11/25/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/25/2021 11:41
This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa, work permit or residence permit.
Entry requirements
If you're going to the Czech Republic to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.
On the day you travel, you'll need your passport to both:
If you're travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
If you're going for other types of work you may need a visa, work permit or residence permit.
The Czech Republic's authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.
You must always check with the Czech Republic's government before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements
If you're working in more than one country you'll need to check the entry rules of each country. If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.
Visa and permit documents
This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in the Czech Republic. It includes a checklist of documents that you'll usually need to include when applying.
It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Czech Republic's embassy or immigration authorities.
You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:
Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.
This guide uses the same terms used in the Czech Republic, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Czech Republic's authorities.
Check if you need a visa or permit
You do not need a visa or permit if you're travelling to the Czech Republic for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:
These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
Border checks
At the border you may be asked to show you have health insurance that covers your stay.
Check the Czech Republic's exemptions
Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they're exempt.
All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country's authorities.
The following may not require a visa or permit in the Czech Republic if they're for no more than 7 continuous days and up to 30 days in a calendar year:
The following may not require a visa or permit in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:
These are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
If you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit from another country you can work in the Czech Republic without a visa and permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Notify the labour office
The Czech company will need to notify the regional branch of the labour office in writing on your first day of work.
Dependant work
You must make sure any exempt activities could not be classed as employment (dependant work).
You need to make sure the relationship between the Czech and UK organsations (and, or you) is not an employment relationship.
The Czech company should check with the labour office if they're not sure if an activity would be classed as dependant work.
Dependant work would always require a work permit.
All exemptions would be covered by the visa waiver.
Show proof of exemption
You need to be able to show proof that you're exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:
Further checks
If you're not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Czech Republic's embassy or immigration authorities.
Applying for a visa or permit
This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you'll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Czech Republic's embassy or immigration authorities.
Taking your family
If you have a family they won't be able to apply for dependant permits if you're working in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver rules.
If you have a long-term permit family members can join you.
Short and long-term permits
You need a combined Schengen visa and short-term work permit if you're in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days in 180-day period because you're:
You need to apply for a long-term work permit if you're in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days because you're:
Long-term permits are valid for up to 2 years depending on which one you need.
Short-term transfer to a branch in the Czech Republic, or working on a short-term Czech contract
To qualify for the combined Schengen visa and work permit you must:
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
You or your employer applies for a work permit from the local Czech labour office.
You apply for a Schengen visa at the Czech embassy or consulate.
You register at the local Foreign Police Inspectorate within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
The combined Schengen visa and work permit takes about 2 months to get. It's valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You can't extend it.
Long-term transfer to a Czech branch, or providing services to a client in the Czech Republic
If you're transferring to a Czech branch to work you need to apply for one of these long-term work and residence permits:
Intra-company employee transfer card
You need an intra-company transfer (ICT) card if your UK-based employer moves you to a Czech branch for:
To qualify you must:
The ICT card takes 3 months to get. It can't be extended beyond 3 years, or 1 year if you're a trainee.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
You apply for your ICT card and visa at the Czech embassy or consulate.
Once approved you register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
You collect your ICT card from the MOI.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Non-Dual Mode Employee Card
You can apply for a Non-Dual Mode Employee card if you're in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days because you're:
To qualify you must:
The Non-Dual Employee Card takes 3 to 4 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for another 2 years. There's no limit on the number of times you can extend.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
The Czech company requests a work permit from the local labour office.
Once approved you apply for a Non-Dual Employee Card at the Czech embassy or consulate.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
You collect your Non-Dual Employee Card from the MOI.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Working for a company in the Czech Republic on a long-term Czech contract
You need one of these permits if you've been employed by a company in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days:
Employee Card
To qualify for an (dual) Employee Card (work and residence permit) you must:
This Employee Card takes 3 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for another 2 years. There's no limit on the number of times you can extend.
This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
Your employer carries out a labour market test by posting a vacancy on the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs' central register of job vacancies for 10 to 30 days.
Once approved you apply for an Employee Card at the Czech embassy or consulate if no-one suitable has been found for the role locally.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
You collect your Employee Card from the MOI.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
EU Blue Card
To qualify for an EU Blue Card you need to be highly skilled and:
The EU Blue Card takes 3 to 4 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for another 2 years. There's no limit on the number of times you can extend.
This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
Your employer carries out a labour market test by posting a vacancy on the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs' central register of job vacancies for 10 to 30 days.
Once approved you apply for your EU Blue Card at the Czech embassy or consulate if no-one suitable has been found for the role locally.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
You collect your EU Blue Card from the MOI.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Self-employed work or statutory representatives
You need a long-term visa for business if you want to carry out self-employed work.
You can also apply for this permit type if you're a legal representative for the company, as required by Czech law.
To qualify, your business must be registered in the relevant Trade Register (self-employed or business) in the Czech Republic.
The business visa takes up to 3 months to get. It's valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.
This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
You apply for a business visa at the Czech embassy or consulate.
Once approved you register at your local Foreign Police Inspectorate within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Investing in the Czech Republic
You can apply for a long-term residence permit if you make a substantial investment in the Czech Republic and plan to stay for more than 90 days.
You can also apply for this permit type if you're a commercial corporation manager.
The investment residence permit takes 2 to 3 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for another 2 years. There's no limit on the number of times you can extend.
This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
You apply for an investment residence permit at the Czech embassy or consulate.
Once approved you register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
You collect your residence permit from the MOI.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Professional sports work
If you're an athlete or player and want to carry out sports activities for more than 90 days you can apply for one of the following:
To qualify you must:
A long-term visa for sports or Employee Card takes up to 3 months to get.
The long-term visa for sports is valid for 1 year. The Employee Card is valid for up to 2 years. They can both be extended.
This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
You apply for a long-term visa or Employee Card at the Czech embassy or consulate.
Once approved you register with the local Foreign Police Inspectorate within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic, if applying for a long-term visa.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic, if applying for an Employee Card.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Scientific research
You can apply for a long term residence permit for the purpose of scientific research if you have a hosting agreement from a recognised research institution.
To qualify you must:
The long-term residence permit takes 2 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for another 2 years.
It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
You apply for a long term residence permit at the Czech embassy or consulate.
Once approved you register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
You collect your long term residence permit at the MOI.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Teaching or academic work at a university
You can apply for a Non-Dual Employee Card if you have an employment offer from a Czech university for teaching ('pedagogical') or academic work.
This residence permit gives those working in academia and teaching access to the entire labour market.
To qualify you must:
The Non-Dual Employee Card takes 3 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for another 2 years.
It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
How it works
You need to check with the Czech Republic's embassy or consulate on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
You apply for a Non-Dual Employee Card at the Czech embassy or consulate.
Once approved you register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometrics within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work and entry into the country no later than your first day of work.
You collect your Non-Dual Mode Employee Card at the MOI.
Application documents
Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
legalised and apostilled police clearance certificate for you and any family members, if applying with family
Czech government guidance
Read official Czech government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits.
Check for travel changes
European governments may update or change their rules without notice.
You should always check general travel advice for the Czech Republic, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.