When do Ukrainians need a visa to the Czech Republic and how to apply for it?

Citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa for a short-term stay in the Czech Republic, but for work, study or long-term residence, a visa is required. Find out what requirements are imposed on applicants, how to apply, a list of documents, types of visas and much more useful information

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians

GET

For citizens of Ukraine who have a biometric passport, a visa for a short-term stay in the Czech Republic is not required. But if your goal is to study, work or stay for a long time, you should take care of obtaining the appropriate visa or residence permit in advance.

In this material, we explain in detail when a visa is needed to travel to the Czech Republic, how to apply for it correctly and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Do you need a visa but don't know where to start?

Get a consultation from the lawyers of Visit Ukraine!

When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter the Czech Republic?

As part of the visa-free regime with the Schengen countries, Ukrainians with a biometric passport can stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need to apply for a visa.

However, a visa is required in the following cases:

- Long-term trips (over 90 days) - even if the purpose of the trip does not include work or study.

- Work in the Czech Republic - for official employment, a permit and an appropriate visa are required.

- Studying at Czech higher education institutions - a student visa is required.

- Family reunification, obtaining a residence permit, running a business, volunteer programs, etc.

Main types of long-term visas to the Czech Republic

For citizens of Ukraine who plan to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, there are the following main types of long-term visas (type D visa):

- Work visa

For official employment in a Czech company. An employment contract or work permit is required.

We have already told you everything about the procedure for finding and getting a job in the Czech Republic in the Visit Ukraine article.

- Student visa

For studying at universities, colleges, language courses, vocational schools. Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution is required. Often accompanied by conditions for limited part-time work.

Is it possible to study in the Czech Republic without a visa if you have a residence permit in another EU country? Explanations from visit Ukraine lawyers at the link.

- Family reunification visa

For persons who have close relatives (husband/wife, children, parents) with legal status in the Czech Republic. Documents confirming family ties must be submitted.

- Business visa

For founders of companies, entrepreneurs or freelancers. Registration of an individual entrepreneur or company in the Czech Republic is required, as well as a business plan and financial capacity.

- Humanitarian visa or long-term stay for special reasons

Issued in exceptional circumstances (e.g. humanitarian, medical or family reasons). Considered individually, often through the Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs.

- EU Blue Card

Designed for highly qualified professionals (e.g. IT, medicine, engineering). Requirements include higher education or at least 3 years of professional experience, an employment contract with a Czech employer for a period of 1 year or more, a salary at least 1.5 times higher than the average in the Czech Republic.

- Long-term residence in the EU (Permanent Residence / Trvalý pobyt)

Available to persons who have legally resided in the Czech Republic for 5 years (or 2 years on humanitarian grounds), demonstrated knowledge of the Czech language, have a stable income and health insurance.

To determine which visa is right for you and prepare the necessary package of documents, consult a visa lawyer at Visit Ukraine. This will help you avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining the document.

How to apply for a visa to enter the Czech Republic?

Applying for a visa to the Czech Republic is a multi-stage process, so it is important to act in stages:

Step 1 – Determine the type of visa

Depending on the purpose of the trip, the type is selected: long-term visa (type D), national visa, work, student or humanitarian.

Step 2 – Prepare the necessary documents

The standard list includes: a valid international passport, 2 current photos, health insurance, documents confirming the purpose of the trip, financial capacity (bank statements), confirmation of residence in the Czech Republic.

Step 3 – Sign up for the submission of documents

You can submit an application through: The Czech Consulate in Ukraine or an accredited visa center.

Step 4 – Submit an application and pay fees

The visa fee depends on the type of visa.

Step 5 – Waiting and obtaining a visa

Processing time: up to 60 days, in some cases longer. Notification of readiness is sent to e-mail or through the visa center office.

If you need help obtaining a residence permit or work permit for the Czech Republic, please contact migration specialists for advice.

What documents are required to obtain a visa to the Czech Republic?

List of basic documents to be submitted:

- Completed application form for a national visa.

- Valid international passport, issued no more than 10 years ago, with two blank pages, valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Czech Republic.

- Certificate of no criminal record in the country where the applicant has lived for the last 3 years.

- Two photos – 35 by 45 mm.

- Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for the entire period of visa validity (including repatriation and hospitalization).

- Receipts for payment of visa fee (visa D – 2,500 CZK or 95 euros).

- Additional documents confirming the purpose of the trip (contract with the employer, letter of enrollment, documents from a family member, etc.).

- Confirmation of the provision of housing by a company or private individual (notarized), copy of the lease agreement.

- Bank statement confirming the availability of funds (for living at first).

All documents are submitted in original, and copies are notarized at the place of issue (in Ukraine or the Czech Republic). Applications can be considered by the Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs for up to 4 months, foreigners may be invited for an interview at the Consular Department. In case of a positive verdict, the visa is issued in 3 days.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How can you avoid mistakes when applying for a visa to the Czech Republic?

Most refusals occur due to technical or formal errors. The most common of them are:

- Incorrectly filled out application form.

- Missing documents or errors in dates.

- Out-of-date certificates.

- Lack of financial evidence.

- Incorrectly selected visa type.

- Attempt to submit false documents.

Such errors lead to refusal of visa application. To avoid them, check in detail all the information you indicate in the application form and make sure that the package of documents is complete. It is also important to monitor changes in migration legislation and respond to them in a timely manner.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers when applying for a visa to the Czech Republic?

Applying for a long-term visa is often associated with bureaucratic difficulties, lack of up-to-date information and the risk of refusal due to formal errors in documents. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you avoid common mistakes, properly prepare a package of documents and navigate all the legal nuances, especially if your situation is non-standard.

Turning to specialists is an opportunity to save time, nerves and get support at every stage of application.

What can Visit Ukraine lawyers help with?

- Consultation on the type of visa in your situation.

- Verification of the package of documents.

- Assistance in filling out the questionnaire.

- Preparation for application.

- Support in case of refusal or appeal.

Get professional advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers to avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses. Our experts will help you with obtaining a visa to the Czech Republic quickly and without stress.

Reminder! The borders of Ukraine remain open, even despite martial law, and in 2024 the state was visited by more than 2.5 million foreigners, including 22,687 Czech citizens. We have already told you how to get to Ukraine from the Czech Republic, and what entry rules are relevant in 2025.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.