Visa & Residence

Students who are EU or EFTA nationals (i.e. citizens of the 27 EU member states, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland) do not require a visa to study in the Czech Republic. It is enough to arrive with a valid passport (or national ID card), and to register with the Czech Immigration authorities within 30 days of arrival. 

– All students who do not have a valid European Union passport or ID card and who plan on studying longer than 90 days in the Czech Republic, require a visa or a residence permit to study in the Czech Republic.

– Since AAU has two accreditations, depending on which one you are admitted to, you will either have to apply for visa type ‘OTHER’ or ‘STUDY’. Our Admissions team can help you determine which one you need. 

– Visas can only be issued to you by your local Czech Embassy or Consulate in the country of your origin (and/ or country of residence) and must be obtained before coming to Prague. 

– It is not possible to apply for the first visa in the Czech Republic, it is only possible to extend the visa in the Czech Republic.

– You will have to pick up your visa at the Embassy or Consulate where you submitted your visa application.

– It is not possible to obtain a visa after arriving in the Czech Republic and you will be required to return to your country of residence if you arrive without one. 

– You should start your visa process early. We recommend four to six months before the start of the semester. The actual visa appointment should be scheduled at least four months before the beginning of the semester you are applying for to be able to receive the visa and commence your studies on time. It is important to know that delays are common and in some cases, the visa process can take even longer. Please review the information you received from the Admissions team upon your admission to find out more. You can also email admissions@aauni.edu to see what experience we have with students obtaining a visa from your country. 

Take this VISA QUIZ to find out where you can apply for a visa and which documents you need! You will also find this information in the email you receive from the Admissions Office if admitted. You need to arrange the following documents (all documents must be originals in Czech and no older than 180 days):

– Application form
Completed and signed application form. Application forms for a long-term visa and a long-term residency permit can be found here.

– Accommodation
For detailed information please contact the Housing Department via email at housing@aauni.edu. You can also learn more about our housing in this video. 

– Health insurance

The Czech immigration law requires individuals to have medical insurance through one of the authorized providers in the Czech Republic. It is essential that your insurance covers the full duration of your visa or residence permit validity period and is issued in the Czech language. Please see more details in the Health Insurance section of this website.

 – Proof of funds
You need to prove you have enough money to live as a student in Prague. For official information, please check here.

– Confirmation of acceptance from AAU
You will receive this letter from AAU after you pay your first semester’s tuition and fees in full. This will be written in the Czech language and must be submitted as the original.

– Valid passport– Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months longer than the time period of your visa (i.e for a 1-year visa, your passport needs to be valid for at least 1 year and 6 months). 

– 2 colored passport-sized photos Check your LOCAL CZECH CONSULATE OR EMBASSY as there can be specific requirements for specific regionsYou will receive more detailed information from the Admissions Office if admitted via email.

The administration of visas and residence permits is divided between the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), responsible for handling processes for foreign nationals already resident in the Czech Republic, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), responsible for running and coordinating the consular services at the Embassy where you will be making your initial visa application. 
Further information on the visa process can be found below:
Ministry of the Interior
General Immigration Information

Requirements for an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of “studies” 

Requirements for an application for a long-term visa for the purpose of “other” 

Downloadable Visa Application Forms

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Entry and Residence Information from the Point of View of the Consulate

List of Czech Diplomatic Missions Abroad

(use this to find your local consulate and any local rules they may have)

If you feel like you need help with your visa process we suggest you contact one of the following agencies specialized in handling the visa application process:

Foreigners.cz specializes in providing assistance with the visa process, residence permit, Nostrification, document translation and other services. If interested, please contact Foreigners.cz directly at prague@foreigners.cz. (It is a paid service, but there is a 10% discount for AAU students).

Pexpats is a local agency that offers specialized services for students including visa applications, acquiring health insurance, opening bank accounts, relocation, nostrification, and many more which can all be completed on your behalf for a fixed fee. You can contact them at info@pexpats.com. (It is a paid service, but there is a 20% discount for AAU students).

In the Czech Republic, health insurance requirements for foreigners are managed by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) and are strictly dictated by the length and purpose of your stay.

Foreigners in the Czech Republic must have health insurance, either through public insurance (if employed or permanent residents) or comprehensive private insurance. 

For official updates and to verify your specific situation, visit the MOI Information Portal for Foreigners (FRSP). 

Stay-Specific Requirements

– Short-term Stays (up to 90 days): Students must have insurance covering “necessary and urgent care” with a minimum coverage limit of €30,000 for the entire Schengen area.

– Long-term Stays (over 90 days): Students must typically arrange Comprehensive Health Insurance (komplexní zdravotní pojištění):

· the minimum coverage limit of €400,000 per insured event. 
· The period of insurance (insurance must cover the entire stay in the Czech Republic).
· The insurance policy must not exclude coverage for injuries and damage caused by the applicant´s intentional acts, injuries and damage caused by fault or contributory fault on the part of the applicant, and injuries and damage caused by the consumption of alcohol, narcotic and psychotropic substances by the applicant.

Key Exceptions

– EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Generally covered by their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary care.

– International Treaties: Citizens of countries like North Macedonia may be exempt if they provide specific forms (e.g., RM/CZ 111) proving coverage in their home country. 



Accepted Local Authorised Insurance Providers

For visa purposes you must use state-authorised insurers. 

Depending on your specific health care needs and expectations and financial preferences options are:

Insurance company website & Direct link for contract set up (where available)
Pojišťovna VZP (PVZP)  |  PVZP Comprehensive health insurance
AXA Interpartner  |  AXA Comprehensive health insurance
Colonnade |  Colonnade Comrehensive health insurance 
Maxima 
Slavia 
SV Pojistovna 

– Plans available from budget to premium
– 1–36 months of private health insurance for foreigners
– Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded (Only PVZP and occasionally Slavia may offer tailor-made contracts that can include a condition or injury, subject to prior approval)
– Accident and emergency coverage in the Schengen zone is included as standard 

Additional optional insurance available:

Extended health care limits – higher premium (AXA, PVZP, Colonnade)
Liability insurance (Colonnade, Slavia)
Liability, injury, and permanent damage coverage (PVZP)

Insurance Assistance

If you need help deciding which health insurance option is right for you, we recommend contacting our trusted long-term external and independent insurance agent, Michaela Lesnak.

Email: michaela@helloinsurance.eu
WhatsApp: +420 792 333 158

Michaela can help you compare available options, set up your insurance contract, and assist you throughout the duration of your policy. She can also advise you on other types of insurance, including travel insurance, liability insurance, and more.
As an independent insurance agent, Michaela works with multiple insurance companies. She is compensated by the insurance company for each contract arranged, which allows her to remain independent and provide recommendations based on your needs rather than promoting a single provider.

Her consultation, contract set up and assistance during your contract are free of charge for students of AAU.