Deadline looms for EU family members to switch from booklets to biometric cards

Permanent residents of the Czech Republic, who hold paper residency permits based on being a family member of an EU citizen, are required to replace their permits with biometric cards before the approaching deadline.

The blue and green paper booklets for temporary and permanent residency will expire on Aug. 3, 2023, and only biometric cards will be accepted thereafter. Those who haven't exchanged their booklets must schedule an appointment for obtaining a biometric card. The Ministry of Interior offices and appointment information can be accessed on the ministry's website and the government portal for foreigners.

The ministry will assign you a specific time to visit the designated office and obtain a number from a kiosk. Your name and appointment time should already be listed in the kiosk menu. It is essential to schedule an appointment to obtain a biometric card.

You must bring your residency booklet and a valid passport from your home country. Your physical appearance should match your passport photo, including wearing eyeglasses if they are shown in your passport.

The official will capture your photo using a special camera, so there is no need to bring any photos as they won't be accepted. Additionally, you will be required to provide your fingerprints. However, individuals with physical disabilities that prevent giving fingerprints will only need to submit a photo. Providing biometric data is mandatory as per the law.

The exchange of documents is free of charge. If you fail to submit a request to replace your permit by August 3, 2023, you will need to apply for an extension and pay an administrative fee of CZK 200.

The change was announced in 2021, giving people a two-year period to comply. Comprehensive details in English about the law changes for individuals with residency permits can be found in a PDF on the Interior Ministry website.

As of the end of March, there were just over 1 million foreigners living in Czechia. Among them, 338,392 held permanent stays, and 672,300 held other types of permits, according to the Czech Statistical Office. The largest group by nationality were individuals from Ukraine.