Statelessness in Czechia | January 2024 29 when they apply to naturalise or for integration assistance, it is already recorded that they are stateless, and this will not pose a barrier for them.62 In Czechia, naturalisation is an option after five years of continuous permanent residence. For an individual with tolerated stay, this would mean five years of tolerated stay followed by five years of permanent residence. However, in the case of stateless individuals (including refugees), naturalisation may be facilitated at the MoI’s discretion once the person attains permanent residence. The MoI may also waive the requirement that stateless persons and refugees not be dependent on the social security system. Other requirements for naturalisation must still be met, including language and citizenship tests (unless exempt due to having studied Czech for three years, being under 15, over 65, or having a mental disability), proof of income, and a clean criminal record. A criminal record disqualifies an individual from obtaining Czech citizenship, with no exceptions for stateless persons.63 More information on the requirements for applying for Czech citizenship can be found on the website of MoI (in Czech). A fee of CZK 2000 for adults and CZK 500 for minors and refugees will be charged for the naturalisation application. The Ministry may, at its discretion, reduce this fee to CZK 500 in exceptional cases and to CZK 100 for minors and refugees. Although there is no explicit exemption for stateless persons, they may apply for reduced fees in exceptional cases.64 Integration programmes in Czechia do not have specific provisions for stateless individuals. The state integration programme is reserved for beneficiaries of international protection. Stateless persons seeking assistance with integration may need to rely on more general integration programmes and services available to foreign nationals, which could include language courses, job placement assistance, and other support designed to facilitate integration in Czech society. Founded in 1991, OPU is Czechia’s most experienced and largest non-governmental organisation providing assistance to refugees, stateless persons, and migrants. OPU provides free, personalised legal and social assistance throughout the country, extending its support to reception, accommodation, and detention facilities, as well as operating from five regional offices. OPU actively monitors and exposes unlawful practices and systemic deficiencies in Czech asylum and migration policy. The organisation maintains a consistent presence in the media and organises public events to raise awareness of issues of discrimination and xenophobia. You can contact OPU if you are in need of legal or social assistance related to statelessness or are looking for more detailed information. 62 Further information about naturalisation, especially for stateless refugees, is available on the Stateless Journeys site. 63 Sections 14 and 15 of the Citizenship Act 64 Act on Administrative Fees no. 634/2004 Coll. Available here.