One of the first legal deadlines after you land, and often your first Czech office. Who has to do it, when, what to bring, and what to say at the desk.
Say It5 min readDraft: not yet checked by the offices
Who has to register
Non-EU citizens, and EU citizens staying longer than 30 days, have to report where they live to the Foreign Police (cizinecká policie). Sometimes your accommodation does it for you: hotels usually report their guests. Private landlords usually do not, so ask.
Note that the Foreign Police are not the same office as the Ministry of the Interior (OAMP), which handles your residence permit and card. You will likely visit both in your first week.
When
For non-EU citizens, usually within 3 working days of arriving. Weekends and public holidays do not count. EU citizens staying longer than 30 days have 30 days from arriving. If you move later, you report the new address too.
In Re-LoCALMove works out the exact date from the day you land, and reminds you before it. See how Move works
What to bring
Your passport
Proof of accommodation (doklad o zajištění ubytování), signed by your landlord
Copies of both, just in case
How the visit goes
Arrive early on a weekday morning. In Prague, the office most people use is at Olšanská 2, Prague 3.
Take a queue ticket (pořadové číslo) from the machine near the entrance and wait for your number on the screen.
At the desk, say hello first, then explain why you are there. Hand over your passport and the form.
You get a stamped confirmation. Check the address is right before you leave.
What to say
Start with Dobrý den (hello) every time. It matters more than perfect grammar. These lines cover most visits:
Dobrý den. Kde si mám vzít pořadové číslo?Hello. Where do I take a queue number?
Chci nahlásit adresu pobytu.I want to register my address.
Mám tady všechny dokumenty.I have all the documents here.
Můžete mluvit pomaleji, prosím?Could you speak more slowly, please?
Můžete mi to napsat?Could you write that down for me?
Děkuji, na shledanou.Thank you, goodbye.
What you will hear
Pas, prosím.Passport, please.
Chybí vám potvrzení o ubytování.You are missing proof of accommodation.
Musíte přijít znovu.You need to come back another time.
In Re-LoCALThe Say It foreign police pack has these lines with native audio, show mode to hold up at the desk, and a step-by-step walk-through of the visit. See how Say It works
Afterwards
Keep the stamped confirmation with your passport.
If you move flat, report your new address as well.
Any letter you get about it, you can photograph in Paper Trail to see what it means.
This guide explains how things usually work. It is not legal advice. Addresses, opening hours and rules change, so check with the Foreign Police before you go. The Czech lines are being checked by native speakers.