Who Doesn't Need the Czech Exam for Permanent Residence? All Exemptions (2026)
Not everyone who applies for permanent residence has to pass the Czech exam. The Ministry of the Interior lists several exemptions. If one of them applies to you, you do not have to submit the certificate of Czech language knowledge.
The official exemptions
You do not need the certificate if:
- you are younger than 15;
- you are 60 or older;
- you studied in Czech: in the last 20 years before your application, you studied for at least one school or academic year at a primary school, secondary school or university where Czech was the language of instruction, or in a programme focused on the Czech language;
- you passed another generally recognised Czech language exam;
- you have a physical or mental disability that affects your ability to communicate — this must be documented by medical reports;
- you apply for permanent residence under a different section of the law, not after five years of continuous stay (§ 68 of the Act on the Residence of Foreigners).
Common questions
I studied in Czech for one year. Is that enough? According to the official list, at least one school or academic year in the last 20 years at a school where Czech was the language of instruction counts. Keep your study documents ready for your application.
I passed a different Czech exam. Does it count? A generally recognised Czech language exam can replace the certificate. Before you rely on it, check with the Ministry of the Interior (OAMP) that your exam and level are accepted.
Does the certificate expire? No. The certificate for permanent residence has no expiry date, and it may be older than 180 days when you submit it.
Not exempt? Start here
If none of the exemptions applies to you, you need the A2 exam: about two hours of reading, writing and listening, plus a 15-minute speaking test. Start with:
- the complete guide to the exam,
- how to register,
- the free 13-minute mini exam to see where you stand.
Rules can change. Always check the current information on the Ministry of the Interior's Information portal for foreigners.