Path to staying
- Study6 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 9 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 10 years
Overview
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Visa name
- Long-term Visa for Studies
- Local name
- Dlouhodobe vizum za ucelem studia
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 6 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The Czech Republic's long-term visa (D-type) for non-EU students, unique in offering free tuition at public universities for all nationalities studying in the Czech language. Students typically complete a 1-year Czech language preparatory course before starting their degree. English-taught programs carry tuition fees. Very affordable cost of living by European standards.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Mixed
- Free condition
- Free tuition at public universities for programs taught in Czech language, regardless of nationality.
- Tuition range
- $0 – $20,826/year
- Proof of funds
- $5,480/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Czech-taught programs at public universities: completely free for all nationalities. English-taught programs: EUR 2,000-18,500/yr depending on field (medical programs most expensive). Many universities offer free 1-year Czech language preparatory courses (e.g., Charles University UJOP). Czech Language Certificate Exam (CCE) at B2 level required for Czech programs.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
- Freelance
- Allowed
Full-time students at accredited Czech institutions (university or MEYS-accredited language institute) do not need a work permit and have no legal hour limit. Universities recommend not exceeding 20 hours/week during term. Self-employment (trade license / zivnostensky list) also permitted.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term Residence Permit for Job Seeking | Job seeker | 9 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCE (Czech Language Certificate Exam) | Admission | Czech | B2 | Required for Czech-taught programs (which are free). B2 minimum, C1 for some programs. Completion of 1-year Czech preparatory course at UJOP or similar typically qualifies. Many universities offer their own Czech entrance exam. |
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | Required for English-taught programs. Score varies: 5.5-6.5 typical range. TOEFL iBT 72-90 also accepted. Cambridge B2 First or C1 Advanced also accepted. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term Visa Application Fee | Application | $118 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and children. Family members apply for their own visa/permit.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Spouse with long-term residence permit for family purpose has unrestricted work access.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 10 years
- Study time counts
- 50% credit
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 30-60 days
- Interview
- Required
- Official site
- ipc.gov.cz
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Long-term visa valid up to 6 months; students must switch to long-term residence permit upon arrival for longer stays. Processing time 60 days for study purposes (faster than standard 90 days). Free Czech language preparatory programs available at several universities. Charles University UJOP is the most established prep program. "Nostrification" (recognition) of foreign diplomas may be required. Czech-language degree at bachelor level generally requires B2; some master programs require C1.
Also in Czech Republic
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source