Is it possible to study in the Czech Republic without a visa if you have a residence permit in another EU country – Visit Ukraine lawyers explain

Do you want to study in the Czech Republic with a residence permit from another EU country? Find out whether you really do not need a visa and how to legalize your status using the example of a real request to the Visit Ukraine migration lawyers team

Get advice from specialized lawyers online

GET

Studying in the Czech Republic requires obtaining a visa of the appropriate type for the entire period of stay in the country, but is it necessary to do so if you already have an EU residence permit? One of our clients asked us a question: if he has a residence permit in Italy, can he take preparatory courses for university admission in the Czech Republic on its basis without applying for a visa?

In this article, Visit Ukraine's lawyers explain when a visa is required and when you can get by with a residence permit from another EU country, and what to do for those who plan to apply to Czech universities.

Query: "I live in Italy, but I intend to pursue higher education in the Czech Republic. One of the agencies that helps me prepare for admission told me that I don't need a Czech visa to take courses in full-time education, but an Italian visa will do. They ignored my remarks that I did not have a visa and was living on a residence permit. Was it their mistake, or can I really stay in the Czech Republic for ~1 academic year, and the only condition is the validity of the Italian residence permit?

I also learned from them that I will be able to get a student visa only after entering the university. Is this also a case where they confused a residence permit with a visa?

And if not, is there a possibility to apply for a visa in the Czech Republic (for example, at the Ukrainian embassy)?"

Does an EU residence permit allow you to study in the Czech Republic without a visa - legal advice from Visit Ukraine

No, it does not. Foreigners with a valid residence permit in one of the EU countries (for example, Italy) can travel freely within the Schengen area, but only for up to 90 days within 180 days. This rule applies to tourist, business, or private travel, but does not apply to long-term stays for study purposes.

Therefore, it is illegal to stay in the Czech Republic for an academic year (usually 9-10 months) without obtaining a separate visa or residence permit, even if you have an Italian permesso di soggiorno.

Is it possible to apply for a student visa to the Czech Republic before entering a university?

Yes, it is possible, but with certain nuances. Czech legislation allows not only students who have already entered a university, but also those who participate in preparatory courses, provided that these courses are officially recognized by the Czech Ministry of Education or are held at a university. Thus, you can obtain a visa prior to enrollment if you have:

● confirmation from an accredited preparatory course

● proof of financial support

● health insurance;

● proof of residence in the Czech Republic.

Important! If the agency did not provide you with clear information about the type of courses (whether they are official or private without accreditation), they may have underestimated or misinterpreted the requirements for visa status.

If you are planning to study abroad, please contact our specialists. The specialized lawyers of Visit Ukraine will help you to prepare a package of documents in accordance with the requirements of a particular country: they will explain all the nuances of applying, check its correctness, and help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or refusal.

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

Can I apply for a visa in the Czech Republic or at a Ukrainian embassy?

You cannot apply for a student visa in the Czech Republic. It must be done outside the country - through a Czech consulate abroad. In this case, there are two options:

● at the Czech consulate in Ukraine;

● at the Czech Consulate in Italy, if you are officially residing there (you have a residence permit and a registered address).

But please note: not all consulates accept applications from citizens of other countries, even if they are temporarily residing there. We advise you to find out in advance whether the consulate in Italy considers applications from Ukrainian citizens with permesso di soggiorno.

Conclusions from Visit Ukraine lawyers:

1. Permesso di soggiorno in Italy does not give the right to live in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days without a visa or residence permit issued by the Czech authorities.

2. Your agency made a mistake if it claimed that you can take full-time courses lasting more than 90 days without a visa.

3. You can apply for a student visa before enrollment if you are taking official preparatory courses.

4. You can apply for a visa only through a Czech consulate outside the country: in Ukraine or in Italy (depending on your residence status).

How and where can I get help with admission abroad?

If you are planning to study in the Czech Republic or any other country in the world, but don't know where to start, contact our specialists to get professional help. Visit Ukraine's lawyers will analyze your situation, help you with course verification, preparation of documents, and registration at the consulate.

Our specialists accompany clients from the first step to obtaining a visa or residence permit. Here you can get full turnkey support for studying abroad.

Use the experience of Visit Ukraine lawyers to make your plans come true without legal mistakes!

We remind you! In a previous article, Visit Ukraine lawyers have already explained how to apply for a student visa to Lithuania - follow the link to find out the detailed algorithm of actions.

Photo: Freepik

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.