Living in the Czech Republic
Official information for UK nationals livingmoving into and movingliving toin the Czech Republic, including guidance on residency, healthcarehealthcare, driving and driving.the Withdrawal Agreement.
What you should do
You should:
- register as a resident in the Czech Republic
- exchange your driving licence
Coronavirus
You should follow the advice of the Czech Government and your local authority. You can also read our Czech Republic travel advice for our latest guidance.
For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in the Czech Republic, see our coronavirus travel advice.
Stay up to date
You should:
- sign up for email alerts to this guidance
- follow the British Embassy Prague on Facebook and Twitter
IfYou youcan werealso:
readlegally resident in the Czech RepublicMinistrybeforeof1Interior’sJanuaryFAQs2021,onyourresidencyrightsandwillthebeWithdrawalprotectedAgreement
The byWithdrawal theAgreement
The Withdrawal Agreement.
You shouldsets checkout thatthe youterms areof correctlythe registeredUK’s withdrawal from the EU and shouldprovides getfor a newdeal residenceon documentcitizens’ torights. evidenceIt yoursets rights.
Youout shoulda alsotransition readperiod ourwhich guidancelasts onuntil living31 inDecember Europe.
Visas2020. andDuring residency
Ifthis time you werecan legallycontinue residentto inlive, thework Czechand Republicstudy beforein 1the JanuaryEU 2021,broadly as you shoulddid getbefore a31 residenceJanuary document.2020.
ToIf get this document you mustare reportresident yourin residencethe toCzech yourRepublic localat officethe end of the Ministrytransition ofperiod, Interioryou will be covered by 31the DecemberWithdrawal 2021.
ThisAgreement, deadlineand isyour indicativerights whichwill meansbe thatprotected yourfor rightsas underlong theas Withdrawalyou Agreementremain willresident notin bethe affectedCzech ifRepublic.
Any yourights dothat are not meetcovered by the deadline.Withdrawal However,Agreement wewill recommendbe thatthe yousubject obtainof yourfuture newnegotiations. documentRead asthis soonguidance aspage possible.for more information.
ReadIn the Czechmeantime, government’smake guidancesure onyou residency.
Weare willregistered updateas thesea pagesresident within detailsthe ofCzech theRepublic. newWe systemwill update this guidance as soon as more information isbecomes available.
You should signalso upread forour updatesguidance toon thisliving guidance.in Europe.
MovingVisas toand the Czech Republic
Check the entry requirements for the Czech Republic.Republic.
Residency
If Readyou are resident in the Czech government’sRepublic guidancebefore the transition period ends on visas.
Passports31 andDecember travel
You shouldneed carryto yoursecure a Czech residence permit (i.e.if Potvrzeníyou owant přechodnémto pobytu,guarantee oryour Průkazstay oin povoleníthe kCzech trvalémuRepublic.
You pobytu),must asregister wellyour asstay yourwith validthe passportCzech whenForeign youPolice travel.(in IfCzech) youfirst. haveYou appliedwill butneed notthis yetconfirmation receivedof your permit,registration carrywith athe proofForeign Police when you apply for Czech residency status.
You can also read Czech Ministry of application.Interior Q&A website.
IfIn you2021, haveCzech notauthorities yetwill appliedissue forall registered UK residents with a biometric residence permit,permit. youWe shouldwill carryupdate evidencethis thatguidance youwhen aremore residentinformation inis available about this process.
If you move to the Czech Republic.Republic Thisafter could31 includeDecember a2020, tenancydifferent agreementimmigration orrequirements awill utilityapply. billWe inwill yourupdate name,this datingpage fromwhen 2020.further information is available.
IfRead youour cannotguidance showon thatmoving youor areretiring residentabroad.
Passports inand thetravel
The Czechrules Republic,on youtravel maywill bestay askedthe additionalsame questionsuntil at the bordertransition toperiod enterends theon Schengen31 area,December and2020. yourDuring passportthis maytime beyou stampedcan oncontinue entryto andtravel exit.to Thiscountries willin notthe affectSchengen yourarea rightsor elsewhere in the CzechEU Republic.with your UK passport.
Passports
Check your passport is valid for traveltravel. beforeYour youpassport bookshould yourbe trip.valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
You can apply for or renew your British passport from the Czech Republic.
Passports from 1 January 2021
YouCheck your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.
From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to the Czech Republic, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
You will need to Renewrenew your passport before youtravelling book your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
As a non-EEA national, different border checks will apply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. YouYour passport may alsobe needstamped tofor showvisits ato returnthese or onward ticket.countries.
Entry requirements
YouFrom can1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism.
To stayThis longer,is thana 90rolling days180-day inperiod.
To 180-daystay period,for longer, to work or study, or for business travel, you mustwill need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travellingtravelling. to. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.
Periods of stay authorised under a visa or permit will not count against the 90-day limit. Travel to the UK and the Ireland will not change.
Different rules will apply to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.
Travel to the UK and Ireland has not changed.
Healthcare
ReadIf ouryou guidanceare onliving accessing healthcare in the Czech Republic andor makemove surethere youpermanently arebefore correctly31 registered.
IfDecember your2020, UKyou’ll employerhave haslife-long senthealthcare yourights toin the Czech Republic temporarily,as youryou accessdo tonow, healthcareprovided isyou different.remain Findresident.
Read outour howguidance toon who can access healthcare asin athe postedCzech workerRepublic and how to register.
State healthcare: S1
If you havelive a registered S1 form and were living in the Czech Republic beforeand 1receive Januaryan 2021,exportable yourUK rightspension, tocontribution-based accessEmployment healthcareSupport willAllowance stayor theanother sameexportable ifbenefit, you aremay either:
- receiving
currentlyabeUKentitledStatetoPension - receiving
statesomehealthcareotherpaid‘exportableforbenefits’ - a
byfrontiertheworkerUK.whoYoulivesmustinapplytheforCzechaRepubliccertificateandofcommutesentitlementtoknownworkasinantheS1UK
Read our guidance on usinghow an S1 form in the Czech Republic to ensureget youan areS1 correctly registered for healthcare.form.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are resident in the Czech Republic, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC from the UK for healthcare in the Czech Republic.
IfWhen you weretravel livingfrom in the Czech Republic beforefor 1a Januarytemporary 2021,stay youin mayanother beEuropean eligibleEconomic forArea a(EEA) newcountry UK-issuedor EHICSwitzerland, ifyou you’re:
- a
canUKusestudentaninEHICthetoCzechaccessRepublic - a
state-providedUKhealthcareStateinPensionerthatwithcountry.aDuringregisteredthatS1 - a
thefrontierEHICworkercoverswithtreatmentathatregisteredisS1 An
anEHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.insuranceFor more information read our guidance
travelonadvicehealthcare when travelling in Europepagesand advice on foreign travel insurance.
Applymedically nownecessary foruntil ayour newplanned UKreturn EHIChome
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.
You should also read guidance on:
healthcareandstudyingabroad- finding an English-speaking doctor in the Czech Republic
- checking your prescriptions are legal in the Czech Republic
Working and studying in the Czech Republic
If you wereare legallyregistered as a resident in the Czech RepublicRepublic, before 1 January 2021, you have the right to work,work asin longthe asCzech youRepublic. remainRead legallyour resident.guidance on working in an EU country.
You may need to apply for one or both of the following:
If you are planningresident to come to the Czech Republic to work, you may need a visa.
Frontier workers
If you live in the Czech Republic andon were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country, before 131 JanuaryDecember 20212020, youyour mayright need a permit to showwork that you are a frontier worker.
Education and professional qualifications
You will benot eligiblechange, for broadly the same support as Czech nationals, as long as you wereremain legally resident in the Czech Republic before 1 January 2021. Check that you are correctly registered for residency.Republic.
Professional qualifications
ReadIf ouryou guidancehave on:
- continuing
alreadyyourbeenstudiesrecognisedinbytheanEU - healthcare for
countrystudentsasinholdingthevalidCzechprofessionalRepublic
Movingqualifications, tothis thewill Czechremain Republicvalid toafter study
If you arehave planningnot tohad studyyour inprofessional thequalifications Czechrecognised, Republic, make sure you meetcan allsubmit visaan requirementsapplication beforeunder you arrive. Contact the relevantcurrent Higherrules Educationuntil provider31 inDecember the Czech Republic to check what fees you may have to pay.2020.
For
Studying more information read studying in the EuropeanCzech Union.
Professional qualificationsRepublic
You maycan needcontinue toin, getor yourenrol professionalinto, qualificationstudy recognisedprogrammes iftaught you want to work in a profession that is regulated in the Czech Republic.free Whenof doingcharge this,after you31 willJanuary be2020. subjectFees tofor theprogrammes thirdtaught countryin regulations.
IfEnglish yourwill qualificationnot waschange officiallyas recogniseda byresult theof relevant regulator in the CzechUK Republicleaving before 1 January 2021, make sure you understand the terms of your recognition decision by checking with that regulator.EU.
Read the Czech government’s guidance on recognitioncontinuing ofyour professionalstudies qualificationsin the European Union.
Money and tax
If you work in the Czech Republic, you have the same tax rights and duties as Czech citizens.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with the Czech Republic to ensure you 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.
National Insurance
Find out if you need to pay National Insurance in the UK or social security contributions in the Czech Republic.
Banking
Whether UK banks can provide services to customers living in the EEA is a matter of local law and regulation. Your bank or finance provider should contact you if they need to make any changes to your product or the way they provide it. If you have any concerns about whether you might be affected, contact your provider or seek independent financial advice.
Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on banking, insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.
Declaration of overseas assets
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.
Pensions
National Insurance
ReadFind ourout guidanceif onyou can pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to UKother benefits and pensionsallowances.
If while you are livingemployed or self-employed in the CzechEU Republic.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.
Pensions
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
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
Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement changes for more information on cross-border pensions.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
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.
Benefits
Pensions after 31 December 2020
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 31 December 2020.
If you are considering moving to the Czech Republic on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
You whilecan youcontinue areto livingreceive your UK State Pension if you live in the CzechEU, Republic.EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.
Benefits
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
readourguidanceonwhichbenefitsyouifyouliveuseandourhowtooltocheckwhichbenefitsyoucanwhileyouliveabroad
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.
Czech benefits
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.
DrivingBenefits after 31 December 2020
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the CzechEU, RepublicEEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are residentliving in the CzechEU, Republic,EEA exchangeor yourSwitzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK licencebenefits you already receive. This will continue for aas Czechlong oneas (inyou Czech).live Youthere canand onlymeet exchangeall other eligibility requirements.
If you work and pay social security contributions in the Czech Republic, your UK licencesocial 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 haveare beenconsidering livingmoving to the Czech Republic on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and my change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU..
Driving in the Czech Republic
Driving forlicence 185rules days.will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
YouIf canyou 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 docan notstill haveuse toyour takeCzech licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a drivingUK licence without taking a test if you return to exchangelive yourin licence.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
Driving in the UK with a Czech licence
You can use your Czech licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test. We will update these pages if there are any changes to the rules, as soon as information is available.
Bringing a UK-registered vehicle into 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.
Voting
You cannot vote in local or national parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic or European Parliament elections.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections.
Births, deaths and marriages
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:
Accommodation and buying property
Read guidance on how to buy a property abroad.
Pets
IfCurrent you have a pet passport issued by the Czech Republic or another EU member state, you can use it to travel withrules yourwill petstay tothe Greatsame Britainuntil and31 elsewhereDecember in the EU.2020.
AIf GB-issuedyou’re EUtravelling petwith passportyour ispet not valid for travel to the EUfirst ortime Northernyou Ireland.must Youvisit should speak to your vet before you travel to get thea necessary pet travel documents and ensure you’re compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.passport.
Read guidance on:
on- travelling with your pet in the EU
UK - travelling to Northern Ireland with your pet
Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel..
Emergencies
You can dial the European emergency number on 112 or:
- 158 for police
- 156 for local police
- 155 for health emergencies
- 150 for firefighters
If you are the victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis abroad, contact the British Embassy Prague.
Returning to the UK
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.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Czech authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Last updated 1
-
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
-
Updated as the transition period ends with new information on residency, pet travel and moving to the Czech Republic
-
Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
-
Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
-
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.
Update history
2024-05-10 14:03
Updated the Visas and residency section with information on the Entry/Exit System (EES), which the EU will introduce in autumn 2024.
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