Living and working conditions in the Czech Republic
Download: Education and Work in the Czech Republic.
2. Finding employment in the Czech Republic
3. Moving to the Czech Republic
4. Unemployment and social insurance
5. Employment requirements and conditions
10. Recognition of qualifications
Location
The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe. It has an area of 78 866 km2. The country has borders with Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. Its surface and countryside are extremely diverse, ranging from lowlands to mountainous regions and forested areas.Climate
The Czech Republic’s climate is seasonal. The average annual temperature ranges from 5.5°C to 10°C. Temperatures are obviously lower in the mountainous regions of west and north-east Bohemia. In summer, temperatures reach 25°C to 35°C. In winter they fall as low as -20°C.The spring and summer seasons are warm and the weather is generally sunny. In winter, however, very warm clothing is required as heavy snowfall can often cause severe disruption, including in areas other than mountainous regions.
You can access further information on the web pages of the Czech Hydrometerological Institute: http://www.chmi.cz/indexe.html
Population, language
Approximately 10.2 million people currently reside in the Czech Republic, although obviously not all of them are Czech. People are usually very friendly and communicative. The official language is Czech; foreign languages are generally spoken by younger members of the population, with English, German, Russian and French being the most common.Culture
Cultural and social life in the Czech Republic is extremely diverse and in its originality part of a long tradition. Of the many figures who have left their mark on the history and subsequent development of cultural and social life in the Czech lands we should mention the country’s father, Charles IV, the most important medieval ruler, who brought the Kingdom of Bohemia to the height of its powers, as well as the great reformer of the Catholic Church Jan Hus, or František Palacký, a historian, politician and leading representative of the Czech national revival, also known as the „Father of the Nation“.The Czech Republic offers a multitude of cultural activities. Visiting the theatre or the cinema is a popular way of spending free time, as are visits to heritage sites, castles, palaces, churches and sites in nature such as national parks, reservations, caves and many others. The abundance of therapeutic mineral waters means that there is a wide selection of spas. Popular sporting activities include football, hockey, tennis, golf, cycling, walking, downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as archery and mountaineering.
2. Finding employment in the Czech Republic
People from the European economic zone who are seeking work in the Czech republic can find employment without the need for a work permit.
Information for those who want to find employment in the Czech Republic can be found at the bottom of this paragraph. We should point out that to improve your chances of finding the ideal job you should combine several approaches at once. Czech people do the same in order to get the maximum information on jobs available.
If you do not yet reside in the Czech Republic and want to obtain more information on positions in the Czech Republic you can use the European Employment Services – EURES - database (http://www.europa.eu.int/eures) This will provide you not only with job advertisements in the Czech Republic but also important information relating to your work in the country. If you are interested, you can of course also contact the EURES consultant in your country, or contact the Czech consultant directly with your questions.
EURES is part of the Public Employment Services – the Employment offices – in the Czech Republic.
The services provided by the employment offices are free and concern a wide range of matters, from choice of employment, retraining, job offers to consultancy. There are 77 employment offices in the Czech Republic, of which 14 are regional offices which also contain EURES consultants.
Another way to find employment is to use the services of private personnel agencies, which recruit personnel for a variety of professions. You can contact these agencies personally or look up their websites on the Internet.
Daily press & Internet
Job advertisements are published in the daily press in special supplements or columns and also on websites containing lists of job offers throughout the Czech Republic. The advertisements are usually in Czech. In order to search the Internet you can also use Internet cafes and public libraries.Another way to access offers is to make personal contact with employer organisations and companies. Most companies, firms and employers have their own websites or are listed in telephone directories.
When applying for a job in the Czech Republic it’s important to have a structured curriculum vitae or introductory letter. Detail and particulars are usually given in the job advertisement, where the employer or agency request, for example, a curriculum vitae in a specific language.
A knowledge of Czech remains necessary for many employment positions, but don’t let this put you off. For example, many multinational companies communicate in languages other than Czech.
If you have any queries or require assistance in finding employment please don’t hesitate to contact the EURES consultant!
3. Moving to the Czech Republic
Before deciding to move to the Czech Republic:
- contact the Public Employment Services (employment office) in your country. They will provide you with much useful information concerning your move to another country
- contact EURES in your own country. EURES consultants will answer any questions you might have, for example concerning acknowledgement of your professional qualification in the target country, your entitlement to various social welfare, health insurance etc. and above all they will inform you of the situation of the relevant country’s labour market and vacant positions in your professional field
- in addition to personal documentation also take with you your educational certificates and curriculum vitae
And after that we hope you enjoy your time in the Czech Republic!
Basic information on resident qualification
Following the Czech Republic’s accession to the European Union the citizens of all other EU member states will be able to enter and reside in the Czech Republic without special restriction, requiring only a travel document or identity card. EU citizens will not require a visa regardless of the purpose and length of stay.For stays of up to 3 months EU citizens will not require any special residence qualification. If an EU citizen wishes to remain in the Czech Republic for more than 3 months (e.g. for reasons of employment, business, study) he/she will be authorised to apply for “residence qualification for a citizen of a member state of the European Community".
You can submit an application for a residence permit at the embassy in your country of residence or directly at the foreign police in the Czech Republic.
From an administrative point of view your application should be accompanied by the following: travel document, confirmation of the purpose of your visit (e.g. employment contract). If the purpose of your stay is other than for employment you will also have to supply a health insurance document and sworn statement that you will not apply for social welfare payments.
Family member – document confirming that he/she is a family member (dependent person)
Reporting obligation for EU citizens and their family members
You are obliged to report stays in the Czech Republic of more than 30 days to the foreign police in the place of residence within 30 days of entering the Czech Republic (this does not apply for hotel accommodation).Citizens of Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland receive a “residence permit card“.
For more information on the foreign police department – contact addresses go to:
http://www.mvcr.cz/index.html
4. Unemployment and social insurance
During your employment in the Czech Republic you will be insured at the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ). By law, the employer is obliged to deduct a contribution from your earnings for social insurance. The system is intended to provide you and your family with protection and support in circumstances that require such support by means of social welfare payments or the provision of services. Social welfare payments are assessed according to the individual judgement of the institution concerned. These are the state social support departments at the employment offices.
List of social welfare payments
child supportsocial supplementary payment
maternity grant
funeral expenses
housing contribution
transport contribution
parental contribution
foster care benefits
Unemployment benefit payments from another member state while seeking employment in the Czech Republic
If you are unemployed and are entitled to unemployment benefit (at least 4 weeks before your departure) in the country where you last worked you can apply for the transport of your benefits to the Czech Republic.Contact the local employment office in your country and inform them of your decision to seek work in the Czech Republic. You will have to fill out a standard form which you will take with you to the Czech Republic. If you are entitled to the payment of unemployment benefits over the following three months you will receive an E 303 form before your departure. Upon arrival in the Czech Republic you should submit the form to the nearest employment office within 7 days of leaving your country. Make sure that you have enough money to support you at the beginning of your stay. The payment of your benefits may be delayed.
If you register later than 7 days after your departure date the benefits will be calculated from the date of arrival. Be prepared for new rules and procedures. Don’t forget that you are obliged to abide by Czech legislation.
If you are seeking employment in the Czech Republic and draw unemployment benefits transported from the country of your previous employment you must return to that country before the date of expiry.
Transporting unemployment benefits from another member country
If you become unemployed in the Czech Republic and apply here for unemployment benefit you can use the right to count the employment periods (insurance periods) from all member countries where you have worked. You should submit this application at your local employment office and request form E 301 for counting years worked (insurance periods). For more information please contact your nearest employment office.Old age pension
If you have worked in two or more member countries you will draw a pension from each country.In the Czech Republic it is generally the case that if you have acquired the necessary insurance period of at least 25 years and are of retirement age, or you have acquired an insurance period of at least 15 years and are at least 65, you are entitled to old age pension. For more information please contact the Czech Social Security Administration at the following address:
ČSSZ Prague Křížová 25 225 08 Prague 5
Tel.: +420 257 061 111
Work-related injury
The employer bears full responsibility for the payment of compensation for lost earnings. In the event of a work-related injury that concerns you or your employee please contact:1. the regional branch of the Work Safety Inspectorate
2. the branch of the relevant health insurance company at which you or your company is insured
3. the relevant regional police department
4. the employer that sent the employee to you for work
5. the relevant union body or employee representative for health and safety in the workplace.
For further information please contact the local Czech Social Security Administration branch in the Czech Republic.
5. Employment requirements and conditions
Employment contract
Employment contracts are customary in the Czech Republic, whether for an employment relationship for a definite or indefinite period, temporary work or seasonal employment. When signing a contract make sure that you fully understand the requirements and conditions of the employment agreed. Find out how often and how much you will be paid and study thoroughly your work remit. Find out who (you or your employer) will pay expenses for travelling to work and accommodation expenses.Under normal circumstances, the contract will agree a trial period of 3 months, unless it specifically states a shorter period. Czech law does not permit the agreement of a trial period longer than 3 months. During this period you or your employer can terminate the employment relationship immediately without giving a reason.
If you experience any problems during your employment you should first contact your superior and after that union bodies. If you feel that your employer is in some manner failing to abide by the Labour Code you can contact the local employment office with a complaint. Employment offices in the Czech Republic have the power to penalise unlawful behaviour.
You can find further information on the contents and termination of an employment contract in the Labour Code at:
http://www.mpsv.cz/files/clanky/1126/No_65_1965.pdf.
Employment period
In the Czech Republic the employment period of 40 hours a week usually comprises five eight-hour working days. Most public offices work from 8.00 to 17.00 on Mondays and Wednesdays, while on other days the times vary. In industry they begin from 6.00, some even earlier. Lunch breaks are not included in the employment period.Larger companies in the Czech Republic have collective bargaining agreements which can regulate certain employment conditions, e.g. the employment period, overtime pay, compensatory free time, a variety contributions for holidays and pension. They also set up company nursery schools, agree better safety conditions etc.
For further information on the structure of the employment period, overtime work, flexible working hours etc. go to:
http://www.mpsv.cz/files/clanky/1126/No_65_1965.pdf.
Holiday allocation
The basic holiday allocation in the Czech Republic is four weeks a year. The collective bargaining agreement may stipulate a longer holiday allowance. If you have worked for less than one year but more than 60 days you will be entitled to one-twelfth of the holiday allowance for the calendar year for each full calendar month that you have worked.Public holidays
Work on a public holiday depends on the activities of individual organisations and companies. If you work on a public holiday you are entitled to a bonus by law (see: http://www.mpsv.cz/files/clanky/1126/No_65_1965.pdf).6. Tax
Like every other employee in the Czech Republic, an amount will be deducted from your gross wages as a deposit for income tax, social security contribution, unemployment contribution and health insurance contribution.
These deductions are made by the employer and you are not required to deal with these institutions.
Income tax
Income is considered to be the aggregate of all your income from the employer. Under legally prescribed conditions you are entitled to tax deductions for children at home and for your spouse.From the tax base you can also deduct supplementary pension insurance payments and private health insurance payment. A tax deposit is paid on a monthly basis and in the following year (by 15 February) you can ask for a tax calculation for the whole year at your local tax authority. Any excess payment will be returned.
Value added tax
You are obliged to pay VAT if as a legal entity or private individual doing business in the Czech Republic you have turnover of more than CZK 2 million during no more than a 12 month period. Others can register for the tax according to their choice.Excise duty
You are obliged to pay excise duty as a legal entity or private individual if you produce, import or export certain products. Excise duty applies for example to fuel, spirits, beer, cigarettes and wine. The tax base is the amount expressed in measurement units.Other taxes depending on specific situations are road tax, property tax, inheritance tax, gift tax and property transfer tax.
For further information on tax in the Czech Republic please go to the website of the Ministry of Finance at: http://www.mfcr.cz .
7. Health insurance and care
Before coming to the Czech Republic with the aim of finding employment don’t forget to visit your health insurance company in your own country. To be eligible for health care you will need to present a form issued by the insurance company in your country. You should arrange for the form’s issue before you travel to the Czech Republic. This also applies for members of your family.
As soon as you are settled in the Czech Republic and start work on the basis of an employment contract, health care costs will be paid by a health insurance company in the Czech Republic. The health care system is based on public services financed primarily from public funds.
In the Czech Republic, public health insurance applies by law to everyone who has permanent residence and to people who, although they don’t have permanent residence, are employed by an employer with a registered office in the Czech Republic. Every health insurance company is obliged to accept anyone who fulfils at least one of these conditions. The availability of public health insurance in the Czech Republic is stipulated by law, and you therefore do not have to deal with the insurance company in order to be eligible.
If you fall ill you are obliged to inform your employer immediately on the first day of absence and to send the employer as soon as possible a doctor’s certificate. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays also count as days on which you are unfit to work. Without a duly issued doctor’s certificate you will not be eligible for payment of sickness benefit. Sickness benefit will be paid to you monthly at a regular date throughout the entire period of your illness without interruption, although not for more than one year. The amount of these benefits is regulated by law.
List of health insurance benefits
sickness paymentssupport for treatment of family members
compensatory contribution in pregnancy and maternity
financial assistance in maternity
There are both public and private hospitals in the Czech Republic. Treatment and stay in public hospitals is free. The health insurance company pays for medicines prescribed you by your doctor in part or in full. For medicines that are freely on sale you have to pay the full price.
For further information concerning health insurance and payment of sickness benefits please contact any local health insurance branch.
8. Accommodation
The availability of accommodation and the prices of apartments depend upon their geographical location. In the larger towns there is a wide range of apartments to rent where the price depends on the size of apartment, locality and also how old the building is. In rural areas most people in family houses. The rent of family homes is not common in the Czech Republic.
Property prices also depend on location. It’s generally the case that prices are higher in the larger cities.
The joint offer of employment and accommodation is not usual in the Czech Republic. Rent is generally paid monthly and a deposit is often charged of the rent for the first three months. Housing costs include not only the rent but also a contribution to the Repairs Fund, property tax (if you own the title deed to the flat), and charges for rubbish, electricity, water, heating etc.
You can find many offers for rent and sale in small-ads papers both locally and nationally, in which you can also place your own ad looking for a flat.
Another possibility is to use the Internet. Most Czech servers have information on rented accommodation, although most such pages are in Czech.
A reliable but more expensive approach is to use the services of real estate agencies. Purchases, sales and other transactions require notarial confirmation, and verification of the transaction‘s conditions, services which are also commonly offered by real estate agencies.
Useful links:
http://www.avizo.cz – small-ads newspaper Avízo
http://www.profit-inzerce.cz – small-ads newspaper Profit
http://www.annonce.cz – small-ads newspaper Annonce
http://www.bydleni.cz – website on accommodation in the Czech Republic
http://www.reality.cz – website on accommodation in the Czech Republic
9. Education
Pre-school establishments
Nursery schools are for children aged between 3 and 6 years of age. Most nursery schools are free, although parents contribute to part of the operating costs (not more than 30 %).As part of the nursery school system special classes are organised for children with disabilities, learning and behavioural difficulties and for children from a socially or culturally disadvantaged background.
Elementary schools
Compulsory education lasts for 9 years, usually from the age of 6. td 15, and is generally provided by elementary schools These come in two forms – either they are administered by the relevant municipality, in which case the education is free, or they are private, in which case school fees have to be paid. Teaching in private schools is usually based on alternative educational methods. Although the system is streamed the choice is unlimited.Pupils are assessed on the basis of written and oral work and marks according to grade classifications from 1 to 5. Regular assessments come in the form of school reports at the end of each half-year.
Children with disabilities can be integrated in normal classes or special classes at elementary schools. They can also attend special schools. Children with mental handicaps attend special or auxiliary schools.
Secondary schools
There are three types of secondary school: general secondary school or gymnasium, secondary technical college and secondary vocational establishments. A condition of acceptance is completion of compulsory school attendance and fulfilment of entry requirements.The gymnasium provides full secondary general education. It has four-year programs, six-year programs for foreign-language sections and eight-year programs. At the end of their studies students complete a finishing examination.
Secondary technical colleges provide full secondary technical education. The study lasts 4 to 5 years and is completed with a finishing exam.
Secondary vocational establishments usually offer three-year apprenticeship programs. These culminate in a finishing examination and the award of certificates of apprenticeship.
Technical High School
Provides essential qualification for the performance of demanding technical activities, focusing chiefly on practical professional orientation. Programs are two and three-year and the study course is completed with a leaving certificate.Universities
Universities provide bachelor study programs of three to four years, master’s programs of four to six years and doctoral study for master’s graduates. Traditional university institutions offer all types of study program. Private universities, which do not fall within the traditional category of a university, offer chiefly bachelor degrees.At public and state universities study in Czech is free. Universities in the Czech Republic generally offer their students accommodation in colleges. Students pay for their accommodation, although the amounts are not by any means exorbitant. Another option for students in private accommodation, although fees are several times higher than in the colleges.
Currently, there are 56 universities in the Czech Republic, of which 4 are state universities, 24 public and 28 private.
Useful links:
http://www.csicr.cz – Česká školní inspekce Czech School Inspection
http://www.msmt.cz – Ministerstvo školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy (Ministry of Education, Youth and Physical Education)
http://www.nvf.cz/estia – Národní vzdělávací fond (National Education Fund)
http://www.cas.cz – Česká akademie věd (Czech Academy of Sciences)
http://www.uiv.cz – Ústav pro informace ve vzdělávání (Institute for Information in Education)
http://www.vzdelavani.cz – Pages with information on study at university, high school and secondary school
10. Recognition of qualifications
For further information on the recognition of education and qualifications we recommend that you contact the Centre for University Study, which provides advisory services with regard to the academic recognition of educational documents for the needs of universities, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Physical Education, educational authorities, students and the expert public.
The Institute for Information in Education is an organisation run directly by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Physical Education, with its headquarters in Prague. The customer and information centre provides information and services in the field of schools, education and out-of-school activities for children and youth. Activities are intended for the general public.
If you have any problems please contact the EURES consultant in the Czech Republic (see useful links)
Useful links:
Centre for University Study
ContactIng. Štěpánka Skuhrová
CSVŠ – Středisko pro ekvivalenci dokladů a vzdělání (Centre for Equivalence of Documents and Education)
U Lužického semináře 13
118 00 Prague 1 – Malá Strana
tel: 2 5701 1335, 2 5753 0500
e-mail: skuhrova(a)csvs.cz
http://www.csvs.cz Important websites concerning education, recognition of diplomas and international programs
http://www.uiv.cz Ústav pro informace ve vzdělání (Institute for Information in Education)
http://portal.mpsv.cz EURES consultants in the Czech Republic
11. Specimen curriculum vitae
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12. Job application
Job application by letter
Job applications often consist not only in sending a curriculum vitae but also with an accompanying letter specifying your interest in the relevant profession/position.The contents of such a letter should be brief and to the point. Information should apply to the employment position that you are seeking. You should explain why you are interested in the position and give a brief description of your experience. Many employers require a document confirming your education and references from your previous employment.
In many cases employers will provide you with a professional questionnaire to complete.
The application should contain an appendix in the form of a structured curriculum vitae. This generally includes the following information:
1. personal data: name and surname, address, telephone, date and place of birth, marital status and nationality
2. qualifications: this section should contain information on your education
3. work experience: a very important part of the curriculum vitae containing a brief description of every part of your work experience. If you are a graduate and do not as yet have any work experience you can state any temporary jobs or internships that you have completed.
4. interests: you should provide a brief description of your interests and hobbies, especially if they relate to the position that you are applying for
5. references: give the names and contact information of your former superiors who can give you positive references
The application and curriculum vitae should be written on a PC or typewriter. Don’t forget to sign both documents!
Interview
If the employer invites you for a personal meeting don’t forget to take with you a copy of your curriculum vitae, copies of your diplomas and also references.Interviews can comprise several stages, a means of selecting employees that is increasingly used. To be well prepared for the interview you should also have some knowledge of the activities of the company that you are seeking to join.
Watch out for discriminatory questions.
Psychological tests are also sometimes employed, especially for managerial positions and positions in the civil service.
Confirmation of state of health
Employers increasingly require confirmation of state of health before recruiting new employees. You can obtain this from your GP. The confirmation costs around CZK 300 (approx. 10 €).Useful links:
http://portal.mpsv.cz EURES consultants in the Czech Republic
Source - MPSV - http://portal.mpsv.cz/eures/prace_v_cr/zp_vytah#H3