Residence Permit

Visa to the Czech Republic

Have you paid for the course and received a scanned copy of your confirmation of admission from us? Now, you need to schedule an appointment at the consulate to apply for a visa. Follow the instructions to obtain your visa and come to the Czech Republic for higher education.

Difference in Purpose of Stay

Our foundation programmes for university studies meet the purpose of the STUDY stay. If you are a student of foundation programme, you can apply for one of two types of residence permits:

1. A long-term study visa is a type of long-term visa (over 90 days of stay) that is often referred to as a "student" visa.

2. Long-term residence permit for the purpose of study

The deadline for processing the application for both above-mentioned types is 60 days from the date of submission.

Intensive Czech language courses meet the purpose of the stay OTHER. If you are a student of a long-term intensive Czech language course (without preparation for university studies), you cannot count on a so-called "student visa" - you must apply for a long-term visa for the purpose of "OTHER". The deadline for processing the application is 120 days from the date of submission.

If you are coming to the Czech Republic for our short-term intensive courses or one of our summer schools, you will only need to apply for a Schengen "short-term" visa. This visa entitles you to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days. Please note: a short-term visa cannot be extended or changed to a long-term one.

The following is a brief guide to the process of obtaining a long-term visa.

Apply now to submit your visa application well in advance

Starting the visa application process early can increase your chances of getting your visa in time. Visa processing times can vary depending on the country and number of applicants. Therefore, it is recommended to submit your application as early as possible to speed up the approval process. 

Below is a table showing estimated waiting times for visa approvals based on the payment date. We strongly suggest submitting your application well before the deadline to prevent any delays. Get piece in mind, get your visa by May. Apply now.

STEP 1: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INTERVIEW AT THE EMBASSY

The visa application must be submitted to the Czech embassy abroad in person. Please find your embassy / consulate on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and check out the instructions on how to make an appointment and register for an interview.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The embassy/consulate has scheduled an appointment for you to apply for the visa. Prepare your application documents.

You have received the following documents from us:

• official confirmation of admission to study

• study contract

• accommodation contract (if you have booked and paid for accommodation; You can find out more about our accommodation service here

• health insurance contract (if you have booked and paid for the insurance through us; More information can be found on the Health Insurance)

You will need to secure other documents yourself.

For a list of documents required for a long-term visa application, click here.

For a list of documents required for a long-term residence application, click here.

PLEASE NOTE: Some countries may have specific requirements for documents. Visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, find the page related to your consulate, and check the document requirements outlined by the embassy/consulate in your country!

The following documents are usually required:

• International travel document/passport (The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of your future long-term visa.)

• Bank statement showing the amount of funds in your account (How much money there should be on my account?)

• Criminal record certificate (This document must have the appropriate degree of legalization; please refer to the list of all countries here)

• Notarized parental consent for an underage student to travel abroad and stay in the Czech Republic (for minors only)

Documents that you arrange yourself must be translated into Czech by a Czech court translator. You can order a translation of documents from us.

STEP 3: COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR VISA APPLICATION

Download the form. Print it out and fill it in according to the pattern. If you have any doubts when filling out the application, you can contact InfoPoint.

STEP 4: INTERVIEW FOR OBTAINING A VISA TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Once again, check the document requirements on the website of the embassy/consulate in your country! Documents must not be older than 180 days on the day when you submit the application.

Applying for a long-term visa usually involves a short interview. Please check the Visa Interview page for advice on how to prepare for such an interview.

Attention: Keep the original insurance policy with you. All you need to do is attach a copy to your visa application. You will need the original insurance policy when affixing the visa into your passport and for possible use in the Czech Republic.

STEP 5: WAIT FOR THE VISA TO BE ISSUED

After submitting the application at the embassy/consulate, all you have to do is wait. The deadline for processing an application for a visa for the purpose of study is 60 days. The deadline for processing a visa application for other purposes is 120 days.

You can check the status of your application on the website of the Immigration Portal of the Czech Republic. Enter your application number in the yellow field. The application number is indicated on the document you received when you submitted the application at the embassy/consulate. For example: ASTA123456789.

Attention: The application may experience a delay in being entered into the system, so the status of the application may not be displayed in the first few days after submission. If the registration system announces that the application is approved, there is no need to send an email or call the embassy/consulate immediately. Their staff will contact you and invite you to affix a visa. If you receive a call from a hidden number, please answer the phone – it is likely to be a consulate officer.

STEP 6: AFFIX YOUR VISA IN YOUR PASSPORT

If the staff member of the embassy/consulate who informed you about the approval of your visa did not specify the date and time when you can come for your visa, you can choose it yourself. You can find the working hours of the embassy / consulate on its website. You will also find information about what time you can come to get your visa.

At some consulates, this process is done the same day, while at others, you will need to return for your passport the next working day.

Attention: In order for your visa to be affixed to your passport, you must bring the following documents with you: passport and insurance policy.

Attention: Keep the original insurance policy with you. Make a copy and leave a copy at the embassy/consulate if necessary. You will need the original insurance policy for possible use in the Czech Republic.

If you do not have insurance yet, you can obtain it through us. To do this, you must write an email to your administrative assistant at UJOP. Basic information about insurance can be found here.

Don't forget to inform your administrative assistant that you have been granted a visa. We need this information to ensure your smooth arrival and start of classes. Once the visa is affixed, a dormitory room will also be booked. Send a scan/photo of the visa sticker to your administrative assistant and request a room reservation.

STEP 7: REPORTING OBLIGATION UPON ARRIVAL IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Students from non-EU and EU countries are obliged to fulfil the reporting obligation upon arrival in the Czech Republic if the accommodation provider fails to fulfil it on their behalf. Students from EU countries have this obligation within 30 days of entering the territory, non-EU students within 3 days.

You must report to the local branch of the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.

If you are accommodated in ÚJOP Charles University dormitories, you do not have to apply anywhere, we will handle the reporting for you!

UJOP CU INFOPOINT - In case you need assistance.

Need assistance? If you have any questions, our InfoPoint is here to help you.

email:

WhatsApp: +420 778 754 481

Note: If you have already completed the preparatory course and need to extend your visa, please read our Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit