Lost or Stolen Residency Documents in the Czech Republic
Losing your residency documents in the Czech Republic or having them stolen can be stressful, but it’s a situation many foreigners face. While the replacement process can feel complicated, acting quickly and following the correct steps will help you avoid fines or legal issues.
This complete guide explains what to do if your residence permit, passport, or visa sticker is lost or stolen, whether you are a Non-EU citizen, EU citizen, UK citizen, or an EU family member.
Non-EU Citizens
Lost or Stolen Passport With Czech Visa Sticker
If your passport with a Czech visa sticker is lost or stolen, take these steps immediately:
- Report the loss or theft to the police and obtain an official police report.
- Notify the Czech Ministry of Interior (MOI) within three working days. You can submit the notification:
- In person
- Via data box (if available)
- By post (include the official change form)
- Through a representative with power of attorney
- Contact your home country’s embassy in the Czech Republic as soon as possible. If your embassy is in Prague, visit it directly. Deadlines vary by embassy, so do not delay.
- Once you receive your new passport, return to the Ministry of Interior to:
- Report the new passport
- Apply for a replacement visa sticker
- Bring your police report with you
Good news: In most cases, there is no fee for issuing a new visa sticker.
Lost Residence Permit or Permanent Residence Card
If your Czech residence permit or permanent residence card is lost or stolen:
- Report the loss to the police and notify the Ministry of Interior within three working days.
- Notification can be submitted in person, via data box, or by post using the official form.
- If only the residence card was lost, the Ministry will invite you for a new appointment.
- If both your passport and residence card were lost, you must wait for your new passport before applying for a replacement residence permit.
EU Citizens and UK Citizens
The procedure for EU citizens and UK nationals is very similar. The main differences depend on whether you hold a temporary residence certificate or a permanent residence card.
Temporary Residence Certificate (Green Paper)
- You must report a lost or stolen temporary residence certificate to the Ministry of Interior within three working days.
- Reporting options include:
- In person
- Via data box (if available)
- By post (with the change form)
- If you apply in person, the replacement certificate is usually issued on the same day.
- Postal or remote applications may result in a new appointment date.
Permanent Residence Card (Green Booklet)
- Report the loss or theft to both the police and the Ministry of Interior within three working days.
- If applying in person:
- Bring your valid travel document
- If stolen, a police report and two passport photos are recommended
- If applying by post:
- Two passport photos
- Completed change form
- Include a copy of your passport
- The replacement residence card will have the same validity date as the original.
Processing time:
- In-person applications are usually processed immediately
- Postal applications may take several days to schedule a new appointment
EU Family Members
If you are an EU family member and your residence document is lost or stolen:
- Report the incident to the police and the Ministry of Interior within three working days.
- You may also notify the Ministry via data box or by post using the official form.
- If only the residence card is lost, the Ministry will schedule a replacement appointment.
- If your passport is also lost, you must wait for a new passport before applying for a new residence document.
- The replacement document will keep the same expiration date as the original.
Lost Residency Documents Outside the Czech Republic
If your Czech residence permit or passport is lost or stolen outside the Czech Republic, contact the nearest Czech embassy or consulate immediately for instructions on how to proceed.
Important Notes and Tips
- If your lost or stolen documents are later found, you are still required to report them to the Ministry of Interior within three working days.
- Always respect the three-working-day reporting deadline to avoid fines or administrative penalties.
- Acting quickly helps protect your legal status in the Czech Republic.
In case you need help you can contact us any time!
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