Just after midnight on 1 January 2026 the Czech Republic switched on the most far-reaching reform of its immigration rules in two decades. The new Act on the Stay of Foreigners, adopted last summer after years of stakeholder lobbying, scraps a patchwork of 70-plus amendments and replaces it with an end-to-end digital workflow built around a secure online “Foreigner Account”.
Under the system every key step—submitting an application, uploading contracts, paying fees, reporting an address change or requesting a renewal—can be completed online once the foreign national activates a Czech electronic identity (e-ID). Biometric data are still collected in person, but appointment booking, document checks and status updates now happen through a single portal operated by the Interior Ministry. Officials predict processing times for Employee Cards and EU Blue Cards will fall from an average six weeks to “well under a month”.
Companies and individuals who prefer an extra layer of guidance during the switchover can lean on VisaHQ, whose Czech Republic desk already interfaces with the new government portal. Through its platform (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) VisaHQ offers e-ID activation tutorials, document pre-screens and live status feeds that plug directly into corporate dashboards, giving mobility teams full visibility without taking on the administrative burden themselves.
![Czech Republic Launches Fully-Digital Immigration System as New Residence Law Enters Into Force]()
For employers and universities the law introduces a mandatory “guarantor” concept. Sponsors must confirm the purpose of stay, monitor any changes and file electronic notifications within eight days; failure can trigger fines up to CZK 500,000. While the obligation raises compliance pressure, it also gives HR and mobility teams real-time visibility into every sponsored case—data many multinationals have already plugged into global dashboards through an API feed released in December.
EU citizens are affected too. Long-term registration moves online and remains voluntary during a one-year transition, but becomes compulsory from 2027. Municipalities pushed hard for the change, arguing that better data on resident foreigners will help them plan schools, hospitals and waste-management capacity.
Practical take-away for mobility managers: open sponsor profiles immediately, make e-ID activation part of onboarding checklists and stagger large uploads this week while the system is under heavy load. Early adopters report a stable portal but slower performance during peak morning hours.
Under the system every key step—submitting an application, uploading contracts, paying fees, reporting an address change or requesting a renewal—can be completed online once the foreign national activates a Czech electronic identity (e-ID). Biometric data are still collected in person, but appointment booking, document checks and status updates now happen through a single portal operated by the Interior Ministry. Officials predict processing times for Employee Cards and EU Blue Cards will fall from an average six weeks to “well under a month”.
Companies and individuals who prefer an extra layer of guidance during the switchover can lean on VisaHQ, whose Czech Republic desk already interfaces with the new government portal. Through its platform (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) VisaHQ offers e-ID activation tutorials, document pre-screens and live status feeds that plug directly into corporate dashboards, giving mobility teams full visibility without taking on the administrative burden themselves.
For employers and universities the law introduces a mandatory “guarantor” concept. Sponsors must confirm the purpose of stay, monitor any changes and file electronic notifications within eight days; failure can trigger fines up to CZK 500,000. While the obligation raises compliance pressure, it also gives HR and mobility teams real-time visibility into every sponsored case—data many multinationals have already plugged into global dashboards through an API feed released in December.
EU citizens are affected too. Long-term registration moves online and remains voluntary during a one-year transition, but becomes compulsory from 2027. Municipalities pushed hard for the change, arguing that better data on resident foreigners will help them plan schools, hospitals and waste-management capacity.
Practical take-away for mobility managers: open sponsor profiles immediately, make e-ID activation part of onboarding checklists and stagger large uploads this week while the system is under heavy load. Early adopters report a stable portal but slower performance during peak morning hours.
