As of the date of accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union, Croatian nationals will only need a valid travel document or identity card to enter and reside in the territory of the Czech Republic. For this reason, they do not have to apply for a visa or long-term residence permit anymore.

Completion of proceedings on applications submitted before the date of accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union:

1.   Application for a long-term visa

The proceedings will become groundless and the applicant will be informed of this fact. This is because EU citizens have the right to move and reside freely within the EU. To enter the territory of the Czech Republic, they therefore do not need to hold the previously required visa anymore.  

2.   Application for a long-term residence permit

The proceedings will become groundless and will be ceased based on the resolution according to Article 66, Section 1, Paragraph g) of Administrative Procedure Code. It is fully up to the Croatian national to decide whether and when he/she applies for a document confirming his/her temporary residence in the territory of the Czech Republic. This document is “A Certificate of Temporary Residence for an EU citizen” issued according to Article 87a of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.  

3.   Application for extension of a long-term residence permit

The proceedings will become groundless and will be ceased based on the resolution according to Article 66, Section 1, Paragraph g) of Administrative Procedure Code. It is fully up to the Croatian national to decide whether and when he/she applies for a document confirming his/her temporary residence in the territory of the Czech Republic. This document is “A Certificate of Temporary Residence for an EU citizen” issued according to Article 87a of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.  

4.   Application for a permanent residence permit

The proceedings will be completed based on the regulation relevant to EU citizens, i.e. authorities will proceed according to Article 87g of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic (in case the application is approved, “Permanent Residence Permit for an EU Citizen” will be issued).

5.   Application for extension of validity of a residence card issued to a Croatian national who holds a permanent residence permit in the territory

The proceedings will be completed based on the regulation relevant to EU citizens, i.e. authorities will proceed according to Article 87s of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic (in case the application is approved, “Permanent Residence Permit for an EU Citizen” will be issued).

Residence of long-term visa and long-term residence permit holders

A long-term visa or long-term residence permit remain valid until the expiration date stated therein. In these cases, it is fully up to the holder of the long-term visa or long-term residence permit to decide whether and when he/she applies for a document confirming his/her temporary residence in the territory of the Czech Republic. This document is “A Certificate of Temporary Residence for an EU citizen” issued according to Article 87a of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.  

Residence of permanent residence holders
An earlier issued residence card remains valid until the expiration date stated therein. In these cases, it is fully up to the holder of this residence card to decide whether and when he/she applies for it to be replaced by “Permanent Residence Permit for an EU Citizen,” issued according to Article 87r of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.