Travel to the Czech Republic for work

Question

Accepted Answer

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 or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Czech Republic’s embassy or immigration authorities.

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.

The Czech Republic is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or 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 embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you 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:

translated
‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 180 days before you submit your application

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 specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

running or attending job interviews
meeting with recruitment and talent agencies
acquisitions, such as due diligence prior to purchase, or pre-closing activities
attending court as a witness
attending a trade fair or seminar convention
attending a board meeting
attending a workshop
attending, speaking or presenting at a conference (unpaid)
attending a meeting with a contractor or vendor (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
fact-finding visits
touring a company facility
negotiating deals or contracts
team-building activities
receiving classroom-based training for the same group or company
leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

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:

providing services as part of an after-sales agreement by a non-Czech company
supplying goods or services
carrying out assembly work under a commercial contract
carrying out warranty and repair work
educational and academic work in a school
scientific, research and development work in a public research institution, or other research organisation
performing artist

The following may not require a visa or permit in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days in a 180-day period:

dependants of diplomatic mission workers
spiritual workers of the Catholic Church, or other religious societies registered in the Czech Republic
members of rescue units assisting with the consequences of accidents or natural disasters, or providing humanitarian aid under international agreements
employees in international rail, road and sea traffic, if working on behalf of a UK employer
accredited journalists
military members or civilian personnel
work that has particular interest to the Czech Republic, usually requiring permission from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior or Trade

These are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

If you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit from another country you may be able to work in the Czech Republic without a visa and permit for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Check with the Czech Republic’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Notify the labour office

Your employer 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.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

an assignment letter
an employment confirmation letter
a contract
proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma and professional certificates
an after-sales agreement

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. Find out more about family reunification.

Short and long-term permits

You need a Schengen working 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:

transferring short-term from a UK-based company to a branch in the Czech Republic
working for a company in the Czech Republic on a short fixed-term Czech contract

You need to apply for a work permit or long-term working residence permit if you’re in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days because you’re:

transferring long term to a Czech branch, or providing long-term services to a client in the Czech Republic
working for a Czech company on a long-term Czech contract
working in professionals sports as an athlete or player
carrying out self-employed work or you’re a statutory representative
conducting research, other academic work and teaching
investing in the Czech Republic

Long-term permits are valid for up to 2 years.

Short-term transfer to a branch in the Czech Republic, or working on a short-term Czech contract

To qualify for the Schengen working visa and short-term work permit you must:

have the relevant professional skills and experience for the job
keep your employment contract with your UK employer, if you’re transferring (on assignment)
have a signed letter from your employer stating the exact terms of the assignment, if you’re transferring
sign a short-term Czech employment contract (for up to 90 days) with the employer in the Czech Republic
meet minimum monthly wage requirements, if you’re on a Czech contract

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 (FPI) within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic, unless FPI registration has already been completed.
Your employer provides the local labour office with written information about your work 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:

completed visa application form
UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 3 months after your departure date
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
flight ticket in your name
degree or other qualification certificate
signed assignment letter with your employer stating the exact terms of the assignment, or a short-term employment contract
proof of suitable housing in the Czech Republic
proof of travel health or medical insurance
proof you have enough money for the duration of your stay
document outlining the purpose of your stay, such as a notarised work permit issued by the Labour Office
certificate of incorporation for the UK company (legalised with an apostille)
certificate of incorporation for the Czech company

The Schengen visa and work permit takes about 2 to 3 months to get. It’s valid for up to 90 days . You can’t extend it.

Time spent in the Schengen area in the previous 180 days will count towards the 90 day limit.

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 (ICT) card, for managers, specialists or employed interns (trainees)
Non-Dual Mode Employee Card if you don’t qualify for an ICT card, or if you’re providing services to a client in the Czech Republic

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:

up to 3 years
1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

be a manager, specialist or trainee
have a bachelor’s level degree if you’re a trainee
have worked for the UK company for at least 6 months
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

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 collect your entry visa at the Czech embassy or consulate. This visa allows you to travel to the Czech Republic and complete the process.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometric data (photos and finger prints) within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic. You can start working in the Czech Republic after this appointment.
Your UK-based 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.
Your ICT permit (a plastic biometric card) will be issued 3 to 4 weeks after you register with the MOI.

Application documents

Czech authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed visa and permit application forms
UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
degree or other qualification certificate if you’re a trainee (legalised with an apostille)
signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
proof that you’ve been employed with the UK company for at least 6 months immediately before the transfer
organisational charts or documents (legalised with an apostille) showing the relationship between your UK employer and the company in the Czech Republic
proof of legal residence or immigration status in the UK
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
proof of suitable housing in the Czech Republic
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

Non-Dual Mode Employee Card

You can apply for a work permit and Non-Dual Mode Employee card if you’re in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days because you’re:

transferring to a Czech branch to work
providing services to a client in the Czech Republic

To qualify you must:

have the relevant qualifications for the job
have the relevant professional skills and experience for the job
earn at least the Czech minimum monthly wage
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

The work permit and Non-Dual Employee Card takes 4 to 6 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 notifies the Czech Labour Office of its intention to accept the assignment.
You or your employer applies for a work permit from the local Labour Office. The work permit approval process takes between 1 to 2 months after the application is filed.
Once approved, you apply for a Non-Dual Employee Card at the Czech embassy or consulate.
You collect your entry visa at the Czech embassy or consulate. This visa allows you to travel to the Czech Republic and complete the process.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometric data (photos and finger prints) within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic. You can start working in the Czech Republic after this appointment.
Your UK-based 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:

completed application form
UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
degree or other qualification certificate (legalised with an apostille)
certificate of incorporation for the UK company (legalised with an apostille)
signed assignment letter from your employer stating the exact terms of the assignment
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
proof of suitable housing in the Czech Republic
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

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
EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers for at least 1 year

Employee Card

To qualify for an (dual) Employee Card (work and residence permit) you must:

have a job offer from a company in the Czech Republic
be placed on Czech payroll
earn at least the Czech minimum wage
show that you’re qualified for the position

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 collect your entry visa at the Czech embassy or consulate. This visa allows you to travel to the Czech Republic and complete the process.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometric data (photos and finger prints) within 3 business days of arriving in the Czech Republic. You can start working in the Czech Republic after this appointment.
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:

completed application form
UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
degree or other qualification certificate (legalised with an apostille)
an employment contract or offer letter confirming that you and the Czech company intend to sign a contract
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
proof of suitable housing in the Czech Republic
health insurance that covers you from your first day in the Czech Republic until you are covered by public health insurance
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you need to be highly skilled and:

have an employment offer from a Czech company for at least 6 months
have at least a 3 years’ university degree-level education, or higher specialist education
be placed on Czech payroll
earn at least 1.5 times the average gross annual wage

The EU Blue Card takes 3 to 4 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years. You can extend it for another 3 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 collect your entry visa at the Czech embassy or consulate. This visa allows you to travel to the Czech Republic and complete the process.
You register at your local Ministry of Interior (MOI) office and submit your biometric data (photos and finger prints) 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:

completed application form
UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
proof of high education or university degree (legalised with an apostille)
signed contract with your Czech employer for highly qualified full-time employment for at least 1 year
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
proof of suitable housing in the Czech Republic
health insurance that covers you from your first day in the Czech Republic until you are covered by public health insurance
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

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 to 4 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 (FPI) 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:

UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
proof your business is on the Trade Register
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
proof of housing in the Czech Republic
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

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 biometric data (photos and finger prints) 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:

completed application form
UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
proof that you, or the commercial company you’re managing, have the finances required to make a significant investment
proof of origin of the finances, such as an income statement or tax return
confirmation that you, or the company you control, have not been declared bankrupt
document confirming ownership and origin of any assets being invested, such as a purchase contract, including an expert evaluation of the assets
document confirming that you’re debt free
proof that the commercial company you control is debt free, if applicable
proof that your activity as a manager of the corporation will have significant influence on business, if applicable
extract from the commercial register of the company (legalised with an apostille), if applicable
proof of registration on the Czech Trade Register
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
detailed business plan answering the questions in the Czech Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) business plan template
proof of housing in the the Czech Republic
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

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:

long-term visa for sports - for up to 1 year
Employee Card for sport - for up to 2 years

To qualify you must:

have an employment contract with a sports club registered with the relevant sports association for professional sports
be placed on Czech payroll
prove that you’re qualified for the position

A long-term visa for sports or Employee Card takes 3 to 4 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 biometric data (photos and finger prints) 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:

completed application form
UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
document outlining the purpose of your stay, such as a signed employment contract with your Czech employer (sports club)
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
proof of housing in the Czech Republic
health insurance that covers you from your first day in the Czech Republic until you are covered by public health insurance
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

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:

have a hosting agreement from a recognised research institution
have the appropriate education and skills

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 biometric data (photos and finger prints) 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:

UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
hosting agreement with a recognised research institute
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
a written commitment by the research organisation that it will cover the costs relating to your stay in the Czech Republic after the residence permit expires, including the costs of your departure from the Czech Republic, if these costs were incurred within 6 months of the expiry of the hosting agreement
proof of legal residence or immigration status in your country of residence, for you and any dependants
proof of suitable housing in the Czech Republic
health insurance that covers you from your first day in the Czech Republic until you are covered by public health insurance
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, if applying with family

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:

have an employment contract, a work activity agreement, or employment offer confirming that you intend to enter into an employment contract by a certain date with a recognised research institution
have the appropriate education and skills

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 biometric data (photos and finger prints) 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:

UK passport with at least 2 blank pages, for you and any family members
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm), for you and any family members
an employment contract or a future contract in which you and the research institution agree to sign an employment contract within an agreed timeframe
police clearance certificates for you and any family members, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille) - these should be from any country you’ve lived in for more than 6 months in the past 3 years
proof of suitable housing in the Czech Republic
health insurance that covers you from your first day in the Czech Republic until you are covered by public health insurance
comprehensive health insurance from PVZP (Pojistovna VZP, a.s.) covering your stay, for you and any family members
marriage certificate, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
birth certificates for any children, if applying with family (legalised with an apostille)
proof you have enough money or meet income requirements, 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.

Cookies on GOV.UK

Travel to the Czech Republic for work

Entry requirements

Visa and permit documents

Check if you need a visa or permit

Border checks

Check the Czech Republic’s exemptions

Notify the labour office

Dependant work

Show proof of exemption

Further checks

Applying for a visa or permit

Taking your family

Short and long-term permits

Short-term transfer to a branch in the Czech Republic, or working on a short-term Czech contract

How it works

Application documents

Long-term transfer to a Czech branch, or providing services to a client in the Czech Republic

Intra-company employee transfer card

How it works

Application documents

Non-Dual Mode Employee Card

How it works

Application documents

Working for a company in the Czech Republic on a long-term Czech contract

Employee Card

How it works

Application documents

EU Blue Card

How it works

Application documents

Self-employed work or statutory representatives

How it works

Application documents

Investing in the Czech Republic

How it works

Application documents

Professional sports work

How it works

Application documents

Scientific research

How it works

Application documents

Teaching or academic work at a university

How it works

Application documents

Czech government guidance

Check for travel changes

Updates to this page

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK