Thinking about switching jobs in Czechia while holding an employee card? You’re not alone and yes, it’s possible. But before you take the leap, it’s important to understand the process, key deadlines, and what your new employer needs to do. This guide walks you through everything step by step so you don’t lose time, opportunities, or even your residence permit.
Can you change employers? First things to check
Before you apply for a job change, there are a few rules you need to meet:
- You must have held your employee card for at least 6 months.
- You can’t change employers on the last valid day of your current card.
⚠️ The application must be submitted at least 30 days before the planned job change.
There are a few exceptions to the 6-month rule:
- If your job ends by agreement, during the probation period, or is terminated by the employer
- If you’re part of a government migration program for highly qualified or scientific staff
⚠️ You must not apply if the new employer is a job agency – this is not allowed.
Step-by-step: how the process works
1. Your new employer must register the job offer
Before you can apply, your future employer has to report the open position to the Labour Office. That job must:
- Be published in the Central Vacancy Database for at least 30 days
- Offer at least 15 working hours per week
- Meet the minimum wage requirements, even for part-time positions
2. You submit your application
Once the position is officially listed and approved, you can submit your application. You can do this in person at the Ministry of the Interior or by post (submission date is when the application arrives at the Ministry).
Make sure you include all required documents:
- Filled-in application form
- Job offer number from the Labour Office
- Employment contract (or pre-contract agreement)
- Proof of qualifications (diploma, or employer declaration)
- Proof of end or continuation of your previous job
- All documents must be in Czech or Slovak, as originals or certified copies
Required Form: Notification of Change
One of the documents you must submit is the official bilingual form (Czech-English):
📝 “Oznámení držitele zaměstnanecké karty o změně zaměstnavatele”
🔗 Download the form here (PDF)
This is the Employee Card Holder’s Notification of Change of Employer or Job Position. It includes:
- Your personal data
- Type of change (e.g. new employer)
- Position details
- EVPM number from the Labour Office
- New employer contact information
- Effective date of the job change
⚠️ Important: This form must be submitted at least 30 days before the planned job change date.
If any required information or documents are missing, the notification will be considered invalid.
3. Wait for Ministry approval
Once you submit your application:
- The Ministry will process your case in 30 days (or up to 60 days for complex situations)
- You can only start working for your new employer after receiving formal approval
What happens after the switch?
Once your new job is approved and you’ve started working, there are a few final steps:
- You must inform the Ministry within 3 days of ending your old job
- Your new employer must notify the Labour Office on the day you start
- Employers must keep your documents on file for the entire duration of your employment, plus 3 more years
Helpful resources
Still unsure or want to read the official regulations? The Integration Portal of the Czech Republic provides an overview here: 🔗 Employee Card – Change of Employment
Need help? Our Application Assistant for Changing the Employer is here for you
We know how overwhelming job and visa paperwork can feel, especially when it’s in a different language or when the rules seem unclear. That’s why we created the Application Assistant for Changing the Employer at mypaperwork.ai.
It’s a step-by-step tool that guides you through the process, reminds you of deadlines, and helps you prepare and check your documents. All in plain English and in a way that makes sense.
About mypaperwork.ai
We’re a startup based in Austria, making migration and paperwork easier using AI. Our tools are personalized, multilingual, and built to help you settle into your new life – faster, cheaper, and with less stress.
We’ve recently expanded to Czechia – our second destination country – and we’re excited to support you there too.
Let’s make your move smoother – together.
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