Nostrification in the Czech Republic: Recognising Foreign University Degrees

JUDr. Jakub Dohnal, Ph.D., LL.M.
JUDr. Jakub Dohnal, Ph.D., LL.M.
6.5.2026 | ARROWS law firm

If you have a university degree from abroad and want to work in the Czech Republic, in many cases you will encounter the requirement to have it nostrified—i.e., officially recognised as equivalent to a Czech degree. This is an administrative procedure that is often made more difficult by bureaucracy, uncertainty about the required documents, and deadlines that many entrepreneurs or specialists underestimate. In this article, we will show how nostrification works in practice, what to watch out for, and how to avoid unnecessary delays or rejection. The lawyers at ARROWS, a Prague-based law firm, can assist you throughout the entire process.

The illustrative image shows a lawyer consulting on the recognition of a foreign diploma.

Nostrification is an administrative procedure that you must initiate at a specific Czech public university, which you choose yourself. For applicants who are not citizens of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation, it is subject to a fee of CZK 3,000 (plus the costs of translations and official certification of documents). The procedure usually takes 2 to 6 months.

With the application, you must submit the original or an officially certified copy of your diploma, the diploma supplement (the so-called Diploma Supplement) and other supporting documents proving the content and scope of your education. Without these documents, successful nostrification is practically impossible.

The proceedings may be suspended by ordering a nostrification exam if the content of your education “differs substantially” from the Czech equivalent. The exam is then taken at the university, and its result determines whether you succeed.

Recognition of a diploma is not automatically recognition of an academic title – nostrification gives you a legal entitlement for your qualification to be treated as equivalent, but for the official use of the title or its entry in an ID card you must also meet additional requirements.

What nostrification is and why you will need it in the Czech Republic

Nostrification is administrative proceedings whose purpose is to assess whether your foreign university diploma is comparable in content and scope to Czech education at the same level. It is not merely an administrative acknowledgement – it is a state decision that your level of education meets the required standards. Without it, you may be able to “use” the title based on the original diploma, but for many practical situations – entry in an ID card, professional recognition, access to regulated positions – you cannot manage without nostrification.

Many entrepreneurs or professionals underestimate how complex this procedure can be. They think it is enough to bring a diploma, pay the fee, and that’s it. In reality, however, it is a legally codified process with many gaps and pitfalls.

Czech higher education is governed by Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions and the Administrative Procedure Code. The attorneys at ARROWS advokátní kancelář are well versed in these regulations and know how to proceed efficiently.

Individuals who completed higher education abroad often have little choice. Nostrification is essential if they want to work in the Czech Republic in positions where formal recognition of a university qualification is required, or if they intend to use their academic title officially.

Companies hiring employees with foreign university qualifications also often require proof of nostrification. Without it, you risk being denied access to certain professions, or your employer may not accept your qualification as meeting employment-law requirements under Czech legislation.

When nostrification is mandatory and when it is optional

Nostrification is not equally urgent for everyone – it depends on your plans in the Czech Republic. If you want to work as an employee in a standard position without licensing requirements, a strict obligation to obtain nostrification may not be immediately relevant. The law does not explicitly state that an employer must require nostrification – only that your diploma must be recognised if it concerns a regulated profession.

However, nostrification is mandatory without exception if you want to:

  • Have your academic title entered in your Czech ID card or another document. Entry of the title is substantively tied to prior nostrification.
  • Undergo professional recognition (e.g., lawyer, doctor, engineer, auditor) – here, even specialists from EU Member States cannot dispense with nostrification. For third-country nationals, nostrification is additionally a prerequisite for filing an application for professional recognition at all.
  • Prove your education in regulated professions – e.g., in ,  or other state-supervised fields.
  • Set up a company or be registered as an entrepreneur in certain sectors where the law requires proof of formal qualifications.

Even so, there is room for pragmatism: if you work in an international company or for a foreign employer, nostrification is sometimes dealt with later, when an audit or a change of position occurs. Many foreigners work in the Czech Republic with a diploma without nostrification precisely because their employer does not require it.

However, this is a risky strategy. It may happen that a public authority later requires recognition of your qualification for the performance of a certain activity, or that your employer requires it in the event of a change of position or an audit. This can lead to the need to address nostrification under time pressure and potentially to restrictions on practising your profession.

Most common questions about time limits

1. Is there any deadline by which I must file an application for nostrification? The law does not define a “hard deadline” – you can file it at any time. However, if you are already employed and your employer requests it later, you may face time pressure. It is better to address it proactively when you do not feel under pressure.

2. How long does it take to receive a decision? Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions, does not set an explicit time limit for universities to issue a nostrification decision, and the general time limits under the Administrative Procedure Code do not apply in these proceedings. However, the university is obliged to act without undue delay. In practice, a period of 60 to 120 days is expected for a standard case without an exam. If the university orders a nostrification exam, expect an additional 30 to 60 days depending on the university’s current workload.

3. Can I choose any university, or do I have to apply to a specific one? You have flexibility, but the university must offer a programme similar in content to the one you completed abroad. If you studied law, you cannot choose a university with a healthcare programme. The attorneys at ARROWS can help you choose the right university for your qualification.

Who decides on nostrification and where to arrange it

Nostrification of university education is always handled by a specific Czech public university that you choose. It is not a centralised agenda handled by a ministry – each university has its own agenda and procedures. This is important to bear in mind because processing times and approaches may differ. Some universities have a dedicated department for nostrification, while others handle it more ad hoc.

From a legal perspective, decisions on recognition (nostrification) are governed by Sections 89 and 90 of Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions, which means that the university proceeds under the Administrative Procedure Code and issues a standard administrative decision – against which you may file an appeal. The appellate authority is the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MŠMT).

In practice, you proceed as follows: You find a public university in the Czech Republic that offers a study programme comparable in content to yours. This university will be the “administrative authority” in the proceedings on your recognition (nostrification).

You submit an application to it with all mandatory attachments. The university will assess your application and will either issue a decision recognising it, order an examination, or reject the application.

There are exceptions to this general rule: If you completed education in the field of the military or security services, you submit the application not to a university but directly to the Ministry of Defence or the Ministry of the Interior. The decision-making process there is separate.

The fact is that the course of the proceedings and the accuracy of communication from universities vary. Some universities are very professional and accommodating; others are reluctant and slow. The attorneys from ARROWS, a Prague-based law firm, know the individual universities and understand how to communicate with them effectively – which can save you weeks.

Which documents you must submit with the application: a practical checklist

You cannot manage without the correct documents. The university will often provide you with a list, but even such lists contain errors or vague wording. Here is a realistic overview of what you need to prepare:

Original or certified copy of the diploma

The diploma must be physically available – either the original or an officially certified copy. Official certification is performed by a notary, an authority, or a consulate and confirms that the transcript or photocopy is a true copy of the original.

If your diploma is issued in a foreign language, it is usually necessary to submit it with an official translation into Czech, and its authenticity (and the authenticity of the diploma supplement) must be verified by an apostille or superlegalisation (see below).

Note: If you only have an uncertified photocopy at home, the university may accept it on the condition that you later submit the original or a notarised certified copy. It is better to have an officially certified copy from the outset and avoid complications.

Diploma supplement (Diploma Supplement)

This is the most important attachment, and many applicants underestimate it. The Diploma Supplement contains detailed information on which courses you studied, how many credits you obtained, at what level, what your exam results were, etc. Without this information, the university cannot professionally assess whether your diploma corresponds to the Czech equivalent.

In international practice, such a document is referred to as a “Transcript of Academic Records”, “Detailed curriculum”, “Diploma Supplement”, “Annex to the diploma”, or similar – the term varies by country. If you do not have it, you must request it from your original foreign school.

This is often a problem especially for graduates from the pre-Soviet era or from lower levels of education – the school may no longer exist, or it may no longer issue it. The attorneys from ARROWS can help you address such obstacles.

Translation of documents into Czech

All foreign-language documents must be translated into Czech, and the translation must be prepared by an authorised translator (court-appointed interpreter).

This means a translator who is registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic or has an equivalent status in the country where they operate. An amateur translation is not sufficient. The cost is usually CZK 500–2,000 per translation depending on the length of the document.

Superlegalisation (legalisation of documents)

If there is no international treaty between the Czech Republic and the country in which the university is located on mutual recognition of documents, so-called superlegalisation is required. This is verification of the authenticity of signatures and stamp imprints on the diploma and the diploma supplement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the state where the university is located, or by the relevant diplomatic mission in the Czech Republic.

In practice: If you have a diploma from an EU Member State or from a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, an apostille is sufficient (a simple stamp from the competent authority in the country of origin).

If you have a diploma from another country, the situation becomes more complicated – you must arrange legalisation through the Czech embassy or consulate in that state, which is often paperwork that takes weeks.

Written power of attorney if you are represented

If you are represented by an authorised representative (e.g., an attorney from ARROWS), you must submit the original or an officially certified copy of a written power of attorney. The power of attorney must clearly authorise the representative to act on your behalf in the recognition (nostrification) proceedings.

Most common questions on preparing and verifying documents

1. How and where do I arrange a translation of my diploma? Contact an authorised translator (court-appointed interpreter) – you can find the list on the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic. The translation must include the court interpreter’s certification clause. The price varies depending on the length and complexity of the text. The attorneys from ARROWS also work with multilingual translators and can help you choose the right one.

2. What is an apostille and how do I obtain it? An apostille is a simplified form of authentication of a document for use in countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. If your country of origin is a signatory to this convention, you only need to request an apostille from the competent authority (usually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Justice) in the country where the diploma was issued. The application can often be submitted online. It usually takes 1–3 weeks.

3. If we have a diploma from a divided country or from a state that no longer exists – what do we do in such a case? This is complicated. If you have a diploma, for example, from the USSR, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, or from divided countries, the university must handle it on an individual basis. Proof of so-called “legal succession” will be required – i.e., that the relevant new state is responsible for education documents issued by the original state. Legal consultation is essential here. The attorneys from ARROWS have encountered such cases and know how to proceed.

Submission process: how to file the application step by step

Submitting the application itself is a simple step, but the preparation described above is time-consuming. Once you have all documents ready, the procedure is as follows:

Selecting a university

You find a public university that has an accredited study programme comparable in content to yours. Although this sounds simple, in practice it is not – Czech universities have thousands of programmes and specialisations. If you have a law degree, you need a university with a law study programme.

If you specialise specifically in international commercial law, a university with a law programme is usually sufficient, but sometimes the university may interpret that your programme was too specific and that it does not have the same specialisation.

Determining the university’s exact requirements

Each university may define formal and substantive requirements for recognition (nostrification) within the given field. You will usually find “information for applicants for recognition (nostrification)” or a similar heading on its website.

Review it – the university will state whether it requires originals, photocopies, how to apply (by post, email, in person), what its response time limit is, etc.

Preparing a complete application

With your application, you will prepare:

  • The application form (usually provided by the university)
  • The original diploma or a certified copy
  • The original or a certified copy of the Diploma Supplement
  • A translation of all foreign-language documents by an authorised translator (court interpreter)
  • An apostille or superlegalisation, if required
  • A written power of attorney, if you will be represented
  • A photocopy of an identity document (passport or ID card) to identify the applicant, if requested by the university.
Who can you turn to?

Submitting the application

You can submit the application in two ways:

In writing – send the printed documents by post to the address of the selected administrative authority (the university) as registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt. You can expect the university to physically receive and process the documents within 1–2 weeks.

Electronically – many universities now also accept digital submissions. You can send scanned documents by email to the university department handling the matter, or directly to its registry office via a data box (datová schránka). Electronic submission is usually faster and the merits are typically addressed immediately.

Important: Once the university confirms receipt of your application (formally or informally), its obligation to act without undue delay begins. The university will take your application for expert review and decide whether it meets the requirements or whether an exam is needed.

Waiting for the result: What happens in the meantime

The university has received your application. It is now handled by the nostrification or equivalence department, which will review your documentation. The university will focus on whether:

  • Your education is at the same level as the Czech equivalent (Bachelor’s, Master’s programme, etc.).
  • The content and scope of your studies correspond to the Czech standard for the given field.
  • Any key subjects are missing that all study programmes in the Czech Republic require in the given field.

If everything matches, the university will issue a decision recognising your qualification as equivalent without additional conditions. You are all set.

If the university sees that your programme differs in some respects (for example, you are missing a certain number of credits or you did not study a subject that is mandatory in the Czech Republic), it will order a nostrification exam. You will learn about this in a notice sent by the university.

If the university believes that your diploma differs substantially from the Czech equivalent, it will issue a decision rejecting the application. This is the worst-case scenario, but it does happen occasionally.

The nostrification process involves specific risks that may lead to rejection, delays, or additional costs:

Possible issues

How ARROWS helps (office@arws.cz)

Incomplete or incorrectly certified documents (e.g., missing apostille, the translation is not authorised, copies are not officially certified) – the university will request that deficiencies be remedied, which extends the proceedings by weeks or months.

ARROWS attorneys will review all your documents before submission and advise you exactly what is required and where to obtain it. You will avoid time-consuming back-and-forth with the university.

Choosing an unsuitable university (you choose a university that does not have a comparable programme and your application is returned with a recommendation to choose another) – further delays and uncertainty.

We will advise you which university to choose based on your qualification and field composition. We have experience with different universities and their procedures.

Ordering a nostrification exam – the university believes your programme differs from the Czech equivalent and you must pass an exam; failing the exam means rejection.

We will prepare you for the exam content, review Czech legal terminology and practice with you, and increase your chances of success. We can also arrange supporting legal opinions to strengthen your case.

Negative decision by the university (the university claims your programme differs substantially and rejects your application without the option of an exam) – in such a case you must file an appeal, which is a much more complex procedure.

In the event of a negative decision, we will assist you in the appeal proceedings before the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic. We will prepare the legal arguments and detailed supporting documentation explaining why the decision should be overturned.

University delays (the university takes your application but does not respond for months, does not request the necessary supplements, does not communicate) – unnecessary waiting and stress.

We will formally follow up with the university and communicate with it on your behalf as your legal representatives. The university will take the matter more seriously if you are represented by an attorney.

Nostrification exam: How to prepare

If the university orders a nostrification exam, it is a signal that it sees certain differences between your programme and the Czech standard. The exam may also be ordered if the content and scope of your studies are not entirely clear from your Diploma Supplement.

A nostrification exam is not the same as a standard student exam. It is a specific procedure focused on whether you have equivalent knowledge in the areas where your education differs.

The university will usually select 1–3 subjects or topics that are critical for the given field, and you will be examined in them.

How the exam is organised

The university will issue an order to conduct the nostrification exam with a timetable. It will usually also provide a list of topics or recommended literature so you know what to study. The exam usually consists of:

  • A written part – e.g., an essay or answers to questions.
  • An oral part – a debate or discussion with a member of the committee.
  • A combined part – both.

The exam takes place at the university where you submit your application. The period between the order and the exam itself is usually 2–4 weeks, but it varies.

Practical preparation

The best way to prepare is through self-study based on the recommended reading list. If possible, contact the university to ask whether it can lend you textbooks or study materials used in the field. Many universities allow this today.

ARROWS attorneys can arrange a specialist in the field to prepare you. If the exam concerns legal topics (e.g., Czech legal systems), we can organise consultations to go through Czech legal practice with you that you may not have studied abroad.

What happens if you pass or fail the exam

If you pass the nostrification exam, the university will issue a decision recognising your qualification as equivalent. The exam thus becomes part of the proceedings and is not an “additional test” – passing it successfully automatically concludes the proceedings with a positive outcome.

If you fail, the university will issue a decision rejecting your application for nostrification. You can then file a complaint – but it is better to prepare thoroughly to avoid failure.

Most frequently asked questions about the nostrification exam and preparation

1. How much time do I have to prepare for the nostrification exam? The university will usually give you 2–4 weeks. That is not a very long time, so it is a good idea to have the required literature in advance. ARROWS attorneys can help you navigate Czech-language materials and the application of Czech law, if the field is law.

2. Can I prepare for the nostrification exam with an external professor or tutor? Yes, this is not prohibited. The university generally accepts that you prepare externally. What matters is that you master the knowledge yourself and are able to discuss it without assistance.

3. What happens if, for health reasons, I do not attend the exam and cannot take it? Contact the university and request a change of date. This is common. The university will usually grant it—but do not expect endless postponements to be tolerated. ARROWS attorneys can help you communicate with the university to reach a reasonable solution.

How long the procedure takes and what happens after the decision

Nostrification is not an express procedure. Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions, does not set an explicit deadline for universities to issue a nostrification decision, and the general time limits under the Administrative Procedure Code do not apply in these proceedings.

However, the university is obliged to act without undue delay. In practice, a period of 60 to 120 days from filing the application to issuing the decision is commonly expected if no exam is ordered. If an exam is ordered, add another 30 to 60 days depending on the preparation period and the exam itself.

If the university is slow, it may still not be in breach of the law—the law does not measure the time in specific days. This is frustrating for an ordinary applicant, but it is the reality. That is why it is often useful to have legal support that follows up with the university and knows what requests to expedite the process are justified.

When you will receive the decision

The decision will be delivered to you in writing (in physical form or via a data box). You must collect it in person or you will receive it by post. The moment of collection or receipt is legally significant—from that point, the time limit for any appeal starts running (usually 30 days).

The decision will include:

  • The operative part (recording what was decided—recognition or rejection).
  • Reasoning (an explanation of why the university decided this way).
  • Information on the right to appeal (how and where to appeal if you disagree).
What to do next with the decision: Practical consequences

If you receive a positive decision (a decision on recognition), you are legally guaranteed that your diploma is equivalent to a Czech one. You can now, with this decision:

  • Register your academic title in your ID card—if you want to use it officially. This is handled at  in your municipality. However, entering a title in an ID card is governed by different rules—it does not depend only on nostrification, but also on what title you hold and whether it can be classified among Czech titles eligible for entry.
  • Undergo professional recognition (if your profession is regulated (lawyer, doctor, auditor, construction site manager, engineer, etc.). Nostrification is the first step; professional recognition is a further, separate procedure with the relevant .
  • Prove your education in employment—without concern. Your diploma is legally recognized and the employer must accept it as an equivalent.

If you receive a negative decision (rejection of the application), you have the right to appeal to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

The appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the decision and should include detailed arguments as to why you believe your education is nevertheless equivalent.

In the appeal proceedings, the ministry may annul the decision and return the matter to the university for reconsideration, or it may invite you to an oral hearing. In such a case, ARROWS attorneys will provide legal representation and prepare the arguments for the appeal proceedings.

Costs and financial support: How much nostrification costs

Nostrification has several cost components.

Administrative fee

The main item is an administrative fee of CZK 3,000, paid to the university for filing an application for recognition of foreign higher education and qualifications under Section 12(1)(k) of Act No. 634/2004 Coll., on Administrative Fees.

However, it is important to emphasize that applicants who are citizens of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation are exempt from this fee under Section 90a of Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions.

Document translations

A certified translation of the diploma and the Diploma Supplement usually costs CZK 500 to CZK 2,000 depending on length and the language pair (e.g., translation from English is cheaper, from Asian languages more expensive).

Verification of documents and superlegalization

Official certification of a copy by a notary or an authority costs approximately CZK 100–300 per copy. Superlegalization (legalization via an embassy) can be more expensive—depending on the country, it is typically CZK 1,000 to CZK 5,000.

Interpreter services

In the case of the applicant’s specific language needs, for example when communicating with authorities or in other justified cases, it may be necessary to arrange the services of a court interpreter. Costs range from hundreds to several thousand Czech crowns per hour, depending on the language and the complexity of the interpreting.

Total budget

Total costs range from CZK 3,000 (administrative fee only, without translations, for applicants outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland) up to CZK 10,000–12,000 in more complex cases (translations, legalization, and possibly legal advice). For applicants from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, costs are lower and cover only translations, verification, etc.

Financial support from the Labour Office

An interesting point is that in some cases you may have part of the costs funded by the Labour Office (ÚP). As part of its programmes supporting integration into the labour market, the Labour Office may reimburse nostrification fees, including the costs of translations and legalization.

The specific amount of the contribution and the conditions vary depending on current projects and the applicant’s individual situation, and must be verified directly with the Labour Office. Usually, however, this is support that can cover a significant part of these costs.

To be eligible for reimbursement, you must meet the project conditions—typically you must be a foreign national and a client of the Labour Office, and you must demonstrate that nostrification is necessary for you to start work corresponding to your qualifications.

It is not automatic for everyone—the Labour Office assesses it individually. ARROWS attorneys can help you prepare the supporting documents for the Labour Office so that your contribution is approved.

Practical mistakes to avoid

Based on the experience of ARROWS attorneys, the same misconceptions repeatedly occur that entrepreneurs and specialists make:

Mistake 1: Underestimating verification and legalization

Many people think that a photocopy of a diploma that they scan at home will be sufficient. It is not. The university accepts only an officially certified copy or the original.

Tips: Arrange for official certification by a notary, at an authority office, or at a consulate in advance—not only after the university rejects your application.

Mistake 2: Choosing the wrong university

Many people choose a university that does not offer a substantively comparable programme. For example, law graduates choose a university with a healthcare programme, or engineering graduates choose law schools. The university then returns the application, stating that they should choose a different one.

Tips: Consult your choice of university with an ARROWS attorney who is familiar with Czech higher education.

Mistake 3: Incomplete or incorrectly translated documents

A foreign-language Diploma Supplement that you “translate” yourself or have translated by an unqualified person may not be accepted by the university. The translation must be certified (by a court-appointed translator).

Tips: Order a translation from a certified translator already at the preparation stage—it will not cost much and will save you trouble.

Mistake 4: Delaying when an exam is ordered

If the university orders a nostrification exam, it is not a “no”, but a “yes, but with an exam”. Many people panic at that point and never return to the process. The exam is manageable if you prepare properly.

Tips: If you see that an exam is being ordered, contact an ARROWS attorney and prepare for it with a specialist.

Mistake 5: Not filing an appeal after the application is rejected

A negative decision is not the end. You have the right to appeal. Many people are not aware of this right and give up. An appeal makes sense, especially if you believe the university assessed the content of your programme incorrectly.

Tips: If your application is rejected, contact an ARROWS attorney immediately—you have 30 days to file an appeal.

Once you have nostrification, it is not automatically “done”. Depending on your profession and goals, further steps may follow.

Professional recognition

If you work in a regulated profession (lawyer, doctor, auditor, site manager, engineer, etc.), nostrification is only the first step.

The next step is professional recognition—i.e., an application to the relevant professional chamber (e.g., the Czech Bar Association for lawyers, the Czech Medical Chamber for doctors) for authorisation to practise the given profession in the Czech Republic.

Professional recognition has its specifics and may require proof of practice, language skills, aptitude exams, etc. ARROWS attorneys can also guide you through the professional recognition process.

Entering your academic title in your ID card

Even if you have nostrification, it does not automatically mean you can have your academic title entered in your ID card. This entry is governed by different rules and has its own procedural and substantive requirements. You must apply for the entry at the registry office. Please verify the details with the registry office of your municipality.

Employment law and employers

If you want to work as an employee, nostrification enables your employer to recognise you as a person with a university education.

If you want to do business or set up your own company and your profession requires it, you usually need to meet not only the nostrification requirements, but also professional recognition and registration with the relevant chamber or register.

Final summary

Nostrification is an administrative procedure intended to align your foreign higher-education qualification with Czech standards. It is not merely a formal process—it involves many potential difficulties, from choosing the wrong university and incomplete documents to an ordered exam and possible rejection.

That is why it is sensible to approach it with legal advice.

The process usually takes 2 to 6 months and, for applicants who are not citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, it involves an administrative fee of CZK 3,000 (plus the costs of translations and certifications).

Applicants from the EU/EEA/Switzerland are exempt from the administrative fee. If everything is in order, the procedure ends with a positive decision.

However, without this decision you cannot formally enter your academic title, you will not progress in certain regulated professions, and you risk an employer raising the issue later or administrative authorities questioning it.

Attorneys from ARROWS, a Prague-based law firm, can help you at every step: from choosing the university, preparing documents, communicating with the university, preparing for the exam, to filing an appeal if the application is rejected.

If you would like advice or want the entire process prepared professionally, please contact us at office@arws.cz.

Frequently asked questions about nostrification

1. Is nostrification mandatory, or can I do without it?
Nostrification is not unconditionally mandatory in some situations—if you work for an employer who does not require it, you can “do without it”. However, the law requires it if you want to: register your academic title in your ID card, undergo professional recognition in a regulated profession, work in certain state or public positions, or if it is later required by a public authority. If you are unsure, contact us at office@arws.cz—we will advise you whether it is necessary in your situation.

2. Which university should I choose?
You must choose a public university that has an accredited study programme that is substantively comparable to yours. If you have a law degree, choose a university with a law programme; if it is law with an economics specialisation, a university law programme can usually handle this type as well. If you are not sure, contact the university by email and ask whether it accepts your qualification for nostrification. ARROWS attorneys can help you navigate this—contact office@arws.cz.

3. How long does it take to receive a decision?
Act No. 111/1998 Coll. does not set a specific deadline for universities to issue a decision. In practice, you should expect 60 to 120 days from submitting the application. If an exam is ordered, add another 30 to 60 days. However, it is important to know that the university is obliged to act without undue delay, and the general time limits under the Administrative Procedure Code do not apply in these proceedings. If the university delays longer, you can file a complaint about inactivity with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MŠMT), which is the superior authority. ARROWS attorneys can follow up with the university on your behalf—we have experience that it works better when the follow-up comes from an attorney. Write to us at office@arws.cz.

4. What should I do if a university requires a nostrification exam?
A nostrification exam means that the university sees certain differences between your education and the Czech standard and wants to verify your knowledge. This is not a negative sign—it is a formal procedure. The university will provide you with a list of topics and literature. The best approach is to prepare through self-study or hire a tutor in the relevant field. The attorneys at ARROWS can arrange expert preparation, especially in the legal field. Prepare thoroughly and you will pass the exam—contact us at office@arws.cz.

5. What happens if my application is rejected?
You have the right to file an appeal with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports within 30 days of receiving the rejection. In the appeal proceedings, you can argue why you believe your education is equivalent. The Ministry then decides again and may overturn the university’s decision. In such a case, it is strongly advisable to have legal representation—ARROWS attorneys are experienced in appeal proceedings. Email us at office@arws.cz and we will assess your situation.

6. Can I handle nostrification on my own, or should I hire a lawyer?
You can try to do it yourself—the process itself is not technically demanding. However, ARROWS attorneys can save you time, prevent mistakes, and reduce the risk of rejection thanks to:

  • Reviewing all documents before submission.
  • Selecting the right university.
  • Communicating with the university (follow-ups, supplementing documents).
  • Preparing you for the exam, if it takes place.
  • Legal representation in appeal proceedings if the application is rejected.

The decision is yours—if you have the time and patience and trust yourself, proceed on your own. If you prefer certainty and protection, contact us at office@arws.cz.

Notice: The information contained in this article is of a general informational nature only and is intended for basic guidance on the topic based on the legal situation as of 2026. Although we take the utmost care to ensure accuracy, legal regulations and their interpretation evolve over time. We are ARROWS, a Prague-based law firm registered with the Czech Bar Association (our supervisory authority), and for maximum client protection we maintain professional liability insurance with a limit of CZK 400,000,000. To verify the current wording of regulations and their application to your specific situation, it is necessary to contact ARROWS directly (office@arws.cz). We accept no liability for any damages arising from the independent use of the information in this article without prior individual legal consultation.

Read also: