If you plan to move to the Czech Republic for a longer period, you’ll need to get a Czech long-term visa or residency. The type of visa you need depends on the reason for your stay. Here are the main types of long-term visas for the Czech Republic:
Types of Long-Term Visas for the Czech Republic
Studies
If you’re studying at an accredited university or attending a language course to prepare for studying in Czech, you can apply for a long-term visa. This visa is valid for one year. After extending it once, you can upgrade to long-term residency for 2 years.
Others
This visa is for those studying in an unaccredited program at a public or private university. You’ll get a long-term visa for 365 days, and before it expires, you can upgrade to long-term residency for 1 or 2 years, depending on your university's confirmation.
Scientific Research
If you’re working with a government or non-governmental science organization, or in an educational institution, you need a Czech visa for scientific research. This long-term visa is valid for 365 days and can be extended for 2 more years, based on your cooperation agreement.
Visa Options for Employment in the Czech Republic
If you plan to work in the Czech Republic, you’ll get a long-term residency for 2 years. This is called an Employee Card.
There are two types of employment visas:
Employee Card: For general employment with a minimum salary and no specific qualifications.
Blue Card: A higher-level visa for jobs requiring a specific degree and a higher salary.
To summarize, applying for a visa to the Czech Republic depends on whether you are studying, doing scientific research, or working. Each visa type has its own requirements, but all allow you to stay longer in the Czech Republic