Benefits of Program Key and Research Staff
Are work permits no longer necessary for certain individuals to work legally in the Czech Republic? Yes, indeed. A recent and important update now affects access to the labor market for some citizens from non-EU countries. Let’s explain what this means and for whom it applies.
As an employer, have you ever wished hiring foreign employees in the Czech Republic could be easier? If so, you’ll be interested in the recent update to Czech employment law. As of July 1, 2024, an exception has been introduced to streamline the hiring process for citizens of certain countries.
What does this exception mean?
Citizens of specific countries now have free access to the Czech labor market, which means they no longer need a work permit to legally work in the Czech Republic. However, please note that a long-term residence permit is still required. It means that this exception applies only for a stay longer than 90 days. It does not apply for short stay – Schengen Visa. Anyway, with this change, steps such as opening a job position with the Labor Office, coordinating with the Labor Office, and ensuring the employment contract exactly matches the registered job position are no longer necessary.
Which countries are included in this exception?
The current list of countries includes:
-
Australia
-
New Zealand
-
USA
-
Canada
-
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
-
Israel
-
Japan
-
South Korea
-
Singapore
Note: A few more countries are under consideration to be added, so this list might be longer when you read this.
How does the process go and what kind of residence permit are those countries citizens applying for if they have the chance to work in the Czech Republic? Despite this update, they are still required to apply for an Employee Card. However, this is a non-dual Employee Card, meaning that while the application form and employment contract are still needed, a job position opened at the Labor Office is no longer required. Since the primary purpose for staying in the Czech Republic is employment, the permit is still called Employee Card.
While this update makes the Employee Card process easier for many, it might not suit everyone. Other options are still available, like the EU Blue Card, which provides unique benefits for highly qualified specialists. The Intra-Company Transfer Employee Card may also be a better option for certain types of employees.
Benefits of the Non-Dual Employee Card: Free Access to the Labor Market
-
No need to register the job position with the Labor Office
-
Simplified change of employer – no need for approval from the Ministry of Interior, only proper notification
-
Immediate change of employer permitted upon arrival in the Czech Republic
-
Usable for "secondment" employment arrangements – no need for arranging work permit from the Labor Office.
The Non-Dual Employee Card grants permission to live and work in the Czech Republic, as well as travel within the Schengen Area and internationally according to the holder’s passport. However, it does not permit work in other EU or Schengen countries. If a Non-Dual Employee Card holder wishes to work in another EU or Schengen country, they must apply for a work and stay permit in that country.
|
Jakub Cyrani |
|
