Who has free access to Czech labor market?

Free Access to the Czech Labor Market: Who Can Work Without a Work Permit?

Foreigners from non-EU countries usually need a work permit to legally work in the Czech Republic. However, some groups have free access to the Czech labor market. Here's who can work in the Czech Republic without a job permit:

EU citizens have complete access to the Czech labor market. They do not need a work permit, but their employer must report their employment to the Employment Department before they start working.

If you are a third-country citizen but a family member of an EU citizen, you have the same employment rights as an EU citizen. You don't need a work permit, and your employment status should be reported to the Employment Department.

Non-EU citizens holding permanent residency in the Czech Republic have the same rights as EU citizens when it comes to employment. No job permit is required.

Students from non-EU countries can work in the Czech Republic legally, but only if their visa purpose is "study." Employment should not be the main purpose of their stay, and their employer must report the job to the

Employment Department. If the purpose of stay is "other," then the student doesn't have free access to czech labour market.

If you graduated from a Czech university, you have free access to the Czech labor market. But, you must apply for a residency permit and employee card before your "study" visa expires.

If you are in the Czech Republic for family reunification, you can work as long as your residency permit is for "family reunification" (code 95). Ensure that your permit is not mistakenly issued as "family" (code 17).

Ukrainian citizens who moved to the Czech Republic after February 2022 and live in the Czech republic under temporary protection visa have free access to the labor market due to special provisions. They don't need to apply for employee card and can legally work under temporary protection visa

Starting on 1st July 2024, the Czech immigration office has added citizens from several new countries to the list of those who can access the Czech labor market without needing a work permit. Here’s the updated list of countries whose citizens can work in the Czech Republic without a work permit:

1. Australia Australian citizens have free access to the Czech labor market from 1st July 2024. They do not need a work permit or job sponsorship but must apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card to work legally in the Czech Republic.

2. Israel Israeli citizens also have free access to the Czech labor market starting from 1st July 2024. They don't need a work permit or job sponsorship, but must apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card to work legally.

3. Japan Starting from 1st July 2024, Japanese citizens have free access to the Czech labor market. They do not need a work permit or job sponsorship, but will need to apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card to be employed legally.

4. South Korea South Korean citizens have free access to the Czech labor market starting 1st July 2024. No work permit or job sponsorship is required, but they must apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card for legal employment.

5. Canada Canadian citizens also have free access to the Czech labor market from 1st July 2024. Canadians do not need a work permit or job sponsorship, but they must apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card to work in the Czech Republic.

6. New Zealand New Zealand citizens have free access to the Czech labor market starting from 1st July 2024. They do not need a work permit or job sponsorship, but must apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card to work legally.

7. Singapore Singaporean citizens have free access to the Czech labor market from 1st July 2024. They do not need a work permit or job sponsorship but must apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card for legal employment.

8. USA USA citizens have free access to the Czech labor market starting from 1st July 2024. They do not need a work permit or job sponsorship but will need to apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card to work in the Czech Republic.

9. United Kingdom (UK) UK citizens have free access to the Czech labor market from 1st July 2024. They do not need a work permit or job sponsorship, but they must apply for an Employee Card or Blue Card to work legally in the Czech Republic.

The following individuals are also allowed to work in the Czech Republic without requiring a work permit:

• Permanent Residents – Those holding permanent residency in the Czech Republic.

• Family Members of Diplomats – Family members of diplomats, consular staff, or employees of international organizations based in the Czech Republic.

• Refugees and Protected Individuals – Refugees or people with additional or temporary protection.

• Sportspersons, Artists, Teachers, and University Employees – This includes athletes, artists, teachers, and university staff, as well as students of accredited programs.

• People under International Agreements – Individuals who are covered by international agreements.

• Emergency Unit Members – Those who assist in international mutual help agreements.

• International Transport Workers – Employees of international logistics or transport companies sent to the Czech Republic by their foreign employer.

• Accredited Journalists – Journalists recognized by Czech authorities.

• Military Personnel – Soldiers or civil employees working for Czech defense forces.

• People Preparing for Future Employment– Students preparing for future employment in the Czech Republic.

• EU Company Service Providers – Individuals sent to the Czech Republic to provide services for a company based in another EU country.

• Family Reunification Permit Holders – Individuals with long-term residency permits for family reunification.

• Long-Term EU Residency Holders – People with long-term residency permits from another EU country.

• Scientific Researchers and Students – Those pursuing accredited studies or scientific research in the Czech Republic.

• Graduates of Czech Schools – Individuals who have graduated from a high school or college in the Czech Republic with an accredited program.

• Protection Permit Holders– Those with long-term residency due to protection in the Czech Republic.

• Clergymen – Religious leaders from churches registered in the Czech Republic.

• Intra-Corporate Transferees – Employees transferred from another EU country under an intra-corporate arrangement.

• Czech-Related Work – Individuals whose work in the Czech Republic is considered beneficial to the country.

These individuals can work in the Czech Republic without needing to apply for a work permit as long as they meet the specific requirements outlined by Czech immigration law.

If you have applied for residency as a family member of a Czech or EU citizen but are still waiting for your residency approval, you can start working immediately under bridge visa with a "fikce" status. This temporary status allows you to work until your application is processed.

Need Help? If you don't fall under any of the above categories, feel free to contact us for assistance in understanding your work options in the Czech Republic!