UK citizens: Withdrawal Agreement status
How UK citizens who were living in Czechia before 2021 differ from UK citizens arriving now.
What this actually is
The EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement protects UK citizens who were lawfully resident in Czechia before the end of the transition period, and their family members. Protected residents keep broadly EU-style rights, including labour-market access, and hold a residence document marked with the Withdrawal Agreement. UK citizens arriving afterwards are ordinary third-country nationals.
Who it applies to
UK citizens who were residing in Czechia before 1 January 2021 and registered their status, and their family members.
When it's required
When proving your status to an employer, insurer, bank or office, and when renewing your residence document.
Step by step
- 1
Identify your status
Check whether your residence document refers to the Withdrawal Agreement, and whether it is temporary or permanent residence.
- 2
Keep the document current
Cards expire even when the underlying right does not. Renew before expiry at the Ministry of the Interior.
- 3
Use it when access is questioned
Protected status includes labour-market access without a work permit and access to public health insurance on the same basis as before.
- 4
Consider permanent residence
After five years of continuous residence, permanent residence gives a more stable document.
Documents to bring
- UK passport
- Existing residence document
- Proof of continuous residence since before 2021
Who decides
Ministry of the Interior — Department for Asylum and Migration Policy
Related
Official information
- Ministry of the Interior of the Czech RepublicOfficial source
- Information Portal for Foreigners (MV ČR)Official source
- Czech public administration portal (gov.cz)Official source
Last checked: 10 September 2026
Withdrawal Agreement cases are individual. Confirm your own status with the Ministry of the Interior rather than assuming it.