Visas and Permits

Start early and get your documents ready

Submit your application at the local Czech embassy or consulate as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from the university. The official processing time for a long-term visa or long-term residence permit for study purposes is usually up to 60 days, so start early. You will need to book an appointment at the embassy and prepare several documents. Preparing your documents carefully is the key to a smooth visa process. The exact list depends on your type of application, your country and the embassy or consulate where you apply. You will usually need: 

• completed application form  
• valid passport 
• recent passport photo 
• acceptance letter from your university (to prove your purpose of stay) 
• proof of accommodation (a confirmation of where you will live) 
• proof of financial means (a bank statement or a scholarship confirmation to show you can support yourself during your studies) 
• valid international health insurance 
• criminal record document, if required 

Some documents must meet formal requirements. For example, they may need to be submitted as originals or certified copies, they may need to be recent or need a certified Czech translation. 

Student facilitation programme 

Did you know there is a way to make your visa process smoother? Some international students can use the Student Facilitation Programme, also known as Režim Student or Student Mode. This programme helps students from selected non-EU countries to get a fast-tracked appointment at the embassy. You cannot apply for this programme by yourself. Students are nominated by participating Czech universities. If you are eligible, your university will guide you through the process.

Problems with visa application 

Visa and residence permit applications are handled by Czech embassies abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Study in Czechia cannot speed up the appointment or see through the decision process as visa process is not within our competences. If your application is delayed: 

• check the status of your application
• contact the Czech embassy or consulate where you applied
• contact your university for support 
• use the Official Information centre for Foreigners

After you arrive 

Once you arrive in Czechia, there is one final administrative step. As a non-EU student, you are required to register with the Foreign Police within 3 working days of entering Czechia. This does not usually apply if your accommodation provider, such as a student dormitory, registers you. Check this first to be sure.

Staying longer?

A long-term visa for the purpose of studies is valid for a maximum of one year. If your visa was issued for a shorter period, you can apply to extend it up to this one-year limit. If you want to stay in Czechia for more than one year, you must apply for a long-term residence permit. If you continue studying in an accredited university programme, you can apply to extend your long-term residence permit repeatedly, usually for up to two years at a time.

If you attend a language or professional preparation course organised by a public university, you can usually extend your long-term residence permit only once. Detailed extension rules depend on your specific type of study and permit, so always check the Official Portal before your current visa or permit expires.