What is a blue card?

A blue card issued by the Czech Republic constitutes a long-term stay permit for the purpose of employment in the Czech Republic in special cases. A foreigner holding a blue card may:

• reside in the Czech Republic and
• work in the job for which the blue card was issued, or change that job under the conditions defined.

Who is the blue card for?

The blue card makes for easier access to the job market for foreigners with a higher qualification that is in demand in the Czech Republic. The blue card is for foreigners from countries that are not members of the European Union.

More about who the blue card is for.

How to get a blue card

The Czech Republic is doing its best to simplify the procedure for issuing blue cards. You still need to go through several stages.

Vacancies available for blue cards

On the Internet, you can search for vacancies for which you can apply for a blue card.

When does a foreigner need a permit?

If you want to employ a foreigner, it is only possible if:

• The foreigner has a valid work permit and a valid residence permit for the Czech Republic
• or has a green card or blue card. Green cards and blue cards are both residence permits and work permits.
• or if the conditions for the issuance of a blue card are met.

More about when a foreigner needs a permit.

Work permit, blue card, or green card?

The work permit, blue card or green card are issued for a specific job with a specific employer. In terms of employment arrangements they are equivalent to each other. Each of these permits may be granted subject to specific conditions. For example, for blue cards, the law defines the conditions for the job for the performance of which the blue card is intended.

A more detailed comparison of work permits, blue cards, and green cards.

How to offer a vacancy for a blue card

In order that a foreigner can submit an application for a blue card for a specific vacancy, this vacancy must be on the register of vacancies available for blue cards.

More about how to offer a vacancy for a blue card

Obligations of the employer

The employer must report:

• that a foreigner has commenced his job
• an expected change of the foreigner's job
• that a foreigner has not commenced his job
• the termination of a foreigner's employment before the expiration of the blue card

More about the employer's obligations.