Entering the Czech Republic

If you are planning to study in the Czech Republic, you should check all necessary documents required for you to enter the country beforehand. Here is a basic guide of all you need to know before you depart to the country located in the heart of Europe.

The Czech Republic is a member of the EU and the Schengen Area, therefore different requirements apply to non-EU citizens compared to EU citizens and nationals from Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.

Students from EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland

If you are a citizen of one of the EU states, you do not need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic. Students from Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are also exempt from student visa requirements.

However, all foreign nationals are obligated to report their arrival in the Czech Republic if they plan to stay longer than 30 days. They must report their presence to the Foreign Police Department which holds jurisdiction in the location of their stay in the Czech Republic. The foreign nationals must pay CZK 1,000 for the residence card.

EU citizens and nationals from Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are obligated to report their stay within 30 days from the date of their arrival to the country. This obligation does not apply if the person providing accommodation to the student submits the registration forms on behalf of the student coming from the countries listed above.

Non-Czech citizens who stay in the Czech Republic are also obligated to report the change of surname, marital status, and any other changes in data contained in the residence card which occur during their stay.

Students from non-EU countries

Citizens from countries outside the EU must apply for relevant visa at a Czech Embassy in the state in which the applicant is a citizen. There are two types of student visa. First, one can apply for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studying in the Czech Republic for a period longer than three months in a study program longer than one year (e.g. university program, high school program…) Second, students intending to study in the Czech Republic for longer than three months but shorter than one year should file an application for a long-term visa.

The applications must be filed at a Czech Embassy by an applicant older than 15 years in person.

The Embassy charges CZK 500 for accepting an application for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studying. Acceptance of an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of studying is free of charge.

General required documents for the long-term visa/long-term residence permit:

• Completed application form (can be downloaded here)
• 2 photographs
• Passport – must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the validity of the long-term visas, shall not be older than 10 years, and must have at least two blank pages.
• A document confirming the purpose of the stay in the Czech Republic (e.g. enrollment certificate)
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in the Czech Republic

 A student might be asked to submit more documents upon request of the administrative body. Make sure to read all details about visa applications here. An application is processed within 60 days of it being filed. Therefore, students are recommended to secure all the necessary documents and file the application as soon as possible.

After arriving to the Czech Republic, foreign nationals are obligated to report their arrival if their intended stay is longer than 30 days. They must report their presence to the Foreign Police Department which holds jurisdiction in the location of their stay in the Czech Republic. Non-EU nationals must do so within 3 days after arriving in the country. The residence card costs CZK 1,000.

Useful links:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  Information for aliens
• Ministry of the Interior – Information for schools and students
• Czech Embassies and Consulates
• Immigration Portal of the Czech Republic
• Schengen Visa Info
• Police of the Czech Republic