The Czech Republic’s central placement in Europe makes it an attractive location for international employees and businesses. If you’re planning an expansion to the country, you can take advantage of good transportation and infrastructure links. However, you’ll also need to prioritize meeting compliance laws related to Czech Republic work visas and permits.
Types of work visas in the Czech Republic
Citizens from outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland must apply for a Schengen visa before entering the Czech Republic. About 60 states have agreements with the country that allow citizens to stay for up to 90 days as long as the visit isn’t related to employment or business.
The Czech Republic has 2 main visa categories — long-term and short-term Schengen visas. Employees are eligible to apply for either one for employment purposes, but they’ll still need a work permit to stay compliant. The differences between the visas are as follows:
- Short-term: A short-term visa allows holders to stay within the area for no more than 90 days over a 180-day period. This larger category is broken into further visa types depending on the reason for the holder’s visit, such as business, employment, study, or tourism.
- Long-term: Anyone planning on staying in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days needs a long-term Schengen visa. The application process is lengthier and may include an interview at the Czech diplomatic mission where the individual applies.
In addition to these Czech Republic working visas, the country has 2 long-term permits that act as both residence and work permits — the EU Blue Card and the employee card. International employees that will be employed in the Czech Republic for more than 3 months in a position that requires high qualification can apply for an EU Blue Card. Nationals from non-European countries can apply for an employee card if they offer skills and qualifications deemed to be in demand.
Requirements to obtain Czech Republic work visas
Requirements for a Czech Republic working visa depend on the type of visa the employee needs. All Schengen visas require:
- A completed application form
- A passport valid for at least 3 months before departure
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Documents outlining the nature of the applicant’s stay, such as a work permit
- Proof of travel medical insurance
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay
- A criminal record from all countries where the applicant has lived for 6 months or more in the last 3 years
- Proof of financial security
- Payment of visa application fees
Application process
The application process for a Czech Republic work permit rests on both the employer and the employee. International employees can work only in positions where the company couldn’t find any suitable candidates within the Czech Republic or other EU member states.
If the country’s conditions are met, companies can submit a work permit application to the Labor Office in the international employee’s district. Employees must have a work permit before entering the Czech Republic, or employers will be held liable.
For employees to gain work permits, employers must submit the following documents on their behalf:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address in the international worker’s country of permanent residence
- The company’s identification information
- Information about the place, duration, and type of work
- Declaration from the employer saying that they will employ the international worker
- Notarized copies of all academic and professional qualifications
- Payment of the administration fee
Other important considerations
Every non-EU citizen has to register with the Foreign Police Department or at an office of the Ministry of Interior within 3 working days of arriving. Within 30 days, EU citizens and their family members must register their place of stay at their local Foreigners’ Police Inspectorate or an office of the Ministry of Interior.
EU Blue Card holders and prospective employees also need to go to the Ministry of Interior’s Department of Asylum and Migration Policy to provide biometric data within 3 days of arriving.
When hiring EU, EEA, Swiss nationals, or anyone with free access to the labor market, employers are required to notify the relevant Labor Office of the Czech Republic about the commencement of employment.
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For this particular location, G-P may offer support in the processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.