What is the Employee Card (zaměstnanecká karta)?
The Employee Card is a combined work and residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to work in the Czech Republic. Introduced in 2014, it replaced the former work permit + visa system for most employment situations.Type: Long-term residence permit (over 90 days) Validity: Up to 2 years, renewable Fee: 2,500 CZK (application) + 1,000 CZK (residence card issuance) Processing time: 60–90 days (standard), can take up to 120 days Legal basis: Act No. 326/1999 Coll. on Residence of Foreign Nationals (§ 42g)
Key facts:
The Employee Card is tied to a specific employer and position. If you change jobs, you must notify the Ministry of Interior (OAMP) and apply for a change.
Who needs an Employee Card?
You need an Employee Card if:You are a non-EU/EEA citizen You want to work in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days Your position is listed in the Central Register of Vacancies (available at uradprace.cz) You are an EU/EEA citizen or Swiss national (free movement) You have permanent residence in the Czech Republic You are a family member of an EU citizen with a residence card You hold a Blue Card (for highly qualified positions with salary 1.5x the average) Your country has a free labor market agreement (check with the Czech Labour Office)
You do NOT need one if:
Requirements and documents
Required documents for the Employee Card application:2. Valid passport — Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expected stay 3. 2 passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background) 4. Employment contract or job offer letter — Must include: position, salary (at least minimum wage), working hours, start date 5. Proof of accommodation — Rental contract, accommodation confirmation from employer, or "souhlas s ubytováním" 6. Criminal record certificate — From your home country, not older than 180 days, apostilled/superlegalized and officially translated to Czech 7. Proof of qualifications — Diploma or certificate (nostrified if required for regulated professions) 8. Health insurance — Travel health insurance for the initial period (you'll get public insurance once employed) All foreign documents must be officially translated into Czech by a sworn translator (soudní překladatel) The job position must be registered in the Central Register of Vacancies for at least 30 days before application Apostille or superlegalization is required for documents from countries that are part of the Hague Convention
1. Application form — Completed and signed (available at mvcr.cz)
Important notes:
Application process step by step
Step 1: Find a job
Your future employer must register the position in the Central Register of Vacancies at the Czech Labour Office (Úřad práce). The position must be available for at least 30 days.From abroad: Submit at the Czech embassy or consulate in your country of residence From Czech Republic (if you already have valid residence): Submit at the regional office of the Ministry of Interior (OAMP) Standard processing: 60 days Complex cases: up to 90 days Embassy applications may add additional time
Step 2: Gather documents Collect all required documents. Start early — criminal records and apostilles can take weeks.
Step 3: Submit application
Step 4: Wait for decision
Step 5: Collect your Employee Card If approved, you'll receive a biometric card at the OAMP office. You must provide fingerprints.
Step 6: Register at the Foreign Police Within 3 days of arrival, register your accommodation at the Foreign Police (FRS — Cizinecká policie).
Fees and costs
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Application fee | 2,500 CZK |
| Biometric card issuance | 1,000 CZK |
| Criminal record apostille | Varies by country |
| Sworn translation | ~300–500 CZK per page |
| Travel health insurance | ~5,000–15,000 CZK/year |
| Nostrification (if needed) | ~2,000 CZK |
Total estimated cost: 10,000–25,000 CZK depending on your situation.
Renewal and extension
You can renew your Employee Card up to 120 days before it expires. Apply at your regional OAMP office.Application form Valid passport Current Employee Card Employment contract (or new one if changing employer) Proof of accommodation Updated criminal record (if requested)
For renewal you need:
Renewal fee: 2,500 CZK Processing time: 60 days
Important: If your Employee Card expires while waiting for a renewal decision, you may legally stay and work in the Czech Republic on a "fikce pobytu" (fiction of stay) stamp in your passport.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Expired criminal record — Must be less than 180 days old at submission2. Missing apostille — Every foreign public document needs apostille or superlegalization 3. Wrong translation — Only sworn translators (soudní překladatel) are accepted 4. Job not in register — The position must be in the Central Register for 30+ days 5. Insufficient salary — Must be at least the minimum wage (18,900 CZK/month in 2026) 6. Late renewal — Apply at least 60 days before expiry to avoid gaps 7. Not registering accommodation — You must register within 3 days of arrival
Useful official links
- Ministry of Interior (OAMP): [mvcr.cz](https://www.mvcr.cz)Czech Labour Office: [uradprace.cz](https://www.uradprace.cz) Foreign Police (FRS): [frs.gov.cz](https://www.frs.gov.cz) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (embassies): [mzv.gov.cz](https://www.mzv.gov.cz) Central Register of Vacancies: Available through uradprace.cz