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UK citizens

Brexit split British citizens into two groups. Which one you are in decides your residence rules and what you need for a trade license.

Two groups of UK citizens

The Withdrawal Agreement (Výstupová dohoda) took effect on 1 February 2020. For residence it splits British citizens into two groups:

  • Covered by the Withdrawal Agreement: you were in the Czech Republic on 31 December 2020 and kept living here. You have almost the same rights as EU citizens: no work permit, free access to the labour market, and the right to run a business.
  • Everyone else: from 1 January 2021 you are a third-country national, like Americans or Australians. You need a business visa or another visa or permit. See all types.

You lose the protection if you interrupt your residence for more than 6 months, or for more than 1 year for serious reasons such as pregnancy, serious illness, study or a posting abroad by your employer. Military service does not interrupt it.

Registration certificate for UK citizens

The Osvědčení o registraci občanů Spojeného království proves you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

  • Validity: 5 years. It cannot be extended: apply again, or apply for permanent residence.
  • Form: a biometric card. Earlier versions were paper.
  • Fee: 200 CZK.
  • Apply in the Czech Republic at an office of the Ministry of the Interior, by post, data box or e-mail with a qualified signature. Not from abroad.
  • Documents: the application form, passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance (if your purpose is study, family or other), a photo, and proof of your residence now and on 31 December 2020 if that is not on file. On request: a health certificate and a document like a criminal record extract.
  • The ministry also requests a rodné číslo (birth number) for you, if you don't have one yet.
  • You lost the right to vote in municipal and European elections after Brexit.

Ministry: registration certificate for UK citizens.

Permanent residence

After 5 years of continuous residence (or 2 years if 1 of those years you were a close family member of an EU citizen with permanent residence, or of a Czech citizen) you can apply for permanent residence under the Withdrawal Agreement. The card is valid for 10 years (5 years under age 15), the fee is 200 CZK. It gives access to public health insurance and social benefits, and you can work and run a business. Ministry: permanent residence for UK citizens.

Family members of UK citizens

Family members who are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement get a temporary or permanent residence permit for a family member of a British citizen (a biometric card). Who counts as family is the same as for EU citizens: spouse, registered or unmarried partner in a stable relationship, children under 21, and dependent parents and relatives. See who counts as a family member.

Trade license for UK citizens

  • Covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (temporary residence under the Agreement, or permanent residence): no police clearance needed.
  • Not covered (long-term visa, or no permit yet): you need a UK police clearance with an apostille, and a residence permit with a purpose, for example the business visa. The UK is on the list of countries for the faster business visa track (the "digital nomad" route).

Your own checklist: required documents.

Source: the information portal of the Czech Ministry of the Interior, ipc.gov.cz, Visa and residence permit types, checked in October 2026. The rules change regularly; the ministry page is leading. Sample pictures of all documents: Vzory dokladů vydávaných cizincům (PDF).