The Czech government has approved a draft law aimed at modernizing the system for residence permits for foreigners, with a new digital platform expected to speed up applications and administrative procedures starting in 2029.

The legislation, submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, introduces an electronic information system that will manage the issuance and revocation of residence permits. Officials say the reform should streamline communication between foreigners and authorities while improving the accuracy of records.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the law itself will not change the main conditions required to obtain residence permits. Instead, the goal is to simplify procedures and strengthen oversight through digital administration.

If adopted, the new system would allow foreigners to create personal online accounts beginning in January 2029. Through these accounts they would communicate with state authorities, submit residence applications and receive official documents electronically.

Officials say the digital platform should also help authorities manage the growing number of administrative cases related to foreign residents. The Interior Ministry reports that the number of applications submitted by foreigners is rising each year.

In addition to new residence permits, authorities process more than 630,000 administrative cases annually, including address changes, registration numbers and travel document requests.

Another part of the bill increases the responsibilities of organizations that invite foreigners to the Czech Republic. Employers, universities and sports clubs, among others, would face new notification duties and would have to submit information about foreign residents through the unified system.

The proposed law also expands the grounds for revoking residence permits. Authorities would be able to cancel permits for individuals who commit criminal offenses or who are considered a threat to public order or internal security.

A separate change concerns EU citizens living in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days. The draft introduces mandatory registration for these residents, which is currently voluntary. Officials say the measure would help authorities obtain more accurate data on foreigners living in the country.

According to the Interior Ministry, the lack of reliable registration data creates administrative problems. Some foreigners are not included in the population register, which can complicate cooperation with authorities.

Municipalities may also miss out on funding tied to the number of residents, and local fees can go unpaid.

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