The Jobseeker Visa (formally a long-term residence permit to have employment and professional qualification) is a special visa that gives talented non-EU citizens a chance to come to the Czech Republic.
Essentially, it will allow you to legally reside in Czechia for a maximum of 9 months with the sole goal of obtaining employment. It is a chance to go out there in the job market, go through interviews and network with potential employers without the hassle of having a work contract signed.
The fundamental idea
It is important to note that this visa is not a working permit. Rather, it is a two-stage process:
The search. You come to the country on the Jobseeker Visa to search for jobs.
The Switch. As soon as you have a qualified job offer, you need to apply and receive a standard work permit (usually an Employee Card ). Before your 9-month Jobseeker Visa runs out.
Who is it for
The visa is specifically aimed at individuals of high qualifications. The major condition is that you should have a completed university education (Bachelor’s or higher), and you have to be recognised by the Czech authorities, which is called nostrification.
When you manage to find a job and obtain a work permit, you can then stay, bring your family, and eventually become eligible for permanent residency.
The Czech Jobseeker Visa (also known as a Long-term Residence Permit to seek employment and professional qualification). It is a national visa that enables non-EU citizens to enter and reside in Czechia based on a temporary duration (up to 9 months). Only to search for a job or check the business prospects. It is not a work permit. After getting a job, you have to apply for a regular Employee Card or any other applicable work permit before the Jobseeker Visa runs out.
Most important eligibility requirements
To qualify, you will need to prove to the officer that you are a highly qualified jobseeker:
Education
You have to have completed at least a tertiary education (a bachelor’s or higher degree) accepted in Czechia. You will require a nostrification (recognition) of your diploma or a document to the effect that it is automatically recognised.
Financial means
You have to demonstrate that you have enough money to sustain yourself in the process of your stay without relying on social benefits. The current requirement is:
- 17,670 CZK per month (as of 2024).
- To spend 9 months, you will have to demonstrate that you have in your bank account about 159,030 CZK (about EUR6,400 / $6,900).
Accommodation
You are required to establish evidence of a predetermined accommodation in Czechia throughout your stay (a rental contract).
Clean criminal record
You are supposed to submit an extract of your criminal record. (Both in your home country and other countries in which you resided for over 6 months within a period of the previous 3 years), which has been legalised by apostille or superlegalization.
Travel medical insurance
You need to be fully covered by health insurance, which is valid in Czechia throughout the stay period.
Jobseeker plan (Crucial)
Although this is not a formal document, your cover letter and your CV must give a clear picture of what you are good at. The reason why you are expanding into the Czech job market, and how you intend to find a job.
Application process step-by-step
You should apply externally at the Czech Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Book an appointment: In the home country, call the Czech Embassy and get an appointment for a long-term visa. The wait time may be lengthy; therefore, do this early enough.
Prepare documents (The checklist): Prepare the following:
- Application form: Signed and completed in all aspects.
- Passport: It has to be at least 3 months before your planned period of stay.
- 2x passport photos.
Evidence of accommodation: Rent or Rental confirmation by your host.
Evidence of financial stability: Bank statements of 3-6 months.
Criminal record extract: Legalised with an apostille / Hague convention or superlegalization.
Evidence of Education Diploma (officially certified copy) and its Nostrification (or a statement that it is not necessary).
Travel Medical Insurance confirmation.
Cover Letter and CV: State the purpose, your career background and how you intend to seek employment in Czechia. This is the opportunity to make your case.
The permission for the processing of personal data (form will be provided at the embassies).
Apply In-Person: Attend your appointment, provide all the documents, and pay the application fee (about 2,500 CZK / EUR100).
Wait Processing: The legal processing time is 60-90 days. The embassy will inform you when a decision is to be made.
Collected your Visa: If you are successful, a long-term visa (D-type visa) will be stamped on your passport authorising your entry. Then you will have to go to Czechia and register with the Foreign Police within 3 days of arrival.
How to spend the first day in Czechia
- Registration with foreign police: Registration is required within 3 working days after arrival.
- Begin a job search: Do not waste your 9 months.
- Networking: Visit expos and meetups in the industry.
- Find a Job: When you get a job opportunity, your employer will have to initiate the procedure of applying for your Employee Card.
- Get employee card (Important Stage): You have to apply for the Employee Card at the Ministry of the Interior (MOI).
You can also view these posts:
Living in Czechia
Traveling to Czechia: Visa requirements
Getting a job as an expat in Czechia
