What do you need to apply for Czech citizenship documentation through your parents or grandparents (also called “citizenship by descent?”) The answer involves gathering a variety of legal documents to prove your connection to your Czech ancestor. The process can be extensive, so be sure to make sure you’ve confirmed your eligibility before you invest time and effort into the process.
Czech law has pathways to citizenship for children and grandchildren of former Czech nationals. You can acquire citizen status through declaration and even declare citizenship on behalf of your children.
This guide outlines the documents required when using this route to apply for Czech citizenship by descent. Keep reading to find out which certificates, consent forms, and proofs of lineage you’ll need during the process.
Czech Citizenship Documentation for Applying by Declaration
The Czech Citizenship Act Article 31 (1) states that people who lost their Czech or Czechoslovak citizenship before the law was enacted can reclaim citizenship via declaration. Furthermore, Article 31 (2) states that descendants of people who were formerly Czechoslovak citizens can acquire Czech citizenship via declaration, as long as they are not Slovak citizens when applying.
Under Section 14 of the same Act, applicants may be exempted from certain examination requirements — such as the Czech language or civic knowledge tests—if they meet specific conditions, including completing education in the Czech language or falling within certain age or health-related categories.
Required Documents for Citizenship by Descent: Descendants of Former Czech Citizens
The Czech Citizenship Act also notes the documents applicants must present when applying by declaration. These guidelines help substantiate lineage and prevent fraudulent claims to citizenship.
Applicants must provide:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (or certificate of establishment of partnership, certificate of divorce, certificate of dissolution of partnership, or death certificate of a deceased spouse/partner)
- Parents’ or grandparents’ birth certificates (or their marriage certificate or certificate of their death or divorce)
- A document that shows the date and manner of loss of Czech or Czechoslovak citizenship of the declarant or their ancestor.
In some cases, a confirmation of citizenship status may be required from the Ministry of the Interior, which also handles the Questionnaire for verification of Czech citizenship during application review. This can be obtained through your local regional office or the nearest embassy of the Czech Republic if applying from abroad.
Czech Citizenship Documentation Required When Submitting a Declaration for a Child
Remember, if you’re submitting a separate declaration on behalf of a child, there are other documents you must also supply, including:
- The child’s birth certificate
- Consent of the other parent (if only one parent is submitting) to the acquisition of citizenship of the Czech Republic, with an officially certified signature
Furthermore, if one parent is declaring on behalf of a child, the other parent does not have to give consent if they’ve been deprived of parental responsibility or had their responsibility limited/suspended. The other parent also does not have to give consent if their residence is unknown, they reside outside of the Czech Republic, or they’re deceased.
Applicants living abroad may need to submit a valid identity document—such as a valid passport— , permanent residence card, or other proof to confirm identity and country of residence.
Substantiation of Dates of Citizenship for Czech Ancestors
The Czech Republic’s Citizenship Act states that, for a descendant to be eligible, the ancestor must have been a citizen of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic on December 31, 1992. Therefore, documents proving the ancestor’s citizenship status must reflect that date. It’s also crucial that the documents show that the ancestor was not a Czech citizen or Slovak citizen at that time, nor held foreign citizenship simultaneously.
Signed Consent for Children Over 15 Years Old
It should also be noted that children who are over 15 years old must provide officially certified signatures of consent when declaring Czech citizenship or must sign before an administrative authority.
In some cases, supporting records such as health or insurance certificates may also be requested to verify eligibility and identity.
Proof of Non-Citizenship of the Slovak Republic
To qualify for citizenship by descent, applicants must be able to prove that they are not Slovak citizens. This is one of the key stipulations of the Czech citizenship through ancestry application process. You can do so by completing a declaration of non-acquisition of citizenship of the Slovak Republic.
Applicants who already have permanent residency in another European country may also need to disclose their taxes or securities information to the Czech government for verification purposes.
What’s Next? Determining Czech Lineage Citizenship Eligibility
If you have more questions about Czech citizenship documentation, check out our citizenship services. We have a proven track record of helping people who are curious about and applying for Czech citizenship.
Our team can help you register your application correctly, confirm your country of citizenship, and guide you through the Ministry of the Interior process — whether you’re applying from your country of residence or abroad.
If your goal is to obtain a Czech passport, our experts can help you understand all associated fee requirements and assist with any necessary permit or registration procedures.
FAQ
Do I need to live in the Czech Republic to apply?
Not necessarily. If you’re applying for Czech citizenship by descent, you can usually submit your application through a Czech embassy or consulate abroad. The documents are then reviewed by the regional office or Ministry of the Interior in the Czech Republic. Residency in the country is only required for those applying through naturalization.
Can my family apply with me?
Each applicant must qualify individually, but family members who share Czech ancestry—such as children—can often apply at the same time. Spouses typically need to meet their own eligibility requirements unless they qualify through descent or permanent residence.
What are the main reasons people apply for Czech citizenship?
Czech citizenship is granted based on legal grounds such as descent, birth, or naturalization. However, many applicants pursue it to live, study, or work in the Czech Republic and to enjoy the benefits of European Union citizenship, including freedom of movement and access to EU education and healthcare systems.
Does the process require proof of family history or ancestry?
Yes. Applicants must provide historical records proving Czech lineage—such as birth, marriage, or citizenship certificates from Czech or former Czechoslovak authorities—to establish their eligibility under Czech citizenship law.
What documents will I need after my Czech Citizenship Documentation is approved?
Once your application is approved, you can apply for a Czech ID card or passport. These documents allow you to register for university, access public healthcare, and travel freely across the European Union as a Czech and EU citizen.