Relocation of an EU Blue Card holder within the EU: How to move to the Czech Republic with your family

The mobility of highly qualified workers within the European Union may be easier today than many people think. The tool that enables these simplified processes is the EU Blue Card. But how does the relocation of a Blue Card holder from another EU Member State to the Czech Republic work in practice? And what options are available for family members?

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Moving a Blue Card holder to the Czech Republic

‍If a foreign national holds a Blue Card issued by another EU Member State, they can apply for a Czech Blue Card directly within the Czech Republic.
There is no need to return to their country of origin or apply through a Czech embassy abroad.

The key condition is meeting the application deadline. The application must be submitted within one month of entering the territory of the Czech Republic.

A major advantage is that the applicant may begin working for a Czech employer even before a decision is issued by the Czech authorities. They can start employment as early as the 30th day after submitting the application.

The application must include the standard documents required for a Blue Card, as well as a valid Blue Card issued by another EU Member State.

A further simplification applies if the Blue Card holder has already worked in the EU for at least two years. In such cases, proof of higher qualifications is not required, which significantly speeds up the process.

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What about family members?

‍A similar regime applies to family members of a Blue Card holder issued by another EU Member State.

If a family member accompanies the Blue Card holder, they may apply for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of family reunification directly within the Czech Republic.

The application must also be submitted within 30 days of entering the Czech Republic.

The application must include standard documentation as well as proof of residence issued by another EU Member State.

A practical advantage is that if the family member submits the application at the same time as the Blue Card holder, both applications are usually decided at the same time.

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How long does the process take?‍

Authorities generally decide on applications within 30 days. In more complex cases, the period may be extended to up to 60 days.

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Why is this regime important?

This mechanism is based on EU legislation and aims to facilitate the cross-border mobility of highly qualified workers from third countries within the EU.

For employers in the Czech Republic, it represents an increasingly attractive way to recruit qualified professionals without unnecessary administrative barriers.

For foreign workers and their families, it offers an efficient pathway to relocate within the EU without significantly disrupting their work or family life.

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