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Getting pregnant in the Czech Republic

Writer's picture: Kristýna RichtrováKristýna Richtrová

Getting pregnant in a foreign country may be scary. Find below an overview of all the registrations and steps that may be taken from the moment you find out you are pregnant, until you give the birth.

 

PRIOR GIVING BIRTH

Visiting your gynaecologist

To have your pregnancy confirmed and to be regularly checked, you should register with a gynaecologist, or visit yours, if you already have one.


Hospital registration

As soon as possible, you should also register with a hospital where you wish to give birth as their capacity may be limited. Registration is usually possible in the 14th week of pregnancy, but this requirement may differ hospital to hospital. You may register at any hospital in the Czech Republic no matter your residence.


The hospital will also let you fill in a form regarding the name of the baby. You can decide prior the birth, or also after the birth, but no later than 30 days after the baby was born.


Paternity registration

If you are not married with your partner, consider paternity registration or else the father of the child will not be mentioned in the birth certificate.

This process is done at the Municipality and a fair bunch of documents is needed for the registration.


Health insurance for the mother

Make sure you have a valid health insurance throughout the pregnancy - paying all the check ups from your own pocket may result in a hefty bills.


If you are employed, you are automatically entitled to Public health insurance as your employer is paying contributions towards your health insurance from your salary.


If you are unemployed, it is recommended to obtain Health insurance of a comprehensive care to avoid these bills. Note that there are various types offering various coverage and also waiting period may apply (certain time must pass before you can get pregnant/give birth).


Paediatrician

As you must register your baby with a paediatrician right after the birth, it is recommended to already look for a paediatrician prior giving the birth to avoid the stress later.

Employer's obligations

It is not required to announce you are pregnant at your workplace, however if you don't, you cannot enjoy all the protection benefits of being pregnant woman at work.

During pregnancy, your employer is forbidden to terminate your employment. You are also allowed to visit your gynaecologist in the working hours. Your job position should be kept open for your once you come back from your parental leave. Your employer cannot let you work overtime, or night shifts. If your job is not suitable for a pregnant woman, you have the right to be transitioned to a different position.


GOING INTO LABOUR

- Don't forget to pack your hospital bag, which apart from things and clothes bringing you comfort should also include your permit/passport, health insurance card, marriage certificate (or the documents from Municipality confirming paternity and your birth certificates), pregnancy booklet.

- Your partner can be present during the birth free of charge.


AFTER THE BIRTH

Paediatrician

Set up the appointment with your chosen paediatrician so the baby can get a proper first check and the required vaccination.



Birth certificate

Within 14 days, you should collect the birth certificate from the registry office. In case you will be applying for a foreign passport for the baby, have the birth certificate translated by a sworn translator.


Childbirth benefit

Child-birth benefit is a one-time benefit for low-income families. For a first child, a benefit in an amount of 13 000 CZK can be received; 10 000 CZK for a second child. Your family's income in the 3 months prior the childbirth must be lower than 2.7 of the family's subsistence minimum, which is 4620/per month(in 2022). Whether you are entitled to this benefit can be calculated here.


Maternity leave

Maternity leave can last up to 28 weeks. It usually starts 6-8 weeks before the due date. You can apply for the maternity leave through your employer or social security offices, if you are self-employed.


During the Maternity leave, you can receive Maternity benefit. This benefit is calculated on the basis of your previous income, and makes approximately 70% of your salary. You cannot be making any profitable activities while receiving Maternity leave. Your maternity benefit can be calculated here.


Parental leave

Parental leave starts when maternity leave is over. It ends when the child turns 3 years of age. Mother or father of the child can ask for this leave.


During this leave you can apply for Parental benefits. You can be making profitable activities alongside this benefits. You are entitled for this if you have stayed in the Czech Republic continuously and legally 365 days prior the child birth. An amount of 300 000 CZK (in 2022) can be distributed throughout the first 4 years of the child per your choice, however the monthly fee cannot exceed 70% of the basis of assessment (one of the parent's gross monthly salary). You can also change the amount of drawing every 3 months. The benefit is aimed at parents who are providing the child a whole day and proper daily care. This means that once the child starts attending a nursery or a kindergarten for more than 46 hours per month, you can lose the benefit.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Once approved of receiving the benefits, you are obliged to report any changes that may affect the benefit to the Social Security office. This may be, for instance, having a second baby.


Child benefit

If your family has a low income, you can also apply for a child or housing benefit.


Health insurance for the baby

Once the baby is born, you should get him/her a health insurance as soon as possible. Some babies may be entitled to the public health insurance in some cases, (e.g. EU nationals or permanent residency holders), otherwise private health insurance should be purchased.


Report the childbirth to the Ministry of Interior - for non-EU nationals

You should apply for the baby's visa as soon as possible. If you will be leaving the Czech Republic soon, get a short-term visa via the Foreign Police. If you intend to continue living in the Czech Republic, you must apply for a relevant residence permit within 60 days from the birth via the Ministry of Interior. The type of permit your baby will receive depends on the parents' type of permits.


Note if one of the parents is Czech, the baby will automatically get a Czech citizenship, thus Czech passport. Some countries allow dual citizenship, meaning that you can get another passport per the second parent's citizenship.

 

Contact me if you need any support connected to the paternity registration, health insurance obtaining, or reporting the childbirth.

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