How to obtain a visa and residence permit in the Czech Republic for property owners?

The Czech Republic is considered one of the most attractive countries for immigration, especially for citizens of Eastern Europe. As of early 2017, the number of foreigners living in the country was 524,000. Ukrainians are the most active recipients of long-term visas and permanent residence permits. A significant number of immigrants also come from Slovakia, Vietnam, Russia, Germany, and Poland, which together make up approximately 75% of the total number of arrivals. Additionally, statistics show an increase in the number of students, but the majority of immigrants choose the Czech Republic for economic reasons, seeking to work or run a business.

Visa policy of the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, which affects its visa policy. Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan need to obtain a Schengen visa issued by the Czech Republic or any other Schengen Agreement member country to travel to the Czech Republic. It is important to note that travelers with a residence permit in one of the EU countries can enter the Czech Republic without any issues and without the need to apply for a visa.

Types of Schengen visas

Most tourists prefer to apply for a Schengen visa type "C". This visa, which allows for short-term trips, can be either single-entry or multiple-entry. The maximum duration of stay on this visa is 90 days within a six-month period. With a stable "visa history," it is possible to obtain a visa valid for a period of two to three years. To apply for the visa, a standard set of documents is required, and a complete list is available on the official resources of the Czech consulates, where you can also find templates for the application forms.

Consulates of the Czech Republic

Czech consulates are located in various countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Typically, a visa is processed within 14 days, but there is an option for an expedited visa for an additional fee. Personal presence at the visa center is not required if the applicant has previously undergone the fingerprinting procedure. Otherwise, they must provide their fingerprints.

Special conditions for property owners

If you own property in the Czech Republic, you have the opportunity to obtain a multiple-entry Schengen visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period, totaling 180 days a year. During the application process, property owners can simultaneously apply for visas for their spouses, children, grandchildren, and parents, which significantly simplifies the visa acquisition process for the entire family.

Documents to confirm the purpose of the trip

When preparing for a trip to the Czech Republic, it is important to have documents that can confirm the purpose of your visit. One of the required documents is an extract from the land register. It must be provided either in the original or as a certified copy.

If you are planning to purchase a property, don't forget to prepare a contract with the developer. A detailed list of documents required for applying for a visa for property owners is available in the relevant section. It is also helpful to familiarize yourself with the procedures related to purchasing property in the Czech Republic.

Long-term visa type "D"

For those planning to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days within a six-month period, a long-term visa of type "D" is required. Obtaining this visa necessitates more serious grounds than just the desire to remain in the country. Such grounds include:

• studies
• reunion with family,
• labor activity,
• business management.

Unlike the short-term Schengen visa type "C", documents for a long-term visa must be submitted in person. For this, you will need to contact the consular offices or diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic located in your country.

All documents must be prepared in Czech. If you have documents in Russian, they need to be translated and notarized in the Czech Republic. More detailed information about the required documents, processing times, and fees can be found in the relevant section of the website.

Obtaining a residence permit

Regarding obtaining a residence permit, Czech legislation regulates this process through Act No. 326/1999 "On the Residence of Foreigners in the Territory of the Czech Republic." It is important to remember that some changes were made to the law in 2017, which can be found on the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, where the information is available in both Czech and English.

It should be emphasized that purchasing real estate, regardless of its value, does not automatically grant the right to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic. However, if you are applying for a residence permit for other reasons, such as work or business, owning real estate can be a positive factor in the consideration of your application.

Long-term stay for investors

Since 2017, it has been possible to obtain a long-term residence permit for investors. The main requirement in this situation is that the investment amount must be at least 75 million crowns (approximately 2.7 million euros), and it is also necessary to create at least 20 new jobs. It is preferable to invest at least 60% of this amount in tangible assets, including real estate.

In addition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs carefully analyzes the investor's business plan to assess their contribution to the country's economy. If the candidate meets all the requirements, they are granted a residence permit for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension, provided that the investments made are maintained.

Information about the visa for entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic

More detailed information about the visa for entrepreneurs wishing to invest in the Czech Republic is closely related to the initiation of a business. The main requirement for obtaining this type of visa is the necessity to register a legal entity in Czech territory or to obtain a license for individual entrepreneurial activity. It is also important to provide proof of financial stability and to indicate a residential address, which can be done by providing a rental agreement.

When applying for a visa extension, you will need to provide proof of active business activity.

Deadlines for obtaining visas for entrepreneurs

It should be particularly emphasized that since 2017, the period during which one can switch to an entrepreneur visa has been extended to five years. This is a significant change, as previously this period was only two years. Now, if you are in the Czech Republic on a student or work status, you will need to spend five years in the country before you can change your visa to an entrepreneur one.

Visa based on employment

Speaking of visas related to entrepreneurship, it is also necessary to mention the employment-based visa. Since the introduction of the "work card" in 2014 for legal employment in the Czech Republic, this document has become mandatory. It combines a work permit and a residence visa. To obtain it, one must present an employment contract with an employer from the Czech Republic. Confirmation of housing is also required, which can be either owned or rented.

Additional information about the work card

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with additional information about the work card in the Czech Republic and employment opportunities. Many people are interested in questions such as:

• job search in the Czech Republic;
• available job openings;
• expected salary level.

It is also important to consider the issue of the "Blue Card of the European Union," what this document is, and what steps need to be taken to obtain it.

Other grounds for obtaining a residence permit

There are also other grounds for obtaining a residence permit. Students studying at accredited institutions in the Czech Republic can also obtain a visa. Attention should also be given to researchers conducting studies in the Czech territory, as they may meet the criteria for obtaining a residence permit.

Family reunification

A long-term permit can also be issued through the family reunification procedure — in cases where one of the spouses already has a visa or has become a permanent resident of the Czech Republic. This rule also applies to:

• minor children, students of Czech educational institutions (up to 26 years old);
• elderly parents who need care (over 65 years old or disabled).

Opportunities for refugees

It is also worth noting that refugees and forced migrants seeking asylum in the Czech Republic have the opportunity to apply for a visa.

Retirees and immigration

As for retirees, there are no specialized immigration programs for them in the Czech Republic. They need to apply for a standard visa. Generally, elderly people obtain residence permits through family reunification, which is especially suitable for those who have relatives with a visa or permanent residence in the country.

Registration of a limited liability company

As an alternative, you could consider registering a limited liability company (LLC) in the Czech Republic, which would allow you to become its director and, accordingly, apply for a residence visa.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit

To successfully apply for a residence permit in the Czech Republic, you will need to provide a number of documents. Among the most important are:visa applicationThe completed form must be filled out in capital Latin letters, which is a mandatory requirement.

Preparation of documents for obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic

Every foreigner intending to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic must prepare a specific set of documents. First of all, it is necessary to have a passport that was issued no more than ten years ago. It is important that the passport has at least two blank pages.

The next important document is the confirmation of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit. These can include, for example:

• Certificate of enrollment in an educational institution;
• Employment contract;
• An extract from the trade register, if we are talking about starting a business.

Depending on the situation, different documents may be required to apply for a residence permit.

Confirmation of financial capability

The confirmation of the applicant's financial independence also plays a key role. For example, it is necessary to provide a bank statement showing that the amount must be no less than85,800 Czech crownsThis is approximately3400 euros) per year. For minors under 18 years old, this amount is halved.

Moreover, proof of housing is required, which can be confirmed either by:

• Certificate of ownership;
• Rental agreement.

If it comes to renting from an individual, it is advisable to attach documents from the land cadastre. In the case where the tenant is a legal entity, an extract from the commercial register will also be required.

Necessary documents and health insurance

It is also necessary to provide a certificate of no criminal record, which must be issued in the country of which the applicant is a citizen or in the country where they have resided for the last three years. There are also requirements for medical insurance: it must have coverage of at least60,000 eurosand issued by an insurer licensed in the Czech Republic. In some situations, a certificate of absence of dangerous diseases may be required.

Language and notarization of documents

It is important to remember that all mentioned documents must be submitted in person and in Czech. Documents in Russian must be translated, and the translation must be certified by a notary in the Czech Republic.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic can present certain challenges. It is important to understand that a long-term visa of category D and a residence permit are not the same thing. Both of these documents allow you to stay in the country for more than 90 days within a six-month period.

The first step is always obtaining a visa, and then comes the process of applying for a residence permit, which serves as a continuation of the visa as long as the grounds for obtaining it are maintained. For example, if the visa was obtained for work, then the residence permit should also be issued on the same basis.

Submission of documents

You can only submit a visa application package at the Czech consulates. For residence permits, documents can be submitted both at consulates outside the country and at the Ministry of the Interior offices within the Czech territory. To schedule an appointment for submitting documents for long-term residence, you need to check the addresses and working hours of the relevant Ministry of the Interior offices.

The validity periods of visas and the process of obtaining a residence permit

The initial validity period of a long-term visa is six months or one year. An application for a residence permit can be submitted no earlier than120 daysand no later than14 daysbefore the visa expires. Applications are usually processed within3-6 months.

A residence permit can be issued for a period offrom one to two yearsand the option for extension is available an unlimited number of times.

Obtaining a permanent residence permit

After five years of residing in the Czech Republic on a temporary residence permit, you have the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit. To do this, you need to demonstrate knowledge of the Czech language at least at the A2 level. This process may seem challenging, but meeting all the necessary conditions and requirements makes it quite achievable.

The process of obtaining a residence permit in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the process of obtaining permanent residency is carried out over a period of 10 years, with subsequent automatic renewal. Individuals holding this status can enjoy rights similar to those of citizens; however, they do not have the right to vote in elections. After completing the ten-year period of legal residence in the Czech Republic, there is an opportunity to apply for citizenship.

Expenses for visa and residence permit processing

As for the financial costs of obtaining residence permits and visas for citizens of the Russian Federation, the following rates should be taken into account:

• A long-term visa will cost approximately 2500 crowns, which is equivalent to about 100 euros.
• The permit for temporary or permanent residence (temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit) will cost approximately 500 crowns, or 20 euros.
• The work card (work residence permit) will cost around 1000 crowns, which is equivalent to 40 euros.

Legal assistance

There are many companies in the service market that provide legal assistance in obtaining long-term visas and various types of residence permits. The cost of services from these companies ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 euros per client. It is important to remember that the final decision on the issuance of a residence permit is made solely by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. No legal organization can guarantee a positive outcome, but their services can be helpful in preparing the necessary documents.

Reasons for denial of status

The reasons for which a residence permit status may be denied or not renewed should be considered in advance. It is essential to ensure that all documents are filled out correctly. An incomplete set of documents, errors in applications, and the absence of translations can lead to a refusal to process the application for a residence permit status. Common mistakes also include missing deadlines for submitting documents and choosing the wrong agency for submission, which can result in liability for the applicant.

Forgery of documents

Forgery of documentsProviding false information or misrepresentation are serious grounds for denial of residence permits. When extending status, it is necessary to provide evidence of the relevance of the grounds for obtaining it. In recent years, enforcement of the law has significantly tightened, especially for businesses. While 10-15 years ago many would open shell companies in the Czech Republic without engaging in real activities, such practices are now virtually eliminated, as company balances and tax contributions are under strict scrutiny.

Change of residence

It is also worth noting that a refusal to extend status may occur if the foreigner does not reside at the address specified in the application. Some applicants attempt to illegally confirm their residence, which is a violation and can lead to a denial. Even if the foreigner has a rental agreement or has purchased property, if they are not actually living at that address, serious problems may arise with the extension of their status. Officials may send letters to the specified address and conduct checks, which could reveal discrepancies.

Notification from the authorities

When changing their place of residence, a foreigner is required to promptly notify the relevant authorities to avoid difficulties with extending their status. Incomplete or inaccurate information can significantly complicate the process of obtaining or renewing permits. Regularly obtaining a visa and residence permit in the Czech Republic requires serious preparation, attention to detail, and patience to reduce the likelihood of refusals and ensure legal stay in the country. By putting effort into gathering and preparing all necessary documents, the applicant can greatly simplify the task and avoid negative consequences.

Conclusion

In concluding our article on visa issues and immigration aspects of the Czech Republic, it is important to emphasize that this country is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign citizens. The presence of a convenient visa regime, especially for property owners, as well as the possibility of obtaining long-term visas and residence permits, makes the Czech Republic appealing to various categories of migrants.

The dynamics of the growth in the number of foreigners living in the country indicate that the Czech economy is open to new faces. This applies not only to labor migrants but also to students, families, and entrepreneurs. The awareness that the Czech Republic offers numerous opportunities for living and working inspires immigrants with various goals.

Key aspects of immigration to the Czech Republic

• Convenient visa regime:The ease of obtaining short-term and long-term visas.
• Real estate ownership:Opens up additional opportunities for obtaining a visa.
• Residence permit:Suitable for various categories of immigrants — students, workers, entrepreneurs.

However, it is important to remember that the process of obtaining a visa or residence permit can be complex and requires careful attention. It is necessary to prepare all documents in advance, understand the conditions and timelines to avoid possible rejections. For property owners in the Czech Republic, having an understanding of all the nuances related to visas has often become the key to successful integration into Czech society.

Recommendations for successful immigration

• Carefully review the requirements for obtaining a visa.
• Prepare all the necessary documents in advance.
• Seek help from professionals if the need arises.

In conclusion, I urge everyone interested in moving to the Czech Republic to carefully study the requirements and steps for obtaining a visa or residence permit. This will not only help in preparing all the necessary documents but also in enjoying life in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in Europe. I hope the information presented in this article will be useful for anyone planning to start a new life in the Czech Republic.