Czech visa resources
Appointments and biometrics for a Czechia application
How to book and attend the in-person appointment, where biometrics are collected, and the age rules for fingerprinting.
Important
Czech national long-stay applications must be lodged in person. When applying from abroad you attend the competent Czech diplomatic mission; when applying from within Czechia (for example to extend or switch to a residence permit) you attend a Ministry of the Interior office. Appointments are typically arranged in advance through the mission's reservation system or, for the Ministry of the Interior, an online or phone booking.
Fingerprints (biometric data) are collected as part of the process. For a long-term residence permit, the biometric data used to produce the biometric residence card is taken after arrival at a Ministry of the Interior office.
Booking the appointment
- Abroad: schedule an appointment with the competent Czech diplomatic mission (often by email or via the mission's reservation system)
- Within Czechia: book an appointment at a Ministry of the Interior office online or by phone
- You apply in person and submit the complete application at the appointment
Biometrics and fingerprinting rules
- Fingerprints are collected as part of a long-term visa application
- For a long-term residence permit, biometric data for the residence card is taken at a Ministry of the Interior office after you arrive
- Children under 12 generally do not have fingerprints taken and may not need to attend in person
- Children aged 12 to 15 must attend together with a parent or guardian
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.