British Nationals need a new biometric card before August 31 2022
UK Gov details here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-czech-republic
CZ Gov details here:
https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/biometric-data.aspx
You can book an appointment by phone or online, if you have a foreigners Reservation System account:
https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/moi-offices-of-department-for-asylum-and-migration-policy-prague.aspx
Sites include English translations.
Overview of UK Government message:
If you already have a Czech residence permit (Potvrzení o přechodném/trvalém pobytu) you must exchange it for the new biometric card before 31 August 2022.
You can apply for the biometric card without having a residency permit. You will need to prove you have been living in the Czech Republic since before 1 January 2021 and continue to do so. You must apply before 31 August 2022.
You must apply for a biometric card through the Ministry of Interior; this requires calling the Ministry and then attending two appointments. First, you need to phone the Ministry of Interior (Odbor azylové a migrační politiky) on +420 974 801 801 to make an appointment so you can provide your biometric data. There is an option to speak to them in English. You will need to provide your name, passport number and date of birth. You will be given an appointment at which you will be asked to prove you have been living in the Czech Republic since before 1 January 2021 and provide your biometric data. You will then be given a second appointment to collect your new biometric card. Read the Czech government guidance on the application process.
Your card will include a note that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, this will be listed under ‘Druh povolení’ as one of the following:
* the wording ‘článek 50 Smlouvy o EU’ for UK nationals,
* the wording ‘RP UK – článek 50 Smlouvy o EU’ for close family members of UK nationals
* the wording ‘ostatní – článek 50 Smlouvy o EU’ for other family members of UK nationals
Your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement will not be affected if you do not meet the deadline. However, we recommend that you obtain your new biometric card as soon as possible. If you do not have a biometric card to prove your rights, you may experience delays in, or be refused, government services. Travel within the Schengen area will also be more difficult.
Overview of CZ Gov message:
Why are biometric data collected?
Collecting biometric data serves to verify the authenticity of the residence card and confirm the identity of its holder – a third-country national. As of 20 May 2011, biometric data (facial image respectively) forms a compulsory component of residence permits for third-country nationals issued by all EU Member States.
Biometric data are collected at selected – i.e. not all – offices of the Ministry of the Interior that are adequately technically equipped (offices labeled as “BIO” on the contact list). You are subsequently required to collect your residence card at the same office that collected your biometric data within a specified period. Please note that this office might not be the same office where you submitted your relevant residence application, or else, where you normally arrange other matters connected with your residence in the CR.
In connection with biometric data, you are required to:
* present yourself at the Ministry office in person to provide biometric data and to provide a signature intended for digital processing,
* on demand * of the Ministry (if you are resident in the CR),
* if you are issued a long-stay visa for the purpose of collecting a long-term or permanent residence permit within 3 working days of entering the CR (if you were issued a long-stay visa for the purpose of collecting a long-term or permanent residence permit by a CR diplomatic mission),
* comply with the requirement to provide your biometric data and to provide your signature for digital processing,
* present yourself at the Ministry to collect the residence card within the specified limit* but at latest within 60 days of your biometric data being collected for reasons of verifying your identity, and/or the correctness of the personal details appearing in the card, the functioning of the data chip with your biometric data and the correctness of the processed biometric data contained
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Of course, bring EVERY single document you think you need or is listed in the CZ government websites. As with any bureaucracy, you can never have enough ID and paperwork to support an application or claim.
If you make your appointment by phone, be sure to have all your ID and documents to hand. Calls can be held in a queue for 20 minutes or more.
I’ve posted this as FYI, and I’m not able to offer guidance on your application. Follow the guidance in the above websites and you will get your new biometric card.