Czech Ministry of Interior launches new digital portal: Can it help foreigners?

The digital shift brings opportunities and limitations for the foreign community living in Czechia.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 04.02.2025 08:37:00 (updated on 04.02.2025) Reading time: 3 minutes

The Czech Ministry of the Interior has officially launched a new digital portal designed to simplify communication between citizens and the government. Announced on Feb. 3, the portal features interactive forms that allow users to manage administrative tasks online, eliminating the need for frequent in-person visits to government offices.

In a press release, the Ministry stated that while the initial rollout includes just seven forms, it plans to cover 161 state services by Jan. 1, 2026.

"The services provided by the Ministry of the Interior and delegated authorities are often specific, so they require a personal visit to the office, for example, to provide biometric data. However, if the situation does not require a personal visit to the office, we will gradually convert the services into digital form. We plan to publish around 15 forms each month, thus saving people time and simplifying communication with the state," said Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan.

Currently, users can access services such as verifying birth certificates, requesting digital photos for memorial purposes, obtaining lustration certificates, and submitting general applications to the Ministry of the Interior. Starting mid-February, forms for acquiring Czech citizenship and applying for financial compensation related to emergency interventions will be added. In March, new options will cover public collections and requests for information under Act No. 106/1999 Coll.

bank identity vs citizen's identity

Foreigners can access Czech government online services using their banking identity (bankovní identita), without needing a separate electronic ID. In contrast, a citizen’s identity (občanská identita/eObčanka) is only available to Czech citizens with an electronic ID card. It is used for services requiring stronger authentication, such as submitting official applications or digitally signing documents with higher legal validity.

Over the following months, the Ministry will roll out additional services, including forms related to political parties, state border management, volunteer organizations, archival services, identity cards, travel documents, and elections. Some services will also be integrated with other government systems like eMatrika, IS Election Management, and ICAS.

How foreigners in Czechia can use the new portal

The digital shift brings opportunities and limitations for the foreign community living in the Czech Republic. However, some critical services for foreigners, such as residence permit applications, visa renewals, and long-term residency processes, are not part of the current digitization plan.

Due to the need for biometric data collection and identity verification, these services may still require in-person visits. For now and in the foreseeable futu, the new portal will support:

  • Citizenship applications: Foreigners seeking Czech citizenship can soon submit their applications online, reducing paperwork and streamlining the process.
  • Travel document services: While details are still forthcoming, digital forms for travel documents could assist dual nationals or permanent residents with passport-related requests.
  • Verification of birth certificates: This service can aid foreign residents dealing with administrative procedures that require verified Czech birth records, such as family reunification applications.
  • General applications: The flexible nature of this form allows foreigners to submit inquiries or requests related to residency and legal status.
  • Requests for information: Starting in March, foreigners can request official information about administrative procedures or personal records.
  • State border management forms: These may be relevant for non-EU nationals navigating cross-border travel requirements.

The Ministry’s new digital portal represents a step toward greater convenience, but its immediate benefits for foreigners are limited to specific areas. The planned expansion through 2026 may eventually cover more expat-relevant services, but for now, key immigration-related processes still require traditional, in-person procedures.

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