Czech Republic
Introduction
The Czech Republic is one of the European Union's newest members, having joined the bloc in 2004 along with 9 other nations.
The Czech Republic is one of the more active new-member states in trying to attract foreign labor and alleviate its impending demographic problems caused by an aging population and a dwindling working-age labor force.
The country is also active in trying to attract foreign investment and encourages new businesses -- both domestic and foreign-owned.
Living and Working in the Czech Republic
EU/EEA Citizens
Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not require any special permission to take employment within the Czech Republic.
Family members of EU/EEA and Swiss citizens also have free access to the labor market, regardless of their nationality.
Family members are defined as:
- A spouse or a registered partner
- A child under the age of 21
- A child of the spouse of an EU citizen, if the child is under the age of 21
- A parent of an EU citizen, if the EU citizen is under the age of 21
- A dependent relative in an ascending or descending line (e.g. grandparents, grandchildren)
- A dependent relative of the spouse of an EU citizen in an ascending or descending line
- An individual living with an EU citizen in a common household
- a person who, because of health reasons, is unable to look after his/herself without the personal care of the EU citizen
Third country national family members should submit documentation proving their relationship to a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland to the appropriate employment office.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens
The Czech Republic allows third country nationals to engage in profitable activities either by being employed by a legal entity or a natural person, or by establishing a business.
Third country nationals who wish to live and be employed by a legal entity (e.g. company) or a natural person within the Czech Republic must have both a work permit and a residence permit.
Work Permits
Employers wishing to hire third country nationals must obtain a permit to do so, having shown an attempt to hire locally or within the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The permit must be applied for at the local district Labor Office where the employee will work, after having posted the vacancy to the Labor Office. The fee for the permit is -- at the time of this writing -- CZK 2,500 (approximately USD $112).
Third country nationals may apply for a work permit at the local district Labor Office once their employer has permission to hire foreign workers. At the time of this writing, the fee is CZK 500 (approximately USD $28).
Work permits are valid for one year and can be renewed. If the work permit holder changes his/her employer during this period, a new work permit must be applied for.
Documents required for an application for a work permit include:
- a photocopy of the applicant's passport containing identification data
- an original or notarized copy of the applicant's qualification papers (certificate of apprenticeship, diploma, etc) relevant to the profession the applicant will pursue in the Czech Republic
- statement by the employer expressing its intention to employ the applicant
- statement of good health, no older than one month
- other documents required by international treaties binding upon the Czech Republic or relevant to the profession
These documents must be presented in their original copies along with notarized translations into Czech.
Exceptions to work permit requirements
There are certain exceptions where a third country national is not required to have a work permit. These include:
- those who hold a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic
- those who have been granted asylum within the Czech Republic
- those who have diplomatic and consular freedoms and immunities under international law
- those who are relatives of a member of a diplomatic mission, consular authority, or relatives of an employee of an international governmental organization seated in the Czech Republic (provided that a reciprocity is assured under international treaty)
- those employed in international mass transit
- those accredited in mass media
- those who are members of military or civilian staff of armed forces of the sending country
- those whose work will not last more than seven days and who are foreign performing artists, educators, university academic staff, scientists and researchers taking part in conferences, students under 26 years of age, athletes, persons supplying or procuring goods or services within the Czech Republic, persons carrying out assembly works under commercial agreement, or carrying out warranty and repair works
- those who are members of rescue units and rendering aid under an international treaty (natural disasters, accidents, etc)
Work permits are also not required for third country nationals performing services for a company based in another European Union member state.
Work permits are also not required for third country nationals who are carrying out work under a trade license and who is registered in the Commercial Registrar (i.e. business owners, entrepreneurs).