Citizens of other Member States of the European Union who live in the Czech Republic may, subject to meeting the statutory conditions, vote in municipal elections. This opportunity to take part in local politics, which may appear surprising at first glance, does however require an active approach.
The regular elections to municipal councils will take place on Friday, 9 October 2026, and Saturday, 10 October 2026. Voters will decide on the composition of municipal and city councils. In Prague, voters elect not only the Prague City Assembly, but also the councils of the individual municipal districts.
Municipal politics has a direct impact on residents’ everyday lives. Local councils decide, for example, on transport, parking, schools and kindergartens, public spaces, construction projects, and the further development of individual municipal districts.
Many foreign citizens living in the Czech Republic, however, are not aware that they may actively participate in municipal elections!
Which Foreign Citizens May Vote in Municipal Elections?
Not all foreign citizens have the right to vote in municipal elections. Voting is open to citizens of other Member States of the European Union, provided they meet the statutory conditions.
The voter must:
- be a citizen of another Member State of the European Union;
- reach the age of 18 no later than on the second day of the elections;
- have registered residence in the Czech Republic on election day, i.e. hold either a permanent residence permit or a certificate of temporary residence;
- apply for entry in the supplement to the electoral register.
In the context of German-speaking countries, it is important to distinguish between citizens of Germany and Austria on the one hand, and citizens of Switzerland on the other. German and Austrian citizens are EU citizens and may therefore vote in municipal elections in the Czech Republic if they meet the statutory conditions. Swiss citizens, however, are not automatically entitled to do so, as Switzerland is not a Member State of the European Union. Citizens of third countries generally unfortunately do not have the right to vote in Czech municipal elections.
Entry in the Supplement to the Electoral Register
Mere residence in the Czech Republic is not sufficient. In order to actively participate in the upcoming municipal elections, a citizen of another EU Member State must apply for entry in the so-called supplement to the electoral register.
The application is submitted to the municipal authority according to the place of registered residence. In Prague, Brno, Ostrava and some other statutory cities, the competent authority is usually the authority of the relevant municipal district or borough.
The application may be submitted:
- in person;
- via a data box;
- by e-mail with a recognised electronic signature.
A written application must state the applicant’s first name, surname, date of birth, address of residence in the Czech Republic, and the fact that the applicant is requesting entry in the supplement to the electoral register.
When submitting the application in person, the applicant must prove their identity, citizenship of another EU Member State, and registered residence in the Czech Republic.
What Deadline Must Be Observed?
An application for entry may be submitted at any time. However, in order to participate in the municipal elections in October 2026, the application must be submitted no later than Wednesday, 7 October 2026, by 4:00 p.m.
We recommend not leaving the application until the last moment. If the application is incomplete or if any information needs to be supplemented, the competent municipal authority will invite the applicant to correct or supplement the application.
Is It Necessary to Apply for Entry Before Every Election?
No. Once you have been duly entered as an EU citizen in the supplement to the electoral register, you remain registered there as long as you continue to meet the statutory conditions or until you request removal from the register yourself.
If you move to another municipality within the Czech Republic, you will automatically be entered in the electoral register in the new municipality. Nevertheless, after changing your registered residence, we recommend verifying your entry with the municipal authority according to your new place of residence, especially if an election date is approaching.
Where May EU Citizens Vote?
An EU citizen votes in the municipality in which they have registered residence.
In Prague, eligible voters may vote both in the elections to the Prague City Assembly and in the elections to the council of the relevant municipal district. A similar principle applies in other territorially subdivided statutory cities.
May EU Citizens Also Stand as Candidates?
Yes. Citizens of other Member States of the European Union may, subject to meeting the statutory conditions, not only vote but also stand as candidates for municipal councils.
In particular, a candidate must reach the age of 18 no later than on the second day of the elections, have registered residence in the Czech Republic, and meet further statutory eligibility requirements.
Separate formal requirements and deadlines apply to candidacy. The candidate list for the 2026 municipal elections must be delivered to the competent registration authority no later than 4 August 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
We therefore recommend that anyone interested in standing as a candidate address the preparations well in advance.
Brief Summary of the Most Important Points of Our Article
Citizens of other Member States of the European Union with registered residence in the Czech Republic may, subject to meeting the statutory conditions, vote in municipal elections.
Key information:
- The municipal elections will take place on 9 and 10 October 2026.
- German or Austrian citizens with registered residence in the Czech Republic, for example, may vote.
- Entry in the supplement to the electoral register is not automatic.
- The application must be submitted no later than 7 October 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
- EU citizens may also stand as candidates, provided they meet further conditions.
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JUDr. Jiří Janoušek | Attorney-at-law
jiri.janousek@janousekadvokat.cz
