1. Everyone is talking about the new law on Czech citizenship for Russians. What happened?
On February 10, 2025, a new amendment came into action that effectively blocks Russians from obtaining Czech citizenship – both new and existing applications.
The amendment was hidden within a bill on aid for Ukrainian refugees and presented as a requirement to renounce Russian citizenship.
The rush to pass the primary law on refugees allowed this amendment to be pushed through without proper discussion, even though it should have been debated as a separate subject.
The new law’s wording is vague and open to interpretation, and even the politicians we’ve spoken to didn’t fully understand its implications.
2. Many countries don’t allow dual citizenship. How is that relevant to a full block?
That’s the problem. The amendment doesn’t just require renouncing Russian citizenship – it effectively freezes the process for Russians seeking Czech citizenship indefinitely – potentially for years or even decades.
The amendment has two conflicting points: one requires renouncing Russian citizenship, while the other indefinitely blocks the processing of new and existing applications.
Moreover, the requirement to renounce citizenship applies only to Russians, creating an unprecedented case of nationality-based discrimination within European law.
The media portrays the law as a “simple” requirement to give up a second citizenship. But in reality, it will block access to Czech citizenship, particularly for Russians, for many years – and this crucial aspect remains unreported.
3. Doesn’t this contradict Czech and EU laws?
Yes, this amendment breaches several norms of Czech and European law:
- It’s secreted within a law on refugee aid rather than the primary citizenship law.
- Conflicting clauses create legal confusion and inconsistencies.
- It applies retroactively to already submitted applications, which goes against the principle of non-retroactivity.
- It discriminates against Russians as a separate category, regardless of their views, age, origin, politics, or ties to the Czech Republic.
It violates Article 16 of the 1997 European Convention on Nationality, as the initiator of the amendment has not analyzed the feasibility of renouncing Russian citizenship under current conditions.
4. Who does this bill affect?
The bill impacts all Russians living in the Czech Republic.
Even those who renounce their Russian citizenship won’t be able to obtain Czech citizenship due to the indefinite freeze on application processing.
Exceptions only apply to children under 15, political refugees, and distinguished figures – meaning most Russians won’t qualify.
Moreover, according to the “family citizenship unity principle,” children can only obtain Czech citizenship if one of the parents already holds it. It is important to note that Russian legislation does not allow children to renounce their Russian citizenship separately from their parents. As a result, citizenship will be blocked indefinitely for the entire family, including the children.
In addition, it appears that after the amendment was passed, the Czech Ministry of the Interior also began requiring applicants from other countries, such as Ukrainians, to prove absence of Russian citizenship.
5. What are the law’s authors trying to achieve, and how effective is it?
The amendment was proposed by MPs from the STAN party, led by Martin Exner, with the stated goal of enhancing Czech security in light of the conflict in Ukraine. However, no precise mechanisms are outlined in the law to achieve this.
The process of obtaining Czech citizenship is already one of the strictest in Europe: applicants must live in the country for at least 10 years and undergo multiple checks by the Ministry of the Interior and security services at every stage – from temporary visas to permanent residency and citizenship.
The existing law (§13 (2), §22) already allows the denial of citizenship to individuals deemed a security risk and mandates the Ministry of the Interior to consult with the police and Czech intelligence services.
The legislators have not explained why current measures are insufficient.
6. Russians in the Czech Republic: Who are they, and what risks do they face?
A brief overview of statistics:
• Approximately 40,000 Russians (0.4% of the population) live in the Czech Republic, including 10,000 children.
• 42% of Russians work in highly skilled positions.
• 65% hold a university degree.
• Among blue card holders, 31% are Russians.
Regarding renunciation of Russian citizenship, it is worth noting that, according to official sources, the procedure can be carried out remotely through consulates. However, in practice, complications often arise: requirements and deadlines for submitting applications are not adhered to, and applicants face bureaucratic obstacles. As a result, many are forced to travel to Russia in person, significantly complicating the process, increasing both financial and time burdens and putting Russian political activists at risk of prosecution.
Despite the dangers of public statements for Russian passport holders in Europe, the Czech Republic has one of the largest anti-war diasporas of Russians. Putin was crushingly defeated in the election at the Russian Embassy in Prague, and anti-war actions have become some of the largest in Europe.
Russians in the Czech Republic help Ukrainians, counter Kremlin propaganda and are active in the media.
That is why renouncing Russian citizenship carries special risks for them:
- Oppositionists, journalists and anti-war activists face criminal and administrative cases that make renunciation virtually impossible.
- Men and women in military specialties (doctors) subject to mobilization will not be able to renounce citizenship.
- Renunciation of citizenship often requires personal travel to Russia, which is especially dangerous for anti-war Russians.
- Russia actively checks phones and belongings for ties to Ukraine, leading to criminal cases against opponents of the war and real terms in prison.