EuropeSelect the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Czechia.
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Japan). Valid 3 years for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We apply on your behalf end-to-end. Fees illustrative.
Tourist Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare your forms and documents; you attend the consulate/VFS appointment to submit biometrics. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Transit Visa
Required by some nationalities to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering. Whether you need one depends on your nationality. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Business Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations): up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare forms and documents; you submit at the consulate/VFS. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Not yet researched
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
For stays over 90 days to study. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. We guide you; submission is in person. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Student Visa
For third-country nationals admitted to an accredited Czech university programme, university preparatory language courses organised by public universities, or exchange-based secondary/higher vocational studies. Visa valid up to 1 year (consular fee CZK 2,500, statutory processing 60 days); students in accredited programmes may instead apply directly for a long-term residence permit for studies and renew in-country (CZK 1,000 in-country fee). Students in accredited programmes have free access to the labour market alongside studies, and study years count (at half rate) toward permanent residence.
Language Course Visa
Type D visa covering education outside accredited study programmes: post-secondary Czech language courses, non-accredited university programmes, and secondary/conservatory/higher vocational study outside exchange schemes. Valid up to 1 year with extensions only within that 1-year cap; consular fee CZK 2,500, processing 60 days. Time on this visa does not give labour-market access and continued stay requires switching to another purpose.
Not yet researched
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Government program run by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (since July 2023) for highly skilled IT and marketing specialists from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, the USA (MPO also lists India as of 2026). Two tracks: remote employees of a foreign employer (50+ staff worldwide) get a 1-year long-term visa for 'other' purposes, freelancers get a business visa with a Czech trade licence; both require STEM degree or 3+ years IT experience (or marketing degree) and income of at least 1.5x the average gross salary (about CZK 73,800/month from May 2026). Guaranteed 45-day processing; the underlying visa fee (CZK 2,500-5,000 depending on track) applies, and holders can transition to a long-term residence permit after the first year.
Self-Employment Visa
Type D visa for third-country nationals who register a Czech trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění) to work as self-employed freelancers, or who act as statutory bodies of Czech companies. Issued for up to 1 year; applicants must show registration in the Trade Licensing or Commercial Register plus a lump sum of funds for the stay (multiple of the subsistence minimum). After the first year holders switch in-country to a long-term residence permit for business purposes, renewable in 2-year increments toward permanent residence after 5 years.
Skilled Work Visa
For stays over 90 days to work. Requires employer sponsorship / a work permit before you can apply, so eligibility is conditional. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Skilled Work Visa
Combined work and residence permit for third-country nationals with a job offer listed in the Czech central register of vacancies; open to all qualification levels. Issued for up to 2 years and renewable repeatedly in 2-year increments; fee is CZK 5,000 at a consulate (CZK 2,500 in-country). If employment ends, holders have 90 days to register new employment; time on the card counts toward permanent residence after 5 years.
Skilled Work Visa
Residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with at least 3 years of higher education and a work contract of 1+ year paying at least 1.5x the average gross salary — CZK 73,823 per month from 1 May 2026. Valid 3 months beyond the contract, up to 3 years, renewable; fee CZK 5,000 abroad / CZK 2,500 in-country. Blue Card holders can qualify for Czech permanent residence after 2 years in Czechia plus prior Blue Card years in other EU states (5 total).
Seasonal Work Visa
Type D visa for season-dependent jobs (typically agriculture, forestry, tourism) lasting more than 3 months; a Schengen C seasonal visa covers jobs under 90 days. Requires a work permit from the Labour Office; the visa plus extensions may total at most 9 months, with a CZK 2,500 consular fee (CZK 1,000 extension fee). It is not a path to long-term residence.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Residence permit implementing the EU ICT Directive for managers, specialists and employed interns transferred from a company outside the EU to a Czech branch of the same group. Valid up to 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for interns, renewable within those caps for the duration of the transfer; administrative fee CZK 2,500. Holders of ICT cards from other EU states can apply for a Czech mobile ICT card for long-term mobility.
Not yet researched
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Czechia's investor route (introduced 2019) for entrepreneurs or executives investing at least CZK 75 million and creating at least 20 full-time jobs for EU citizens for a minimum of 2 years; up to 60% of the investment may be tangible/intangible assets such as technology and know-how, and the applicant must hold the minimum ownership share set by government regulation (30%). The permit is issued for 2 years and renewable in 2-year increments while the investment continues, with fast 30-60 day processing; fee CZK 2,500 in-country (CZK 5,000 consular). This is an active-business permit, not a passive golden visa, and Czechia offers no real-estate or fund-based residence route.
Not yet researched
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Working Holiday Visa
One-year long-term visa under bilateral agreements with Canada and New Zealand (ages 18-35) and Chile, Peru, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan (ages 18-30). Holders have free labour-market access for the whole stay, though work must remain secondary to holiday/study; the visa cannot be extended. Consular fee is CZK 2,500 for most nationalities, CZK 3,000 for Canadians and free for Japanese citizens.
Not yet researched
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
For spouses, registered partners, minor or dependent children and dependent parents over 65 of third-country nationals holding Czech residence — generally the sponsor needs 15+ months of residence (only 6 months for employee-card holders; no wait for Blue Card, ICT or investment permit holders). Permit validity matches the sponsor's permit (minimum 1 year, 2 years if sponsor has permanent residence) and is renewable; fee CZK 2,500 (CZK 1,000 for children under 15). Statutory processing is up to 270 days from abroad (90 days for Blue Card families, 60 days in-country); holders have free labour-market access.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Spouses, registered partners and other close family members of Czech or EU citizens staying over 90 days apply for a temporary residence card valid up to 5 years, with full labour-market access. After 2 years of continuous temporary residence (including at least 1 year as family member of a Czech citizen or settled EU citizen) they can apply for permanent residence, issued as a 10-year renewable card. This is the standard route for spouses of Czech citizens and is exempt from most long-term-visa requirements.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Former Czech/Czechoslovak citizens and their children and grandchildren (2nd and 3rd generation) who never held citizenship can acquire Czech citizenship by simple declaration under Section 31 of the Citizenship Act No. 186/2013 Coll., as expanded in September 2019; Slovak citizens are excluded. The declaration is filed at a regional authority or Czech embassy with civil-status documents proving descent and how the ancestor lost Czechoslovak citizenship; no residence, language or income requirements apply. A proposed amendment to extend eligibility to great-grandchildren had not been adopted as of mid-2026.
Not yet researched
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Third-country nationals with 5 years of continuous temporary residence (long-term visas/permits; study time counts at half rate) can obtain permanent residence, which usually includes EU long-term resident status. Requires a Czech language exam (A2 level since 2021, with exemptions), proof of income and accommodation; fee CZK 2,500 and 60-day processing in-country. The status is open-ended with the biometric card renewed every 10 years; Blue Card holders may combine 2 years in Czechia with Blue Card years in other EU states.
Not yet researched
Data verified against official sources — see how.
Completed application form
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration portal |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free (the visa fee is separate) |
| Typical time | 30–60 minutes to complete |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
| Issued by | National passport authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$150 |
| Typical time | 1–6 weeks (expedited often available) |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
| Issued by | Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $5–$15 |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel medical insurance
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
| Issued by | Any approved insurer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$60 per trip |
| Typical time | Immediate |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of accommodation
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
| Issued by | Landlord / host / municipality |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return / onward ticket
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
| Issued by | Airline / travel agent |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 for a reservation |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of sufficient funds
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
| Issued by | Your bank / employer / sponsor |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$20 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of admission/enrolment
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
| Issued by | School / university (admissions office) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free |
| Typical time | A few days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Criminal record certificate
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
| Issued by | National police / justice ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | A few days–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Employment contract or client contract
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Employer documents (employee track)
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer (HR) / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Czech trade licence (freelancer track)
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
| Issued by | Commercial register / chamber of commerce |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Medical report
Book a medical examination with a doctor or, where required, a clinic on the consulate's approved-panel list. Tests may include a general exam, a chest X-ray/TB screening and blood tests; the clinic issues the certificate directly.
| Issued by | Licensed doctor / panel clinic |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $30–$200 |
| Typical time | 1–2 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of high qualification
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
| Issued by | Issuing institution / education ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 (plus apostille) |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Letter of transfer
This is a destination- or programme-specific supporting document. Follow the exact instruction on the official consulate or immigration checklist for your visa; if it is unclear, contact the consulate or visa application centre for guidance on how to obtain it.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of group relationship
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Business plan
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
| Issued by | Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–consultant fee |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Asset valuation reports
Obtain the title deed or an extract from the land registry proving ownership; for a purchase, provide the notarised purchase contract. The land-registry office issues certified copies.
| Issued by | Land registry / notary |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$100 |
| Typical time | Same day–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Declaration of citizenship
Have documents translated by a sworn or certified translator and, where required, notarised. For cross-border use obtain an apostille (in Hague Convention countries) or consular legalisation from the competent authority in the country that issued the original.
| Issued by | Sworn translator / notary / apostille authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$60 per page |
| Typical time | Days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Applicant's birth certificate
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry / vital records |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Ancestor's Czech/Czechoslovak documents
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
| Issued by | Civil registry / interior ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–several weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Czech language exam certificate
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
| Issued by | Accredited test provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100–$300 |
| Typical time | 2–6 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
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