the Ministry of the Interior. The law requires foreigners to report a number of changes, often with very short deadlines. Here is everything in one cheat sheet.

Deadline cheat sheet

• New passport (expired, lost, replaced) — 3 working days, to the Ministry.
• Surname, marital status (marriage, divorce, death of spouse) — 3 working days, with the supporting document and translation.
• Data on the residence card — 3 working days.
• Lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged card — 3 working days: in Czechia to the Ministry, abroad to the Czech embassy. A found card must also be reported.
• Lost or stolen passport — to the police without delay.
• Changed appearance — apply for a new card with a photo without undue delay.
• Address — 30 days for long-term residence and long-term visas if you will live at the new place for over 30 days; see our article on change of address.
• Employer (dual employee card) — notice at least 30 days before the switch; for the Blue Card after 12 months — 3 working days.
• Final departure — hand in the card no later than 3 days before your stay ends.

For EU citizens and their family members the deadline for most changes is 15 working days.

How to report

1. Fill in the change notification form (hlášení změn).
2. Attach proof: new passport, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc. — with a Czech translation.
3. File in person at a Ministry office, by post, via data box (ID 6bnaawp) or by e-mail with a qualified signature. Do not post original passports or cards.

Penalties

• A fine — usually up to CZK 3,000, in some cases up to CZK 5,000.
• Violations surface at extension or a permanent residence application and can complicate the decision.
• Without reporting a new passport you may face problems at the border and at your bank.

Common mistakes

• Getting a new passport at the consulate and not telling the Ministry.
• Marrying or divorcing — and forgetting the 3 working days.
• Losing the card abroad and not contacting the embassy.
• Moving “temporarily” and not updating the address.

Sources

• Zákon č. 326/1999 Sb., § 103 — povinnosti cizince
• Portál veřejné správy — hlášení změny cestovního dokladu
• MV ČR — hlášení změn
• Veřejný ochránce práv — povinnosti cizinců s dlouhodobým pobytem

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.