A third-country national who is in possession of a short-stay visa (i.e. a visa for stay up to 90 days) or a long-stay visa (i.e. a visa for stay for over 90 days) cannot during his stay in the Czech Republic change the purpose for which the visa has been issued. If he/she intends to stay on the territory of the Czech Republic for another purpose, he/she is obliged to leave the Czech Republic and apply for a visa for that purpose of stay at a diplomatic mission or consular post of the Czech Republic abroad.

In general, a third-country national is authorised to apply for a change of purpose of his/her stay in the Czech Republic only if he/she is already in possession of a long-term residence permit. However, even in these cases the Alien Act – with regards to the existing purpose of stay - specifies further conditions under which a third-country national may submit such an application (§ 45 of the Alien Act ). The application may be lodged at the Alien Police Inspectorate in charge of place of residence in the Czech Republic.

In this context, it needs to be noted that not fulfilling the purpose of the stay for which a visa or long-term residence permit has been issued may present a reason for cancelling the validity of a visa or long-term residence permit.