Type of visa, residence permit
International students arriving to study at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University must apply for one of the following:
- A visa for a stay over 90 days (long term) for the purpose of studies (“visa”), or
- A long-term residence permit for the purpose of studies (“residence permit”).
Students applying for the first time usually apply for a long-term visa (1), and for the following year(s), apply for a long-term residence permit (2). However, both ways are possible, and at some Czech Embassies or Consulates, they may suggest applying for a residence permit starting from the first year.
There is no significant difference between these two types of legal residency. However, there are certain practical differences, and you can decide which option suits your needs better:
| VISA | RESIDENCE PERMIT | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing time | 60 days | 60 days |
| Submitting additional documents | Not allowed. Only a complete application is accepted. Submitting any documents at a later time is not possible. | Additional documents are possible, however you must check how to do this (if in person or in another manner). The beginning date of processing is the date you submit the last required document. |
| Travelling within the Schengen area | Allows its holder to travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days, rule 90/180) | Allows its holder to travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days, rule 90/180) |
| Registration after arrival in the Czech Republic | Register at the Foreign Police. Students with a visa (code D/VC) must register within three business days after arrival. However, students living in Charles University dormitories are registered by the dormitory office and do not have to register in person. Registration with the Ministry of the Interior is not required. | Register
at the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic (“Ministry of the
Interior” or “MOI”) after arrival. Students obtaining a residence permit are first given a short-term visa (code D/VR) to enter the Czech Republic. They must make an appointment at the MOI and register there within 30 days. At this registration, biometric data is collected. The student then must pay a second visit to the MOI to pick up the long-term residence card. From the first visit to the MOI, it takes 2 to 8 weeks to receive the card, and until then, students are not allowed to travel out of the country and back (as the visa for collecting the permit is typically a “one-entry” visa). Note: Students of our faculty will get detailed information (by e-mail as well as in person during the Orientation Week) on how to register at the MOI. |
| Receiving the visa/permit | The visa can only be physically obtained and entered in your passport at the place where you applied for it (embassy or consulate). | Under certain circumstances, you can pick up the residence permit in the Czech Republic (after you have applied for it through the embassy or consulate). But this is mainly for students who can take advantage of the free short-term visa entry. For details, see the Visa FAQ section. |
| Extending the visa or permit | A visa is for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended. Nevertheless, students are entitled to apply for a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic. This application must be placed in person at the office of the Ministry of the Interior. It requires an appointment made in advance and in compliance with the expiration date of the current visa. | A residence permit is typically issued for one year (first time applicants) and can be extended. An application for extending the residence permit can be placed in person, but may also be send by post (regular registered mail, not by e-mail). |
| Before departure | No special obligation | Residence permit holders must return their long-term residence card to the MOI office. |
For further information on the differences between a visa and a permit, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The text relating to the visa application process and related issues on the website of our faculty is for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, replace the legally binding texts. The residency of foreign nationals in the Czech Republic is governed by Act no. 326/199 on the Residence of Aliens in the Czech Republic.
