Do German citizens need a permit to work in the Czech Republic?
Germans enjoy the right to free movement and employment, so they do not need a work permit. This means that you can officially work in the Czech Republic without obtaining special documents from the immigration service or employment center. The only requirement is that you have an employment contract or proof of other forms of activity (e.g., entrepreneurial).
Employment is arranged directly: you sign a contract with an employer or register as a self-employed person (OSVČ).
Registration of residence in the Czech Republic for Germans
Although short stays of up to 90 days do not require any formalities, if you plan to stay longer, you will need to go through the registration procedure.
Registration after 3 months
Germans who want to live in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days must contact the Ministry of the Interior (OAMP) and register their place of residence.
This gives you official resident status and makes it easier to access public services.
Required documents:
- valid passport or ID card;
- proof of residence (rental agreement, confirmation from the landlord);
- employment contract, business documents, or certificate from a university;
- proof of health insurance.
Official registration is not just a formality — it provides a number of opportunities:
- local health insurance;
- access to social services and benefits;
- easy opening of bank accounts;
- the possibility of obtaining permanent resident status after 5 years of continuous residence.
Health insurance in the Czech Republic for German citizens
Although you can remain insured in your home country for short stays, you will need to take out insurance in the Czech Republic for longer stays. Germans often use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or private insurance, but when you find a job, your employer will register you in the Czech health insurance system.
Permanent residence in the Czech Republic for Germans
After 5 years of living and working in the Czech Republic, a German citizen can apply for a permanent residence permit. This opens up even more rights: access to all social programs, the right to long-term residence without the need to confirm living or employment conditions.
Work visa for Germans in the Czech Republic
German citizens do not need a work visa or work permit in the Czech Republic. They can freely enter, work, and live in the country under the same conditions as Czech citizens. This right is guaranteed by the freedom of movement of workers within the EU.
What German citizens need to know
- No visa required: entry and employment are possible without special permits.
- Unrestricted work: you can sign an employment contract directly with an employer without approval from the employment center.
- Accommodation: if you plan to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 3 months, you must register your place of residence with the police.
Seasonal work for German citizens in the Czech Republic
Germans have complete freedom to choose work in the Czech Republic, including seasonal activities. This means that they do not need to obtain any special work permits or work visas. They can be officially employed under the same conditions as Czech workers.
Areas of seasonal employment in the Czech Republic for German citizens
Most often, seasonal work in the Czech Republic for Germans is concentrated in:
- agriculture — fruit and vegetable picking, work in vineyards;
- the hotel and restaurant business — work as waiters, kitchen staff, cleaners in resort areas;
- tourism — assistance in hotels, campsites, water parks, during festivals;
- manufacturing — temporary vacancies in factories during periods of increased demand.
Employment conditions for Germans in the Czech Republic
Despite the absence of mandatory permits, official employment remains important. The employer must sign an employment contract with the employee, specifying the term of employment, duties, and salary. This guarantees not only the legality of employment, but also access to health insurance and social protection.
The main points are as follows:
- No work permit is required — citizens have the same rights as Czechs.
- Registration of residence is mandatory if the stay exceeds 90 days.
- Taxes and contributions are paid on a general basis, so work remains official and transparent.
Accommodation and registration in the Czech Republic for German citizens
- If seasonal work lasts up to 3 months, registration is not required; it is sufficient to have a residential address.
- If the work lasts longer than 90 days, you must register your place of residence with the police for foreigners.
- If you wish to stay for a longer period, Germans can obtain a temporary residence certificate (Potvrzení o přechodném pobytu).
The Czech Republic offers a variety of employment opportunities for foreign workers. Here are some popular industries and job options in the Czech Republic:
- IT sector: The Czech Republic has a developed IT industry and is looking for qualified IT professionals. Software development, web development, cybersecurity and other IT specialties are in demand.
- Language education: Teaching English or other foreign languages is a popular job option for foreigners. The Czech Republic has many language schools and institutes looking for teachers.
- Tourism and hotel business: The tourism industry is developed in the Czech Republic, especially in Prague. Working in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and services for tourists can be employment options.
- Medical field: The Czech Republic is looking for medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists. Local hospitals and medical facilities offer opportunities for qualified professionals.
- Production and engineering: The Czech Republic has a developed industry, including the automotive sector, electronics, mechanical engineering and other industries. Engineers, technicians and production specialists have employment opportunities.
- Finance and banking: Banking institutions, insurance companies and financial organizations in the Czech Republic
- Construction industry: The Czech Republic has an active construction industry that can offer employment opportunities for Ukrainian workers. Repair, construction, installation and other specialized services may be required.
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Here are some useful job portals for employment in the Czech Republic:
- Jobs.cz (www.jobs.cz): One of the most popular job portals where you can find vacancies in various industries.
- Prace.cz (www.prace.cz): Another popular job portal that offers a variety of jobs and opportunities.
- LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): A social networking site for professional contacts that also has a section with jobs and employment opportunities.
- CzechJobs (www.czechjobs.com): A portal specialized in jobs for foreign workers looking for work in the Czech Republic.
Working hours: Legislation limits the length of working hours. Under normal circumstances, a working week should not exceed 40 hours. Employees also have the right to rest and to take scheduled breaks during the working day. The working day generally starts at 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. and lasts until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. with a lunch break. The working week usually consists of five working days.
Vacations: Vacations are an important part of the Czech work culture. Employees are entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation per year, and some categories of employees may be entitled to longer vacation.
Dress code: The dress code in the Czech work environment can be quite conservative. In more formal areas, business attire such as suits for men and formal wear for women may be expected. However, in some more informal industries, casual or business casual dress is allowed.
Employment contract: The law requires a written employment contract between employer and employee. The contract must specify working conditions, salary, working hours, and other important details.
Protection against dismissal: The law sets out the rules under which an employee can be dismissed. Dismissal can take place with certain justifications, such as the employee's incapacity, violation of labor rules, or changes in the employee's organization.
The European country is also attractive from a financial point of view: the relatively low average monthly salary of Czech employees, minimal living expenses, and a low income tax rate of 19%.
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What types of Czech business structures are there?
There are currently a variety of legal entities that can be established in the Czech Republic.
General partnership (v.o.s.)
In a general partnership, two parties trade under a common name and bear equal obligations and liability for the company's activities up to the amount of their individual contributions. The partners are liable with all their assets, and the company is liable with all its assets.
Limited liability company (LLC)
A s.r.o. is the most common type of company established in the Czech Republic. As in many countries, the partners in an SRO are liable for the company's obligations only to the extent of the capital they initially contributed to the company. In the Czech Republic, SROs must start their activities with a minimum registered capital of CZK 200,000.
Joint-stock company (a.s.)
A joint-stock company is established by concluding a memorandum of association, including the company's articles of association, and issuing shares. Shares can be freely traded without registration in the Czech Commercial Register, which makes it attractive if you plan to take your company public. A joint-stock company must have a minimum authorized capital of CZK 2 million. At least 30% of this amount must be paid at the time of company registration.
Cooperative
A cooperative may conduct business activities in the interests of its members, the number of which need not be specified. A cooperative is liable with all its assets.
Branch office
A branch office is not technically a Czech company, but only a representative office of your foreign business in the Czech Republic. Branches have a rather extensive set of restrictions and must list all planned activities in their application to the Commercial Register. The company must also appoint a head of the branch, who must be either a Czech resident or a foreigner with a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic.
Joint venture
Any of the above forms of business may be a joint venture, in which there are two partners, one of whom is usually a Czech resident.
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How does the process of setting up my Czech business work?
10 steps to set up your Czech SRO
- Obtain police records for all current or future managing directors.
- Ask the tax office to confirm the documents that none of the company's partners has any outstanding tax liabilities.
- Obtain certified statutory declarations and signature samples for all current and future directors.
- Establish an office for the company's operations, as well as property documents if you are purchasing real estate.
- Prepare a memorandum of association, which must be signed and certified by an authorized representative.
- Open a bank account to deposit the initial capital.
- Register with the Trade Licensing Office and apply for a license.
- After the company is established, apply for registration in the Trade Register within 90 days.
The following documents are required for registration:
- Partnership agreement signed by an authorized person
- Proof of deposits
- Bank certificate confirming the possibility of making deposits
- Certified copies of trade licenses
- Lease agreement or documents confirming the ownership of the office premises
- Declarations of managers required by law
- Police certificates of no criminal record of the managers
- Legal stamp
9. Register with the Social Security Administration and choose a health insurance company within 8 days of registration
10. Finally, register with the Tax Office within 30 days of the company's establishment
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What taxes will I have to pay from my Czech business?
If you open a business in the Czech Republic, you can expect to pay two or three types of taxes:
1. Corporate tax - currently 19%.
2. VAT - the standard VAT rate is 21%, but some goods may be taxed at a reduced rate of 15 or 10%.
3. Road tax - applies only if you plan to use the car in your business. Road tax rates vary, but range from 1000 to 5000 CZK per year.
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What kind of visa do I need?
If you plan to reside in the Czech Republic, you need to obtain a long-term residence visa. Find more information here.
- Learn Czech: While some jobs in the Czech Republic may have English as a working language, knowing Czech is a big advantage. Learn the basics of the language and specialized terms related to your industry. This will help you communicate with local colleagues and clients and make you a more competitive candidate.
- Be prepared for cultural differences: In the Czech Republic, there may be some cultural differences in the way people communicate and work. Be polite, punctual, and professional in all your interactions with potential employers. Follow local customs and etiquette to create a positive impression.
- Get involved in networking: Make contacts with professionals in your field, attend professional events, conferences and networking meetings. In the Czech Republic, personal connections and references play an important role in the job search. Networking can help you access hidden vacancies and get recommendations from professionals.
- Use online resources: Use a variety of job search websites and online platforms such as Jobs.cz, Prace.cz, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and others. They provide an opportunity to search for vacancies, post your CV and establish contacts with employers.
- Work environment: Many organizations in the Czech Republic are characterized by professionalism and goal-oriented approach. Employees value accuracy, efficiency and a high level of work performance.
Czech Republic