Savanna Hoffman
The Czech Republic is a popular destination for international students, offering a range of study and work opportunities. With affordable living costs, a thriving job market, and a low unemployment rate, it's no surprise that many students choose to pursue their education and career in this Central European country. International students have the right to work while studying, provided they adhere to certain regulations and requirements, which vary depending on their nationality and student status. Let's explore the options and benefits available to international students seeking to work in the Czech Republic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours for students | 20 hours a week |
| Full-time work for students | Not allowed |
| Job opportunities for international students | Limited |
| Language requirement for jobs | Fluency in Czech |
| Work permit for international students | Required, unless enrolled in an accredited study program |
| Work permit validity | Up to two years, can be renewed |
| Employee Card | Required for graduates wishing to stay and work in the Czech Republic |
| Living costs | Affordable, average $350-$500 per month |
| Medical care | Advanced, with highly-ranked doctors |
| Transportation discounts | Available with ISIC card |
| Job search recommendations | University career centers, info desks, job portals, direct contact with companies |
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What You'll Learn
International students' work permits and visas
International students in the Czech Republic can work part-time alongside their studies. However, the language barrier may limit job options, as most jobs require fluency in the Czech language. That said, there are numerous working options for international students, especially in big cities, where many international companies reside and operate.
Students from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and their family members do not need an employment permit, employee card, or Blue Card to work in the Czech Republic. However, students from non-EU/EEA countries must obtain an employment permit and a residence permit or an employee card or a Blue Card (which combines a work and residence permit).
Students from non-EU/EEA countries enrolled in full-time, accredited study programmes and holding a Czech long-term residence permit or visa can access the Czech labour market and work in the country. They can apply for an employment permit at any locally appropriate regional office of the Public Employment Office. The permit is issued for a maximum of two years but can be renewed.
Third-country students studying in the Czech Republic in a daily form of studies in an accredited degree programme do not need a work permit. Exchange students and distance learners from third countries are also exempt from the work permit requirement if they are under 26 and do not work for more than seven consecutive days or 30 days within a calendar year.
After graduation, international students can continue working in the Czech Republic and automatically extend their visa. They need to apply for an employee card, which serves as a long-term residence permit for employment purposes.
To find a job, international students can contact the career centres and info desks at their universities, as faculties often have contacts in various industries. They can also look for job portals or contact companies directly. Additionally, international students can benefit from language skills, especially in the tourism and education sectors.
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Job opportunities for non-Czech speakers
International students in the Czech Republic can work 20 hours per week, starting from their first year of study. While learning the Czech language can increase job opportunities, there are still numerous options for non-Czech speakers, especially in big cities where many international companies reside and operate.
Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not need an employment permit, Employee Card, or Blue Card to work in the Czech Republic. However, students from non-EU/EEA countries must obtain an employment permit and a residence permit or an Employee Card or Blue Card, which combines both permits.
There are job placement services available for students seeking part-time employment, which can be found on high school announcement bulletin boards. These jobs often require physical labour and may include distributing postcards or packaging goods. During the tourist season, there are also opportunities for meeting and greeting tourists, working at receptions, or assisting sellers.
For students with strong English skills, there are English-speaking jobs available in the Czech Republic, particularly in Prague. Some companies that offer English-speaking jobs include Amazon Czech Republic Services s.r.o., the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Valeo, a tech company. These jobs often require excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
Additionally, students can look for job opportunities within their university networks. They can contact their career centres and info desks, as faculties often have connections in various industries. Networking with friends, classmates, local students, and professors can also be a helpful way to find part-time work.
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Part-time work and summer jobs
Students in the Czech Republic often work part-time or during the summer to support themselves. The country's low unemployment rate and thriving economy make it an attractive place for international students to find work. International students may find the language barrier limiting, as many jobs require fluency in Czech. However, the ability to speak multiple languages can be an advantage, particularly in large cities, where many international companies operate.
Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not need an employment permit to work in the Czech Republic. Students from other countries will need to obtain an employment permit, unless they are enrolled in a degree programme accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, in which case they do not need a work permit. Exchange students and distance learners from non-EU/EEA countries are also exempt from the employment permit requirement, provided they are under 26 years old and do not work for more than 7 consecutive days or 30 days total within a calendar year.
To obtain an employment permit, students from non-EU/EEA countries should apply at their local Public Employment Office. The permit is issued for a maximum of two years but can be renewed. After graduation, international students can apply for an Employee Card, which serves as a long-term residence permit for employment purposes. With this card, graduates have free access to the labour market and can search for any job openings in the country.
There are several resources available to help students find part-time or summer work in the Czech Republic. Many universities have career centres and info desks that can provide job search assistance and industry contacts. Job placement services and university announcement boards can also be good sources of part-time job opportunities. During the tourist season, there are often vacancies for roles such as meeting tourists, working at receptions, and assisting sellers. Students can also look for job postings on online portals or contact companies directly.
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Career services at universities
International students in the Czech Republic are allowed to work 20 hours a week from the first year of their studies. However, the language barrier may pose a challenge as most jobs require fluency in the Czech language. Nevertheless, international students can find numerous working options, especially in big cities, where many international companies reside.
- Job Placement Services: Universities often have dedicated job placement cells or career centres that help students find part-time jobs. These services have industry connections and can provide information on available vacancies, including those specifically for international students. They guide students through the application process, ensuring they meet the requirements and have the necessary documentation, such as visas and work permits.
- On-Campus Employment: Universities may offer on-campus job opportunities for international students, such as research or teaching assistant positions, library assistants, or roles within the international student office. These jobs can provide a convenient way for students to gain work experience and earn an income while staying close to their academic environment.
- Career Counselling and Workshops: Career counsellors at university career services can offer personalised advice to international students. They can help students identify their skills, interests, and career goals, and guide them in developing effective job search strategies. Counsellors may also conduct workshops on CV writing, interview skills, and networking techniques, empowering students with the tools needed to secure employment.
- Industry Connections and Alumni Networks: Universities often have strong ties with local businesses, organisations, and alumni networks. Career services can leverage these connections to benefit international students, providing them with industry insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential job leads. They may also organise career fairs, networking events, or on-campus recruitment drives, creating platforms for students to interact directly with employers.
- Language Support: For international students facing a language barrier, career services may offer language support programmes or workshops. These initiatives aim to improve students' Czech language skills, enhancing their employability and enabling them to access a wider range of job opportunities.
- Visa and Work Permit Guidance: Understanding visa regulations and work permit requirements is crucial for international students. Career services can provide accurate and up-to-date information on the necessary procedures, helping students navigate the complex process of obtaining the right to work in the Czech Republic.
By utilising the resources and support offered by career services at universities, international students in the Czech Republic can enhance their employability skills, navigate the job market effectively, and secure part-time employment opportunities to support their studies.
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Living costs and student discounts
The Czech Republic isn't an expensive country to live in, and most international students should be able to live comfortably on a budget of 300–650 EUR per month. This amount can vary depending on your lifestyle and where you study. In larger cities like Prague or Brno, accommodation costs are higher. You can save money by staying in student dorms or buying second-hand items from other students. There are also Facebook groups and websites like Sbazar and Bazos where you can get used items.
Students in the Czech Republic often work part-time to cover their living expenses, which are around 500–750 EUR per month. You can expect to spend around 150–250 EUR per month on food and groceries. Eating at a university canteen is a cheaper option, with meals costing around 1.90 EUR.
Students from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and their family members can work without an employment permit. Students from other countries will need an employment permit and a residence permit, or an Employee Card or Blue Card, which combines both permits. Students can work up to 20 hours a week during their studies, and there are job placement services to help students find work. Knowing the Czech language will increase your job prospects and income. During the summer, there are many job opportunities in tourism and hospitality, where knowing English may be sufficient.
As a student, you can use your student card to access discounts at cafes, museums, cinemas, and on public transport. You can also buy an ISIC sticker to access ISIC card-related benefits in 116 countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the Czech Republic. However, there may be a language barrier as most jobs require fluency in the Czech language. International students may find more job opportunities in big cities, where many international companies reside and operate.
Students from non-EU/EEA countries need an employment permit and a residence permit, or an Employee Card or a Blue Card (which combines a work and residence permit). Students can apply for an employment permit at their local Public Employment Office.
International students can look for jobs through career centres and info desks at universities, which should have contacts in various industries. Students can also ask friends, classmates, local students, or teachers for advice and tips. Additionally, job placement services are available for students looking for part-time work.
