Articles | Expat Money®

Czech Republic Citizenship By Ancestry

Written by Mikkel Thorup | February 10, 2023

The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe. Its geographical location makes it a natural crossroads of major transportation networks. The Czech Republic is a democratic country with a stable political and social environment and a functioning legal system. The values on which Czech foreign policy is based are entirely consistent with the principles and objectives supported by the EU in its external relations: democracy, the rule of law, universality and indivisibility of human rights, respect for human dignity, equality, and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and its Citizenship law.

Beginning in September 2019, The Czech Republic Citizenship law permits direct descendants of Czech nationals to restore their Czech citizenship through the declaration procedure, provided they have never held Czech or Slovak citizenship. This means that if you are of Czech ancestry, you can apply for Czech citizenship and passport and freely live, work, and study in any of the EU's 27 member nations.

 

An applicant for Czech citizenship by descent must have at least one direct ancestor

HOW DOES CZECH CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT WORK?

A person could gain Czech citizenship via descent if he or she had Czech ancestors. The procedure is more complex since adequate verification of Czech/Czechoslovak heritage is required.

You can reclaim your Czech citizenship by proving your heritage and satisfying the Czech government's qualifying conditions. Translated ancestral and personal documents must accompany your application form in Czech.

 

Related content: Ireland Citizenship By Ancestry

 

Olomouc has a peaceful neighbourhood in Czech Republic

HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A CZECH CITIZEN BY DESCENT?

Many persons qualify for Czech citizenship by descent, provided their parents or grandparents were born in the Czech Republic.

If a person has (or had) a Czech mother, father, or grandparents who are/were Czech nationals, he or she has the right to apply for Czech citizenship by descent.

The parents must meet certain prerequisites, however, since the Czech Republic has enacted particular legal provisions that may restrict such people's claim to citizenship. The current statute does not grant Czech citizenship based on great-grandparent ancestry (third generation).

An applicant must have at least one direct ancestor (parent or grandparent) who fits the following requirements to be considered eligible:

  • The parent(s) or grandparent(s) is from the Czech Republic. AND.
  • Did not lose Czechoslovak citizenship based on Presidential Decree on German and Hungarian Nationals;
  • Did not lose Czechoslovak citizenship based on a Treaty on Subcarpathian Ruthenia;
  • Did not become (or would become) citizen(s) of Slovak Socialist Republic on January 1, 1969;
  • Did not acquire Slovak citizenship after January 1, 1969, or is/are currently not a citizen(s) of Slovakia;
  • Was/were not born outside Czechoslovakia between October 1, 1949, and May 7, 1969, and didn't acquire Czech citizenship by declaration.

If the applicant's ancestor meets the requirements outlined above, he or she can apply for citizenship through descent.

Please keep in mind that obtaining Czech citizenship by descent is not a difficult procedure. Still, the applicant must get all the evidence necessary by Czech immigration regulations, including documents attesting to the applicant's descent link with the ancestors.

 

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

 

Traditional buildings in Telc, Czech Republic

HOW TO APPLY FOR CZECH CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

Depending on where you live at the time of your application, You have to apply for Czech citizenship at one of the following locations:

  • If you are in Prague, you should submit your application to the Municipal Authority 
  • If you live elsewhere in the Czech Republic, apply to a regional authority office (krajský úřad).
  • If you currently live abroad, send your application to the Czech embassy or consulate responsible for your jurisdiction.

Since the Czech Ministry of Interior (MOI) reviews your application for Czech citizenship, local authorities that accept it will submit it to the MOI within 30 days. On the day of your appointment, you must provide all other required documents and fill out the application form at the regional/municipal government or embassy.

 

Related content: Romanian Citizenship By Ancestry

 

Mikulov, Czech Republic

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CZECH CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

When applying for Czech citizenship by ancestry, you must present the following documents:

  • Your parent's or grandparent’s Czech passports, citizenship certificates, domiciliary certificates, and so on.
  • A copy of your birth certificate
  • Your parent’s or grandparent's birth certificates.
  • Your marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Marriage certificate of your parents' or grandparent's marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Proof of name change (if applicable).
  • Additional documents proving you are entitled to Czech citizenship by ancestry (If any).

Related content: Spain’s Citizenship By Ancestry

 

You can enjoy nature by living in Stramberk

THE ADVANTAGES OF CZECH CITIZENSHIP

Czech citizenship provides access to Czech healthcare, education, and social institutions. As a Czech citizen, you can easily conduct business in the Czech Republic & Europe, work and live in the heart of Europe, and enjoy a variety of other possible opportunities. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, making it a perfect starting point for trips to other countries. A Czech passport is also beneficial for travelling across the world since it frequently does not need a visa.

 

While in Czech Republic, you can visit Svihov Castle

CONCLUSION

Your ability to obtain a second passport and citizenship by Ancestry from the Czech Republic is an important benefit, thanks to your family tree and recent ancestors. Best of all, having a second citizenship and a new second passport may be the key to a bigger life plan that may lower taxes and provide greater asset protection. It may even save your life and that of your loved ones. Given the present situation of things, obtaining a second nationality and passport is relatively helpful.