In recent months, I’ve been receiving a growing number of questions from non-EU citizens who are currently working in EU countries and want to move to the Czech Republic for employment.
If that sounds like your situation, this article will give you clear answers, explain your options, and help you understand whether you are eligible and where you can apply for Czech work visas.
🛂 Who Can Apply for a Czech Work Visa from Another EU Country?
The rules vary depending on your nationality. The first thing to check is whether your citizenship is on the official list of countries allowed to apply for a visa at Czech embassies in other EU countries.
👉 Check the list here: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
✅ If Your Nationality Is on the List
Congratulations – your transfer to the Czech Republic is much easier. You can apply for your long-term visa directly from within Europe, at selected Czech embassies.
❌ If Your Nationality Is Not on the List
If you are from the Philippines, Vietnam, India, or other countries not listed, you’ll need to meet certain conditions.
The most important requirement is that you must have:
- Long-term or permanent residence in an EU country
- And you must have lived there for 2 years or more
✅ Example Scenario: Filipino Citizen Working in Poland
Let’s take a real-life example:
A Filipino citizen has been working in Poland on a long-term visa for 2 years or more. This person meets the 2-year rule and can therefore apply for a Czech work visa from within Europe.
📌 What Kind of Visa Will You Need?
In most cases, you will apply for a long-term residence permit for employment, usually one of the following:
🟩 1. Employee Card
- For most full-time jobs
- Valid for up to 2 years
- Requires a contract with a Czech employer
- Can be renewed
🟦 2. Blue Card
- For highly qualified professionals (IT, engineers, etc.)
- Requires a university degree and higher salary
- Also valid up to 2 years
- Can be transferred between EU countries more easily
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
The application fee for a long-term residence permit (employee or blue card) is: CZK 5,000 (approx. €200). This fee is paid at the Czech consulate when submitting your application.
📍 Where to Apply?
If you are residing in another EU country and meet the 2-year requirement, you will most likely apply at:
Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Dresden, Germany
📍 Erna-Berger-Str. 1, 01097 Dresden, Germany
🌐 Official Website
❓ Why in Germany?
Because the Czech Republic has designated this consulate as the official site for visa processing for most non-EU citizens living in Europe. Unless you wish to return to your home country and apply from the Czech Embassy there, Dresden is your only option within Europe.
📄 Important Documents
Make sure you prepare all required documents in advance, including:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract in the Czech Republic
- Proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic
- Long-term residence permit from your current EU country
- Criminal record clearance (police check) from both your home country and current EU country – these must be certified and officially translated into Czech
- Proof of education (depending on visa type)
🤝 Need Help with the Application?
Worried that your application might be rejected? Or not sure if your documents meet the requirements?
You’re not alone. Many applicants face problems due to missing paperwork, miscommunication with embassies, or incorrect interpretation of immigration rules.
👉 Let me help you with a consultation or full assistance throughout the process – from document preparation and translations to embassy booking and employer coordination.
📧 Contact me: tomas@helloprague.cz