Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa - Type C): Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Temporary Resident Visa (Long-Term Visa - Type D): Typically valid for 6 months to 1 year, depending on the purpose (e.g., work, study, business).
Permanent Resident Visa: Grants indefinite stay, but residency must be renewed every 10 years.
Visa cost
Tourist Visa: Approximately $90.
Temporary Resident Visa: Typically costs between $110 and $220, depending on the type of visa.
Permanent Resident Visa: Generally costs $250 to $300, with additional fees for biometric residence permits.
Visa extension
Tourist Visa: No, but applicants can apply for a long-term visa before their tourist visa expires.
Temporary Resident Visa: Yes, renewable annually or as specified in the visa category. Some visas can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.
Permanent Resident Visa: Not applicable; grants indefinite stay, but the residence permit must be renewed every 10 years.
Visa processing time
Tourist Visa: Typically processed within 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days in some cases.
Temporary Resident Visa: Processing time ranges from 60 to 120 days, depending on the visa category.
Permanent Resident Visa: Can take 4 to 6 months for approval.
Who can apply?
Tourist Visa: Citizens of non-Schengen countries requiring a visa for short stays. Many nationalities, including U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens, do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.
Temporary Resident Visa: Available to students, workers, business owners, researchers, and family members of residents.
Permanent Resident Visa: Open to individuals who have legally resided in the Czech Republic for 5 years on a long-term visa or have Czech family ties.
Where to apply?
Visa applications are submitted at the Czech embassy or consulate in your country or through the Czech Ministry of the Interior for certain residence permits.
How to apply:
Determine Visa Type: Identify whether you need a Tourist, Temporary Resident, or Permanent Resident Visa.
Gather Required Documents:
Tourist Visa: Valid passport, completed application form, passport photo, proof of travel itinerary, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
Temporary Resident Visa: Additional documents such as a work contract, university acceptance letter, or proof of business activities.
Permanent Resident Visa: Proof of long-term residence (5+ years), financial stability, and language proficiency.
Submit Application: Apply at the Czech consulate in your home country or the immigration office if applying for residency.
Pay the Visa Fee: Fees vary depending on visa type and nationality.
Attend an Interview (if required): Some applications require an in-person interview.
Await Processing: Processing times vary, and applicants may need to provide additional documents upon request.
Minimum income requirements
Tourist Visa: No specific income requirement, but applicants must show proof of sufficient funds (approximately $50 per day of stay).
Temporary Resident Visa:
Student Visa: Requires proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, typically around $5,000 per year.
Work Visa: Requires proof of employment with a minimum salary (varies by job sector but generally around $1,200 per month).
Business Visa: Requires proof of financial stability and business registration.
Permanent Resident Visa: Applicants must demonstrate financial independence or stable employment.
Popular cities
Prague: The capital city, known for its historic architecture and vibrant culture.
Brno: A university city with a strong tech and business sector.
Ostrava: An industrial and cultural hub in the northeast.
Plzeň: Famous for its breweries and historical sites.
Český Krumlov: A picturesque town with medieval charm.
Minimum income requirements
Official Language: Czech.
Other Languages: English is widely spoken in major cities, especially among younger generations and in the tourism industry.