Living in the Czech Republic

This website contains basic information about living in the Czech Republic. For more detailed information you can download our Guide to studying and living in the Czech Republic or the Information Booklet for Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.  

Entry formalities

Students from European Union countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and certain other states do not need a visa to come and study in the Czech Republic. To enter the Czech Republic, EU students only need a valid passport or national ID card. EU citizens must apply for a temporary residence permit if they intend to stay in the Czech Republic for more than three months. Temporary residence permit certificates are issued for various periods of validity depending on the purpose for which the temporary residence permit is issued.

Students from other countries (non-EU) must turn to the local Czech embassy or consulate and apply for the visa after being accepted for studies in the Czech Republic. The whole procedure for obtaining a visa for study purposes can take up to 60 days, it is thus recommended to apply for the visa well in advance. The regulations for obtaining visas change from time to time. This means that the regulations listed below should be considered as guidelines only and students should consult their local Czech embassy or consulate for the latest information regarding visa requirements. 

There are short-term visa (for stays up to 90 days) and long-term visa (for stays over 90 days). Students arriving for a period longer than 3 months can also apply for a long-term residence permit for study purposes.The following documents are mainly required for receiving a student visa or a residence permit:

  • A valid passport and passport photos
  • A letter of acceptance for studies
  • A proof of financial resources for the stay
  • A confirmation of guaranteed accommodation
  • A valid international health insurance
  • An abstract from the Register of Criminal Records

Please note that some documents must be translated into Czech language by a translator with an official ruber stamp. The Czech Foreign Police examines the visa applicationa and notifies the Czech embassy or consulate to issue the visa.

Registration at the Foreign Police Department is compulsory for all foreign nationals staying in the Czech Republic for more than 30 days. They must register within three days from the date of arrival to the country. 

Medical Insurance

As a result of the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union, students from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are entitled to the provision of necessary and urgent health care free-of-charge. It is only necessary that they have a certified E 128 form from their home country or a European Health Insurance Card, which replaces the paper forms needed.

Students from non-EU country, staying in the Czech Republic for less than 3 months should have a supplementary travel health insurance. They should get one before They leave the country of their origin.Students from non-EU countries, staying in the Czech Republic longer than 3 months must contract an insurance with an insurance company, which is licensed to operate the insurance in the territory of the Czech Republic according to a special legal regulation, i.e.:

  • national insurance companies and insurance companies from non-EU countries that were provided by the Czech National Bank with a licence to carry on insurance business;
  • insurance companies from other EU countries, whose operations in the Czech Republic are based on the right to set up branch offices or are based on the freedom to provide services temporarily.

It is recommended to consult the Czech embassy or consulate and verify whether the insurance meets the requirements for an application for a visa or residence permit for stays longer than 90 days. 

Living costs

Expenses covering the stay are substantially lower than in any west European country. Expenses covering food, accomodation, and public transportation come altogether to about 350-750 USD/month. Naturally, it all depends on the student's lifestyle and on how much he/she really wants to spend. The prices can also vary considerably depending on where you stay. 

The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) card is the best card for all students. It allows cardholders to get student discounts for transport, restaurants, cinemas, museums, exhibitions and concerts. In principal, students coming to the Czech Republic should obtain an ISIC card at their home university or in their home country.

Work

Foreign students (visa holders) can be employed, but must have a job permit. Job permit is not required only if the student (max. 26 years old) works not longer than 7 consecutive calendar days or 30 days a year in total. For more information go to the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

Student organizations

Erasmus Student Network Czech Republic connects and supports international student clubs in Czech Republic which help international students coming to study at Czech universities. The organization is represented in 6 towns (Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen, Olomouc and Hradec Králové):

AIESEC Czech Republicis a part of the world's largest youth-run organization. AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to participate in international internships, experience leadership and participate in a global learning environment.

IAESTE Czech Republic is a student exchange organization that provides students of science, engineering, technology and the applied arts with paid, course-related, technical training abroad.