Who Can Apply for Family Reunification?

Family reunification sounds simple: you live in the Czech Republic and want to bring your closest family to join you. But the law defines "closest family" much more narrowly than most people expect. So before you start collecting documents, check one basic thing: does the law treat your relative as a family member?

The answer depends on who the sponsor is, meaning the person in the Czech Republic whom the family is joining. The rules for non-EU nationals, for example Blue Card or Employee Card holders, are different from the rules for Czech and EU citizens.

If the sponsor is a non-EU national

If you live in the Czech Republic as a non-EU national, family reunification is governed by Section 42a of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals. It covers only three groups.

Spouse

The marriage must be valid and recognisable in the Czech Republic. A registered partnership is treated the same as a marriage.

Children

Minor children are eligible. This includes your own children, adopted children, children placed in your care, and your spouse's children. An adult child can apply only in exceptional cases, when a health condition makes them unable to take care of themselves.

Parents

The rule for parents is strict. Only parents over 65 qualify, or parents who cannot take care of themselves because of their health. They also must have no one in their home country who could look after them.

If the sponsor is a Czech or EU citizen

Family members of Czech and EU citizens apply under a different scheme: a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen. More people are eligible here. The key difference is that unmarried partners in a so-called durable relationship can qualify too.

The couple must prove that the relationship is long-term and that they share a household. Evidence can include:

Living together
Shared finances
Joint financial commitments
A documented history of the relationship

The authorities may invite both partners to an interview.

Who usually does not qualify

Unmarried partners of non-EU nationals

This is the most common disappointment. Even if a couple has lived together for years and has children together, Section 42a does not treat them as family. It recognises only a documented marriage or a registered partnership. For these couples, getting married is often the first practical step. Keep in mind that the authorities actively investigate marriages entered into only to obtain residence.

Parents under 65

The law assumes that a healthy parent of working age can take care of themselves. Being related is not enough. These parents have other options: their own residence permit based on employment or business, or short visits on a Schengen visa.

Siblings, grandparents, fiancé(e)s and other relatives

They are not covered by family reunification with a non-EU national. If they want to live in the Czech Republic, they need their own purpose of stay, typically work, study or business.

Quick check

Your relative	Sponsor: non-EU national	Sponsor: Czech/EU citizen
Spouse, registered partner	✅	✅
Unmarried partner	❌	✅ (if a durable relationship is proven)
Minor child	✅	✅
Adult child	only if dependent due to health	depends on the situation
Parent over 65 / dependent parent	✅	✅
Parent under 65, self-sufficient	❌	depends on the situation
Sibling, fiancé(e)	❌	❌

If your relative "passed" the table, you can move to the next step. That step checks whether you meet the conditions as the sponsor (waiting periods, housing and income) and which type of residence permit to apply for. The next article covers this.

This article is general information based on the law as it currently stands. Tell us your case in a free call and we will confirm what applies to you.