Czechia’s Ministry of the Interior has finalized a new law that aims to streamline the entry and stay of internationals in the country. The digitalisation of the residence agenda is expected to accelerate the residence procedure and make the legal regulation of internationals’ stay more transparent.
The Ministry’s statement confirms that the draft law has passed the interdepartmental comment procedure and will now be submitted to the government. The existing law was considered “outdated” and “confusing” due to frequent amendments, leading to the decision to revise it.
The main change in the new law is the digitalisation of the residence agenda, while the conditions for granting a residence permit will remain largely unchanged. The Ministry is also working on a new information system that will include the creation of an electronic identity and a foreigner’s account for non-citizens.
Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan emphasized that the new law does not ease the rules for granting residence but rather clarifies the legal regulation of internationals’ stay in the country. The role of the guarantor will also be emphasized, with the law defining the rights and obligations of the guarantor to strengthen their responsibility in the residence procedure.
The new law and information system are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with the registration of EU citizens expected to become mandatory from 2027. The Ministry has highlighted that the registration of EU citizens will continue to be voluntary in 2026.
Overall, the new law and digitalization efforts are expected to make the residency procedure easier and faster for both the authorities and the internationals seeking to stay in Czechia. Travelers to Czechia can look forward to a smoother and more transparent process for their stay in the country.
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