Condition One: Embassy Capacity and the Quota System
First of all, both the employer and the applicant themselves should verify with the Czech embassy in the foreigner's home country whether it is even possible to submit an application for an Employee Card. Why wouldn't it be?
For security reasons and to regulate economic migration, the Czech Republic has established quotas for individual countries (based on Government Regulation No. 220/2019 Coll.). The capacities of the authorities are therefore limited, and you simply might not get a spot.
For example, at the Czech embassy in Ankara, Turkey, a maximum of 360 applications for an Employee Card can be submitted per year. However, 160 of these spots are reserved exclusively for applicants within special government programs (e.g., for highly qualified employees). This leaves only 200 spots for standard applications. That translates to roughly 16 available slots per month.
Important: Some countries, such as India, do not allow standard application submissions at all. Foreigners from these countries can only be employed through the aforementioned government programs, provided they meet the strict legal conditions.
Condition Two: Employment Contract First, Application Second
A common misconception is the idea that a foreigner can sort out their visa and only start looking for a job once they arrive in the Czech Republic. It works exactly the other way around.
You cannot apply for an Employee Card without previously arranged employment. Before even visiting the embassy, you must have in hand a signed:
- Employment Contract or
- Agreement on a Future Employment Contract or
- Agreement on Work Activity (DPČ)
This document is a crucial and absolutely mandatory part of the Employee Card application required by Czech authorities.
Condition Three: Minimum Wage and Working Hours
Just any job isn't enough to get an Employee Card. The law clearly defines minimum requirements for remuneration and hours worked, which protects both the labor market and the foreigners themselves. The employment relationship must meet the following criteria:
- Weekly working hours: The foreigner must work at least 15 hours per week.
- Wage requirements: The monthly remuneration must not fall below the legally set minimum wage limit. For 2026, this amounts to 22,400 CZK gross per month.
- Length of stay: The Employee Card is intended for stays longer than 3 months. The agreed employment relationship (and contract) must therefore exceed this period. However, given the length of the Employee Card application process, in practice, we recommend concluding an employment relationship for a minimum of 6 months.
Do you meet the above conditions? Then you can start preparing for the actual step-by-step submission of the Employee Card application. On the other hand, if you do not meet the conditions, contact us and we will gladly advise you on what needs to be done so the foreigner can successfully apply for the Employee Card.
Verify authorization to work in the Czech Republic
Do you have employees from abroad? Find out if he can legally work in the Czech Republic.
