Work permits and visas in the Czech Republic: an employer’s guide

Companies who want to hire employees or relocate existing team members to the Czech Republic must make sure they have the correct work permits and visas before they legally work in the country.

Labor regulations, immigration laws, and tax rules in the Czech Republic can be complex to navigate. Without a proper understanding of these employment laws, businesses run the risk of legal or financial problems.

That’s why many companies choose to hire abroad using an employer of record (EOR) service. An EOR typically helps businesses hire, pay, and manage employees in compliance with local laws so that they don't have to worry about sorting out onboarding procedures, payroll, taxes, benefits, and other HR processes.

In this article, we explain the work permits and visa process in the Czech Republic. We’ll also explain how an EOR like Remote can help you hire or relocate employees to the Czech Republic quickly and compliantly. 

The importance of immigration compliance in the Czech Republic

The rise of remote work and digital nomadism has led governments to be more vigilant about enforcing immigration restrictions. In many countries, it’s illegal for digital nomads or remote workers to work on tourist visas. 

In the Czech Republic, an individual who does not get the relevant visa or overstays their visa, may be deported or banned from entering the country again. Employers may‌ face substantial fines or have future visa applications denied. Working with an EOR can ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

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Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic allows European Union (EU) citizens to enter the country with a passport. Visitors who are not EU nationals must get a visa to work in the Czech Republic. These individuals must also have a valid passport, medical insurance, and proof of having at least 42 EUR for each day of the visit.

If EU residents intend to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, they must get a long-term visa. Individuals from outside the EU may be eligible for an EU Blue Card, allowing them to work in the Czech Republic for a maximum of two years (more on this below).

Non-EU citizens may get a short-term visa or an employee card, which allows them to work in the country for over 90 days.

How is the Schengen visa applicable?

The Czech Republic is in the Schengen zone, which means that employees who are citizens of other Schengen zone countries may enter and stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days using a Schengen visa.

The Schengen visa allows tourists to stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or other reasons. To live and work in the Czech Republic beyond this period, nationals from EU member states may have to apply for a visa or permit. 

How is the European Union Blue Card applicable?

The European Blue Card, also known as the EU Blue Card, is a work permit and residence permit for individuals who are not from the EU or European Economic Area (EEA). The EU Blue Card is supported by 25 European nations, including the Czech Republic.

The EU Blue Card allows highly-qualified individuals who are not from the EU to enter EU countries to work. Candidates for the Blue Card must have certain qualifications, such as a college degree, a high income, and an active employment agreement to work in the Czech Republic.

What are the eligibility requirements for a work visa in the Czech Republic?

In addition to the visas available for EU and EEA citizens, there are several types of visas to enter and stay in the Czech Republic, including for airport transit, employment, business, education, family visits, sports, culture, and for acquiring a residence permit.

Digital nomads wishing to enter the Czech Republic for a short duration can get a short-term or Schengen visa which allows them entry for up to 90 days. Those wishing to stay longer than 90 days can get a long-term visa.

Applicants should apply in person for short or long-term visas at an embassy and be ready to have their photographs taken. Applicants must include with their application certain documents proving proof of funds, medical insurance, employment contract, and other documents listed in the following sections.

If the applicant does not know the Czech language and does not have an interpreter, may pose a health or security threat, does not fulfill the stated purpose of the visit, or does not meet the requirements of the visa, the government may refuse the visa application.

What are the long-stay visa types in the Czech Republic?

Long-term visa

A long-term visa, also known as a Type-D visa, is a long-stay visa that allows for stays over 90 days. The maximum duration of a long-term stay is one year.

Employee card

An employee card is a permit for employment longer than 90 days and is a work permit and residence permit combined. It is intended for employees who have a job offer from an employer.

Special work visa

A special work visa is a long-term visa that allows for stays over 90 days. The maximum duration of a long-term stay is one year. This visa is only issued if the Czech government deems it necessary to issue this visa.

How do you get a work visa for the Czech Republic?

There is a government website with a list of application forms, some of which are available in several languages, that can be downloaded and filled in for a:

• Long-term visa

• Employee card

• EU Blue Card

• Long-term residence permit

• Temporary residence permit for EU citizens and their families

• Permanent residence

Short-term visa

To get a short-term visa for employment, an application can be given in person at a consulate or visa center between six months and 15 days before the trip.

Applications should include:

• Passport

• Photo

• Fingerprints

• Purpose of stay document

• Employment agreement

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of financial means

• Fee

Long-term visa

An application for a long-term visa should be submitted in person at a Czech embassy in the applicant’s home country.

The documents that should go along with the application include:

• Original travel document

• Photograph

• Proof of accommodation

• Background check

• Purpose of the stay

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Document proving good health

• Application fee, if required

The embassy may require an interview, and photographs and fingerprints to be taken.

Employee card

An application for an employee card should be made in person at an embassy.

The documents that should go along with the application include:

• Original travel document

• Photograph

• Proof of accommodation

• Employment contract

• Diploma or other qualifications

• Document proving employment with a regulated occupation

• Travel medical insurance

• Application fee, if required

Special work visa

To apply for a special work visa to stay in the Czech Republic for over 90 days, applications should be sent, along with supporting documents, to a Czech embassy.

The documents that should go along with the application include:

• Original travel document

• Photograph

• Proof of accommodation

• Background check

• Document proving good health

• Application fee, if required

Long-term residence

Employees who want to relocate to the Czech Republic or stay longer than a year. In that case, employees can apply for a long-term residence permit. 

What is the process for employee work visa sponsorship in the Czech Republic?

Employers in the Czech Republic must get work visas for employees for them to legally work in the country. By sponsoring an employee, the company assures the government that they are hiring someone who will be able to live and work in the Czech Republic.

Remote can help employees get the appropriate work permits and work visas, and handle sponsorship and onboarding. 

Learn more about relocation for international employees by checking out our informative webinar. 

What are the visa requirements for digital nomads in the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic does not have a visa specifically for digital nomads.

But those who want to live and work in the Czech Republic for up to and beyond 90 days can apply for a short-term visa, long-term visa, or residence permit as required.

How Remote makes compliance in the Czech Republic so much easier

Relocation can be stressful for both the individual and the company. The rules around immigration, visas, and work permits while hiring in the Czech Republic can be complex.

With Remote, on board, hiring or relocating employees abroad becomes simple.

Remote can help your company with visas, immigration, international payroll, and benefits, among other things. Our team of employment experts can help you comply with labor and immigration laws during the relocation process. Remote can help you:

• Understand immigration and visa requirements and help with employee work visa sponsorship

• Maintain compliance with labor laws and international tax rules

• Minimize permanent establishment risks.

Download Remote’s Relocation Guide to learn how businesses can ensure an efficient and hassle-free employee relocation. Or contact one of our Mobility specialists to chat through your options and learn more about employee relocation today! 

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