Czech Family Reunification Visa: Bringing Your Spouse & Children to Czechia
If you are living in the **Czech Republic** and wish to bring your **spouse, children, or other dependent family members**, you may need to apply for a family reunification residence permit. This guide provides a **step-by-step application process, required documents, processing times, and post-arrival requirements** to help you navigate the process smoothly.
If you are unsure whether a **family reunification visa is right for your situation**, consider alternative residence permits like Czech Long-Term Visa or explore Healthcare for Expats in Czechia to understand post-arrival medical coverage.
1. Who Needs a Family Reunification Visa?
A **family reunification visa** (long-term residence permit for family purposes) is required for **non-EU/EEA family members** of foreigners who are legally residing in the Czech Republic.
Who Can Apply?
- Spouses/Registered Partners of foreign residents.
- Minor Children (Under 18) of residence permit holders.
- Dependent Parents (Over 65 or with health limitations).
EU citizens do **not** need this visa but should register for residence if staying more than **30 days**. For official guidelines, refer to the Czech Long-Term Visa Guide . Czech Ministry of the Interior – Employee Card
2. Czech Family Reunification Visa Requirements
To apply for a family reunification visa, you must provide:
- Valid Passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay).
- Proof of Relationship (Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, etc., translated and apostilled).
- Proof of Sponsor’s Legal Status (Copy of residence permit of the Czech-based family member).
- Proof of Financial Means (bank statements or work contract from the Czech resident sponsor).
- Health Insurance (mandatory for visa approval).
- Proof of Accommodation (lease agreement or homeownership documents).
- Criminal Record Certificate (for adults, from their home country, possibly apostilled).
- Visa Fee (~2,500 CZK, may vary by embassy).
For complete document checklists, visit Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Long-Stay Visa.
3. Step-by-Step Family Reunification Visa Application Process
How to Apply for a Czech Family Reunification Visa
4. Processing Time & Fees
- Processing Time: 90–120 days (apply at least 4 months in advance).
- Visa Application Fee: ~2,500 CZK.
- Biometric Residence Card Fee: 1,000 CZK (upon arrival).
5. Post-Arrival Requirements
Once in the Czech Republic, family members must:
- Register at the Foreign Police within **3 days** of arrival.
- Activate Health Insurance (if using a Czech provider).
- Obtain a Biometric Residence Permit (if staying longer than 1 year).
6. FAQs: Czech Family Reunification Visa
- Can my spouse work in the Czech Republic on a family reunification visa?
- Yes, but they may need to apply for a separate work permit unless they have an exemption.
- Can I bring my parents under family reunification?
- Yes, if they are over 65 or financially dependent on you.
- How long does it take to process a Czech family reunification visa?
- It typically takes **90–120 days**, but may be longer depending on your case.
Need Help Applying for a Czech Family Visa?
Applying for a family reunification visa involves **complex paperwork and translations**. Our team provides **expert visa assistance** to ensure a smooth approval process.
Contact Us for Family Visa Support
Navigating the family reunification visa process can be challenging, especially with the required paperwork and translations. It’s reassuring to know that expert assistance is available to simplify the application process. Having a trusted partner to guide you through each step ensures that everything is done correctly the first time. This support can make a significant difference in reducing stress and avoiding delays. How long does the entire process typically take from start to finish?