Czech Employee Card (Zaměstnanecká karta)

The Employee Card is a long-term residence permit that allows a foreign citizen to legally live and work in the Czech Republic. It is issued on the basis of an employment contract with a Czech employer and serves both as a residence permit and a work permit.

Validity: up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension (usually for another 2 years).

Basis: employment contract with a Czech company registered in the Labor Office database (Úřad práce).

Purpose: long-term (non-seasonal) employment in the Czech Republic.

Who it’s for

Candidates who have received a job offer from a Czech company or self-employed employer.
Employers who have registered a job vacancy in the Úřad práce database.
Those planning to work officially in the Czech Republic on a full-time basis.

Application process

1. Employer preparation:

Registering the vacancy in the Labor Office database (receives a job code).

Preparing a document package for the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the Czech consulate.

2. Submission of documents:

The candidate submits an application for long-term residence at the Czech consulate (appointment required).

In-country applications are allowed only if the candidate already holds a valid residence status that permits a change of purpose.

3. Review process:

Labor market test and document verification — takes around 60–90 days.

4. Issuance of long-term visa (type D):

After approval, the applicant receives a visa “for the purpose of obtaining residence” and travels to the Czech Republic.

5. Card issuance:

Upon arrival — registration of address (within 3 working days), biometric data collection, payment of stamp fees, and issuance of the physical card.

Required documents (from the candidate)

Application for long-term residence.
Passport (valid, with at least 2 blank pages).
Employment contract or job offer.
Job code from the Labor Office database.
Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or owner’s declaration).
Photo 35×45 mm.
Diplomas/certificates (with certified translation).
Criminal record extract with apostille and translation.
Health insurance.
Proof of payment of consular fees.

Required documents (from the employer)

Registered job vacancy in the Úřad práce database.
Company details (registration extract, tax number).
Contract or pre-contract with the candidate.
Confirmation of job posting and labor market test results.
Guarantee letter (if applicable).

Key conditions

During the first 6 months, changing employers is possible only with MOI approval.
After 6 months — notification to MOI and a new registered job offer are sufficient.
In case of job loss — MOI must be informed; a new job must be found within 60 days.
Change of address — mandatory notification.
With an Employee Card, travel within the Schengen Area is allowed (up to 90/180 days).

Realistic timeline

Employer preparation: 1–2 weeks.
Consulate appointment and submission: 1–4 weeks.
MOI/Labor Office review: 2–3 months.
Biometrics and card issuance: 2–4 weeks. Total estimated time: 3–5 months.

Family reunification

After receiving the Employee Card, family members (spouse, children) can apply for long-term residence for family reunification.

Finances and taxes

The employer registers the employee in the social and health insurance system.

Private health insurance is required before contributions start (typically for 1–3 months).

Common mistakes

Mismatched information between contract, application, and Labor Office database.
Accommodation not confirmed for the full period.
Missing certified translations.
Late registration of address or biometrics.

Alternatives

Blue Card (EU Blue Card): for highly skilled professionals.
ICT Card: for intra-company transfers.
Seasonal visa (type D): for short-term or seasonal employment (6–9 months).

Support from Eurowiza Sp. z o.o.

Verification of employer and job offer.
Preparation of a complete document package.
Guidance on visa process, insurance, and accommodation.
Assistance until card issuance and registration in the Czech Republic.