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Employee card - Things you need to know

Writer's picture: Kristýna RichtrováKristýna Richtrová

Updated: Feb 13, 2023

Employee card (long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment) is the most common permit expats apply for when moving to the Czech Republic for work. Highly skilled workers with high salary can also apply for Blue card - find the differences here.


Source: www.wikipedia.cz


Who is it for

Non-EU nationals who wish to move to the Czech Republic for work and have signed an Employment contract with a company located in the Czech Republic. There is no way to obtain one without having a job secured! It is for long-term employment purpose only (90+ days).


What contract is needed?

- (Future) Employment contract or (future) Agreement on Work Activities (Dohoda o pracovní cinnosti), with salary not lower than the minimum salary in the Czech Republic and minimum 15 hours per week.


Process time

The length of the process highly depends on how fast you are able to collect all the documents, how long the Vacancy must stay in the Labour office database. Generally, it takes 60 - 90 days from the moment the application is submitted at the Czech Embassy and additionally 30-60 days prior that during which the collection of the documents and preparation of the application happen. Overall, including the process after the approval, it may take 3-6 months (even more, if the application is not complete).


Is there a way to speed up the process?

Yes, by having all the documents in order and not missing anything.

Also, some employers can apply for so called Governmental program, which speeds things up a lot.


Validity

Employee card is issued with maximum 2 years validity, but can be shortened in accordance to your Employment contract.


Where to apply

- If you are not a holder of any visa/permit in the Czech Republic, you must apply though Czech Embassy abroad (outside of the Czech Republic) either in your home country or in any country (if your nationality allows). Read more about this here.

- If you are a holder of a long-term visa/permit in the Czech Republic, you may apply via the Czech Ministry of Interior in the Czech Republic. Note: holders of visa for the purpose of seasonal employment cannot change their purpose to Employee card from the Czech Republic.


Obligations of Employee card holder

- To track its validity and apply for the extension on time

- To report any changes to the authorities - change of address, passport, name/surname

- To return the biometrical card to the Ministry of Interior in case of departure from the Czech Republic

- To apply for the Change of employer, in case of changing employer (or position within the same company!)

Did you get your Employee card on your own?

  • Yes

  • No, I had help


Types

DUAL

  • This Employee card contains the long-term residence permit and work permit in a form of a vacancy. The Employee card is tied to the vacancy, and any change of details mentioned in it must have approval from the Ministry of Interior.

  • Change of employer/position: if you wish to change employer (or position in the company), you must ask the Ministry of Interior for approval no longer than 60 days from the end of your employment, or the Ministry of Interior may initiate termination of your Employee card for not fulfilling the purpose of it!

NON DUAL

  • This Employee card is only a long-term residence permit; the Work permit is either issued on the side (in case of dispatched workers from non-EU countries) or is not needed at all (if you have free access to the labour market, i.e. you are a student or graduate of Czech certified studies)

  • Change of employer/position: any chances regarding the position or employer must be announced to the Ministry of Interior within three days.

Changing employer

Note that you cannot change your employer the first 6 months of holding the Employee card (unless you are laid off)!

The process takes 60 days and you must submit the application no later than 60 days from the end of your employment, or else your Employee card gets rejected!


Extension process

The extension takes place in the Czech Republic. The process time is 30 days, however delays often occur.


Does this look too complicated? Do you have any questions? Feel free to drop me a message!





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