2024 Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Czech Student Visa (Templates Included!

I applied for my Czech visa in the spring of 2024. While it took a lot of time to prepare all the documents, the process was actually quite interesting—it felt like a giant “scavenger hunt”! I’ve provided an application form template and the Czech translation for the criminal record certificate. Overall, I hope this guide helps those in need. Good luck to everyone applying for a Czech student visa! You can start the following process as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance (LoA)~~~~

ALL Documents You Need

• Application Form: 2 copies (Original + Photocopy)

• Passport: 3 items (Original + 2 Photocopies)

• ID Photos (1.5-inch): 2 photos

  • One to be attached to the application form

  • One provided separately

• Letter of Acceptance (Admission Letter): 2 copies (Original + Photocopy)

• Proof of Accommodation: 2 copies (Original + Photocopy)

• Financial Documents:

  • Bank Statement: 2 copies (Original + Photocopy)

  • Credit/Debit Card Proof: 3 items (Actual Card + 2 Photocopies)

• Police Clearance Certificate (Non-Criminal Record): 2 copies (Original + Photocopy)

• Proof of Insurance

Preparation

Application Form

• Quantity: 2 (Original + Photocopy)

• Content: Just filling in basic information; it’s quick to complete, so you can handle it whenever you have a moment.

  • Official Website Version

  • Self-made Reference Template

Proof of Financial Means

• Quantity:

  • Bank Statement: 2 (Original + Photocopy)

  • Card Proof: 3 (Actual card + 2 Photocopies)

• Bank Statement: Your account must have at least NTD 180,000. The certificate must be in English and converted to EUR or USD (I chose EUR at the time).

• Card Proof: Only VISA or Mastercard is accepted. The card must be issued by the same institution as the bank statement account. The name on the card must match the English name on the account exactly. You can mask the CVV code (I think I might have forgotten to mask mine back then?).

Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance):

• Process: Police Station → Civil Notary → Bureau of Consular Affairs (MOFA) → Czech Translation.

• Police Station: You can apply online first through the Police Criminal Record Certificate system. Follow the steps and remember to apply for the English version. It takes about 2–3 working days to collect, either in person or by mail.

• Civil Notary: Just search “Civil Notary” on Google Maps and pick any office. There are many near the Taoyuan Police Department. The standard fee was NTD 750 (when applied in Spring 2024).

• Bureau of Consular Affairs (MOFA): Go to the 2nd floor for document authentication. Fill out the yellow form first to apply.

• Czech Translation: You need to translate your English criminal record certificate into Czech. For detailed instructions, refer to the example document!

Letter of Acceptance & Proof of Accommodation

• If staying in a university dormitory: After paying the deposit, ask the coordinator to send the proof of accommodation to you as soon as possible! If living off-campus, contact your landlord to provide the proof.

Email to the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei (Taipei.Visa@mzv.gov.cz)

It is better to write politely, though providing the following information directly is also acceptable. If you are confident you can prepare all documents in time, you can book the appointment in advance, as it usually takes about two weeks to get a slot.

Subject: (Surname) Long term visa for the purpose of study

• Surname:

• Name:

• Date of birth: (DD/MM/YY)

• Passport number:

• Contact telephone numbers:

• Email address:

Insurance

In accordance with §180j, Article 8 of the Act on the Residence of Foreigners, persons entering the Czech Republic must be covered by “comprehensive medical insurance” (komplexní zdravotní pojištění cizinců).

• No need to provide insurance data during the visa interview:

• You can start the insurance early, but documentation is only required when collecting the visa:

• Minimum coverage requirement: The maximum insurance indemnity limit must not be less than EUR 400,000.

• Essential Keywords: You must confirm that the insurance plan includes the word “Comprehensive”(Komplexní).

• Insurance Company Choices:

  • AXA: Offers a Chinese interface and is generally cheaper.

  • Pojišťovna VZP: Only has an English interface and seems to be more expensive.

I didn’t research the specific details deeply, but AXA offers more affordable plans.

Collecting the Visa!

In my case, I was notified to pick up the visa just two weeks after applying. Once you are certain about your departure, you can start handling the insurance, but it is recommended to allow 45–60 days for the whole process!

If there are minor errors during the appointment, they can usually be corrected on the spot. I forgot some photocopies back then, and the officer even helped me print them right there, so don’t feel too much pressure! Just don’t forget the Checklist below.

I entered the European Schengen Area before my visa became effective without any issues, so you can definitely go to Europe a bit early for some fun before the semester starts!

Check list

Month Comparison Table (Month / Měsíc)

At that time, the results for the months translated by AI were incorrect. This image was provided by the Czech Economic and Cultural Office; remember to verify information from multiple sources when preparing your documents.