Can Sri Lankans work in the Czech Republic without a permit?
No, they can’t. Every Sri Lankan citizen who wants to take a job in the Czech Republic needs to have a work permit. This is the only way to be employed officially and avoid legal problems.
Czech Republic jobs for Sri Lankans
- IT & Tech — Prague, Brno and Ostrava are hubs for programmers, DevOps engineers, data analysts and cybersecurity experts. The demand in IT is stable and growing.
- Healthcare — there’s a shortage of doctors, nurses and medical technicians. To work in this field, you’ll need your qualifications recognized and good knowledge of Czech.
- Manufacturing & Engineering — the country is strong in the automotive and electronics industry. Companies like Škoda, Hyundai and Toyota are hiring engineers, mechanics, technicians and plant workers.
- Construction & Logistics — new buildings and infrastructure mean constant need for electricians, plasterers, installers and repair specialists, plus jobs in transport and warehouses.
- Business roles — employers also look for sales managers, HR staff, office assistants and administrative workers.
Czech Republic work permit for Sri Lankan citizens
For Sri Lankan citizens, a work permit is required to join a Czech employer legally. It is issued by the Ministry of Labor at local job centers. This permit then serves as the basis for obtaining a long-term visa or residence permit.
Main types of work permits in the Czech Republic
- Short-term permit – given for seasonal or temporary jobs, usually up to 90 days.
- Work permit – allows you to stay and work for up to 2 years, with the option to extend.
- Employee Card – combines the right to work and live in the Czech Republic. Issued for up to 2 years if the job is listed in the official vacancy register, and can be extended without leaving the country.
- EU Blue Card – designed for highly qualified workers with a university degree and high salary. Valid for up to 2 years and renewable.
What documents are required from Sri Lankan citizens to get a Czech work permit?
To apply for a job permit in the Czech Republic, Sri Lankans must prepare:
- a valid foreign passport,
- filled-out application form,
- recent passport photos,
- signed job offer or contract from a Czech employer,
- proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates),
- criminal record certificate translated into Czech,
- valid health insurance,
- confirmation of accommodation in the Czech Republic.
👉 For the Employee Card or EU Blue Card, extra documents may be needed, such as university diploma, proof of skills, and evidence of salary that meets the official threshold.
How can Sri Lankans get a work permit in the Czech Republic?
To work legally in the Czech Republic, Sri Lankan citizens need to go through several steps.
- To find a job – a Sri Lankan citizen must first secure an offer from a Czech employer. The position has to be listed in the official Central Register of Vacancies Available for Foreigners. If it isn’t there, a permit cannot be issued.
- Employer’s application – once you are selected, the employer applies to the Czech Employment Office (Úřad práce). They must show that no Czech or EU candidate is available for the role.
- Vacancy check – the Employment Office reviews the job posting. If the position stays open for 30 days with no local applicants, the employer gets approval to hire a foreign worker.
- Submit your documents – depending on the type of employment, you apply either through a Czech consulate in Sri Lanka or directly to the Ministry of the Interior. You can choose a standard work permit or an Employee Card (which also gives the right to stay in the country).
- Permit issue – a regular work permit is usually issued for the length of your contract (up to 1 year). The Employee Card, however, is valid immediately for 2 years.
Czech Republic work visa for Sri Lankans
Sri Lankan citizens who plan to work in the Czech Republic must apply for a D-type long-term visa. It’s usually issued if you already have a work permit or an employment agreement with a local company.
Work visa options for Sri Lankan citizens in the Czech Republic
- Long-term D visa: for those with a work permit.
- Employee Card: combines job and residence rights, most often used by foreigners.
- Blue Card: for skilled and highly educated professionals.
- C visa types: suitable for internships, seasonal employment, and intra-company transfers.
How can Sri Lankan citizens apply for a Czech work visa?
- Application at the consulate. Sri Lankans must apply through the Czech consulate or visa center in their country of residence (or the nearest one). You can only do this once you have confirmation of a work permit.
- Choose your visa basis. Employee Card, Blue Card, or a standard work permit.
- Collect documents. Prepare the required paperwork, provide biometrics, attend an interview, and pay the official fee.
- Processing stage. The documents are sent to Czech authorities, and the wait usually takes 2–3 months.
- Visa issuance. If the application is approved, you’ll get a 90-day long-term visa in your passport. Within 3 days of arrival, you must register with the foreign police.
📌 Tip: If you apply for an Employee Card, the visa is just for entry — the actual work/residence permit is the card you receive in the Czech Republic.
Documents required from Sri Lankans for a work visa to the Czech Republic
- Filled-out visa application form
- Passport valid for travel abroad
- One passport photograph
- Employment contract or confirmation of employment offer
- Work permit / Employee Card / Blue Card approval
- Diplomas or educational certificates
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical insurance valid in the Czech Republic
- Proof of housing or residence confirmation
- Payment of the consular fee
How much do Sri Lankan citizens pay for a Czech work visa?
- Long-term visa (D) — 100 euros
- Employee Card — 122 euros at consulate, 2,500 CZK if submitted in the Czech Republic
- Blue Card — 150 euros
Residence permit in the Czech Republic for Sri Lankans
A residence permit is necessary for legal stays over 90 days. The main categories are:
- Employee Card — allows both residence and employment, usually up to 2 years with renewal.
- Blue Card — designed for specialists with higher qualifications.
- Long-term visa for employment — lets you stay for 1 year before switching to a card.
How can Sri Lankan citizens apply for a residence permit in the Czech Republic?
- Submit an application to the Ministry of the Interior.
- Provide employment confirmation — job contract or work permit.
- Collect required documents: passport, photo, accommodation proof, medical insurance, police clearance.
- Give biometric data (fingerprints).
- Pay the administrative charge.
- Wait for 1–3 months for processing.
After receiving the residence card, you can officially 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