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Summary for: EU citizens in Czechia face mandatory registration under new residency billEU citizens living in Czechia could face a significant new residency requirement after lawmakers approved legislation that would make registration compulsory for those staying in the country longer than 90 days.
Registration is currently voluntary for EU citizens, but the new foreigners' residence bill passed by the Chamber of Deputies on Friday would change that from 2030. Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar estimates the requirement will affect at least 200,000 people.
The change is not yet law. The legislation must now pass the Senate and be signed by the president, meaning EU citizens living in Czechia do not currently need to take any new action. If the bill passes, those who fail to comply could face a fine of up to CZK 10,000.
Why is Czechia introducing mandatory registration?
The Interior Ministry says the existing voluntary system means Czech authorities lack reliable information about a significant number of EU citizens who have made the country their home.
Unlike many third-country nationals, EU citizens can live in Czechia for extended periods without being entered into some of the country's principal population records.
According to the ministry, that creates problems for both residents and authorities. Municipalities can miss out on funding because some foreign residents aren't included in population data, while collection of local fees and maintaining records of offenses can also be more difficult.
Being absent from state registers can make dealing with government services more complicated for foreigners themselves. The new system would give Czech authorities a more comprehensive picture of EU nationals actually living in the country.
Originally slated to take effect from 2027, mandatory registration is now scheduled to begin in 2030, a year after a broader overhaul of Czechia's immigration administration comes into effect from Jan. 1, 2029.
Bigger changes to Czech residency rules
The EU registration requirement forms part of a much larger rewrite of Czechia's law governing foreign residents. The bill would strengthen authorities' ability to revoke residence permits from people convicted of crimes or considered a threat to public order or internal security.
It also expands responsibilities for employers, schools, sports clubs and other organizations that invite foreign nationals to Czechia.
Another controversial provision concerns the treatment of family members of Czech citizens compared with relatives of other EU citizens.
EU citizens living in Czechia for more than 90 days would have to register with authorities from 2030 under newly approved legislation. Do you support mandatory registration for long-term EU residents?
Pirate lawmakers unsuccessfully attempted to amend the legislation, arguing that it places some family members of Czech nationals at a disadvantage. Metnar defended the provisions, saying European law prevents Czechia from imposing the same restrictions on family members of citizens from other EU states.
The legislation does not cover asylum seekers or applicants for temporary protection.
For EU citizens already living in Czechia, however, the key date is still years away. Even if the legislation completes the parliamentary process, registration would remain voluntary until the new requirement takes effect in 2030.
