Recommended Immigration Steps to Take Before Brexit

HR BULLETIN: November, 2019

DEAL SCENARIO

Expected: British citizens will be entitled to receive equal immigration benefits as EU members.

The transition period, which will guarantee the EU status, is expected until 31 December 2020. After the transition period, UK nationals will be treated as non-EU nationals.

NO DEAL SCENARIO

Expected: British citizens will carry Non-EU immigration status and will be required to obtain Non-EU permits in accordance with the law. Process length: 4–6 months for employees, 4–8 months for other permits.

Impact for non-permit holders: All UK citizens without a Temporary Resident Permit or Permanent Residency will be required to leave the Schengen Area and apply for a relevant permit/visa in the existent non-EU immigration scheme at a Czech Embassy abroad.

Impact for permit holders: UK citizens who hold valid EU permits will be allowed to stay in the Czech Republic until 31 December 2020, during which period they will be obliged to exchange their EU permits for the relevant permit/visa in the existent non-EU immigration scheme at the Ministry of the Interior in the Czech Republic. Note that the same applies for UK citizens who have at least applied for one of the permits before the Brexit date.

What you need to know about a Temporary Residence Permit and Permanent Residency

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT
  • All EU members are entitled to this type of permit
  • Process: 30 days
  • Validity: 10 years
  • After Brexit:
    • One must apply for any Long-term Residence Permit
      • Types: Employee card, Family reunion, Business, Study
    • Issued for a maximum period of 2 years (extendable)
PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT
  • All EU members are entitled to the permit if they fulfil:
    • 5 years of continuous stay in the Czech Republic
    • 2 years of continuous stay if they are family members of an EU citizen
  • Process: 60 days – some delays may occur
  • Validity: 10 years
  • After Brexit: The permit must be exchanged for a biometrical card (fees will apply)
Recommendations:

All holders of UK passport, including children of all ages, should immediately apply for one of the permits.

Consider:
  • Appointments for applying at the Ministry of Interior are normally given within 30–60 days.
  • The application can be submitted based on Power of Attorney on behalf of the applicant; earlier terms may be available.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER BREXIT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY PERMIT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
  • Stays in the Czech Republic will be considered tourist visas limited to 90 days in the 180-day period for the Schengen Area. After the 90 days, the stay is considered illegal.
  • Citizens of the UK who did not apply for a Residence Permit or Permanent Residency before the Brexit date will be considered newcomers and will apply for a Non-EU permit via the Czech Embassy in London.

For more information and clarification please contact:

Kristýna Richtrová
Head of Immigration
kristyna@relocare.cz
+420 608 874 860

Kristýna Richtrová
Head of Immigration

kristyna@relocare.cz
+420 608 874 860