Czechia to remove need for work visa for citizens of seven non-EU countries

In a bid to attract skilled talent and streamline the hiring process, the Czech Republic is poised to implement a significant policy change that will be good news for citizens of seven countries seeking work in the country.

According to a draft government regulation prepared by the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, foreigners from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea could soon have free access to the Czech labor market, without the need for a work visa.

Scheduled to come into effect in July, the proposed amendment to the employment law aims to exempt individuals from these seven countries from the requirement of obtaining work permits, employee cards, blue cards, or intra-corporate transfers in order to be able to be legally employed in the country.

"When selecting the countries, it was taken into account that the priority for the Czech Republic is to support the recruitment and employment of highly qualified workers, and from a security point of view, in the case of the selected countries, these are countries with a minimal degree of risk," the Ministry writes in its draft proposal.

The initiative seeks to facilitate the recruitment and employment of high-skilled experts and managers from abroad, while also reducing administrative burdens on employers. By allowing free access to the Czech labor market for individuals from these countries, the government hopes to foster cooperation and exchange of talent on an international scale.

While the regulation prioritizes supporting the recruitment of highly qualified workers, it acknowledges that reciprocal treatment for Czech workers may not be guaranteed by all the countries on the list. Nevertheless, the immediate focus remains on promoting collaboration with economically robust nations, which could yield mutual benefits in the long run.

Statistics provided by the Labour Ministry shed some light on the current employment landscape for foreigners from these countries in the Czech Republic, indicating that these individuals are predominantly employed in senior and highly skilled positions.

At the end of March, employment offices registered a total of 9,271 employees from these countries, with over half holding university or doctoral degrees. Despite their relatively small percentage among foreign employees in the Czech Republic, individuals from these countries play a significant role in various sectors, contributing to the country's economic growth and innovation.

The proposed policy change reflects a strategic move towards fostering a more efficient and inclusive labor market, positioning the Czech Republic as an attractive destination for international talent.