Brno Expat Centre's consultants vs. AI myths regarding your life in Brno
Our consultants tackle some of the AI myths that we’ve noticed circulating among our clients and expats in Brno.
In recent months, we’ve been observing an increase in confusing information and mistakes in some AI-generated “advice.” Let us help you stay on the right track.
1] Mandatory registration for EU citizens
The rumour: EU citizens must now officially register their stay at the OAMP office.
The fact: This was part of a proposed new law intended for 2027. However, the legislation has been delayed and will not take effect until 2029 at the earliest.
Your current duty: Your only legal obligation as an EU citizen is to report your presence to the Foreign Police within 30 days of arrival.
Our advice: While applying for a Registration Certificate at OAMP is not mandatory, we still highly recommend it if you plan to stay in Brno long-term. It simplifies many daily tasks like banking or parking permits. And it will be mandatory one day.
2] Czech language exams for permanent residence
AI-generated answers often fail to distinguish between different types of residency, leading to confusion about language requirements.
The rumour: Everyone needs a Czech language exam to get Permanent Residency (PR).
The reality: AI tools often fail to distinguish between different types of residency.
EU citizens and their family members: You do not need to take a Czech language exam for Permanent Residency.
Non-EU citizens: You generally do need to pass an A2 level exam. You can find the specific requirements on the official IPC website.
3] The “3-Day Rule” for job loss and insurance
The rumour: A common rumour claims that if an employee cardholder doesn’t register with the Labour Office and VZP within 3 days of losing a job, he will immediately face a debt.
The fact: Registering with the Labor Office (Úřad práce) is your right, not a legal obligation.
The reality: While there is no “penalty” for not registering, doing so promptly is beneficial because the state then covers your health insurance payments. If you do not register and do not have another job, you must prepay for comprehensive health insurance yourself.
- You can find more information in our guide Lost your job? Here’s what to do.
Trust official sources and people, not just algorithms
The lesson here is simple: do not trust everything you read on social media or what an AI chatbot tells you. These tools often struggle with the nuances of individual situations and Czech immigration/labour law.
The golden rule: Don’t bet your residency on a ChatGPT prompt or a Facebook comment. AI struggles with the nuances of Czech law, and “online experts” often share outdated info. For reliable, up-to-date information, please consult official websites of Czech ministries, or the Brno Expat Centre website.
If you are unsure about your specific situation, it is always best to book a consultation with us for professional, human-led advice.
Have you encountered a suspicious “fact” or a potential scam online? We want to hear about it! Sharing your experience helps us keep the whole community safe. Swing us a quick message through our contact form.
