This permit combines the right to stay in the Czech Republic for up to two years with the authorization to work in a specific job position. In the following lines, you will learn whether an employee card is the right choice for you and what conditions you must meet to obtain it.
Basic Conditions
Who can apply:
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Citizens of third countries, for all types of employment, regardless of qualifications.
Validity period:
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Up to 2 years, depending on the duration of the employment or the work permit.
Holder’s obligations:
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The holder must fulfill the purpose of the stay, report any changes in employer or job position, and apply for a new permit within 60 days of losing their job.
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It is also recommended to regularly check whether the employer is considered unreliable (e.g., has debts to the tax authority).
Advantages:
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The possibility of repeated entry and exit from the Czech Republic, travel within the Schengen Area without a visa, and legal stay and work in the Czech Republic.
Who can apply:
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Holders of long-term visas (except for visas issued for tolerated stay or seasonal employment) or holders of long-term residence permits (except for tolerated stay).
Deadline for application:
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No later than the last day of validity of the current visa or residence permit.
Submitting the Application
Where to apply:
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In the Czech Republic, an application for an employee card can only be submitted at the Ministry of the Interior by a foreigner who holds another long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic at the time of application.
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Other foreigners must apply in person at a Czech embassy or consulate in the country that issued their travel document or where they have had long-term/permanent residence (at least 2 years).
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A list of embassies that accept applications is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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In the EU, the application can only be submitted at the consulate in Dresden.
Fee in the Czech Republic:
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CZK 2,500
Consular fee at the embassy/consulate:
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CZK 5,000, payable in EUR, USD, or the local currency.
Processing time:
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60 days, up to 90 days in more complex cases.
When you can start working:
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Only after your application is approved and you receive confirmation of compliance from the Ministry of the Interior upon arrival in the Czech Republic.
Documents Required for a Successful Employee Card Application:
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Application form (available on the website of the Ministry of the Interior)
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Travel document
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Proof of accommodation
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Photograph
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Proof of employment relationship (e.g., employment contract)
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Proof of the job vacancy number (if not listed in the application)
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Criminal record extract issued by your home country
Upon request also:
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Health clearance certificate
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Criminal record extract for the last 3 years from other countries where you have stayed for more than 6 months
If the position is listed in the central register of job vacancies:
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Proof of professional qualifications for the job
If you have free access to the labor market:
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Proof of free access (e.g., diploma from a Czech university, confirmation of studies at a Czech university)
Fulfilling all the conditions for obtaining an employee card can be very complicated for many foreigners, especially if they do not speak Czech or are unfamiliar with the Czech legal system. I’m happy to help all interested applicants with the preparation of all required documents, finding suitable employment, and securing an appointment for submitting the application.
In many cases, applicants are also required to apply through special programs (e.g., Qualified Employee Program for applicants from Ukraine, Serbia, Moldova, etc.). Clients also often forget to submit proper documentation proving their qualifications or don’t know how to fill in the application form.
If you are interested in my services in this area, I will be happy to arrange a personal or online meeting with you (especially suitable for applicants from abroad), where we will go through the entire process together. I am also ready to represent you until the moment you are issued a biometric card and can start working. Do not hesitate to contact me!