Czechia tightens rules on foreigners with new residence law
President Petr Pavel has signed an amendment to the Foreigners Act that tightens the rules governing the entry and residence of foreigners in Czechia. Under the new legislation, all foreign nationals staying in the country long-term will be required to register.
According to the Interior Ministry, which drafted the legislation, the law gives the government stronger tools to manage migration. The Cabinet will be able to determine which non-EU countries foreigners may come from, for what purposes and in what numbers. It will also be easier and faster to revoke residence permits for people convicted of crimes or those posing a threat to public order or internal security.
EU citizens will also be required to register their residence, allowing the state to keep records of all foreigners living in the country. The changes do not affect asylum or temporary protection arrangements.
The administration of residence permits will be digitised. Authorities will communicate with foreigners online and verify applications directly against state databases.
The law is not expected to take effect immediately. The Interior Ministry plans to introduce it on January 1, 2029, when a new information system is due to be launched.
Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar said the new legislation would make the currently fragmented and confusing rules governing foreigners clearer and more efficient.
"We are responding to the new migration reality. Our main priority is to strengthen the security of the Czech Republic through the digital registration of foreigners. We are also expanding the options for revoking the residence permits of foreigners who pose a threat to internal security," he said.
The main changes include:
- Digitalisation of residence procedures and registration: Online communication and access to relevant state databases will make it easier to process applications, check compliance with residence requirements and revoke permits where necessary.
- Faster revocation of residence permits: New conditions and digitalised procedures will enable authorities to respond more efficiently to criminal offenders and people posing a threat to public order or internal security.
- Greater control over migration flows: The government will be able to determine which third countries foreigners may come from, for what purposes and in what numbers.
- Mandatory registration of EU citizens: The requirement will allow the state to maintain more complete and accurate records of all foreigners residing in Czechia.
