Czech visa resources
After you arrive in Czechia on a long-stay route
What to do on arrival: report your presence, and if you were granted a residence permit, collect your biometric residence card within the deadline.
Important
After entering Czechia on a national long-stay route you have prompt obligations. If you arrived on a long-term visa (or visa-free with a biometric passport), you must notify the Department of the Foreign Police of your presence within 3 working days of entry. You do not have to do this yourself if your accommodation provider (for example a hotel or hostel) reports your stay for you.
If your long-term or permanent residence permit was approved abroad, you enter on a special visa for collection of a residence permit (D/VR) and complete the residence-card process after arrival.
Report your presence
- Long-term visa holders: notify the Foreign Police of your presence within 3 working days of entering Czechia
- You are exempt if your accommodation provider reports your arrival
- If you came to collect a residence permit, you can report your arrival at a Ministry of the Interior office when you arrange your biometrics
Collecting a residence permit (D/VR visa)
- The D/VR visa is issued for 6 months but allows a stay of a maximum of 60 days
- Within that stay you must get registered, have your biometric data taken, and collect your biometric residence card
- Completing these steps brings the residence permit into effect
Ongoing obligations
- Fulfil the purpose of your stay for the whole validity of the permit
- Maintain comprehensive medical insurance and report changes as required by law
- Apply to extend a long-term residence permit no earlier than 120 days before, and no later than the last day of, its validity
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.