Do Moldovan citizens need a permit to work in the Czech Republic?
Yes, Moldovans are required to obtain a work permit to work legally in the Czech Republic. Without it, it is impossible to work legally in the Czech Republic.
Work in the Czech Republic for Moldovans
1. IT and technology
The Czech Republic has a stable demand for IT specialists. Vacancies are open for programmers, cybersecurity engineers, data analysts, and DevOps specialists. The largest centers are concentrated in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava.
2. Healthcare
The country has a shortage of doctors, nurses, and technical staff in clinics and hospitals. To work in healthcare, you must have proof of qualifications and knowledge of the Czech language.
3. Manufacturing and engineering
The Czech Republic is known for its automotive industry (Škoda, Hyundai, Toyota) and electronics. There is demand for engineers, mechanics, technicians, and factory workers.
4. Construction and logistics
The construction sector is actively developing — there is a need for installers, plasterers, electricians, and repair specialists. There is also demand in transport and warehouse logistics, especially in large cities and industrial regions.
5. Sales, HR, and administration
In addition to technical specialties, there is a growing need for sales managers, HR specialists, office managers, and administrative staff.
Work permit in the Czech Republic for Moldovan citizens
A work permit in the Czech Republic is an official document that allows Moldovans to work for a Czech employer. It is issued by the Czech Ministry of Labor through employment centers. It is the basis for obtaining a work visa or long-term residence permit.
Main types:
- Short-term permit — issued for seasonal or temporary work (up to 90 days).
- Work permit — allows you to work for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension.
- Employee Card — allows you to work and live in the Czech Republic at the same time (issued if there is a vacancy in the official register). Issued immediately for a period of up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension without leaving the Czech Republic.
- EU Blue Card — for highly qualified specialists with a degree and a high salary, valid for up to 2 years.
How can Moldovans obtain a work permit in the Czech Republic?
- Job search. Moldovan citizens find work in the Czech Republic on their own. It is important that the vacancy is officially registered in the Central Register of Vacancies Available for Foreigners. If the position is not published there, it will not be possible to obtain a permit.
- Submitting an application. Once you have been hired, the employer submits an application to the Czech Employment Center (Úřad práce). They must prove that there are no suitable candidates from the Czech Republic or other EU countries for the vacancy. Only then can the vacancy be “opened” to citizens.
- Application review. The Employment Center analyzes the application and decides whether a foreigner can be hired. If the vacancy has been posted in the database for 30 days and no local applicants have been found, the employer receives permission to hire a foreigner.
- Submission of documents. After approval from the employer, you submit documents through the Czech consulate in your country or the Czech Ministry of the Interior for a work permit (if this is the classic option) or an Employee Card (if you are applying for long-term employment). In many cases, the Employee Card replaces the classic permit because it combines a work and residence permit.
- Obtaining a permit. If you apply for a regular work permit, the Employment Center will usually issue it for the duration of your contract (up to 1 year). If you apply for an Employee Card, the permit is issued immediately for 2 years.
What documents do Moldovan citizens need to obtain a work permit?
- A valid foreign passport.
- A completed application form.
- Passport-size photographs.
- An employment contract or official job offer.
- Documents on education, diplomas, certificates.
- A certificate of no criminal record (translated into Czech).
- Medical insurance.
- Proof of residence in the Czech Republic (rental agreement or letter from the landlord).
For the Blue Card and Employee Card, additional documents may be required, such as proof of high qualifications or a certificate of salary.
Work visa to the Czech Republic for Moldovans
A work visa is required for Moldovan citizens who wish to work legally in the Czech Republic. This is a D (long-term) visa, which is issued on the basis of a work permit or a signed employment contract.
Main types:
- Long-term D visa for employment (if you have a work permit).
- Employee Card — combines a work permit and a residence permit (the most common option).
- Blue Card — for highly qualified specialists.
- Other categories of C visas (seasonal work, internships, transfers within companies).
How can Moldovan citizens obtain a work visa for the Czech Republic?
1. Submitting an application to the consulate. Moldovans should contact the consulate or visa center of the Czech Republic in their country of residence or the nearest one. You can only apply for a work visa after you have confirmation of your work permit.
2. Select the type of visa. In the application, you must indicate the basis on which you are applying for a visa. This can be:
- Employee Card
- Blue Card
- Regular work permit
3. Submit the necessary documents. You will need to provide documents, submit biometric data, attend an interview, and pay the fee.
4. Application review. The consulate will forward the documents to the Czech Republic. The process can take 2 to 3 months, sometimes longer, depending on the workload of the authorities.
5. Obtaining a visa. If the application is approved, a long-term work visa (usually for 90 days) is affixed to your passport.
Within the first 3 days, you must register your place of residence with the police for foreigners.
📌 Important to know:
If you are applying for an Employee Card, the visa you are initially granted is only valid for entry. The main document for residence and work is the card itself, which is issued in the Czech Republic.
What documents do Moldovans need for a work visa to the Czech Republic?
- Completed application form.
- Foreign passport.
- Passport photo.
- Employment contract or confirmation of employment.
- Work permit (or confirmation of Employee/Blue Card).
- Documents on education, diplomas.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance.
- Confirmation of residence in the Czech Republic.
- Payment of consular fees.
Cost of a work visa to the Czech Republic for Moldovan citizens
- Long-term visa (D) – approximately 100 euros.
- Employee Card – approximately 122 euros (at the consulate) or 2,500 CZK (if submitted in the Czech Republic).
- Blue Card – approximately 150 euros.
Residence permit in the Czech Republic for Moldovans
A residence permit is required for a foreigner to legally stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days.
The main options for citizens are:
- Employee Card – work + residence for the duration of the contract (maximum 2 years, with the possibility of extension).
- Blue Card – long-term residence for qualified specialists.
- Long-term visa for employment – allows you to stay for up to 1 year, after which you usually switch to a card.
How to obtain a residence permit in the Czech Republic for Moldovan citizens?
- Submit documents to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.
- Provide proof of employment (employment contract or work permit).
- Submit the following documents: passport, photo, proof of residence, medical insurance, certificate of no criminal record.
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints).
- Pay the administrative fee.
- Wait for a decision (usually 1 to 3 months).
After receiving the card, the Moldovan citizen can legally live and work in the Czech Republic.
Do I need a permit for seasonal work in the Czech Republic?
For seasonal work in the Czech Republic, citizens need a work visa and a work permit. However, the process of obtaining a visa for seasonal workers has its own peculiarities.
Do you need a visa for seasonal work in the Czech Republic?
Yes, to work in the Czech Republic on a seasonal basis, citizens must obtain a type D work visa. A type D visa allows you to work in the Czech Republic for a specific period and is usually issued to seasonal workers in agriculture, tourism, construction, or other seasonal jobs.
How to obtain a permit and visa for seasonal work in the Czech Republic?
- Obtaining a work permit. Before applying for a visa, you must obtain a work permit from the Czech authorities. This allows the employer to hire the employee for seasonal work. The permit can be obtained through agencies specializing in seasonal recruitment or directly from a Czech company that needs seasonal workers. To obtain a permit, the employer must submit an application to the Czech employment authorities (Úřad práce ČR).
- Submitting a visa application. Once you have obtained a work permit, you can apply for a type D work visa. To do this, you need to contact the Czech consulate.
What documents are required to obtain a visa and permit?
To obtain a work permit and visa, you must provide the following documents:
- Completed visa application form.
- A valid foreign passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the planned stay.
- A copy of the work permit issued by the Czech employment authorities.
- Medical insurance for the period of stay in the Czech Republic.
- Passport-size photos.
- Proof of financial ability to cover the costs of your stay in the Czech Republic (e.g., bank statement).
- Proof of residence in the Czech Republic (e.g., hotel reservation or rental agreement).
How long is a seasonal work visa valid for?
Work visas for seasonal workers are usually issued for a period of 3 to 6 months, depending on the terms of the contract and the employer's requirements. The visa entitles you to work in the Czech Republic only for the permitted period and cannot be extended unless you apply for a new work visa.
Can I extend my seasonal work?
If you wish to remain in the Czech Republic on a permanent basis after the end of your seasonal work, you should contact the Czech immigration authorities to obtain another type of visa or residence permit. It is not possible to extend seasonal work without changing your visa.
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