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What are my work visa options?
  • Employee Card (local hire)
  • EU Blue Card (local hire)
  • EU ICT (home payroll)
  • Standalone Work Permit, or Seasonal Work Permit (local hire)
What are the most common visa types?
  • Type C (business, tourism)
  • Type D (work, study, family reunification)
What is the typical timeline for the immigration process?
60-90 days processing time. Lead time: end to end processing time from initiation to work compliance: 4-6 months. This applies to the EC, the Blue Card and the ICT.
How long does it take to collect information and submit the application?
4 weeks if no legalizations are required.

4-8 weeks with doc legalization, depending on the country of origin.
What is the application processing time?
60-90 days.
What is my duration of stay?
Minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years. Renewals are repeated till the 5 year threshold for PR.
How soon can employees start working?
As soon as they enter the Czech Republic with their visa Type D and complete their Labour office registration.
Is there a quota for the number of transferees that can apply?
Yes. The quota system in the Czech Republic is a system that limits the number of foreign workers who can be granted residence permits each year. The quota system is designed to control the number of foreign workers in the Czech Republic and to ensure that they are not displacing domestic workers.

The quota system is based on the following factors:

  • The number of unemployed Czech nationals in the relevant occupation.
  • The demand for foreign workers in the relevant occupation.
  • The economic situation in the Czech Republic.

The quota system is set by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The quota for each occupation is determined by a points-based system. The points-based system takes into account the following factors:

  • The level of education required for the occupation.
  • The salary offered for the occupation.
  • The availability of training for the occupation.
The quota system is reviewed each year. The quota for each occupation may be increased or decreased depending on the economic situation in the Czech Republic and the demand for foreign workers in the relevant occupation. This system has no real effect for highly skilled employees.
Is there expedited processing available for applications?
Yes. The Fast Track process in the Czech Republic speeds up the processing of applications for residence permits for highly skilled workers. The Fast Track process is available to employers who have been pre-approved by the Ministry of the Interior.

To be eligible for the Fast Track process, the employer must meet the following requirements:

  • The employer must be a legal entity registered in the Czech Republic.
  • The employer must have a valid work permit for the position that the foreign worker is applying for.
  • The employer must provide a salary that is at least the minimum salary for an EU Blue Card holder.
  • The employer must provide proof of accommodation for the foreign worker.
If the employer meets all of the requirements, the foreign worker can apply for a residence permit through the Fast Track process. The application process is typically much faster than the regular process, and the residence permit is usually issued within 30 days.
What are the requirements for permanent residency?
  • Five years of continuous residence
  • Adequate knowledge of the Czech language ( B1 Level)
  • Sufficient means of subsistence if not employed
  • Clear Criminal record
  • Proof of employment
What documents are required from the employee?
The documents required for a permanent residence application in the Czech Republic in July 2023 are as follows:

  • Application form
  • Passport:  Must submit your original passport and a copy of the first two pages
  • Biometric data: Fingerprints and a photograph
  • Proof of residence: This can be a rental agreement, a utility bill, or a bank statement
  • Proof of income: This can be a salary certificate, a bank statement, or a tax return
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Criminal record check: From home country
  • Czech language certificate: B1 Level
What is the requirement for the location of application?
Out of country applications are only Consular applications for visas type D or C. 

In country applications take place at the local immigration department or municipality and are reserved for bio-metric cards, residential registrations, and, of course, permit renewals.
Is set-up/sponsorship registration needed for transferees by their employers?
There is no visa sponsorship in the Czech Republic.
When do I renew my work visa?
The EC is usually a 2 year permit and the Blue Card is up to 2 years. We must aim to submit renewal applications as soon as we are allowed to because processing times can be long and renewal submission appointments are scarce. 

Ideally, the renewal process for all permit categories must be initiated at least 5 months prior to expiry.
Can dependents work under the registration process? If so, do they have limitations and requirements to do so?
Dependents of EU Nationals have unlimited access to the labour market. Dependents of non-EU nationals, can look for work with the dependent permits but require a work authorization to be issued once they have found employment.
Are same-sex spouses considered dependents?
Yes. Same-sex spouses and partners are recognized as dependents.

Partnership without marriage will require robust proof of cohabitation.
What, if any, deregistration requirements are required?
The employee’s residential address must be formally deregistered prior to their final departure or after departure via post. Permits must be returned for cancellation if the EE leaves the CZ prior to the permit expiry.
What are the red flags and/or special criteria?
The Czech Republic recently updated its immigration laws in July 2023, with the goal of attracting more foreign talent and investment to the country. Some of the key changes include:

  • Relaxed requirements for family reunification: The new law makes it easier for family members of EU citizens and highly skilled workers to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic.
  • Streamlined application process: The new law simplifies the application process for residence permits, making it easier for foreigners to obtain the necessary documentation.
  • New fast-track process for highly skilled workers: The new law introduces a fast-track process for highly skilled workers who want to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic.
Red Flags:

  • Increased scrutiny of applications: The new law gives the authorities more discretion to scrutinize applications for residence permits. This means that it is more important than ever to provide complete and accurate documentation when applying for a residence permit.
  • Higher fees: The new law increases the fees for applying for a residence permit in the Czech Republic. This means that it will be more expensive to obtain a residence permit under the new law.
  • The strictest Labour Authority in Europe. The Czech Labour office is scrutinizing every application and every foreign employer. They are operating black lists for offenders and apply administrative fees and penalties.