The Blue Card (Modrá karta) is a real opportunity to get an official job in Czech Republic. It has many advantages in comparison with alternative employment options: a work card (Zaměstnanecká karta), it that has quite serious limitations; or a work permit (Povolení k zaměstnání), it has no future prospects.

Who can legally qualify for the Blue Card in Czech Republic:

• Citizens of non-EU countries.
• Those who have completed  higher education and the corresponding diploma. The minimal term of study is 3 years.
• Those who have concluded an employment contract for a long term (at least one year).
• The minimum wage fixed in the contract must be a minimum of CZK 47,828 (about US$2166 or €1831) per month.
• The vacancy which is the basis for employment must be placed in a special state register.

It is possible to get the Blue Card in the Czech Republic only if all these conditions are met.

The Czech Republic is committed to making the Blue Card process as simple as possible. However, a few steps should be taken:

1. Find an appropriate job

The Blue Card is applicable to positions for which no suitable candidate can be found in the Czech Republic or in the EU.

Czech law not only regulates professional areas for Modrá karta, but also approves each of the potential vacancies. Simply put, the employer is obliged to approve all available jobs at the Employment Agency. And only if the Czech citizens do not apply for a position within 30 days, it is transferred to a special register.

Positions are listed at uradprace.cz website in the main list of vacancies suitable for Blue Card candidates. There you will find detailed information about each vacancy. 

2. Contact the future employer

The application for the Blue Card should be accompanied by a signed employment contract. Contact your employer and negotiate the terms and conditions. The employer’s contact details must be indicated next to the vacancy.  

3. File an application

The application for the Blue Card should be submitted at the respective representative office of the Czech Republic. The application form is provided at uradprace.cz.

In your application, you must provide the number and description of your vacancy. You will find the number in the job register or your employer will give you one.

Documents required for a Blue Card application:

• A valid passport (known as “foreign passport” in the ex-USSR countries), the expiration must be at least 90 days longer than the validity period of the Blue Card;
• 2 passport-sized photos of yours;
• Documents confirming the high professional qualifications required for the selected position. Submit original or officially certified copies along with officially certified translation of these documents into Czech. You must also provide a certificate of recognition of your higher education in the Czech Republic;
• Document confirming the accommodation during your stay in the territory;
• An employment contract for a position requiring high qualifications valid for at least one year;
• If your position is a regulated one, you must also provide proof of compliance with the working conditions.

You may also be required to provide:

• A medical certificate that you don’t have any serious diseases;
• A Certificate of good conduct.

The application fee is CZK 2500 (about €96 or US$113).

Attention:

In order to work as a medical professional, specialists who have not obtained a professional qualification in another EU member state must pass the qualification exam successfully. The employer will provide more detailed information. It can also be found on the Ministry of Health website: www.mzcr.cz. 

4. Come to the Czech Republic

You will be notified within 2 months if your Blue Card application has been approved. If so, the representative office will issue you a visa for a period longer than 90 days which is enough to obtain the Blue Card.

Before a visa is issued, you will be asked to show proof of health insurance.

Upon arrival in the Czech Republic within 3 working days from the date of entry you should:

• Receive the Blue Card at a predetermined office of the Migration Service. You will pay a fee of CZK 2500 (about €96 or US$113) for issuance of the Blue Card;
• You then have to register with the Alien Police Inspectorate at your place of residence. When registering, submit a housing security document.

While the Blue Card is being processed, you will receive a special certificate. With this document, you can start carrying out your work.