Residence permits: what if…

Facts checked against the law and official pages on 10 October 2026. Draft: not yet reviewed.

Plain answers to the situations people worry about most.

The ministry is past its deadline

Most decisions made in the Czech Republic have a 60-day deadline. The clock stops while the case is suspended, for example while the ministry waits for a document from you (time limits).

1. Ask where your case stands. You can request an official statement on the state of your case; the ministry answers within 30 days (source).
2. Ask for protection against inaction. Once the deadline has passed, you can ask the appeals commission (KOMPOZ) to order the ministry to decide by a set date. Say exactly what you want it to order (source).
3. Go to court. If that fails, a lawsuit against inaction is possible within one year; the court fee is CZK 2,000. This is the point to get a lawyer.

My card expires while my extension is being decided

You stay legal until the decision, as long as you applied between 120 days before expiry and the last day of validity (90 days for a visa) (source).

To travel, get a free bridging visa sticker in person at a ministry office, with your passport. It lets you leave and come back while you wait (source).

This doesn’t apply if your only application is for permanent residence.

I lost my job on an employee card

You have 90 days from the end of the job to report a new employer or apply for a different type of permit. The ministry must receive it by day 90; posting it on day 90 is too late. Otherwise the card expires (source).

Many websites still say 60 days. That’s out of date.

EU citizens aren’t affected: their right to live here doesn’t depend on a job.

Summoned to an interview

The ministry may interview you to check facts, for example whether a marriage is genuine. You’ll get a written summons that says what happens if you don’t come (source).

• If you can’t make it, excuse yourself straight away, with a reason and proof (source).
• Refusing to come without a reason can mean a fine of up to CZK 50,000, and missing the interview can lead to your permit being revoked.
• Bring the summons, your passport, and anything the summons asks for.

Can I lose permanent residence?

Yes. It’s revoked if you live outside the EU for more than 12 months in a row, or outside the Czech Republic for more than 6 years in a row, without serious reasons. Long prison sentences and false documents are other grounds (source).

I’m leaving, but my trade licence is still open

The licence keeps running, and so do your social security advances: CZK 5,005 a month from July 2026 for a main activity (source).

1. Suspend or cancel it at any trade office with the change form. It’s free (Prague 1 guide).
2. Ask the trade office to pass the notice on to social security and your health insurer.
3. Check that social security has it within 15 days, and your health insurer within 8 (VZP).