The Czech Republic is an economically stable state, located almost in the center of Europe. The favorable geographical position allows the Czech Republic to conduct active trade with EU members and attract foreign investment. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the income of the population and increases their social security. All this makes this state very attractive for emigrants from Russia who dream of living in Europe, but hardly imagine a radical change in climate and adaptation among people with a different mentality. After all, the Czechs seem to our compatriots the closest and most understandable people, among whom it will be very comfortable to live. But is it really so? And how difficult is it to get a residence permit in the Czech Republic? Today we will answer all your questions regarding this hot topic.
A few words about the Czech Republic
What do we know about this country looking so beautiful on posters in travel agencies? Almost nothing. Surprisingly, the thought of moving to the Czech Republic comes to the mind of most Russians after an ordinary tourist trip. And this is not surprising, because before the travelers appearthe most beautiful corners of the Czech Republic, neat streets of cities and friendly faces of local residents who are confident in the future. Naturally, after such pictures, every second tourist begins to dream of moving to the Czech Republic. But do not rush, think a little about the place where you want to go.
Historically, the Czech Republic was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for almost three hundred years. However, the Czechs did their best to preserve their nation and, worth noting, succeeded in this. Today, more than ninety percent of the country's inhabitants are Czechs, and only six percent of the population are gypsies, visitors from the former Soviet republics and Poland. It is also worth knowing that this state has the highest population density among all European countries. And this means that it will be very difficult to obtain a residence permit (residence permit) in the Czech Republic, and even more difficult to become a full citizen of the state.
Difficulties of life in the Czech Republic
We will definitely tell you how to get a residence permit in the Czech Republic, but do not forget that while adapting to new living conditions, you will have to face a number of difficulties.
First of all, your integration will be hindered by the language barrier. Despite the fact that the Czech language belongs to the Slavic group, it is considered one of the most difficult to learn. Even those who have lived in the country for more than five years cannot boast of competent speech without an accent. In the Czech Republic, you will not need English, because only a small part of intelligent youth speaks it. But the local older population as alternative language selects German. Quite a lot of Czechs speak it well.
Obtaining a residence permit for Russians in the Czech Republic is not a very simple procedure, but it does not take too much time either. But the search for a job can drag on for months. The fact is that there are no high salaries in the country, and therefore there is no big gap between the lowest and highest wages. Czechs tend to stick to their jobs and rarely change jobs. And this is understandable, because in the new position they will not receive huge money. Therefore, foreigners get only the most unprestigious jobs that still need to be found.
If everything we told you did not make you change your mind and refuse to move to this small country, then in the following sections of the article we will tell you how to get a residence permit in the Czech Republic.
Residence permit: who is en titled to it
According to the legislation, a residence permit in the Czech Republic can be obtained for various reasons. Without this document, you can stay in the country for no more than three months according to the affixed Schengen visa. In order to continue to live in the Czech Republic and be able to obtain a residence permit, you need to fall into the following categories:
- a student studying at a Czech university;
- an entrepreneur who has registered a company in the country.
Also, many seek to become the owner of the coveted EU blue card, having a contract confirming employment in their hands, while others are trying to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic through the purchase of real estate.
Organs,involved in issuing documents regulating residence in the country
In order to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic, you must contact the local police station. It is these bodies that accept and review documents from foreigners.
If, after checking the application, it is satisfied, the foreigner receives a long-term visa, which gives the right to live in the Czech Republic for three months. During this time, it is necessary to hand over your biometric data to the same police department, and only after that a residence permit in the Czech Republic is issued.
Please be aware that if you change any of the data on this card, you must immediately inform the appropriate authorities. Typically, a residence permit upon initial registration is issued for a period of one year. In the future, the residence permit can be extended for two or ten years. After five years living in the territory of the state, any foreigner can apply for citizenship. But we will not touch on this topic in the article.
Documents for obtaining a residence permit
When applying to the police station in order to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic, our compatriot or any other foreign citizen must have the following package of papers:
- travel passport;
- two standard photographs;
- certificate confirming that the applicant is not convicted and is not currently under investigation;
- documents disclosing the place of residence in the country (this is especially true when applying for a residence permit in the Czech Republic when buyingproperty);
- bank statement from the applicant's account (each applicant must have at least two hundred and eighty thousand rubles in the account).
Depending on the category to which the person applying for a residence permit belongs, the police may require a number of additional documents confirming involvement in one or another declared group.
Residence permit: business in the Czech Republic
Many Russians take advantage of the fact that entrepreneurs who have opened their business in the Czech Republic can freely obtain a residence permit. This procedure does not take more than two months and is the most convenient legal way of all possible to live in peace in the country.
The general rules for this category are rather vague:
- a foreign citizen must provide an extract from the register, where his company registered in the Czech Republic will appear;
- do not violate the law and pay taxes to the state treasury;
- a new firm should be useful to the country's economy.
However, in reality, according to Russians who have already received a residence permit, everything is much simpler.
At the moment there are a lot of companies in the Czech Republic that help foreign citizens register a new company correctly and quickly. Keep in mind that this procedure takes about a month, and do not believe those organizations that promise to do everything in a couple of weeks. It's just not possible.
Most of the companies opened in this way work only on paper, but they cannot be liquidated. Otherwise, the owner immediately loses the right to extend the residence permit in the Czech Republic. Don't forget to turn in the annual balance sheet and receive mail sent to your organization's address. Otherwise, the relevant authorities will become interested in you, and as a result of the check, the fictitious company may be liquidated.
Keep in mind that under Czech law, your company can deliver a zero balance for the first three years. In the future, you will have to show small incomes. Income tax is thirty-five percent of the amount, but thanks to some organizations, taxes can be significantly reduced. Many foreigners pay no more than two hundred euros per year. It is this amount that costs them a residence permit in the country.
Where can I get an extract from the registry?
An extract in the Czech Republic is issued by a district court. After the request is made, you will be given a paper in your hands, which will indicate the date of registration of the company, the legal address and form, as well as the subject of activity. Please note that in the Czech Republic any entrepreneurial activity must be licensed. This must be remembered when filling out the required package of documents.
Formal employment
Of course, people do not go to the Czech Republic for a long ruble, but official employment guarantees a foreign citizen a residence permit for the entire period of work.
If you are an excellent specialist and have an offer from Czech companies, you can take this opportunity and live legally for several years in the Czech Republic. Two types of contract fall under this category:
- The first is issued with specialists in any field, regardless of qualifications. Having an agreement with the Czech authorities, you can live and work in the country for at least two years. In the future, you have the opportunity to extend your stay in the Czech Republic.
- The second contract is issued only with highly qualified specialists who plan to work in scarce positions. In this case, the salary of foreigners must exceed the average earnings of a Czech, and the employment contract is concluded for only one year.
To everyone who concludes one of these contracts, the Czech authorities issue a residence permit. In the event of a change of job, a foreign citizen must immediately report this to the police. Keep in mind that after the termination or expiration of the employment contract, the extension of the residence permit will no longer be possible.
Study in the Czech Republic
Students have the right to reside in the country for the duration of their studies. They can enter absolutely any university in the Czech Republic, this does not matter when applying for a residence permit.
When applying, you must submit papers from a higher educational institution confirming admission, and documents showing the applicant's solvency. If the student has not yet reached the age of majority, then he will need additional parental consent. Without it, you will not receive a residence permit in the Czech Republic.
Residence permit and real estate in the Czech Republic: myths and reality
Our compatriots often mistakenly believe that buying property in the country will help themget a residence permit. However, it is not. Despite the fact that in many EU countries, anyone who buys a home becomes the first applicant for the coveted card, in the Czech Republic this is still only talked about.
Therefore, even having an apartment in Prague, you will have to look for a reason in order to collect a package of documents for legal residence in the country. But when considering these papers, the Czech authorities always emphasize the fact where exactly the applicant is registered. And having your own home in this case is a huge plus.
If you cannot yet classify yourself as a foreigner eligible to apply for a residence permit, then calmly apply for a multi-Schengen immediately for one year. It cannot be denied to a homeowner in the Czech Republic.
Pensioners in the Czech Republic
Increasingly, our compatriots, who have worked all their lives for the good of their homeland and retired, are thinking about moving to the Czech Republic. Residence permit for pensioners, unfortunately, is issued in a general manner. No benefits are provided in this case, therefore, only those Russian pensioners who have relatives in the Czech Republic can obtain a residence permit. At family reunification, documents are processed fairly quickly, and the percentage of refusals is minimal.
However, one should not strive to leave for this European state for people of advanced age who do not have relatives here. It is known that medical care is quite expensive in the Czech Republic, and utility bills can "eat up" half of the pension. But if availableclose people life in this country can be very comfortable, because the Czechs are very respectful of the elderly.
