Acquiring Czech Citizenship for Israeli Citizens

Since 2014, Czech law allows for dual, or even multiple, citizenship for its nationals. Based on an amendment from 2019, it is also possible to acquire Czech citizenship through an ancestor who lost it (with certain exceptions) during the existence of Czechoslovakia. Specifically, descendants of Czechoslovak or Czech emigrants who fled Nazi persecution or the Communist regime to Israel, currently have a chance to acquire Czech citizenship without losing their Israeli nationality.

Basic conditions for acquiring Czech citizenship through ancestors are as follows:

• The individual is not a citizen of the Slovak Republic, and
• A parent (or parents) or grandparent (or grandparents) originally were, but ceased to be, Czech/Czechoslovak citizens at any time until December 31, 2013, with certain exceptions.

The fact whether the parents or grandparents are alive plays no role in determining eligibility for Czech citizenship. The decisive factor is the ability to prove a relationship with a former Czech or Czechoslovak citizen and to demonstrate when and how the former citizen lost citizenship – for example, by declaring the renunciation of Czech citizenship at the consulate in Israel.

Parents can make such a declaration on behalf of their minor children.

Here is a list of documents required by law to attach to the declaration:

• Birth certificate,
• Marriage certificate, proof of partnership, or divorce certificate if applicable,
• Parent’s birth certificates, their marriage certificate, or divorce certificate or death certificates if applicable,
• Grandparent’s birth certificates, their marriage certificate, or divorce certificate or death certificates if applicable,
• Document proving the date and method of loss of Czech or Czechoslovak citizenship for the declarant or his ancestor (e.g., document on the renunciation of Czechoslovak citizenship or release from nationality).

A Czech passport will open opportunities not only for traveling and living in the European Union but also for access to business and the job market in this area. The application process for citizenship and obtaining a Czech passport usually ranges between one to one and a half years, depending on the complexity of the case and family ties.

Alternative options for long-term stay in the Czech Republic include residence permit or visa. However, for these options, it is necessary to fulfil the purpose of stay, which could be:

• Employment
• Study or internship
• Family reunification
• Business or investment

If you are interested in acquiring Czech citizenship or residency, contact us at info@stuchlikova.com to schedule an initial consultation with our immigration specialists. During the consultation, you will discuss your current situation, possible solutions, and agree on the next steps.