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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Czech Employee Card

A combined work-and-residence permit for third-country nationals taking a job in Czechia that lasts longer than three months.

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Under review — check current rules

Application fees (reported around CZK 2,500 in-country / CZK 5,000 from abroad) change periodically and were not restated in the route body; verify current amounts on ipc.gov.cz before publishing figures.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Czechia government website before you apply.
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Issued by
Ministry of the Interior / Czech embassies
Application from abroad at an embassy, or in-country at the Ministry of the Interior
Maximum validity
Up to 2 years
Renewable; may be limited to the contract or work-permit duration
Minimum job length
More than 3 months
Work rights
Tied to a specific job/employer
Change of employer/position must be notified/approved
Processing time
60 days (90 for complex cases)

Who it's for

Third-country nationals who have a concrete job offer in Czechia for employment lasting more than three months, at any skill level. It is the standard route for ordinary employment that does not meet the higher-qualification threshold of the EU Blue Card.

Requirements

  • A valid job offer / employment contract (or agreement to perform work) for a registered position
  • The position is generally listed in the Central Register of Job Vacancies available to Employee Card holders (unless you have free access to the labour market)
  • Qualifications / professional recognition where the job requires them
  • Proof of accommodation in Czechia
  • The employer must not be classified as 'unreliable'

What you can do

  • Live in Czechia for the duration of the card
  • Work legally in the specified job without a separate work permit
  • Travel visa-free within the Schengen Area
  • Later change purpose or apply for long-term residence / permanent residence after qualifying periods

How to apply

From outside Czechia, file the application in person at a Czech embassy or consulate. If you already hold a long-term visa or residence permit, you can file at a Ministry of the Interior office in Czechia.

After approval and travel to Czechia, biometric data are collected and the physical card is issued. Standard processing is 60 days (up to 90 for more complex cases).

Documents

  • Completed application form
  • Valid travel document (passport)
  • One or more passport photographs
  • Employment contract or agreement to perform work
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Documents proving required qualifications / professional recognition
  • Criminal record certificate (when applying from abroad)

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The Employee Card is a dual document that combines residence and work authorisation, so a separate work permit is not normally required.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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