Czech Republic Employee Card

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 28 August, 2025

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Czech Republic Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 4.4

Internet Infrastructure 5.0

Country Stability 5.0

Cost of Living 3.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 5.0

Taxes 4.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Up to 2 years, depending on your employment contract.

Possible to extend? Yes, provided you continue employment.

Who can apply? Non-EU nationals with a job offer in Czechia.

Minimum Income Requirements 115,810 CZK ($5,000 USD) per year, approximately.

Time for visa applications Standard processing time is around 60 days, depending on he embassy.

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Thinking about building a career in the heart of Europe? The Czech Republic Employee Card is one of the most common ways for non-EU citizens to live and work legally in the country.

This residence permit combines both a work permit and a residence permit into one, making it simpler for skilled and unskilled workers alike to settle in the Czech Republic. Whether you’ve landed a job with an international company in Prague, secured a role in a local business, or are just beginning to explore opportunities. Understanding how the Employee Card works is the first step to making your move smooth and successful.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Czech Republic Employee Card, from who can apply to the documents you’ll need, to how the process works step by step. By the end, you’ll know exactly how this permit fits into your journey of working and living in Czechia.

Czechia Employee Card Overview

The Employee Card was introduced in 2014 as part of the Czech Republic’s effort to streamline the process for hiring non-EU nationals. It is a long-term residence permit that combines both the right to stay in the country and the right to work for a specific employer.

This card is designed to simplify immigration procedures, replacing the need to apply separately for a work permit and a residence permit. It applies to a wide range of jobs, both highly skilled and less specialized roles, and has become one of the most common permits for foreign workers in the Czech Republic (Czechia).

Who Is It For?

The Employee Card is intended for third-country nationals, citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, who have secured a job offer in the Czech Republic. It can be used by workers across different sectors, whether the position requires university qualifications or not. The job, however, must be listed in the central registry of job vacancies available for Employee Card holders, maintained by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

With an Employee Card, you are allowed to:

Live and work in the Czech Republic legally for more than 3 months.
Work in a specific job for a specific employer (as listed in your application).
Apply for renewals if you wish to continue working after the initial validity period (usually up to 2 years).
Access the Czech labor market under the same conditions as local employees, including basic rights and protections.

In short, the Employee Card makes it possible for non-EU workers to build a professional life in the Czech Republic while simplifying the bureaucracy of employment and residence.

Czechia Employee Card Requirements

To apply for a Czech Republic Employee Card, applicants must prepare a set of official documents. These requirements ensure that you are eligible to both live and work in the country legally.

When applying, you will generally need to submit:

A completed application form for the Employee Card.
Valid travel passport (and copies of all relevant pages)
Two recent passport-sized photos meeting official requirements.
Employment contract or job offer (must be at least 15 hours per week and valid for at least 1 year)
Document confirming accommodation in the Czech Republic.
Proof of professional qualifications (e.g., diplomas, certificates, if required for the job)
Criminal record extract from your home country (sometimes requested, depending on the embassy/consulate)
Application fee payment confirmation.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

Applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves while living in the Czech Republic. This is typically demonstrated through bank account statements or official proof of income.

For an Employee Card, the minimum required amount is calculated using the Czech subsistence minimum (currently 3,130 CZK per month, approximately $147.90 USD). For a one-year stay, this totals approximately 115,810 CZK (about $5,000 USD). Shorter stays require less, but applicants should always be prepared to show they can cover their living costs beyond their employment income.

Private Health Insurance

Before your Employee Card can be approved, you must obtain comprehensive private health insurance that covers you for your entire intended stay. The insurance must meet the requirements set by Czech law and provide coverage for urgent medical care and hospitalization.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans here.

Official Job Vacancy Listing

The job you are applying for must be listed in the Central Register of Job Vacancies Available for Employee Card Holders, managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Without this listing, the application will not be approved.

How to Apply for the Czech Republic Employee Card – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for a Czechia Employee Card may seem complex, but following these steps will help simplify the process and increase your chances of approval.

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

The application process begins with obtaining a confirmed job offer from a Czech employer. The role must be officially listed in the Central Register of Job Vacancies for Employee Card holders, and the contract should guarantee at least fifteen working hours per week for a minimum duration of one year. Because your Employee Card is tied to this employer, it is essential to ensure that the company understands the requirements and is prepared to cooperate with the Czech authorities.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application File

Once you have a job offer, you must gather the required documents. This includes your valid passport, your signed employment contract, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial self-sufficiency, and private health insurance. Any documents not originally in Czech must be officially translated, and most embassies require both originals and certified copies. Carefully preparing this file reduces the risk of delays or rejection.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Applications are normally submitted to a Czech embassy or consulate in your country of residence. In certain cases, it may be possible to apply from within the Czech Republic. When submitting, you must appear in person, and incomplete applications will not be accepted. It is strongly recommended to book an appointment well in advance, as waiting times at embassies can be lengthy.

Step 4: Attend an Interview (if requested)

Some applicants are asked to attend a personal interview. During this meeting, officials may verify your documents, ask questions about your employer and job responsibilities, and confirm your living arrangements in the Czech Republic. Being able to explain your employment clearly and presenting additional supporting documents, such as a lease agreement or bank statements, can help strengthen your case.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Once submitted, your application is processed by the Czech Ministry of the Interior. The standard processing time is around sixty days, but in practice, it can sometimes take longer. During this period, you may be contacted for additional information or clarification, so it is important to remain reachable and respond quickly to any requests from the authorities.

Step 6: Collect Your Employee Card

If your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your Employee Card. The card grants you the legal right to live and work in the Czech Republic for up to two years, depending on the length of your employment contract. Because the card is tied to your employer, any changes in employment must be reported to the Ministry of the Interior. Before your card expires, you may apply for renewal in order to continue working in Czechia.

Stay Requirements for the Czech Republic Employee Card

Holders of a Czech Republic Employee Card must follow specific stay requirements to maintain their legal status in the country. After arrival in Czechia, you are required to register your place of residence with the Foreign Police within three working days, unless your accommodation provider does this on your behalf. This registration confirms your official address, which must always be kept up to date.

Throughout your stay, you must ensure that you remain employed in the position listed on your Employee Card. If you change employers, jobs, or even job positions within the same company, you are legally required to notify the Ministry of the Interior. Approval is needed before starting a new position, since the card is directly tied to your employment details. Working without updating your Employee Card status could lead to penalties or cancellation of your residence permit.

Another key requirement is maintaining valid health insurance coverage. Applicants must show proof of private health insurance at the time of application, and once employed, most individuals transition into the Czech public health insurance system. Ensuring your insurance is active at all times is mandatory.

Finally, you must comply with renewal and extension rules. The Employee Card is typically valid for up to two years, depending on the length of your work contract. If you wish to remain in Czechia beyond that period, you must apply for an extension before your card expires. Staying beyond the validity of your card without proper renewal is considered unlawful residence.

How Much Does the Czech Republic Employee Card Cost?

Applying for a Czech Republic Employee Card comes with specific fees that must be paid at the time of submission. The cost can vary slightly depending on where you apply, but the standard government fees are as follows:

CZK 5,000 (approx. $235 USD) when applying at a Czech embassy or consulate abroad.
CZK 2,500 (approx. $115 USD) when submitting your application inside the Czech Republic.
CZK 2,500 (approx. $115 USD) for renewing or extending your Employee Card.

These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. In addition to government fees, you should also budget for other expenses such as certified translations of your documents, official verifications, private health insurance, and travel costs to the Czech embassy or consulate.

While the official fees are relatively fixed, the additional costs often vary widely depending on your country of residence and the specific requirements of your application. Preparing your budget in advance helps avoid delays and ensures you meet all conditions for approval.

Taxes for People With a Czech Republic Employee Card

If you hold a Czech Republic Employee Card, you are considered a legal employee in the country and are therefore subject to the same tax obligations as Czech citizens and permanent residents. This means that your employer will automatically withhold taxes and social contributions from your salary each month.

Income earned in the Czech Republic is taxed at a flat rate of 15% for income up to a certain threshold, with an additional 23% rate applying to very high incomes (those exceeding approximately 48 times the average annual salary). Most employees fall into the 15% bracket.

In addition to income tax, mandatory contributions are deducted for:

Social security – 6.5% of your gross salary, with your employer paying an additional 24.8%.
Health insurance – 4.5% of your gross salary, with your employer contributing another 9%.

These contributions give you access to Czech public healthcare and the social system, including pension benefits and other entitlements.

For tax residency purposes, if you stay in Czechia for more than 183 days within a calendar year, you are generally considered a Czech tax resident. In that case, you may be taxed on your worldwide income, not just income earned in Czechia. However, the Czech Republic has double taxation treaties with many countries, meaning you won’t be taxed twice on the same income.

Most employees will not need to file their own tax return, as employers handle payroll taxes on their behalf. However, if you have additional income (such as freelance work, rental income, or overseas earnings), you may be required to file an annual tax return with the Czech tax authorities.

Living in the Czech Republic with the Employee Card

Living in the Czech Republic with an Employee Card offers both stability and opportunity. This residence permit not only allows you to work legally but also gives you access to many of the same benefits as local residents, including public healthcare and the social security system. With its central European location, Czechia is well connected to the rest of Europe, making weekend travel to neighboring countries both easy and affordable. Cities like Prague, Brno, and Ostrava are home to thriving expat communities, where you’ll find international schools, cultural centers, and plenty of social opportunities to help you settle in.

Beyond work, life in Czechia strikes a comfortable balance between modern convenience and old-world charm. The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western European countries, particularly when it comes to housing, dining, and public transport. At the same time, the quality of life is high, with excellent infrastructure, a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and countless cultural experiences to enjoy, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to vibrant nightlife. Holding an Employee Card gives you the freedom to immerse yourself fully in the culture while maintaining the security of long-term legal residence.

Best Cities to Live in the Czech Republic

Prague

As the capital city, Prague is the heart of the Czech Republic and the most popular destination for expats. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, thriving job market, and vibrant international community, it offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with endless cultural activities, restaurants, and nightlife. While the cost of living is higher compared to other Czech cities, many foreigners choose Prague for its career opportunities, excellent infrastructure, and lively expat scene.

Brno

Brno, the second-largest city, is a hub for technology, education, and research. It has a youthful energy thanks to its large student population and offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to Prague. With lower housing costs, a growing number of multinational companies, and a welcoming expat community, Brno is increasingly becoming a top choice for professionals seeking both career growth and affordability. The city’s blend of modern innovation and historic charm makes it a hidden gem for long-term living.

Ostrava

Ostrava, located near the Polish and Slovak borders, is known for its industrial heritage and rapid transformation into a modern urban center. It offers affordable living costs and a slower lifestyle compared to Prague and Brno, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment while still enjoying access to cultural events, festivals, and nightlife. Its strategic location makes weekend trips across Central Europe easy, and the city’s improving infrastructure continues to attract both locals and newcomers.

Cost of Living

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK). 1 CZK = approximately $0.045 USD.

The average net monthly salary in the Czech Republic is around 36,330 CZK, which equates to approximately $1,640 USD.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Prague

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - $1,090 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - $1,450 per month
Basic Utilities - $315 per month
Wi-Fi - $27 per month
Public Transport - $1.30 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - $400–$500 per month

Brno

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - $740 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - $1,010 per month
Basic Utilities - $159 per month
Wi-Fi - $19 per month
Public Transport - $1.10 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - $230–$460 per month

Ostrava

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - $507 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - $780 per month
Basic Utilities - $221 per month
Wi-Fi - $17 per month
Public Transport - $1.30 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - $400–$450 per month

FAQs

What is the Czech Republic Employee Card, and who needs it?

The Employee Card is a long-term residence permit for non-EU nationals who wish to work in the Czech Republic. It is required for anyone planning to take up employment with a Czech employer for more than 90 days.

How long does it take to process an Employee Card application?

Processing typically takes around 60 days from the date your application is submitted, though it can vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the completeness of your documentation.

Can I change jobs while holding an Employee Card?

Yes, but you must notify the Ministry of the Interior and obtain approval before starting a new position. The card is tied to your employer, and failure to update your employment status may lead to penalties or cancellation of your permit.

Do I need health insurance to apply for an Employee Card?

Yes, applicants must have private health insurance that covers their intended stay in the Czech Republic. Once employed, you typically transition to the public health insurance system.

How can I renew my Employee Card?

The Employee Card is usually valid for up to two years. You must apply for renewal before it expires, submitting updated documents and proof of continued employment. Renewal ensures uninterrupted legal residence and work authorization in Czechia.

Can I get help applying for the Czechia Employee Card?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

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