Permanent residence in Czechia after 5 years: requirements, A2 exam, documents

Updated: 12 November 2026

Permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) is the next step after long-term visas and cards. It is not tied to a purpose (work, study, business), gives access to public health insurance and is a condition for citizenship. Here is how to get it after 5 years.

Who can apply

A foreigner who, on the day of filing, has at least 5 years of continuous legal residence in Czechia (long-term visas, long-term residence permits, employee cards, EU Blue Cards, etc.).

• Study counts only half: 2 years on a student visa = 1 year towards the 5.
• Temporary protection as a rule does not count towards the 5 years — we will check your case individually.

How long you can be abroad

Residence is considered continuous if you were not in Czechia for no more than 6 consecutive months and no more than 10 months in total over the 5 years. For serious reasons (pregnancy, serious illness, study, business trip), a one-off absence of up to 12 months is allowed. Longer trips reset the count.

The A2 Czech exam

• CEFR level A2: a written part (reading, listening, writing) and an oral part.
• From 11 April 2026, some writing and speaking tasks were updated: more interaction, more topics, vocabulary of everyday life in Czechia. The level remains A2.
• There are exemptions (children, older people, graduates of Czech schools, health reasons) — we will check whether you qualify.

Documents

1. Application form (Ministry of the Interior form).
2. Passport and photo.
3. Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or confirmation of accommodation).
4. Proof of financial means (income, bank statements).
5. A2 certificate or a document proving an exemption.
6. At the Ministry’s request — a criminal record certificate and consent to disclose tax information.

Foreign documents need an apostille and a sworn translation into Czech.

How to apply and what happens next

• File at a Ministry of the Interior (OAMP) office in person, by post, via a data box or through an authorised representative.
• The statutory processing time is 60 days; it is paused if the Ministry asks you to complete the documents.
• After preliminary approval — biometrics by phone appointment; the decision is usually handed over at the same time.
• You must collect the card within 60 days of biometrics.

Common mistakes

• Miscounting the 5 years (study, temporary protection, gaps between visas).
• Long trips abroad without proof of a serious reason.
• Insufficient or undeclared income — the Ministry can check your taxes.
• Filing without the A2 certificate — the application will be incomplete.

Sources

• Information portal for foreigners (Ministry of the Interior) — permanent residence after 5 years
• Čeština pro cizince — A2 exam format change from 11.4.2026

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.