Foreigners can obtain theemployee card in Czech Republic if they are interested in arriving here for employment purposes. Our immigration lawyer in Czech Republic can help any person interested in obtaining this immigration document and can present the main requirements one has to comply with.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| What is an employee card in the Czech Republic? | The employee card in the Czech Republic is a work permit that can be obtained by eligible foreign nationals. |
Where to initiate the procedure | The application can be started when the applicant is outside the Czech Republic, but foreigners living in the Czech Republic can also apply for this document. |
Eligible candidates outside the Czech Republic | – those who apply from the country of origin/country that issued their travel document, – those who apply from countries in which they are long-term/permanent residents (minimum residency of at least 2 years must be proven) – at any Czech Republic diplomatic mission (available for certain foreign nationals) |
| Eligible candidates in the Czech Republic | Holders of any type of long-term visa (there are a few exemptions, such as those who hold a long-term seasonal employment visa) and the holders of long-term residency permits |
| What rights it offers? | Residency and employment rights in the Czech Republic, the right of free movement within the Schengen area |
| Type of residency it provides | Long-term residency |
| Responsible authority | Ministry of the Interior |
| How long does it take to process the application? | Standard processing is 60 days, but it can increase to maximum 90 days. |
| Application fee (yes/no) | Yes |
| Who can apply for the employee card? | Eligibile applicants must be foreigners from thrid party countries (outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland). Foreigners can apply for this document regardless of the level of education or qualification. |
| Is it possible to change the employer? | The approval of the Ministry of the Interior is required. |
| Validity of the document | 2 years |
| Renewal (yes/no) | Yes |
| When to initiate the renewal procedure | Within 120 days prior the expiration date of the document. The lastest date when it is acceptable to start the renewal process is the last day of valid residency. |
| How long does it take to obtain a 2nd employee card in the Czech Republic? | Maximum 60 days |
Table of Contents
What is the employee card in Czech Republic?
This immigration document represents a new type of card that is issued for 2 purposes. It provides the right to residency and employment in this country, for work activities which are approved by the Czech authorities.
What are the highlights of the employee card in Czech Republic?
A foreigner can move to Czech Republic for employment through this new immigration document. With regards to the employee card in Czech Republic, foreigners should be aware of the following:
- the document grants the right toimmigration in Czech Republic for 2 years (renewals are available);
- the decision for the issuance of the document can be completed in approximately 60 days or maximum 90 days;
- applications processed through embassies cost CZK 5,000 (paid in the currency of the respective state);
- applications conducted directly through the Ministry of Interior cost CZK 2,500;
- the document can be issued only to those who have an employment contract that require at least 15 hours of work per week.
Who needs to apply for the employee card in Czech Republic?
The document allows the right toimmigrate to Czech Republiconly to those who arrive from third party countries.
Where can a foreigner initiate the procedure?
According to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, the application can start in the following locations:
- the country in which the person has his or her citizenship;
- the country that has issued the person permanent residency.
What documents must I prepare for the application?
If you want to apply for an employee card in Czech Republic, you need to prepare the following documentation:
- the passport;
- the application form for the employee card;
- 2 recent photos;
- biometric data;
- documentation attesting the purpose of stay – in this case, employment (work contracts, work agreements, letters of intent, etc.);
- papers attesting that the applicant has the necessary skills and/or experience for the job of interest;
- proof on the accommodation in Czech Republic;
- a criminal record;
- a travel medical insurance;
- proof of paying the processing fee.
What period of time should the travel medical insurance cover?
While for other visa types, the private insurance needs to be signed for a long period of time (for example, 1 year), in this case, given that the foreigner will work in Czech Republic and pay, from his/her salary, medical services in Czech Republic, the private travel medical insurance should have a validity of only 1 month, until the payment of the first salary is made.
Can I change my employer or my job as a holder of an Employee Card?
The Employee Card is issued for a specific job activity that has been secured with a certain employer. In order to change the employer or the job position, it is mandatory to address the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior. The institution must be formally announced, and the visa holder is required to submit a special form.
What happens in case of unemployment?
In the case in which the employment relationship is terminated before the expiration of the contract, the foreigner has the right to search for a new job in Czech Republic.
Am I allowed to bring my close family members in Czech Republic?
Yes. This visa type allows family reunification. You can rely on our immigration lawyer in Czech Republic for information on the procedures stipulated by the law. More on this topic is availablehere.
Do I need to personally pick up my visa?
If you can’t arrive in person to pick up the visa upon its issuance, there is the possibility to grant the power of attorney for this specific formality to a third party;our immigration lawyers in Czech Republiccan assist you.
What happens if my application is denied?
In the case in which your visa application has been denied, you have the right to request a reassessment of the file. The request must be addressed to the Ministry of the Interior, the institution responsible for the processing of visa applications.
Do I need to submit my visa appeal in a specific amount of time?
Yes, the law stipulates a deadline of 15 since the date when the decision was granted. You canrely on our immigration lawyers in Czech Republic for advice on the procedure.
We invite you tocontact our immigration lawyer in Czech Republicfor more details on the employee card and on the documentation you must prepare for your application file.
