Statelessness Info Webpage
- Have you never had a valid travel document?
- The country where you were born no longer exists?
- The country where you were born has never issued you or your family the necessary documents?
- Your embassy is not providing assistance or communicating with you?
- Are you unable to travel?
- You cannot get documents for your children?
- You cannot reunite your family members because they do not have documents?
If you answered YES to any of the questions above, it might indicate that you are stateless. To be stateless means not being recognized as a national of any country. However, there are rights under international law that ensure the protection of stateless persons. Czech law aligns with these obligations, providing pathways for recognition and support.
If unaddressed, statelessness can lead to the denial of access to fundamental rights and opportunities. That is why it is important to take action and seek the necessary legal support. At OPU, we can assist you with applying for stateless status and addressing related issues.
This webpage is designed to provide clear, practical, and comprehensive information to help stateless persons navigate legal processes, access essential services, and integrate into society.
Legal information
If you are seeking legal assistance, you can reach out to any OPU office. We can guide you through the process and help with the identification of statelessness. All of our services are provided free of charge.
One of the routes of protection is the statelessness determination procedure (SDP). It is essential to obtain a residence permit and related rights in Czechia. You can file the application to the Ministry of Interior – Department of the Asylum and Migration Policy (the overview of the offices is available here).
The application does not have a specific form, but some requirements must be met (e.g., name, date and state of birth, state from which citizenship was lost, address in Czechia). We are available to assist you with completing the application – reach out to us if you need assistance.
REMEMBER! It is always important to attach any relevant documentation to your application – it may be helpful in the procedure. You can include documents such as:
- Identity documents, passports, or other travel documents (even if expired).
- Birth or marriage certificates.
- School certificates or medical records.
- Evidence of refusal of entry into a country of potential nationality.
- Employment contracts or statements from relevant people (e.g., individuals who know you within the stateless community)
The decision shall be issued to you within 6 months, or 12 months in complicated cases. Decisions are given in writing with reasons.
In case of a negative decision, you can appeal to court. Our lawyers can help you with the appeal process.
As a stateless person, applicant or recognized, you have specific rights and protections under the law.
Stateless Applicants
You are entitled to:
- Stay in Czechia until your case is decided.
- Ask for legal assistance in the procedure (you can reach out to us, as we can provide you with FREE legal aid).
- Ask for a free interpreter for all administrative actions.
- Be issued with a certificate of application (this serves as your ID during the procedure).
- Apply for a work permit after 6 months since you applied for stateless status in Czechia (see below for more information on employment)
Please note: The ID issued to you as a stateless applicant only allows you to stay in Czechia. Unfortunately, it is not possible to travel anywhere else.
Recognized Stateless Persons
Once you are recognized as a stateless person, you are issued with a certificate confirming your statelessness and granted a tolerated stay visa for one year. Before your visa expires, you need to apply for a tolerated long-term residence permit. Do not hesitate to reach out to us, as we are ready to help you with this process and with completing all applications.
As a recognized stateless person, you can:
Participate in the public health insurance program.
Work if you have a work permit issued by the Labor Office (see below for more information on employment).
Apply for a travel document issued by the Czech Immigration Police (note that with this type of travel document it is not possible to travel everywhere – always check with the authorities before traveling!).
Apply for family reunification (only applicable to long-term residence permit holders).
Be enrolled in public school education programs (this is mandatory for children aged 6 to 15 as part of compulsory school attendance – see more information below under Access to Services).
Other Routes to Protection
There are routes to protection other than the statelessness determination procedure (SDP):
- International protection: If you face danger or persecution and fear returning to your country, you can consider applying for international protection. This procedure has priority over the SDP, and the SDP will be suspended.
- Temporary protection: If you are from Ukraine or if Ukraine was your last country of residence, you may be eligible for temporary protection.
- Residence permit: If there is no danger in your country, you can apply for a residence permit in Czechia. However, for such an application, you need to present a valid travel document – if you do not have one, you should apply for statelessness recognition.
Please note: Even if another procedure leading to a residence permit or protection status is initiated, it might still be beneficial to apply for stateless recognition under the SDP, as the certificate of statelessness can be useful in various future situations.
Employment
As a stateless person, you can work in Czechia. However, you need to apply for a work permit first. The conditions vary based on your current status:
- Applicant for stateless status: You can apply for a work permit as soon as 6 months after the start of the procedure have passed.
- Recognized stateless person: You can apply for a work permit anytime, and if you already have one (e.g., issued during the statelessness determination procedure), it is still valid, and there is no need to obtain a new one.
You can apply for the work permit at the Labor Office. The application fee is 500 CZK. You can find more information on how to apply for the work permit on this website.
Please be aware: It is always required to have a work contract or preliminary agreement for a future employment contract.
Contact us if you have any questions or need help with completing your application for a work permit.
Access to Services
As a recognized stateless person, you can participate in the public health insurance program if you cannot pay for the insurance on your own. If you are employed, the contribution to the health insurance fund is shared between you and your employer. Employers contribute 9% of the employee’s gross salary, while employees contribute 4.5%, deducted directly from their wages.
Unfortunately, stateless applicants cannot participate in the public health insurance program and must cover private health insurance. The only way to get into the public health insurance system is through employment, which is possible as soon as 6 months after the application has passed (see more information on employment above).
Compulsory Education
In Czechia, compulsory education applies to all children aged 6 to 15, regardless of their nationality. Recognized stateless children within this age range must be enrolled in school. If you need more information or assistance with navigating the enrollment process, feel free to reach out to us.
Secondary Education and Universities
Access to secondary education and universities varies. Generally, you can enroll in secondary education or a university if you meet the admission requirements. However, admission policies differ between institutions. We recommend contacting the admissions departments of specific schools or universities for detailed information about their enrollment criteria and required documentation. If you need support, our social workers are here to assist you with the process.
Trainings
If you are looking for trainings, you can register on the Coursera online training platform. It offers various courses from prestigious universities and educational institutions worldwide. The courses are available in multiple fields and languages and are offered FREE of charge thanks to the UNHCR initiative. You can find more information on the UNHCR Help Website.
There are no state-run accommodation facilities for stateless persons in Czechia. If you need help with finding housing or solving issues related to accommodation, reach out to us.
Access to banking services can be challenging, as financial institutions usually require two identity documents to open an account. Contact us for more information or assistance. neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.
Community and Social Integration
There are multiple ways to engage with the local community. For example, you can:
- Reach out to us for volunteering opportunities: We can connect you with one of our volunteers, who can support you in your integration process.
- Check community events and activities: Your local integration center often organizes events and activities that can help you connect with others and learn more about life in Czechia.
We are also planning to organize community sessions where you can meet and network with others from stateless communities. Stay tuned for updates!
Citizenship in Czechia
As a stateless person, you can apply for Czech citizenship under certain conditions.
Generally:
- You can apply after five years of permanent residence.
- This means, that if you have tolerated stay, you need to complete five years of tolerated stay first, followed by five years of permanent residence.
In some cases, the Ministry of Interior may make the process easier for stateless persons once you have permanent residence. You can find more information on permanent residence here. For a detailed list of conditions you need to meet to apply for Czech citizenship, see here. If you have any questions or need help with this process, feel free to contact us.
Other information resources
- Statelessness Index: An important resource that provides detailed information about how countries address statelessness.
- Statelessness Case Law Database: A comprehensive resource that compiles summaries of national, regional, and international case law related to statelessness.
- UNHCR Help Website: A comprehensive resource designed to assist refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless individuals. It offers detailed information on various topics, including applying for asylum or legal aid. It also provides contact information for the UNHCR office in Czechia and its partner organizations.
- Information Portal for Foreigners in Czechia: The official portal of the Ministry of the Interior that provides essential information and services for foreigners residing in Czechia, including information on different types of residence permits.
Contact and Support
If you are a stateless person and need more information or assistance with any issue, reach out to any OPU office. You can find the contact information and the addresses here.
Our services are free of charge. At OPU, we help everyone regardless of country of origin, gender, ethnic background, nationality, religion, beliefs, worldviews, disabilities, sexual orientation, or age.
