Census 2021 for foreigners in the Czech Republic

At midnight on March 26-27, the 2021 census began. The census is mandatory for all citizens of the Czech Republic and persons residing in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, and failure to do so may be fined up to CZK 10,000.

The census takes place every ten years and is administered by the Czech Statistical Office. It takes an average of 15 minutes to complete and serves as a source of unique information about life in our country. The results are widely used, for example, in the preparation of housing programs, infrastructure development or for the planning of better service availability. The data can also be used to analyze not only migration processes but also to prepare documents for projects of integration of foreigners. The results of this year’s census will then be published at the turn of 2021 and 2022.

When and where does the census take place?

The census 2021 began at midnight from March 26 to 27, 2021, and will be carried out until May 11, 2021. Everyone has the opportunity to participate online at the designated website scitani.cz or via a mobile application Sčítání202‪1 (available for iOS and Android users). We highly recommend filling the forms online because there are 7 language versions available: besides English, there is a German, Polish, Romani, Russian, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese version of the website.

In case you do not take part online, you still have a legal obligation to fill out and submit a paper census form between April 17 and May 11, 2021. However, the paper form of the census is in Czech only, therefore, foreigners who do not speak Czech will have to fill it with the assistance of the Census Commissioner.

Participation in the census is mandatory. If you do not participate, you risk a fine of CZK 10,000.

Who has to participate in the census?

The vast majority of persons currently present in the territory of the Czech Republic are obliged to participate in this year’s census. Therefore, not only Czech citizens but also all foreigners who have been in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days are obliged to take part in the census.

You have to participate if:

• you have a permanent residence in the Czech Republic.
• you have a temporary stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days.
• you have been granted asylum in the Czech Republic.
• you are physically present in the Czech Republic at midnight from March 26 to March 27, 2021, for more than 90 days.

If you live abroad or you will not be present in Czech territory at the decisive moment and you do not have a permanent residence in the Czech Republic, you do not have to fill in the census form. If you live abroad but still have a permanent residence in the Czech Republic, you will have to fill in the census form.

For children and persons who are not competent to perform legal acts, the form can be filled in by another adult member of the household. The obligation to participate in the census does not apply only to diplomats and foreigners who have been here for less than 90 days (for example tourists).

What are they going to ask you?

The census form contains half fewer questions than in the last census in 2011. The CSU only collects information that is not available from the state’s databases and is therefore not identifiable in any other way.

You will fill in information about the house or apartment where you live and about all the people who live there together. In the census, you will be asked whether you live in your own house/apartment or are renting, the area of ​​the apartment in square meters, the number of rooms, gas and water facilities, and the method of heating. To fill in the data on all persons living in the apartment, you need their names, birth numbers or numbers of personal documents issued by the Czech Republic and dates of birth.

The form contains questions about the first residence after birth and the place of usual residence a year before the census, information on the highest completed education, employment and place of work or school. Questions concerning your nationality and religious belief are voluntary and it is completely up to you to decide whether to answer them.

No questions about any property conditions or health status will be asked.

How to participate in the census online?

Due to the ongoing epidemic, a contactless census via the Internet is recommended. Participating in the census online ( via the web or mobile application) is secure, saves you time and significantly speeds up the processing of results.

To register, use the number of a valid identity document issued by the Czech Republic (ID card, passport or documents issued to foreigners) and date of birth. You can also use an electronic identity (eidentita.cz) or a data box of a natural person. You will then follow the instructions to complete it.

The census form can also be filled in for other members of your family. However, you must know the household situation as well as the required personal data of its members, such as name, birth number or identity card number issued by the Czech Republic (ID card, passport or documents issued to foreigners) and date of birth, as well as information for the personal part of the form (eg. first residence after birth, information on education or employment).

All information has to be provided as of midnight from Friday, March 26, to Saturday, March 27, 2021.

How to fill in a paper form?

You can obtain a paper census form from the Census Commissioner or at any census contact point or dedicated branches of the Czech Post.

From April 17, the Census Commissioners will start distributing paper census forms to those who have not participated online. The commissioner will arrive at the pre-announced date and will wait for your arrival in front of your house. You will receive a notice with the date of the visit in the mailbox (or it will be posted on the notice board or on the front door of the building). The deadline cannot be changed, however, in case you won’t be home at that time, the Commissioner will try to reach you once again. You will be notified of the replacement date again.

Along with the form, you will always receive a reply envelope with the Census 2021 logo for submitting the form. The envelope has a pre-printed address and is free of charge. You can submit the completed paper census form in the reply envelope at the census contact point, at any post office, or simply throw it in the mailbox.

Paper forms are only in the Czech language. Printed translations in 7 languages (English, German, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Romani) are available on request from the Census Commissioner or at the contact point and they serve as an aid to filling in the original form in Czech.

Useful tips

• Write the answers exclusively in a black or blue pen.
• Use capital letters according to the pattern on the form.
• Write exactly in the white boxes.
• Write only one character in each field, including hooks and commas.
• Use an abbreviation for long answers.
• Where there is a choice of more than one item, mark the correct answer with a cross.
• Check only one option at a time, unless otherwise noted.
• If you make a mistake, tick the box and write the correct answer next to it.

Where can I get help filling it in?

In case you haven’t find the answer to your question in the FAQ overview or in video tutorials, you can also contact the Census 2021 Contact Centre, which is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM Czech time, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, on the infolines +420 253 253 683 (an ordinary landline) or +420 840 30 40 50 (a chargeable white line). However, it is also possible to ask questions at the contact centre via e-mail dotazy@scitani.cz or you can use the live chat on the Czech version of the Census 2021 website.

Do you have any question about the Census 2021? Let us know!