Home I need to arrange… Visas and Residence for Foreigners in the Czech Republic International Protection in the CR

International Protection in the CR

Here you will learn how to apply for international protection in the Czech Republic, who is eligible and what the entire process entails. We explain:

  • The types of international protection (asylum and subsidiary protection)
  • The benefits and rights of international protection holders
  • How and where to submit an application for international protection
  • What support can be expected from the state
  • Other options available for those who wish to stay in the Czech Republic

How to apply for international protection in the Czech Republic?

If you are unable to return to your home country due to a serious danger, you may apply for international protection in the CR. This can take the form of the asylum or subsidiary protection.

Once you have submitted your application, you must go to the reception centre for registration and basic health checks. You will then be transferred to a reception centre where you will wait for a decision on your application. The process usually takes up to six months. During the application process, and if you are granted international protection, you are entitled to state support in housing, education, health care, and social assistance.

What types of international protection are there?

Asylum

Asylum is granted to individuals who have been persecuted in their home country due to:

  • Political opinion
  • Nationality
  • Sex
  • Race or membership of a particular social group

Asylum can also be granted on humanitarian grounds or for family reunification if a close relative of yours has already been granted asylum in the Czech Republic.

If you are granted asylum, you must give up the protection of your home country and cannot return for the duration of your asylum. Once you have completed the period of stay, you can apply for permanent residence or Czech citizenship.

Subsidiary protection

If you do not qualify for asylum, you may be granted subsidiary protection, provided that you face serious risks in your home country, such as:

  • War or armed conflict
  • Risk of torture, inhuman treatment or a serious threat to life

Subsidiary protection is granted for a limited period and can be extended if the reasons for granting it persist.

Extension must be applied for no later than 30 days before the expiry of the protection.

How to apply for international protection?

  • You can apply in person at the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic or at a border crossing upon entering the Czech Republic.
  • After submitting your application, you will be taken to the reception centre where:
  • You will undergo a medical examination
  • Your fingerprints will be taken
  • You will be given an applicant identification card
  • You will then be transferred to a residential centre to await a decision.
  • During the procedure, you will be interviewed by the Ministry of the Interior of the CR, which will assess your case.

You are entitled to free legal advice and interpretation throughout the process.

What support will you receive?

If you are granted international protection, you will be eligible for support from the state under the State Integration Programme (SIP):

  • Housing – Assistance with finding accommodation, covering moving costs, and providing basic equipment.
  • Employment – You may work without a work permit and use the employment office’s services to find a job or retrain.
  • Education – Intensive Czech courses, recognition of studies obtained abroad, and support in enrolling children in schools.
  • Social support – Assistance with dealing with authorities and eligibility for social benefits.
  • Healthcare – Access to public health insurance and help with finding a doctor.
  • Legal assistance – Access to free legal services.

For more information, visit the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic or refer to information brochures in Czech, English, Russian and Ukrainian.