The Czech government has approved a new draft of the Act on the Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals, which aims to fundamentally modernise how the authorities manage residence and migration processes.1 Its planned effective date is 1 January 2029, providing the Ministry of Interior sufficient time to build a new robust information system and prepare for the transformation of residence processes.
WHY THIS MATTERS
All immigration procedures will be handled online via a new information system called ICAS. This transition marks a significant move from the current paper-based agenda to processes of the modern age.
While digitalisation is expected to improve efficiency, it is also likely to introduce new challenges for stakeholders. New administrative duties and compliance requirements can be expected, particularly in relation to digital cooperation with authorities and monitoring of the foreign national’s stay. The new system will be accessible by the employers which may grant them new roles and responsibilities.
More Details
The proposal of a new draft Act on the Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals responds to the need to streamline currently fragmented legislation, to meet European Union requirements, and to significantly digitalise procedures related to the stay of foreign nationals in the Czech Republic.2
Digitalisation of residence procedures: The new law will introduce a fully digital approach to immigration processes through the ICAS information system. Foreign nationals will manage most steps online via their electronic account, including submitting applications, receiving notifications, tracking case status and arranging appointments. Employers and other institutions involved in the process will have their own access to ICAS, allowing them to upload supporting documents and communicate with the authorities electronically. The planned effective date is 1 January 2029, giving the Ministry of the Interior time to build and test the system.
Registration of EU citizens: A major change concerns EU citizens residing in the Czech Republic. While arranging for a residence certificate for stays over 90 days is currently voluntary, this will change under the new law as EU citizens will be obliged to undergo this procedure. According to current information, registration is expected to become a legal obligation as of 2030. This is intended to give the state and municipalities a more accurate overview of long-term residents and to support planning in areas such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Strengthened role of guarantors: The proposal also clarifies and reinforces the role of so-called guarantors – entities that enable a foreign national to fulfil the purpose of their stay, such as employers, educational institutions, research organisations, cultural bodies, or sports clubs. Their rights and obligations in residence procedures are expected to be more clearly defined, and their responsibility will increase, especially in cases where the foreign national’s ability to stay long term in the Czech Republic depends on their cooperation. In practice, this can mean more stringent reporting, documentation and coordination duties and a higher need for robust internal immigration compliance.
KPMG INSIGHTS
The new immigration legislation represents a substantial change rather than a minor technical amendment. By introducing the ICAS system and electronic accounts, the authorities announce a clear move towards a more digital, data-driven and transparent handling of residence matters, which could require organisations to adapt their internal processes and staff practices.
Making registration mandatory for EU citizens staying longer than 90 days is a structural change that could bring many currently “invisible” residents into the official system and strengthen the basis for public planning, while increasing formal obligations for EU nationals and their hosts. At the same time, the clearer and stronger role of guarantors could raise expectations on employers, universities, and other hosting entities to maintain robust immigration compliance and may increase their exposure in case of non-fulfilment of these duties.
While the recent development appears to be quite a promising move of the immigration agenda to the digital age, difficult discussions can yet be expected during the upcoming phase of the legislation process. The draft law is now heading to the parliament where at first it will be discussed by the Chamber of Deputies. Taking the political background of immigration topics into consideration, it is fair to say that the draft’s journey is still at its start.
If readers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Czech Republic (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTES:
1 Vlada (in Czech), “Výsledky jednání vlády 16. března 2026,” published on 16 March 2026.
2 ODok Portal (in Czech), “Návrh zákona o vstupu a pobytu cizinců (cizinecký zákon).”
Contacts
Disclaimer
* 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.
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