I’m a non-EU citizen moving to Czechia. How can I bring my partner or family members to join me?

Bringing Your Family to Czechia: Long-Term Visa or Long-Term Residence Permit?

Moving to a new country is always exciting, especially when you’re planning to bring your family along. However, the logistics of family reunification can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. If you’re a non-EU citizen making Czechia your new home and want to bring your loved ones with you, there are several options for family reunification that can help you settle with your family in your new home abroad.

Your family’s path to Czech Republic: How to get them here

When you move to the Czech Republic, your family can follow through two main routes: applying for a Long-term visa or a Long-term residence permit. Here’s what you need to know about both.

Long-term Visa for family reunification

If you’re planning to move to the Czech Republic for work, business, or any long-term reason, and you want to bring your family along, the first step for them is usually the Long-term visa for family reunification. This visa allows family members to stay with you in Czech Republic for more than 90 days.

Here are the key family members who can apply for a Long-term visa for family reunification:

• Spouse or Registered partner: Whether you're married or in a registered partnership, your husband or wife can apply to join you.

• Children: This includes minor children (under 18 years old) and adopted children.

• Dependent Relatives: Elderly parents or relatives who rely on you for care due to health issues can also apply to reunite with you in Czechia.

What if you are not married?

If you are not married but wish to bring your partner with you, the Czech Ministry of the Interior evaluates each case individually. If you can provide strong evidence of a committed and long-term relationship (such as proof of shared residence, joint financial commitments, or other supporting documents), applying for a Long-term visa, unlike a Long-term residence permit, could be a viable option.

Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, so depending on your family’s situation, there may be additional options for other close relatives as well.

Other Long-term visa or residence permit options

If your partner or family member doesn’t meet the criteria for family reunification, they can explore other visa or residence options, such as for study or work. Later, once they meet the eligibility requirements, they might be able to change their status and join you as a dependent.

Long-term residence permit for family reunification

The Long-term residence permit is accessible to your relatives if you have already been residing in Czechia with valid permit, or if they are already residing here on a Long-term visa or another kind of Long-term residence permit. If you and your family are still in your home country and planning to relocate together, your family will need to apply for a Long-term visa first.

However, there is an exception for families of Blue Card holders. If you’re applying for Blue card, your family can apply directly for the Long-term residence permit for family reunification, skipping the Long-term visa step.

Additionally, if you held a Blue card in another EU country, your family doesn’t have to travel back to their home country to apply. Instead, they can submit their applications directly at the local Immigration Office in Czechia, along with your own.

Who can apply for a Long-term residence permit for family reunification?

Spouse – a husband or wife of a foreign national with a residence permit in Czechia.

Minor Children (under 18 years old) – This includes:

• Biological or adopted children of a foreign national with a residence permit.

• Stepchildren (children of a spouse who has a residence permit).

• Children placed in foster care or guardianship by an official decision.

Dependent Elderly or Disabled Relatives – Includes:

• A single foreign national over 65 years old seeking reunification with their child or parent who has a residence permit.

• A foreign national of any age who cannot care for themselves due to health reasons, provided they are joining a parent or child in Czechia.

Family Members of Asylum Holders (Refugees)

Extra requirements for spouses, children and stepchildren

For your spouse, children, or stepchildren to join you, you must have been residing in the country for at least 15 months at the time of their application. Additionally, both you and your spouse must be at least 20 years old. However, if you hold an Employee Card, this residency requirement is reduced to just 6 months, offering a faster path for your family to join you. If you don't meet these residency requirements and want to avoid waiting, applying for a Long-term visa for family reunification may be the more immediate solution.

Ready to get your family together in Czechia?

The process of bringing your family members to Czechia depends on your residence status and your family's eligibility. Each case is assessed individually by the Czech Ministry of the Interior, so it’s important to prepare all necessary documents and understand which option applies best to your situation.

Understanding the various pathways and the requirements for each option will help you navigate the process more smoothly. While it can seem complicated, with careful preparation and a clear understanding of the available options, you can bring your family to Czechia and start your new life together in the heart of Europe.