Frequently Asked Questions

There are several visa types available: Short-stay Schengen visa (up to 90 days), Long-term visa for employment, Student visa for studies, Business visa for entrepreneurs, and Family reunification visa. The type you need depends on your purpose of stay. ICCR can help connect you with experts who specialize in immigration matters.

To apply for a residence permit, you need to visit the Czech embassy in India or the Ministry of Interior if already in Czech Republic. Required documents typically include: valid passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, proof of financial means, and purpose-specific documents (employment contract, admission letter, etc.). Processing usually takes 60-120 days.

Yes, the Indian Embassy in Prague provides document attestation services. You can also use authorized document translation services for Czech authorities. Many documents require apostille certification. ICCR maintains a list of verified translation services and can help you navigate this process.

You should apply for renewal at least 14 days before your current permit expires, though we recommend applying 90 days in advance. Standard processing takes 30-60 days. You can continue staying legally while your renewal is being processed as long as you applied before expiration.

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents. EU/EEA citizens can use their EHIC card. Non-EU citizens must have either public health insurance (if employed) or comprehensive private health insurance. Public insurance through VZP or other providers covers most medical expenses including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescribed medications.

ICCR maintains a directory of English-speaking doctors and medical facilities. Popular options include Canadian Medical Care, Unicare Medical Center, and Na Homolce Hospital. Many general practitioners in central Prague speak English. Our Ask Expert feature can connect you with community members who can recommend doctors based on their experience.

Yes, there are several Indian doctors practicing in Czech Republic, particularly in Prague. There are also Ayurvedic wellness centers and practitioners offering traditional Indian medicine. ICCR can provide referrals through our community network. Check our Useful Links section for a curated list.

No specific vaccinations are legally required to enter Czech Republic. However, standard vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A/B, measles-mumps-rubella) are recommended. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is advised if you plan outdoor activities in rural areas. Consult your doctor before traveling.

Popular areas for Indian families include Prague 4 (Chodov, Pankrac), Prague 5 (Stodulky, Barrandov), and Prague 6 (Dejvice). These areas offer good schools, parks, shopping centers, and public transport connections. Rent varies from 15,000-40,000 CZK for a 2-3 bedroom apartment depending on the location and amenities.

There are several Indian grocery stores in Prague: Punjabi Food Store (multiple locations), Namaste India (Prague 2), Asian Food Market (Sapa Vietnamese Market), and various shops in Florenc area. Larger supermarkets like Tesco and Globus also stock basic Indian spices and products. ICCR members often share tips about the best places to shop.

Prague has an excellent integrated public transport system including metro (3 lines), trams, and buses. You can buy tickets at stations, newsagents, or use the PID Litacka app. Monthly passes cost around 550 CZK for adults. The system runs from approximately 4:30 AM to midnight, with night trams and buses afterward.

ICCR organizes major Indian festivals throughout the year including Diwali (October/November), Holi (March), Independence Day (August 15), Republic Day (January 26), Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Onam. We also host cultural programs, music concerts, and food festivals. Check our Events page for upcoming celebrations.

Non-EU citizens need either an Employee Card (combines residence and work permit) or a Blue Card (for highly qualified workers). Your employer typically initiates the process. EU citizens can work freely. The Employee Card is tied to a specific employer, while the Blue Card offers more flexibility. Processing takes 60-90 days.

Gross salaries in Czech Republic are subject to 15% income tax (23% for income over approximately 1.9 million CZK/year), plus social and health insurance contributions totaling about 11% from employee. Employers contribute an additional 33.8%. Average IT salaries range from 60,000-150,000 CZK gross monthly depending on experience and role.

Yes, foreigners can establish businesses in Czech Republic. Options include Trade License (Zivnostensky list) for self-employment, or forming a company (s.r.o. is most common). You'll need a residence permit that allows business activity. ICCR can connect you with experts who help with business setup and legal requirements.

Czech Republic has a strong demand for IT professionals, especially in Prague and Brno. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, and many startups actively hire. English is sufficient for most IT roles. Average IT salaries are competitive by European standards. ICCR networking events often connect job seekers with employers.

Yes, Prague has several international schools: Prague British International School, International School of Prague, Riverside School, and German School Prague. Fees range from 200,000-600,000 CZK annually. Some schools offer IB curriculum, others follow British or American systems. Admission processes typically begin 6-12 months in advance.

Yes, Czech universities welcome international students. Public universities offer free education in Czech language, while English programs have tuition fees (2,000-15,000 EUR/year depending on the field). Popular universities include Charles University, Czech Technical University, and Masaryk University. Student visa requires admission letter and proof of funds.

Yes, several options exist: Czech Integration Centers offer free courses for residence permit holders, Prague Integration Center provides subsidized lessons, private schools like Czech Courses or Berlitz offer intensive programs, and Charles University has summer schools. Many ICCR members recommend starting with A1-A2 level courses for daily life needs.

Options include online schooling through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), private tutoring from Indian teachers in Prague, or correspondence courses. Some families combine international school with supplementary Indian education. ICCR can connect you with tutors and families who have navigated this successfully.