Czech Republic – Plans to “Regularize” U.K., Czech Nationals if “No-Deal” Brexit
Czech Republic – Plans to “Regularize” U.K., Czech Nati
This report covers legislative action the Czech government is taking to help assure certain legal rights for U.K. nationals in the country in the event of a “no-deal Brexit.”
SUBSCRIBE
To subscribe to GMS Flash Alert, fill out the subscription form.
The Czech government approved a law (“Lex Brexit”) concerning the similar treatment of British citizens living in the Czech Republic and Czech citizens in the United Kingdom.1 This legislation implements a transition period from the date of a “no-deal” Brexit (that starts from the date the U.K. leaves the European Union) to 31 December 2020. During this period, British citizens will be guaranteed the same treatment as if they were citizens of the European Union.
WHY THIS MATTERS
After Brexit, U.K. citizens will no longer be European Union (EU) citizens and thus will no longer be able to claim residence in an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) member state on the basis of the EU treaty. As a result, they would be subject to rules and conditions similar to those required for third-country citizens in the Czech Republic and the rest of the EU. The Lex Brexit and related measures have been prepared by the Czech authorities in order to help address many of the uncertainties and concerns in respect of U.K. citizens living and working (and studying) in the Czech Republic in the event of a no-deal Brexit and aim to help clarify and assure their residence, immigration, social security, tax, and other rights following Brexit, which is due to happen on 22 May 2019, with an alternate date of 12 April 2019 possible (and no longer on 29 March 2019 as originally slated). Particularly, the Lex Brexit will enable those British citizens and their family members staying in the Czech Republic before the date of Brexit to temporarily regularize their stay.
Further Details
Residence Permits
According to Lex Brexit, U.K. citizens and their family members may stay legally in the Czech Republic until the end of 2020 if they are holders of the Certificate of Temporary Residence Permit, Permanent Residence Permit, or Temporary Residence Permit of a family member of an EU citizen. The same applies if the application for any of the afore-mentioned is submitted to the Ministry of Interior before Brexit occurs.
Right to Work
This law also confirms the right to continue working legally for those employed under the Czech labor law prior to Brexit; however, it will not cover those U.K. assignees working under a contract governed by their home country jurisdiction and standard requirements as for third country nationals would apply.
KPMG NOTE
As a result of Brexit, the Czech government put the U.K. on a list of countries whose citizens are entitled to file an application for a Long-Term visa or a Long-Term or Permanent Residence permit at any embassy of the Czech Republic (Ordinance No. 429/2010 Coll.).
FOOTNOTE
1 For additional information about the Lex Brexit (not available in English), 74/2019., o úpravě některých vztahů v souvislosti s vystoupením Spojeného království Velké Británie a Severního Irska z Evropské unie, click here.
RELATED LINKS
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the Czech Republic.
© 2023 KPMG Česká republika, s.r.o., společnost s ručením omezeným založená dle právních předpisů České republiky a členská společnost globální organizace nezávislých členských společností KPMG, přidružených ke KPMG International Limited, soukromé anglické společnosti s ručením omezeným. Všechna práva vyhrazena.
Detailní informace o struktuře globální organizace KPMG najdete na stránce: https://kpmg.com/governance.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.