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Czech for the foreign police office
Going to the foreign police (cizinecká policie) or the Ministry of the Interior's office for foreigners? Proceedings there are held in Czech, and staff do not have to speak English. These are the phrases and words that come up at the counter, so you can follow what is happening and say what you need.
Which office is which
Two offices deal with foreigners, and people often call both of them "the foreign police":
- Odbor azylové a migrační politiky (OAMP) is the Ministry of the Interior's department for foreigners. It handles residence permits: applications, extensions, biometrics and collecting your card.
- Cizinecká policie, the foreign police, deals with short stays, border and residence checks, and in some cases registering where you live.
Rules, fees and which office you need depend on your situation, so check the Ministry of the Interior's website (mvcr.cz) for your case. This page is about the language, not the law.
Arriving and the queue
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| Dobrý den, mám objednaný termín na deset hodin. | Hello, I have an appointment at ten o'clock. |
| Nemám objednaný termín. | I don't have an appointment. |
| Kde si mám vzít pořadové číslo? | Where do I get a queue number? |
| Na které přepážce? | At which counter? |
| Jsem na řadě? | Is it my turn? |
| Přišel jsem / Přišla jsem kvůli povolení k pobytu. | I've come about my residence permit. |
At the counter
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| Chtěl bych / Chtěla bych podat žádost o prodloužení pobytu. | I'd like to apply to extend my stay. |
| Přišel jsem / Přišla jsem si vyzvednout průkaz. | I've come to collect my card. |
| Jaké dokumenty potřebuji? | Which documents do I need? |
| Tady je můj pas a fotografie. | Here are my passport and photo. |
| Chybí ještě něco? | Is anything still missing? |
| Potřebujete originál, nebo stačí kopie? | Do you need the original, or is a copy enough? |
| Kde to mám podepsat? | Where do I sign? |
| Kolik stojí správní poplatek? | How much is the administrative fee? |
| Můžu platit kartou? | Can I pay by card? |
| Kdy budu vědět výsledek? | When will I know the result? |
| Musím přijít ještě jednou? | Do I need to come again? |
When you don't understand
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| Nerozumím. Můžete to zopakovat? | I don't understand. Could you repeat that? |
| Mluvte prosím pomaleji. | Please speak more slowly. |
| Můžete mi to napsat? | Could you write it down for me? |
| Mluvíte anglicky? | Do you speak English? |
| Můžu si přivést tlumočníka? | Can I bring an interpreter? |
What you may hear
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| Posaďte se, prosím. | Please take a seat. |
| Počkejte venku, prosím. | Please wait outside. |
| Máte všechny doklady? | Do you have all your documents? |
| Chybí vám potvrzení o ubytování. | You're missing the proof of accommodation. |
| Položte prst na čtečku. | Put your finger on the reader. |
| Podívejte se do kamery. | Look at the camera. |
| Průkaz bude připravený za třicet dní. | Your card will be ready in thirty days. |
Words to know
| Czech | English |
|---|---|
| žádost | application |
| povolení k pobytu | residence permit |
| průkaz o povolení k pobytu | residence permit card |
| přechodný pobyt | temporary residence |
| dlouhodobý pobyt | long-term residence |
| trvalý pobyt | permanent residence |
| dočasná ochrana | temporary protection |
| otisky prstů | fingerprints |
| doklad o zajištění ubytování | proof of accommodation |
| doklad o zdravotním pojištění | proof of health insurance |
| pracovní smlouva | employment contract |
| výpis z rejstříku trestů | criminal record extract |
| úřední překlad | certified translation |
| ověřená kopie | certified copy |
| správní poplatek | administrative fee |
| kolek | revenue stamp |
| lhůta | deadline |
| rozhodnutí | decision |
| přepážka | counter |
| pořadové číslo | queue number |
Two grammar points that help
- A man says přišel jsem and chtěl bych; a woman says přišla jsem and chtěla bych. The past tense and "would" forms agree with the speaker.
- Use the formal vy with every official. All the questions above already do.
Practise these before your appointment
Add the phrases you need to your Czech Learner drill and review them for a few minutes a day. A free account is all you need to start.
Start learning freeFrequently asked questions
Do staff at the foreign police speak English?
Sometimes, but you cannot rely on it, and they do not have to: proceedings are held in Czech. You may bring your own interpreter. Knowing the phrases on this page means you can follow the basics yourself.
What does "povolení k pobytu" mean?
Residence permit. You will also see průkaz o povolení k pobytu, the residence permit card you collect once your application is approved.
What is a "kolek"?
A revenue stamp. Some administrative fees are paid by buying stamps of the right value and attaching them to your application. Ask at the counter how the fee should be paid.
How do I say I don't understand in Czech?
Nerozumím. Follow it with Můžete to zopakovat? ("Could you repeat that?") or Mluvte prosím pomaleji ("Please speak more slowly").
Last updated 8 October 2026