Both the long-term visa and the long-term residence permit are issued when the stay on the territory of the Czech Republic is expected to exceed 3 months. In general, the long-term visa is primarily intended for persons who expect to stay in the Czech Republic for several months – for example study program lasting several months etc. Long-term residence permit is primarily intended for persons who expect a longer stay in the Czech Republic – for example study in a university program, employment etc.

Employment card and blue card are both types of long-term residence permits.

Similarities:

• allow stay exceeding 90 days (3 months)
• allow movement in the Schengen Area – stay in the other Schengen Area States may not exceed 90 days within any 180 days and must be of a non-profit nature
• long-term visas and long-term residence permits can be extended on the territory of the Czech Republic – in case the purpose of stay continues, kindly contact the respective branch of the Ministry of Interior according to the place of residence

Differences:

Long-term visas are issued:

• as multiple visas for a maximum of 1 year
• for the purpose of health, culture, sport, study, scientific research, family, entrepreneurship and other

Long-term residence permits are issued:

• as one-entry visas for the purpose of collecting a long-term residence permit for stay on the territory of the Czech Republic in the duration of 60 days and validity 6 months
• for the purpose of employment (employment card or blue card), study, scientific research, and family unification

Legal sources:

• Act No 326/1999 Coll., on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic and Amending Certain Acts