Original document : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-czech-republic
Change description : 2020-09-07 15:05:00: Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021. [Brexit]
Showing diff : 2020-01-24 09:25:34 +00:00..2020-09-07 14:07:52 +00:00
Guidance
Official information for UK nationals moving to and living in the Czech Republic, including Brexitguidance guidance,on residency, healthcarehealthcare, driving and driving.the Withdrawal Agreement.
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follow the British Embassy Prague on Facebook and Twitter
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The BritishWithdrawal EmbassyAgreement regularlysets holdsout eventsthe acrossterms Czechof Republicthe UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for UKa nationals.deal Attendon onecitizens’ ofrights. ourIt citizensets outreachout meetingsa totransition keepperiod upwhich tolasts dateuntil on31 workingDecember 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and livingstudy in the CzechEU Republicbroadly afteras Brexit.you did before 31 January 2020.
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Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance page for Brexitmore information.
In the meantime, make sure you are registered as a resident in the Czech Republic. We will update this guidance as soon as more information becomes available.
You should also read our guidance on living in Europe
Check the entry requirements for the Czech Republic.
If you are resident in the Czech Republic before the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, you will be able to stay.
You need to secure a Czech residence permit before Brexit if you want to guarantee your stay in the Czech Republic.
You must register your stay with the Czech Foreign Police (in Czech) first. You will need this confirmation of your registration with the Foreign Police when you apply for Czech residency status.
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If thereyou aremove changes to residencythe registrationCzech processesRepublic after Brexit,31 weDecember 2020, different immigration requirements will apply. We will update this guidancepage aswhen soonfurther as information is available.
Read our guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
The rules on travel will stay the same until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to travel to countries in the Schengen area or elsewhere in the EU with your UK passport.
Check your passport is valid for travel. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
You can apply for or renew your British passport from the Czech Republic.
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If you dorenewed notyour needcurrent anypassport additionalbefore periodthe ofprevious validityone expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport beyondover this.10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
You’llYou will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
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From 1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in theany Schengen180-day areaperiod without a visa for purposes such as tourism. This is a rolling 180-day period.
To stay for longer, to work or elsewherestudy, inor for business travel, you will need to meet the EUentry withrequirements set out by the country to which you are travelling. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your UKvisit passport.would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.
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Different rules aswill soonapply asto informationEU iscountries available.that Youare shouldnot signpart upof forthe updatesSchengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice topage thisfor guidance.information on entry requirements.
If you are living in the Czech Republic or move there permanently before 31 December 2020, you’ll have life-long healthcare rights in the Czech Republic as you do now, provided you remain resident.
Read our guidance on who can access healthcare in the Czech Republic and how to register.
If you live in the Czech Republic and receive an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit, you may currently be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You must apply for a certificate of entitlement known as an S1 certificate.
Read our guidance on how to get an S1 form.
If you are resident in the Czech Republic, you must not use ayour EuropeanEHIC Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the UK for healthcare in the Czech Republic.
When you travel from the Czech Republic for a temporary stay in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can use an EHIC to access state-provided healthcare in that country. During that short stay:
the EHIC covers treatment that is medically necessary until your planned return home
an EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance
read our travel advice pages and advice on foreign travel insurance
If you are a student, read the NHS guidance on healthcare and studying abroad.
You can find an English-speaking doctor in the Czech Republic.
You must also check your prescriptions are legal in the Czech Republic.
There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time.
IfYou youshould arealso livingread inguidance theon:
For more information, read the Czech Health Insurance Bureau’s website for guidance on access to the Czech healthcare system after Brexit.
If you are registered as a resident in the Czech Republic, you have the right to work in the Czech Republic. Read our guidance on working in anotheran EU country.
You may need to apply for one or both of the following:
If you are resident in the Czech Republic afteron Brexit
Youror before 31 December 2020, your right to work will not change, as long as you remain resident in the Czech Republic.
If you gainedhave youralready professionalbeen qualification in the UK before Brexit, it will continue to be recognised by Czechan authorities.
RecognitionEU decisionscountry madeas onholding qualificationsvalid obtainedprofessional inqualifications, thethis UKwill orremain thevalid EUafter before the end of the implementation period on 31 DecemberJanuary 2020 are not affected.2020.
If you have not had your professional qualifications recognised, you willcan have until the end of the implementation period to submit an application under the current rules.rules until 31 December 2020.
If you are enrolled at a Czech university, Brexit will not affect your fees. You willcan be able to continue in, or enrol into, study programmes taught in Czech free of charge.charge after 31 January 2020. Fees for programmes taught in English will also not change.change as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
Read the guidance on continuing your studies in the European Union after Brexit.
If you work in the Czech Republic, you have the same tax rights and duties as Czech citizens.
The UK has a double-taxationdouble taxation agreement with the Czech Republic to ensure peopleyou do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in the Czech Republic have not changed.
Read guidance about:
You should obtain professional advice on paying tax in the Czech Republic.
If you live in the Czech Republic for more than six months in the current year, you will need to pay tax on your worldwide income here. This may include income from securities, insurance, annuities, and property. We recommend that you check with your local Czech tax office.
Find out if you can pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
If you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued A1/E101 form, you will remain subject to UK legislation until the end date on the form.
Brexit will not change existing double-taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in the Czech Republic. Send your questions about double taxation to the relevant tax authority.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you retire in the Czech Republic, you can claim:
your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre to claim
your Czech and UK State Pension from the Czech Social Security Administration if you worked in the Czech Republic
pensions from working in other EU countries
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
YouThere canwill continuebe no changes by 31 December 2020 to receivethe yourrules on claiming the UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland andas youa canresult stillof claimthe your UK Stateleaving Pension.the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.
If you are living in the Czech Republic by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.
If you work and pay social security contributions in the Czech Republic, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Czech pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after the31 endDecember of2020.
If you are considering moving to the implementationCzech period.
ThereRepublic willon beor noafter changes1 beforeJanuary 312021 Decemberand 2020you toare not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on claimingnegotiations UKwith the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland asand ayou resultcan ofstill theclaim your UK leavingState Pension.
You will need to tell the EU.UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in the Czech Republic.
Many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
You may be entitled to Czech benefits. To find out if you are entitled to Czech benefits and how to claim, you can read the European Union’s guidance on claiming benefits in an EU country like the Czech Republic.
You can request proof of the time you have worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you work and pay social security contributions in the Czech Republic, your UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Czech contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after 31 December 2020.
If you are considering moving to the endCzech ofRepublic on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the implementationWithdrawal period.Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and my change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU..
Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you are resident in the Czech Republic, exchange your UK licence for a Czech one (in Czech). You can do this at any municipality with extended competence (in Czech). You will need to provide at least two documents proving you are resident in the Czech Republic for more than 185 days in a calendar year. This can be your permanent residency permit, temporary residency permit, lease agreement, property ownership listing, employment contract, etc.
You can still use your Czech licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.
For information on driving in the Czech Republic, read our guidance on:
what you need to drive abroad
driving rules in the Czech Republic
Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.
If you spend more than 185 days in the Czech Republic with your UK-registered car, you must register your vehicle with Czech authorities.
DrivingYou licencecannot rulesvote willin staylocal or national parliamentary elections in the sameCzech untilRepublic 31or DecemberEuropean 2020.Parliament elections.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections.
register as an overseas voter if you would like to vote
If you are resident in the Czech Republic, you can vote in municipal and European parliamentary elections. You cannot vote in national parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic.
UK nationals will no longer be eligible to vote in local or European Parliament elections after Brexit.
If your child is born in the Czech Republic, you will need to register the birth with local authorities and register the birth abroad.
If someone dies in the Czech Republic:
read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
read guidance for UK nationals on bereavements in the Czech Republic
consult a list of English-speaking funeral directors in the Czech Republic
Find out how you can get married abroad.
You will need to make a declaration in the Register of Vital Records (matrika) in the municipality where you plan to get married.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for British nationals in the Czech Republic. As of February 2019, you may no longer need to provide Czech translation of your document to Czech authorities. Find out about a new EU regulation which simplifies the authentication process.
You may also need:
Read guidance on how to buy a property abroad.
Current pet travel rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you’re travelling with your pet for the first time you must visit your vet to get a pet passport.
Read guidance on bringing your pet travelto the UK.
You can dial the European emergency number on 112 or:
If you are the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact the British Embassy Prague.
Tell the UK and Czech authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently. To help prove you are now living in the UK, you must deregister with Czech authorities.
If you receive UK State Pension or benefits payments, you must tell the International Pension Centre.
If you get healthcare in the Czech Republic through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 form is cancelled at the right time.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
This information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Czech authorities. The ForeignForeign, and Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO)(FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
EU Exit update: information in the "Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU" section updated
Births, deaths and marriages: We added information on the the EU Regulation on Public Documents (Regulation 2016/1191) which simplifies the circulation of certain public documents.
EU Exit update: updated EU Exit information in visas and residency, healthcare and driving sections
We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
EU Exit update: added information on an outreach event in Brno on 19 February
EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare
EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving
Added information about an outreach event planned for January 2019 in the "EU exit: what you need to know" section.
EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
Brexit update: added in official recommendation from the Czech Ministry of the Interior
Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
Updated information on Brexit.
Added Brits in the Czech Republic Facebook page to the information on expat communities in the Czech Republic.
First published.
2024-03-27 12:16
Annual review and update of the content and links
2023-01-25 08:40
annual review
2022-03-11 09:00
Important information in the Working in the Czech Republic, and National insurance sections if you work in the Czech Republic, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
2022-02-23 15:13
Updated the Visas and residency section to include information on the process for UK nationals with Czech residency to exchange their residency permit for a biometric card before 31 August 2022.
2021-03-01 08:23
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
2020-09-07 15:05
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021.
2020-01-24 09:22
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
2019-09-23 16:54
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
2019-09-03 17:04
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
2019-05-31 09:42
EU Exit update: information in the “Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU” section updated
2019-04-26 13:20
Births, deaths and marriages: We added information on the the EU Regulation on Public Documents (Regulation 2016/1191) which simplifies the circulation of certain public documents.
2019-04-10 14:03
EU Exit update: updated EU Exit information in visas and residency, healthcare and driving sections