A Guide to Long Stay Visas for the Czech Republic

Spending multiple months in another country can feel both incredibly exciting and a bit overwhelming - especially if you've never traveled there before.

One of the most important things you have to do to prepare for your extended stay is figure out whether or not you need a visa.

Most foreigners do need a visa when heading to the Czech Republic. Some need it for any amount of time spend there, while others only need it for extended trips.

In this article, we will take a look at who might need a long stay visa for Czechia, what types of visas there are, and the steps to apply. With the information in this guide, you'll be well on your way to your long stay in the Czech Republic!

Who needs a long stay visa for the Czech Republic?

Most travelers need a long stay visa when spending ample time in Czechia.

If you are NOT an EU/Schengen country citizen AND you plan to spend more than 90 days in the Czech Republic, you probably need a long stay visa.

A Czech long stay visa allows you to reside in the country longer, though it's still considered temporary. If you're looking to immigrate to the Czech Republic, you'll have additional actions you need to take on top of securing a long stay visa (should you fall into the category of needing one).

Which long stay visa do you need?

Which long stay visa you need depends primarily on what you plan to be doing in the Czech Republic (i.e., why you're traveling there).

There are several types of long stay visas available for different types of travelers, including for students, work, and family reunification. While those are some of the more common visas, more niche ones exist, too, like visas to seek medical treatment, to volunteer, and for political reasons.

Types of Czech long stay visas

Making sure you apply for the correct visa is extremely important in your journey to the Czech Republic. You should choose the one that most accurately describes your situation. If you're traveling to study abroad or for work, your university or employer may be able to help you through the process.

We will take a look at some of the common visas available in this section. In the next section, we will highlight the application requirements.

Czech long stay visas for students

Students wanting to study long term (more than 90 days) in the Czech Republic can apply for a long stay visa. This visa is a type of residence permit and is valid for up to one year.

When you apply, you'll need to present a number of documents, including confirmation of enrollment in an accredited Czech academic program.

Czech long stay visas for employment

There are several visas available for foreigners traveling to Czechia for work. This includes travelers looking to carry out business activities, self-employment, licensed trade, and more.

Long stay visas for working professionals are valid for up to one year.

Czech long stay visas for family reunification

This visa is for those joining a family member (temporarily) in the Czech Republic. This can be a spouse or partner, parents, minor children, and other dependent relatives.

During the application process, you will need to prove your relationship. This is typically done through documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses.

If you're looking to immigrate to the Czech Republic to stay with a family member, there will be additional actions to take as this long stay visa is only valid for up to 1 year.

Czech long stay visa requirements

Applying for a long stay visa for the Czech Republic comes with several requirements, regardless of the specific one you're applying for.

When you apply for your visa (which we will discuss the ins and outs of later in this guide), you have to prepare several documents. This collection of documents, along with a visa application form, is considered your visa application.

In the majority of cases, you'll need to provide the following documents when applying for a long stay visa for the Czech Republic.

• The visa application form. This form can be found online through the Czech Embassy's official website.
• A valid passport that meets a few requirements, which are:
• Two recent photographs that adhere to specific requirements, detailed as:
• Fingerprint submission. Also known as biometrics, you'll submit your fingerprints in person (we'll talk more about this in a bit). Applicants 12 and under do not need to submit their fingerprints, as well as those who have submitted biometrics to the Czech authorities within the past 59 months.
• Proof of your accommodations in Czechia. You will need to show that you have already secured living arrangements in the Czech Republic when you apply for your long stay visa.
• Proof that you can support yourself (financially) during the entire duration of your visa. There is a minimum amount that you must prove and these numbers can be found on the Czech Republic Embassy's official website. Because these numbers can change with the economy, you should always get information from official websites.
• An official criminal record from your country of citizenship. (Individuals under the age of 15 are exempt).
• Additional documents relating to the purpose of your extended stay in the Czech Republic. This can include birth certificates, marriage licenses, school admission, and more. It's entirely dependent on your reason for traveling.
• If your visa is approved, you will need to purchase comprehensive medical insurance that meets several standards, including minimum coverage of €400,000, preventative care (including pregnancy and labor), and several other things as noted on the Czech Embassy's website.

To apply for your Czech long stay visa, you have to include all of the documents listed above in the requested formats. If you do not include them in the mandatory formats, your application will not be accepted.

How to apply for a Czech long stay visa

The long stay visa application process may seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the timeline can help you approach the entire process with more confidence.

Typically, the process follows this timeline.

• Figure out which long stay visa you should apply for depending on your situation.
• Begin collecting the required documents for your visa application. This includes finding housing, getting a criminal record, and so on and so forth. Specific visa types will have specific requirements as well (like noted above).
• Schedule an in-person appointment at a Czech consulate/embassy or partnering visa application center (depending on what is available) in your country of residence.
• Attend your in-person appointment, bringing all of the required documents (in the required formats) with you. At this appointment, an official will make sure your application is complete and take your biometrics (if applicable). You'll pay applicable fees, and then your application will be submitted if it is complete.
• Wait for a decision!

Once you have your long stay visa, you will be ready to legally stay in Czechia!