Foreigners From 9 Non-EU Countries No Longer Need Work Permits to Work in Czechia
Key Takeaways
1. Citizens of certain third countries now have free access to the Czech labor market without needing work permits.
2. This policy aims to attract highly skilled workers to support the Czech economy.
3. Security concerns were considered when selecting eligible countries.
Czechia has introduced a new policy allowing citizens from specific third countries to freely access its labor market, as announced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Effective July 1, this policy aims to attract highly skilled workers to bolster the growth of the Czech economy.
Nationals of the following countries are granted free access to the Czech labor market:
- Australia
- Canada
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
Citizens from these countries no longer need to obtain work permits, such as a permit to work, an employee card, or a blue card for intra-company transfers. Instead, they only need authorization to stay in Czechia.
"Employers of citizens from selected countries are no longer required to notify the Labor Office of vacancies for inclusion in the central register of vacancies."
Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Free Access to Labor Market Does Not Guarantee Residence Rights
While citizens of these countries have free access to the labor market, they must still apply for a residence permit if applicable, depending on the type of permit.
"Free entry to the labor market does not guarantee foreigners the right to stay in the Czech Republic. It is still necessary to apply for a residence permit according to standard procedures."
Czech Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
The ministry advises interested individuals to check the Information Portal for Foreigners for detailed information on applying for residence permits and available visa types.
Security Concerns and Selected Countries
The government considered security issues when compiling the list of countries granted free work permits. The selected countries are deemed to have a minimal risk scale.
"The countries mentioned were selected after discussions in the Economic and Social Agreement Council and considering the current labor market situation. In the long term, the Czech Republic aims for intensive cooperation with these countries, sharing common democratic principles."
Marian Jurečka, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
Although these countries' citizens no longer need work permits to work in Czechia, Czech citizens do not have the same access to these nine countries' labor markets. The Ministry of Labour noted that reciprocal access cannot be required as these countries are among the world's most economically powerful and have high economic immigration.