Welcome to the Czech Republic – Adaptation and Integration Courses
ADAPTATION AND INTEGRATION COURSES: New Obligation for Foreigners from 1st January 2021
WHO HAS TO TAKE THE COURSE?
The courses are intended for the majority of third-country nationals whose long-term or permanent residence permits came into force after 1st January 2021. This new obligation does not apply, for example, to European Union citizens and their family members holding a temporary residence permit or to foreigners residing in the CR on the basis of a visa. The exception also applies to foreigners who reside in the CR on the basis of a long-term stay for the purpose of study or investment and to intra-corporate transferees. Foreign nationals under the age of 15 and over the age of 61 do not have to take the course. Further exemptions from the obligation are listed on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.
WHAT IS THE ADAPTATION AND INTEGRATION COURSE?
We know that it is not always easy to start a new life in a new country. Adaptation and integration courses for migrants represent a helpful first step in a newcomer’s life in the Czech Republic. If you have come to the CR to live here on a long-term basis, you will receive a great deal of practical information about Czech society. You will also be introduced to our fundamental values, local circumstances, and cultural practices. Most importantly, you will be explained what rights and obligations you have during your stay in the Czech Republic. You will also get very useful information on organisations and institutions that provide free assistance and counselling to foreigners.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR TAKING THE COURSE?
Foreigners are obliged to take the adaptation and integration course within one year from the day their residence permit came into force. (Your residence permit usually comes into force at the moment of the collection of the residence permit card.)
WHO IS THE COURSE ORGANISER AND WHERE DOES THE COURSE TAKE PLACE?
Adaptation and integration courses are administered by Centres for Support of Integration of Foreign Nationals (integracnicentra.cz). There are eighteen such centres in the Czech Republic and foreign nationals may choose to take the course at any of them. In Prague, the courses are organised by the Integration Centre Prague based in Žitná 51, Prague 1. The course may be also organised by a different legal entity cooperating with one the Centres as a non-public course.
WHO RUNS THE COURSE AND WHAT IS THE COURSE LANGUAGE?
The courses are run by certified trainers – experts with practical experience, lawyers and social workers with many years of experience – in the Czech language. There is nothing to worry about if you don’t speak Czech. The content is always interpreted by a qualified interpreter into one of the following languages: Arabic, English, French, Mongolian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. The Ministry of the Interior of the CR may add more languages if necessary.
HOW LONG DOES THE COURSE TAKE?
The adaptation and integration course takes 4 hours.
HOW MUCH IS THE COURSE?
The course fee, which is paid by individual participants, is CZK 1,500.
For more information about the course and how to register, see aik.icpraha.com and www.vitejtevcr.cz.
More information is also available on the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the CR.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I LEARN AT THE COURSE?
The courses offer practical and essential information related to the following fields:
Basic information about the responsibilities connected with residence in the CR, including the residence legislation, and especially: Visas, long-term residence permit, permanent residence, citizenship. Changes to and extension of the residence permit (where and how to arrange it). Deadlines and conditions. Biometrics. Essential elements, forms and fees. Travelling across the EU/Schengen. Inviting family members or friends. Family reunification. Study conditions with respect to residence legislation. Changing schools/universities and completion of studies. Useful contacts.
Housing: Searching for housing. Renting a flat. Fees related to renting. Risks and protection. Reporting one’s place of residence in the CR and any changes in accordance with the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the CR.
Healthcare, health and social insurance: Healthcare system in the Czech Republic. Public and private health insurance. Social security system in the Czech Republic.
Education: Czech education system. Placement of children into the Czech education system. Czech language courses for adults and children. Recognition of previous education.
Business: Obtaining a business licence in the CR. Duties – health and social insurance, taxes. Residence of foreigners with the purpose of doing business.
Employment: Employee card. Types of employment contracts. How to look for a job. Taxes. Health and social insurance. Students and employment. Risks and protection of employees.
Contacts for Czech institutions: Ministry of the Interior. Foreign police in different regions. Contacts for organisations which provide free assistance to foreigners – integration centres across the whole of the Czech Republic and non-governmental non-profit organisations.
National holidays. Customs and traditions. Basic cultural overview. Interesting places in the Czech Republic and leisure activities.
Everyday practical life: Crisis situations. Traffic. Driving a car. Car registration. Post office. Official correspondence.