Free access to the Czech labour market for citizens of selected countries

From July 1, a government decree introducing free access to the Czech labour market for citizens of these nine countries will come into effect:

  • Australia,
  • New Zealand,
  • United States of America,
  • Canada,
  • Great Britain,
  • Israel,
  • Japan,
  • South Korea,
  • Singapore.

Are you planning to come to the Czech Republic for the purpose of employment?

Which residence permit can you apply for?

– If you want to be employed for less than 3 months, you must apply for a Schengen visa,

– If you want to be employed for a longer period, you must apply for another residence permit (e.g. a non-dual employee card).

If you have been granted a Schengen visa but want to work in the Czech Republic after its expiry, you must apply for another type of residence permit at any Czech diplomatic mission abroad. Within the EU, you must apply exclusively at the Dresden Visa Centre.

Are you already residing in the Czech Republic?

Free access to the labour market now applies even if you have a residence permit issued for a purpose other than employment.

If you are already legally residing in the Czech Republic and have had to apply for an employment permit, this obligation is now no longer applicable.

If you have previously held an employment card without free access to the labour market (a dual employee card), you will now be subject to different conditions for changing employers or terminating your employment. For example, you can start a new job at any time and you do not have to wait for the Ministry of the Interior to notify you that you meet the conditions. Your existing card will remain valid and does not need to be changed.