Visa and residence permit in the Czech Republic, what is the difference?

If you are planning to move to the Czech Republic, study, work or reunite with your family, you will definitely need to understand the terms "visa" (vízum) and "residence permit" (pobyt). At first glance, these terms seem similar, but in practice there are important differences between them. Let's get to the bottom of it.

🛂 What is a visa (vízum)?

A visa is a permit to enter and stay in the Czech Republic (and the Schengen area) for a limited period of time. A visa can be:

Short-term (type C) - up to 90 days. It is used for tourist, business trips, visits to friends or participation in short courses.
Long-term (type D) - for a period of more than 90 days, but not more than 1 year. Most often issued for study, employment, entrepreneurship, volunteer programs and other purposes.

🏠 What is a residence permit (pobyt)?

Pobyt is a residence permit, i.e. the right to stay in the Czech Republic longer than on a visa. There are two main types:

Long-term pobyt (dlouhodobý pobyt) - is issued after a D visa if you continue to live in the Czech Republic (e.g. extend your studies or work).
Permanent pobyt (trvalý pobyt) - can be obtained after several years of continuous residence, most often after 5 years. This is a status that is as close as possible to citizenship (but without an EU passport).

🔑 Key differences:

	Visa (vízum)	Residence permit (pobyt)
Expiration date	up to 1 year	1 year and up
Purpose	temporary stay	long-term or permanent residence
Formalization	through a consulate abroad	more often through the Ministry of Interior in the Czech Republic
Extension	Not always possible	Usually can be extended if grounds are maintained
Rights	Limited	Broader (e.g., access to insurance, work, school)
Basis for CoML	No	Yes, it counts towards the time limit

Download a guide to extending a visa or residence permit for a student in the Czech Republic

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📝 What's important to remember?

Visa is the first step. Many people start with a long-term visa and then switch to a residence permit in the Czech Republic.
Change of status (from visa to pobyt) is a separate procedure for which it is important to prepare in advance.
Deadlines are important! If you do not submit your renewal on time, you will have to start all over again.
Counseling and accompaniment help avoid mistakes - especially when filing with the MIA.

🤝 We can help

В KOVER assistance we accompany our clients at all stages - from obtaining a visa to extending the residence permit and applying for permanent residence. We will explain in plain language what documents you need, help you fill out applications and prepare you for your visit to the Ministry of Interior.

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