Can I switch employers during a bridging period?

Yes, if your original permit allowed it. Confirm updated employment details with the Ministry of the Interior to avoid unauthorized work issues.

Does a bridging visa guarantee my main application will be approved?

No. If your application is denied, bridging status ends and you must depart the country immediately.

Is there a separate fee for bridging visas?

Yes, around 300 CZK for the visa sticker, and tolerance visa applicants also pay around 300 CZK for initial or renewal issuance.

Can I travel freely in Schengen on a tolerance visa?

Usually no. Tolerance visas are typically restricted to Czech territory unless explicitly authorized. Bridging visas may allow re-entry, but confirm with MOI.

Czech Bridging Visas: Legal Framework & Practical Guide

In Czech immigration practice, “bridging visas” are not an officially recognized concept, but the term commonly refers to two key mechanisms for non-EU nationals:

Fiction of Residence (Fikce Pobytu) – Automatic legal stay while your new or renewed permit application is pending.
Tolerance Visa (Vízum za Účelem Strpění Pobytu) – For humanitarian or procedural exceptions, formally coded D/SD/91 or D/VS/91.

Both tools help foreign residents avoid illegal stay and maintain legal continuity during permit transitions or administrative delays. This guide explains their legal foundations, application processes, and practical tips to safeguard your Czech residence status.

1. Legal Foundations of Bridging Mechanisms

The Fiction of Residence (Fikce Pobytu)

Under Section 168 of Act No. 326/1999 Coll. (the Aliens Act), if you apply for a new or extended residence permit before your current permit expires, you automatically benefit from the fikce pobytu (“legal fiction of residence”). This effectively continues your existing rights (work authorization, healthcare, etc.) until authorities issue a final decision.

Automatic Coverage: No separate application if you submit a complete request on time.
No Physical Document: Fikce pobytu is not a visa sticker—people often lack proof for employers or travel.

To solve that documentation gap, the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) may issue a bridging visa if you need physical evidence of legal stay—particularly for re-entry into Czechia or to show employers.

Tolerance Visa (Vízum za Účelem Strpění Pobytu)

Distinct from fikce pobytu, the tolerance visa (D/SD/91 or D/VS/91) is governed by Section 33 of the Aliens Act. It applies to those who:

Cannot Leave due to medical, humanitarian, or conflict-related obstacles.
Are Witnesses/Victims in ongoing criminal proceedings.
Appeal a Permit Revocation and request suspension of removal.

Tolerance visas typically last up to one year, extendable as long as the underlying reasons persist. They often restrict work unless specifically authorized by MOI.

2. Eligibility & Application Procedures

Bridging Visa Requirements

People informally call it a bridging visa when fikce pobytu isn’t enough to prove legal status—especially for travel or certain employment checks. You must:

Submit a Main Application (permit extension or new status) before your current permit expires.
Request the Bridging Visa in person at an MOI office if you need a visa sticker.
Bring your application receipt, valid passport, health insurance, and ~300 CZK for the administrative fee.
MOI typically issues it on-site, valid for the expected processing time (usually 30–90 days).

For an official overview, see the Czech government’s Bridging Visa resource . It explains how a bridging visa can help you leave the Czech Republic and return without losing your ongoing application.

Tolerance Visa Application Steps

Apply at MOI Office – Complete the Tolerance Visa form and show your passport, biometric photo, proof of impediment (medical reports, police case, etc.).
Pay 300 CZK Fee – For initial issuance or renewal.
Processing ~30 Days – If approved, you get a D/SD/91 visa sticker. For humanitarian cases (e.g., Ukrainian conflict), special extensions may apply automatically.

3. Duration, Extensions, and Rights

Bridging Visa Validity

Standard: 30–60 days, extendable if your main application is still in progress.
Complex Cases: Up to 180 days for appeals or administrative reviews.
Travel Caution: If you leave and your bridging visa expires, you risk losing the continuity of your pending application. Always confirm re-entry permission before traveling.

Tolerance Visa Duration

Usually 6 months initial validity, extendable up to 1 year if the barrier persists.
Recent policies automatically extend certain visas (e.g., for Ukrainians under Government Resolutions).

Employment & Healthcare Access

Bridging Visa: Retains the work rights from your prior permit (e.g., Employee Card holders continue working).
Tolerance Visa: May require separate MOI approval for work. Often limited unless tied to a humanitarian rationale.
All bridging/tolerance holders must keep health insurance valid (public or private) to avoid coverage lapses.

4. Common Challenges & Policy Updates

Late Applications

Applying after your permit expires disqualifies you from fikce pobytu or bridging. This can lead to illegal stay fines (up to 50,000 CZK) and possible entry bans.

Travel Misconceptions

Bridging Visa: While it often allows re-entry, confirm validity if traveling outside Czech Republic.
Tolerance Visa: Typically restricts international travel unless specifically noted. Departing may invalidate your residency claim.

Work Authorization Gaps

Employers sometimes misread bridging visas as new work permits. Actually, bridging extends your original authorization; you must show the old permit + bridging sticker + MOI confirmation letter.

Recent Policy Developments

Automatic Tolerance Extensions for Ukrainians: Under EU Directive 2022/382, Czech authorities extended certain D/SD/91 visas to 31 March 2025.
Online Status Tracking: Since 2024, check MOI ePortal or VFS Global portals for real-time updates on bridging or tolerance visa status.

5. FAQs: Bridging Visas & Tolerance Visas in Czech Republic

Can I switch employers during a bridging period?: Yes, if your original permit allowed it. Confirm updated employment details with MOI to avoid unauthorized work issues.
Does a bridging visa guarantee my main application will be approved?: No. If your application is denied, bridging status ends, and you must depart immediately.
Is there a separate fee for bridging visas?: Yes, around 300 CZK for the visa sticker. Tolerance visa applications also cost ~300 CZK for initial or renewal issuance.
Can I travel freely in Schengen on a tolerance visa?: Usually no. Tolerance visas are often restricted to Czech territory unless explicitly authorized. Bridging visas may allow re-entry, but confirm with MOI before traveling.

Need Help Staying Legal in Czechia?

Maintaining legal status between permit expirations can be stressful. Our team assists with bridging visa applications, tolerance visas, and ensuring timely filing so you never risk illegal stay. We also guide you on travel limitations, health insurance, and employer communication.