When you’re a citizen of the European Union, much of the dealing with visas is done for you, or you don’t have to do it at all.
But when you are an American or another non-European citizen, you need a visa to stay in Czech Republic for longer than just a few months. Here are some pieces of information about getting a resident visa and some other essential tips.
Long-term visa vs long-term residence
These two concepts are easy to confuse, though, in practice, they do two very different things. A long-term visa can be issued by the Czech embassy in your home country and is given only for the application's duration.
So, for example, if you plan to stay in the Czech Republic for half a year working as a contractor on a specific project, the long-term visa will only cover that half-year period.
Long-term residence, however, covers a time longer than a year, effectively letting you stay in the Czech Republic for longer without continuously having to renew your visa. However, you can only apply for it in person in the Czech Republic, not at an embassy.
Long-term residence in the Czech Republic
You can apply for a long-term residence after you have spent at least 90 days in the Czech Republic if you intend to stay there for at least over a year (including the 90 days), and if the purpose of your stay does not change significantly throughout its duration (though there are exceptions to this like a family reunification or employee cards).
You can stay in the country for the duration of filing for long-term residence, but you have to be actively working on the proceedings. You will also be asked to pay an administrative fee together with filing the submission.
There are a significant number of documents you will be asked to bring:
- passport
- one photo
- proof of accommodation arrangements in Czechia
- evidence of substantial funds
- a document stating the purpose of your stay (a job, family reunion, an invitation, etc.)
- a travel document
- an extract of your criminal record
- other documents which might be asked of you by the administration
All these need to be handed in in person at the immigration office in the Czech Republic. You will also be asked to attend an interview in Czechia as a part of the proceedings.
If it sounds complicated, it's because it is. However, the system lets you change the purpose of your stay after you have already obtained long-term residence, so you don't have to go through the process again.
