This guide is for non-EU/EEA students whose long-term visa is expiring and who need to apply for a long-term residence permit. Find out when to apply, which supporting documents are required and how to arrange an appointment.
Key Information
| Apply from | 120 days before your visa expires |
| Apply by | The final day of your visa's validity |
| Where | Ministry of the Interior (OAMP) |
| Appointment | Required — book via https://frs.gov.cz/en |
| Fee | CZK 2,500 |
| Processing time | Up to 30 days |
|
Result |
Long-term residence permit (biometric card) |
How to Apply
- Download and complete the application form.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Book an appointment with the Ministry of the Interior.
- Submit your application in person.
- Pay the administrative fee.
- Wait for the application to be processed.
Required Documents
Along with your application for a long-term residence permit you should submit the following:
- Travel document
Your passport (only its simple copy when sending by post)
Ministry requirements → - Confirmation of purpose of stay
Issued by the Study Department
Ministry requirements → - Proof of accommodation
Ministry requirements → - Proof of sufficient funds
Required for university studies and unpaid internships
Minimum amount for one year: approximately CZK 125,000
Ministry requirements → - Passport photo (3,5 × 4,5 cm)
- Bank card
For payment of the 2500 CZK administrative fee -
Proof of health insurance
Health Insurance Requirements
To apply for a long-term residence permit, you must provide proof of comprehensive health insurance.
- Validity: entire period of stay in the Czech Republic
- Coverage: outpatient and inpatient medical care, including routine treatment, vaccinations and laboratory tests
- Minimum benefit limit: EUR 400,000 per insured event
- Deductible: not permitted
Recommended providers:
- VZP (20% online discount available), Uniqa, Maxima, Slavia
- All of these documents should be originals, not copies, and must be less than 6 months old.
Submitting Additional Documents by Post
You should send the letter as a ‘doporučený dopis’ (registered letter), which provides proof of delivery. Before visiting the post office, complete the podací lístek, available here, and print it double-sided. Enter the Hládkov office address in the ‘Adresát’ (recipient) section and your address in Prague together with your email address in the ‘Odesílatel’ (sender) section. At the post office, ask for a registered letter by saying ‘Doporučeně, prosím’. We also recommend asking ‘Můžete mi poslat potvrzení o doručení na e-mail?’, which means ‘Could you send me a delivery confirmation by email?’. You will then receive an email confirmation once the letter has been delivered.
The Ministry of the Interior student office (‘studentské pracoviště’)
To make an appointment, register on the Foreigners reservation system website or call (they speak English).
Monday to Thursday 8:00–16:00
Friday 8.00–12.00
(appointments only)
Hládkov 682/9, Praha 6 – Střešovice
Need Help?
Anna Pecharová
After Submission
The Ministry of the Interior should process your application within 30 days. You can check the status of your application on the Ministry website.
