Student Visa for Czechia: Long-Term Visa or Residence Permit for Study
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
Non-EU students need permission to stay in Czechia for more than 90 days. There are two forms, a long-term visa for the purpose of studies and a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies, and the university's admission letter tells you which one fits your programme. Both are requested in person at a Czech embassy. This guide reflects the rules published by the Czech ministries as of October 2026.
Where and when to apply
You apply at the Czech embassy or consulate responsible for your country, by appointment. Appointments are limited at some embassies, and the decision for study purposes can take up to 60 days from a complete application. Start as soon as you receive the admission letter. Many universities register their admitted students in a scheme that speeds up access to appointments: ask the international office.
Documents
- Application form, passport and photos.
- Proof of the purpose of stay: the confirmation of admission or enrolment issued by the university.
- Proof of funds. The amount follows a formula: fifteen times the Czech existential minimum for the first month, plus twice the existential minimum for each further month. The existential minimum is set by government regulation and has been raised several times, so calculate with the figure on the Ministry of the Interior's website. Students can alternatively present a commitment from the university or a grant decision covering their costs. A bank statement must be in your name, and the embassy may ask for a payment card linked to the account.
- Proof of accommodation for the whole stay: a dormitory confirmation, a lease, or the owner's confirmation with an officially verified signature.
- Criminal record extract from your home country, if requested.
- Travel medical insurance, presented before the visa is placed in your passport. For stays over 90 days it must be comprehensive insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Czechia.
Every document must be an original or a certified copy, in Czech or with an official translation into Czech, and not older than 180 days. Foreign public documents need an apostille or legalisation. See sworn translations.
After arrival
- Register your address with the Ministry of the Interior or the foreign police within three working days, unless your accommodation provider does it for you. University dormitories normally do.
- If you were granted a residence permit, visit the ministry's office to give biometric data and collect the card.
- Extensions are requested in Czechia, at the ministry's office, before the current permission expires. You will again prove enrolment, funds, accommodation and insurance.
Working while you study
Full-time students of accredited degree programmes at Czech universities have free access to the labour market: no work permit is needed. Students on preparatory language courses are not in this category.
EU citizens
No visa or permit. If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you report your presence to the foreign police within 30 days of arrival, unless the dormitory does so. You may also request a registration certificate, which is optional.
What it costs
Czech-taught study at public universities is free of tuition. Dormitories are cheap by European standards: for the 15 residences with a published price in our catalogue, the typical range is €139 to €309 a month. See how much it costs to study in Czechia and student housing in Czechia.
Where to look next
Official sources
- Ministry of the Interior: information for foreigners
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: embassies and visa information
- Study in Czechia: visas
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.