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Obligations of schools

In accordance with § 107 of the Act on Residence of Foreign National, a higher education establishment  or a higher vocational school is obliged to inform the Ministry of Interior in writing about a holder of a long-term visa for the purpose of studies not starting, cancelling or finishing his/her studies.

Schools and other institutions should send this information by data box or in writing to the following address:

Ministerstvo vnitra
odbor azylové a migrační politiky
Nad Štolou 3
poštovní schránka 21
170 34 Praha 7

ID for the Ministry of Interior data box is: 6bnaawp

If the school also provides the students with accommodation, the obligations of an accommodation provider, listed in the section for accommodation providers, also apply.

University is obliged to notify the start, interruption or termination of foreigner´s study who is holder of long-term residence permit issued by another EU member state for the purpose of study within the EU program or multilateral program involving mobility measures or within agreement between university institution in other member state and institution authorized to pursue a college authority in Czech Republic, and foreigner staying temporarily without a visa in Czech Republic. The form is available here.

The university is obliged to issue the proof of successful completion of studies for purpose of applying for long-term residence permit for the purpose of job search or start a business.

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Obligations of students

Upon arrival, students from non-EU countries are obliged to register after arrival with the Foreign Police, if it has not been done by the accommodation provider. Students from EU countries have the same obligations.

Within 3 working days of entering the Czech Republic, all foreign students arriving to receive a long-term residence permit are obliged to report to the MOI office in person for the purpose of carrying out activities associated with issuing a biometric residence card, where they may also report their arrival.

Students from both non-EU countries and EU countries are obliged to report changes concerning their stay in the Czech Republic, such as a change in address, a change in their travel document or family status.

We recommend that students who apply for a long-term residence permit inside the Czech Republic or its extension and plan to return to their home country during the course of the proceedings, inform the MOI of this fact when filing the application and, if necessary, provide a contact address whilst they are away or inform of a person with a power of attorney, who will represent them whilst they are away.

Students that have been issued a residence card are obliged to return the card before ending their stay in the CR.

Please note that other obligations or rules may apply to foreign students, as they apply to foreigners in general, but may not be listed here. Please follow our website at www.immigrationportal.cz for any other immigration issues that may arise during your stay.

Related documents

• Information for students (pdf, 51 kB)

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Types and purposes of applications

Applications filed at a Czech Embassy:

• § 42d - an application for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of "studies". In accordance with § 42d of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic, a foreign national is entitled to file this application at an embassy if he/she intends to stay temporarily in the Czech Republic for a period longer than 3 months and if it concerns studies in accordance with § 64 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.

• § 30/1 "studies" - an application for a long-term visa. In accordance with § 30/1 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic, a foreign national is entitled to file this application at an embassy if he/she intends to stay temporarily in the Czech Republic for a period longer than 3 months and if it concerns studies in accordance with § 64 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.

• § 30/1 "other" - an application for a long-term visa. In accordance with § 30/1 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic a foreign national is entitled to file this application at an embassy if he/she intends to stay temporarily in the Czech Republic for a period longer than 3 months if it concerns educational activities that - according to § 64 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republica - are not studies, besides also education on secondary school or conservatory, which is not realized within exchange programme or paid professional experience or voluntary youth service.
   

A foreign national located outside of the Czech Republic who intends to study in the Czech Republic or take part in other educational activities for a period shorter than 90 days applies at a relevant embassy for a short-term visa for the purpose of studies or for the purpose of “other“, that is if he/she has a visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days in accordance with Regulation of European Parliament and European Council No. 2018/1806. Foreign nationals who do not need a visa to enter the Czech Republic/Schengen area, do not have to apply for a visa for the purposes of studies shorter than 90 days.
 

Applications filed inside the Czech Republic:

• § 42d - An application for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies in accordance with § 42d of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic (can be filed by a foreign national in the Czech Republic if he/she resides in the Czech Republic on the basis of a long-term visa granted for any purpose with exception of the purpose of leave to remain, seasonal work and special work visa, and if he/she intends to reside in the Czech Republic for a period longer than the validity of the current visa and it concerns studies in accordance with § 64 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic, An application can be submitted by holder of long-term residence permit who resides in the Czech Republic for different purpose. It is not possible to submit an application to the Ministry of the Interior, if foreign national resides in the Czech Republic for the long-term residence permit for the purpose leave to remain; it does not apply, if foreign national resided for visa for a stay of over 90 days for the purpose leave to remain according to § 33 (1) a-c, or § 33 (3) and then he/she resides in the Czech Republic on the basis of long-term residence permit for the purpose leave to remain issued according to § 43, if he/she continuously resides in the Czech Republic at least 3 years.

• § 42 - An application for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies in accordance with § 42 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic (following up on a long-term visa granted in accordance with § 30, or an application for its extension, can be filed by a foreign national in the Czech Republic if he/she resides in the Czech Republic on the basis of a long-term visa granted in accordance with § 30, and if he/she intends to reside in the Czech Republic for a period longer than the validity of the current visa and he/she intends to reside in the Czech Republic for the same purpose.
   

An application for long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies (§ 42d of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic) can be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior by foreign national who is holder of long-term residence permit issued by another EU member state for the purpose of studies within exchange programme which contains measures in the area of mobility or within agreement between university institutions, if his/her purpose of stay is study at university in the Czech Republic and if he/she temporarily resides in the Czech Republic at the time of submission of the application. These foreign nationals are authorized to reside in the Czech Republic on visa-free stay up to one year from the day of their first entry to the territory in accordance with § 18g of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.
 

Long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies in accordance with § 42d of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic

In the event of an application for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies in accordance with § 42d of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic, the definition in § 64 must be met in connection with § 42d/1 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic, that being:

• Studies in accredited study programmes at a higher educational establishment in accordance with the Higher Education Act (Act No. 111/1998 Coll.) - § 64a of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.
  
  Some universities realize educational programs which consist of parts of accredited study programes. It especially means short-term (half-year, year) educational programs for students from foreign universities which cannot be subordinated in accordance with § 64a or § 64c of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic - it means exchange programs which are realized for partner universities abroad  by the most of Czech public and private universities. This kind of "study" is also considered as study in accordance with § 64 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic due to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports  communication, because students who participate in such educational programs are signed into student registry. Ministry of the Interior considers this kind of "study" as study in accordance with § 64a of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic, but due to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports communication, Ministry of Interior will require within certificate of study also declaration of university that student is signed into student registry.

• Participation in language and professional preparation for studies under an accredited study programme of a higher education establishment organised by a public higher education establishment - § 64b of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.
  
  This kind of study means preparation to study of concrete accredited study programme at university / concrete accredited study programmes at university, thus within administrative proceedings there must be (mostly as the document on the purpose of the stay) clearly identified at least one accredited study programme. This language (professional) preparation leads to its future study. According to this statement, study is not any language course (which is intended by university to study of accredited study programmes of public or private university), but it must be given concrete accredited study programme to which this course is intended.

• Participation in a language and professional training course organised in the framework of a programme of the European Union or in accordance with an International Agreement - § 64b of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic,

• Secondary education and higher professional education in the fields of education in a secondary school, conservatory or higher vocational school entered in the Registered of Schools and Schools Facilities in accordance with the Education Act (Act no. 561/2004 Coll.,) realized in the framework of exchange programme in domestic host organization - § 64c of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic;

• Scholarship stay realized on the basis of valid international contracts by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, on the basis of valid scholarship programme of Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, on the basis of scholarship programme of European Union or on the basis of scholarship programme due to decision of Government of the Czech Republic - § 64d.

• Professional training aimed at foreign national acquiring practical and professional experience and carried out during at a foreign national´s studies at a domestic host organization in term of his/her studies on university abroad or two years after graduating from university where such training must be organized and coordinated by a domestic university, the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic or by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports or by legal entity accredited by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and having its registered seat in the Czech Republic or by legal entity with a registered seat abroad but having its organizational unit in the Czech Republic - § 64e of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.

• Designated to gain practical, professional experiences by foreign national, realized European voluntary service of foreign national in Czech host organization as a part of project programme or initiatives of European Union, especially similar state programme and organizationally ensured or coordinated to this purpose by Ministry of the Interior or coordinated by legal entity accredited by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports with a registered seat in the Czech Republic or by legal entity with a registered seat abroad but having its organizational unit in the Czech Republic - § 64f.

• exchange of experience and study stays of individuals who are responsible for educating and developing human resources, if these activities are performed within programmes or initiatives of the European Union or within international agreements - § 64 (1) g.
   

Long-term visa for the purpose of "studies" in accordance with § 30/1 of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic

In the case of an application for a long-term visa in accordance with § 30/1 of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic, the same conditions must be met as in the case of a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies in accordance with § 42d of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic.
 

Long-term visa for the purpose of "other", in accordance with § 30/1 of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic

In the case of an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of "other", in accordance with § 30/1 of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic it concerns other educational activities, which are not in accordance with Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic. It is especially about these educational activities.

• Secondary education and higher professional education in the fields of education in a secondary school, conservatory or higher vocational school entered in the Registered of Schools and Schools Facilities in accordance with the Education Act (Act no. 561/2004 Coll.,) which is not realized in the framework of exchange programme.

• The foreign national’s education in an unaccredited study programme at a public or private higher education establishment, e.g. a number of higher education establishments realise education programmes that are “compiled” from parts of differently accredited programmes, this primarily concerns short-term, about half year to year-long education programmes for students from higher education establishments abroad that cannot be subordinated under § 64/1/a or /c of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic - it concerns exchange stays that are mostly organised by Czech public and private higher education establishments for the partner institutions abroad.
  
  Some universities realize educational programs which consist of parts of accredited study programes. It especially means short-term (half-year, year) educational programs for students from foreign universities which cannot be subordinated in accordance with § 64a or § 64c of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic - it means exchange programs which are realized for partner universities abroad by the most of Czech public and private universities. This kind of educational activities can be only considered as study in accordance with § 64 of the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic due to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports communication, if student who participates in such educational programme is signed in student registry.
  
  The purpose of „study“ is fulfilled, if such study is realized on the basis of multilateral international agreements (CEEPUS, MVF), bilateral international agreements (agreements on cultural cooperation and implementation protocols to these agreements), departmental agreements, government resolutions for developing countries and compatriots or EU programmes.

• Education in a school that is accredited or has an accredited study programme in the state other than the CR – e.g. education at higher education establishments that are accredited (realise accredited study programmes) especially in another EU Member State and have a branch in the Czech Republic.

• Attending language and training courses and programmes that do not serve as preparation for studying in a higher education establishment’s accredited study programme ­– it primarily concerns studies but also attending language and professional preparation for studying in a higher education establishment’s accredited study programme organised by a private higher education establishment [1].

• Attending studies of cognitive and other educational courses and programmes that are carried out by institutions that don’t fall under Act No. 561/2004 Coll., (in the case of primary, secondary and higher vocational schools) or Act no. 111/1998 Coll., (in the case of higher education establishments).
   

A list of private, public and state higher education establishments can be found on the MEYS web pages and a list of accredited study programmes for individual schools is published by the MEYS.

________________________________________
 [1] If any private higher education establishment organised a preparatory course in the Czech language, albeit it served as preparation for studies, according to the ARFN, such preparation cannot be considered to be studies.

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Where and how to file an application

Where to file an application:

pplications for visas and residence permits for the purpose of studies may be filed at a Czech Embassy in the state of which the applicant is a citizen, or, if needs be, in the state that issued the travel document that the foreign national holds, or in the state in which the foreign national has a long-term or permanent residence permit (§ 169g of the ARFN).

Exceptions to the obligation to file for a long-term visa or long-term residence permit at the relevant local embassy are laid down by Decree No. 429/2010 Coll. A list of these counties can be found at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs web pages.

An application for a long-term residence permit following up on a long-term visa for the same purpose, or an application to extend the current long-term residence permit is filed at the MOI offices according to the applicant’s place of residence.

How to file an application

According to § 178 of the ARFN a foreign national older than 15 years of age who is able to express his/her own will and is capable of acting independently is considered as legally competent.

The embassy charges CZK^[1] 500 for accepting an application for a residence permit for the purpose of studies. The foreign national then pays CZK 1,000 for the residence card in the Czech Republic. Acceptance of an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of studies is exempt from a consular fee. For accepting an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of “other” the embassy charges CZK^[2] 2,500.

A foreign national is obliged to file an application for a long-term visa or long-term residence in person. In justified cases the embassy can waive this obligation (§ 169d par 3 of the ARFN).

[1] Act No. 634/2004 Coll., on Administrative Fees –administrative fees – item 162/a

[2] Act No. 634/2004 Coll., on Administrative Fees –administrative fees  – item 144A

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Electronic confirmation of accommodation

In case of an electronic confirmation of accommodation, the confirmation must be signed (not solely in the email by which the confirmation was sent) by a secure electronic signature of the owner or the authorized user of the flat or house, which is based on an official certificate issued by an accredited provider of certification services, or without an electronic signature, but by means of a data box of the person who is the owner or authorized user of the flat or house. A confirmation delivered without a secure electronic signature by means of a data box must therefore always be delivered to the decision-making body using the data box of the person providing accommodation (the authorized person). The person providing accommodation (authorized person) can send a confirmation that has a secure electronic signature, to the electronic mail room indicated below.

The only document the accommodation provider can send electronically is the confirmation of accommodation. Other documents confirming accommodation, such as rental agreements etc., must be provided in a paper form by the applicant.

If the foreign national’s application is filed at a regional branch of the MOI, the confirmation of accommodation can be submitted electronically to the MOI electronic mail room posta@mvcr.cz or by means of a data box to the MOI ID address 6bnaawp.

If the foreign national’s application is filed at an embassy, the confirmation of accommodation can not be submitted electronically.

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Processing an application and issuing a decision

The processing of an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of “studies” and a long-term residence permit for the purpose of “studies” has a time limit of 60 days from filing the application §169t (2) and §169t(6) letter a (2) of the Act No. 326/1999 Coll. The legal deadline for processing an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of “other” is 90 days from filing the application. Only in particularly complicated cases is the time limit extended to 120 days from filing the application (§ 170/6 of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic). Applications for extending existing long-term residence permits have a time limit of 30 days from filing the application.

According to § 24/1 of Act No. 561/2004 Coll. [1], a school year starts on September 1 and ends August 31 in the following calendar year. Thus, when transferring from one school to another, there is no time period in which the foreign national would not be meeting the purpose of a stay for “studies”. When transferring from a secondary school to a higher education establishment, such a period may arise, since, in accordance with § 52/2 of Act No. 111/1998 Coll. [2], the rector of the higher education establishment decides on the start of the academic year and the academic year usually starts later than September 1. However not even the period from completing studies at secondary school, i.e. 31 August, until the moment the foreign national starts studies at the higher education establishment can be considered a period in which it would be possible to act against the foreign national in accordance with § 37/1/b of the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic (infringing residence authorization due to not meeting the purpose of stay). In the given time period, the foreign national will have a decision on enrolment to a higher education establishment, which is a document confirming the purpose of stay of "studies".

The period of validity of a long-term residence permit granted by the Ministry of Interior will:

• be a period necessary to achieve the purpose requiring residence in the Czech Republic, shorter than 1 year,

• be 1 year, if it is temporary residence for the purpose of study due to §64 letter a) or b) of the Act No. 326/1999Coll. with an expected stay period longer than 1 year,

• be 2 years, of it is temporary residence made under the EU programs and multilateral programs involving mobility measures, or between two or more university institutions or institutions in another EU member State and institutions that have been authorized to pursue the activities of a university institution in the territory,

• correspond to the period set out in a contract on voluntary services for youth in a domestic host organization, if it concerns a long-term residence permit for the purpose of “studies” in the Czech Republic in accordance with § 64 (f) of the Act No. 326/199 Coll,
   

The validity of the long-term residence permit for the purpose of “studies” in the Czech Republic (§ 42d) cannot be repeatedly extended. It does not apply,if it is long-term residence permit issued for the purpose of unremunerated language or professional training, it can only be extended once. The validity of long-term residence permit for the purpose of study at university can be extended repeatly, but always for maximum of 2 years.

A long-term visa is issued with a validity until to 1 year and a permitted visa period corresponding to the documents presented.

A validity of period of stay and visa in the territory, that is shorter than 1 year will be repeatedly extended  under the condition that the purpose for granting the visa is still the same, the maximum period of 1 year. If the foreign national residing on a long-term visa in the Czech Republic intends to temporarily reside for a period longer than 1 year and the purpose of stay is still the same, he/she is eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic.

 [1] Act on preschool, primary, secondary, higher vocational and other education (the School Act), as amended

 [2] Act on higher education establishments and amendments and supplements to other acts (Act on Higher Education Establishments), as amended

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Leaving for the CZ

Embassy procedure before affixing a long-term visa or a visa for the purpose o f collecting a residence permit

Prior to affixing a long-term visa or a long-term visa for the purpose of receiving a long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies (D/VR), the foreign national submits a document on travel medical insurance for the period of stay in the Czech Republic, which corresponds to the conditions set out in § 180j of the Act on Residence of Foreign National.

Proof of travel medical insurance is understood to be a document in which the relevant insurance company declares / confirms:

• The period of insurance (insurance must cover the entire stay in the Czech Republic);

• The extent of the insurance (the insurance policy must cover the costs that the foreign national is obliged to cover for the period of his/her stay in the Czech Republic in the event of providing necessary and urgent health care including the costs associated with transport or, in the case of his/her death, those associated with transferring his/her physical remains to the state that issued the travel document or to another state in which he/she has a residence permit).
   

For more information about travel and medical insurance, follow the link Medical Insurance.
 

Affixing a long-term visa and receiving a long-term residence card

Based on an instruction of the MOI, the embassy indicates the purpose of stay in the long-term visa.

Numerical codes and indication of long-term visas:

• 23 - "studies",

• 99 - "other",

• VC - visa for a stay of over 90 days (multiple),

• VR - visa for the purpose of collecting a long-term residence permit.

The embassy affixes a long-term visa granted for the purpose of “studies” or “other” into the foreign national’s passport as a multiple visa. During its validity, this visa enables its holder to stay in the Czech Republic, while he/she can also visit other EU Member States for three months during one six-month period. For more information on traveling to other Schengen/EU states, please visit our section dedicated to this topic.

Because an Embassy does not affix a long-term residence permit, which may only be issued as a plastic biometric card by the MOI, a foreigner with a general visa requirement to enter the Czech Republic will be given a D/VR visa - visa for the purpose of collecting a long-term residence permit. It is granted as a single-entry visa valid for 6 months with a permitted stay of 60 days in the Czech Republic. After affixing the D/VR the embassy provides the applicant with important information (the address of the pertinent MOI office including office hours, where he/she should report in person upon entering the Czech Republic, options for appointments by telephone, etc.).

Within 3 working days of entering the Czech Republic, all non-EU students arriving to receive a long-term residence permit are obliged to report to the MOI office in person for the purpose of carrying out activities associated with issuing a biometric residence card and to report their arrival.

Foreigners arriving without a permit or on a long-term visa for the purpose of “studies” or “other” will not receive a biometric card, therefore, their only responsibility after arrival is to report within 3 days from arrival to the Foreign Police, unless their accommodation provider does it for them, see here.

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Communicating with the MOI (complaints, queries and attendance lists)

Questions and comments concerning the activities of the Czech Embassies abroad can be addressed to the e-mail address vo@mzv.cz.
 

Infomation mailing list

If you wish to receive updates concerning changes in immigration issues relating to education providers and students, and in case you are not already in touch with the MOI, please send us your email address to oamp@mvcr.cz and we will add it to our information mailing list.
 

Lists of enrolled students

In order to allow for the MOI to verify, whether a foreign national is enrolled into studies during a respective period, schools and other education institutions may provide the MOI with lists of enrolled students. These should contain thein names, surnames, nationality, date of birth, expected length of studies (from - to or semester or academic year), name or type of the educational programme, and further the identification of the education provider that issued this list signed by an authorized individual including a stamp and date of issuance. The lists may be sent by mail, fax or email to:

Ministerstvo vnitra
odbor azylové a migrační politiky
Nad Štolou 3, poštovní schránka 21, 170 34 Praha 7;
fax: 974 720 388;
e-mail: pobyty.ostrava@mvcr.cz.
 

Specimens of signature of personnel authorized to issue proof of accommodation

In order to allow for the MOI to verify, whether a proof of accommodation was signed by the person authorized to do so, schools and education providers may provide the MOI with specimens of signatures of authorized personnel or other documents related thereto. These documents may be sent by mail or data box to:

Ministerstvo vnitra
odbor azylové a migrační politiky
Nad Štolou 3, poštovní schránka 21, 170 34 Praha 7;

The MOI data box ID is 6bnaawp.

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Information leaflets for university students considering changes made by amendment to the Act. No 326/1999 Coll. on the Residence of Foreign Nationals with effect from July 31^st, 2019

• Czech version (pdf, 658 kB)
• English version (pdf, 683 kB)
• Russian version (pdf, 1,5 MB)
• Ukrainian version (pdf, 1,3 MB)
• Turkish version (pdf, 630 kB)

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Information about the possibilities of university studies in the Czech Republic

• Study in the Czech Republic

• Study in Prague

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Important practical information

1. Validity of residence certificate

A student has the right to reside within the territory of the Czech Republic only during the period of validity of his/her long-stay visa or long-term residence permit, i.e. until the date designated on the long-stay visa sticker or the long-term residence permit card as the last date of the visa’s or the residence permit’s validity.

If an application for a long-term residence permit or extension of a long-term residence permit is not submitted on the last day of the residence certificate’s validity, the student’s right to reside within the territory of the Czech Republic under this residence certificate EXTINGUISHES and it CAN NEITHER be extended.

It is therefore recommended to students that they pay increased attention to their residence certificate, in addition to their study duties, i.e. that they in particular apply for its extension in a timely manner. The Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals does not allow the Ministry of the Interior to waive the compliance with the given time limits, not even in cases requiring special consideration.

2. Extension of validity of residence certificate and issuance of a long-term residence permit

The validity of the student’s long-stay visa and long-term residence permit is not extended automatically, and the student must apply for its extension at the Ministry of the Interior.

An application to extend the validity of a long-stay visa may be submitted 90 days before its expiry date at the earliest and at the latest before the period of validity or period of  permitted stay in the territory expires. The application may be submitted in person at a Ministry of the Interior office or by mail (also from abroad) or via a data box of the Ministry of the Interior.  However, the validity of a long-stay visa may be extended only for a total period of one year. If the study of a foreign national in the territory is demonstrably longer than one year, the student must apply for a long-term residence permit. Another person may be authorised to submit the application.

The application to extend the validity of a long-term residence permit may be submitted 120 days before the expiry date of the current long-term residence permit at the earliest and on the last day of the validity of the current long-term residence permit at the latest. The application may be submitted in person at a Ministry of the Interior office or by mail (also from abroad) or via a data box of the Ministry of the Interior. Another person may be authorised to submit the application.

The application for a long-term residence permit may be submitted on the last day of the validity of a long-stay visa or a long-term residence permit that was issued for another reason. The application must be submitted by the student in person; otherwise, the Ministry of the Interior will not deal with it. If the last day of the validity of the student’s current long-stay visa or long-term residence permit falls on a public holiday or a rest day, the application may be submitted on the last working day preceding the last day of the validity of the long-stay visa or long-term residence permit at the latest.

3. Barriers to timely submission of an application

If the reasons beyond the student’s will and control prevent the student from submitting an application for extension of a long-stay visa or issuance of a long-term residence permit in a timely manner, s/he may submit the application subject to the following conditions:

1. The application is submitted within five working days following the lapse of such reasons.

2. The reasons that are beyond the student’s will and control are provided upon the submission of the application at the latest.

3. The student proves the existence of such reasons upon notice from the Ministry of the Interior at the latest.
    

The reasons that are beyond the student’s will or control include a disease that confined the student to bed, an injury, etc. However, the reasons beyond the student’s control do not include the student’s stay abroad, neglect, preparation for examinations, etc.

4. Service of documents in a pending procedure

A student ought to pay attention to the documents served by the Ministry of the Interior during the procedure regarding his/her application. A document may be served successfully only on condition that the student’s name is clearly provided on a mail box. The student may also authorise another person to receive the documents.

5. Departure from the territory for holidays

It is recommended that the application to extend the validity and to issue a long-term residence permit be submitted prior to the actual departure from the territory of the Czech Republic and that the student notifies the Ministry of this fact or applies for an interruption of the procedure regarding his/her application. In the student’s absence, the documents could be served to his/her address in the territory of the Czech Republic and it could happen that s/he would not have an opportunity to read the contents of such documents. If the student intends to arrive to the territory of the Czech Republic after his/her long-stay visa or residence permit card expires, s/he must apply for a so-called “bridging” sticker for him/her to be able to arrive to the territory of the Czech Republic without any difficulties. Otherwise, the student would have to apply for a long-stay visa for the purpose of taking over a residence permit (the “DV/R”) at the Representative Office of the Czech Republic in his/her country of origin in order to be able to return to the territory of the Czech Republic. The bridging sticker may be issued only to persons who have already submitted their application to extend the validity of a long-stay visa or long-term residence permit.

6. Compliance with deadlines and time limits determined by the Ministry of the Interior and the law

The time limits determined by the Ministry of the Interior in a request to put the application in order are not only indicative; any failure to comply with them will result in the suspension of the procedure regarding the application. If the student knows that s/he will not be able to comply with the time limit determined by the Ministry of the Interior, it is prerequisite to apply for its extension in a timely manner and provide the necessary justification.

If the student is summoned to an interview, s/he must appear to this interview; any failure to appear for the interview without any serious grounds constitutes a reason for refusal of the application.

Any failure to appear upon notice of the Ministry of the Interior to provide the details necessary for issuance of a residence permit card constitutes a reason for the suspension of the procedure regarding the application.  The same applies to cases where a student fails to collect the produced residence permit card within the 60-day time limit. The Ministry cannot waive the requirement to comply with this duty and must suspend the procedure regarding the application.

Any failure to appear at the Ministry of the Interior within three working days following the arrival to the territory for the purpose of providing the details necessary for the production of a residence permit card constitutes a reason for the immediate suspension of the procedure regarding the application for issuance of a long-term residence permit submitted at a representative office. The Ministry cannot waive the requirement to comply with this duty and must suspend the procedure regarding the application.