Changing the Purpose of Residence

If you hold a long-term residence permit and you want to reside in the Czech Republic for a different purpose, you must apply for a new long-term residence permit, which may be subject to certain rules1.


What does changing the purpose mean and how does it work?

For example, if you hold a long-term residence permit for sports purposes and you want to apply for a long-term residence permit for family purposes, you must apply for a new long-term residence permit. The procedure differs from application for an extension of a long-term residence permit for the same purpose.

  • You must submit the application only in person at a Ministry of the Interior office.
  • You can submit the application at any time before an expiration of your residence permit2.
  • The time limit for taking a decision on such an application is 60 days.

What limitations are there for changing the purpose of residence?


What applications do the above-mentioned limitations not apply to?

  • If you are applying for a residence permit that is modified in Act no. 326/1999 Coll. (Foreigners Act) by an independent section, e.g. Section 42a Long-term residence permit for the purpose of family reunification in the Czech Republic.
  • Such residence permits (purposes of residence) are: family reunification, studies, protection, scientific research, employee card, blue card, intra-company employee transfer card, intra-company employee transfer card of another EU Member State, investment.
  • You will always find the limitations applicable to these applications in the corresponding Act Section.

1 § 45 on the Residence of Foreigners.

2 § 47(2) on the Residence of Foreigners.