When planning your move to the Czech Republic or any other country within the Schengen Area, understanding visa requirements is crucial. At Move To Prague, we guide you through the intricacies of short-term visas and the 90/180 rule to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know.
Short-Term Visa Requirements
For most nationalities, a short-term visa is required to enter the Schengen Area. This includes the Czech Republic, which is a member of the Schengen Zone—a coalition of 29 European countries with open border policies for tourists and business travelers.
Exceptions to the Rule
Citizens of around 50 countries, including the United States and Canada, are exempt from needing a visa for short stays (see the full list of visa-free countries here). If you’re from one of these countries, you can enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
Important Details for Visa-Exempt Travelers
- 90 Days, Not 3 Months: It’s crucial to understand that the visa-free period is 90 days, not three months. Since months vary in length, counting exact days is essential to avoid overstaying.
- Start Counting Upon Arrival: Your 90-day allowance generally applies for the whole Schengen Area, not for each country separately. This means you 90 days countdown begins the day you enter the Schengen Area (not Czech Republic specifically). Make sure to keep track of your entry date to calculate your stay accurately.
- Pause, Not Reset – when you leave the Schengen Area, the 90 days just stop counting, they do not reset. This mean you can not leave on your 89th day, stay one night outside of Schengen and then come back for another 90 days.
- Schengen Calculator: The EU provides a Schengen Calculator to help you track your days in the Schengen Zone. This tool is invaluable for ensuring you don’t exceed the 90-day limit within any 180-day period.
- 180-Day Period Rule: Within any 180-day period, you can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days. For example, if you stay for full 90 days, you then have to leave for full 90 days as well. If you say only stay for 30 days and leave, you can then return for the remaining 60 days. This rolling period requires careful planning and calculation.
Purpose of Stay
The 90-day visa-free period is officially intended for tourism purposes only. If you plan to work, study or run some business activities, you should apply for a short-term visa specifically for that purpose.
When Your 90 Days Are Up
Once your 90-day stay is complete, you must leave the Schengen Area and wait before you can re-enter. For how long you need to leave depends on what was the structure of your stay here (see rule #5 above). This ensures you comply with the 180-day period rule.
Special Agreements and Exceptions
There are instances where bilateral agreements between countries may offer additional benefits. For example, after spending 90 days in the Schengen Area, you might be able to stay in the Czech Republic for an additional 90 days. However, these agreements can be complex and challenging to navigate.
Important Considerations
- Direct Exit Required: If you utilize a bilateral agreement to extend your stay in the Czech Republic, you must leave the Schengen Area directly after your extended stay (meaning you can not transfer in another Schengen country).
- Stick to General Rules: Given the complexity of these agreements, we recommend adhering to the general Schengen Area rule to avoid complications.
Our Role at Move To Prague
At Move To Prague, we help you navigate these rules and regulations seamlessly. For every client, we calculate the exact days you can stay and guide you on when to submit visa applications. We ensure you understand and comply with all requirements, making your relocation as stress-free as possible.
For more information or assistance with your relocation, reach out to our team. We’re here to make your move to Prague a smooth and enjoyable experience!
