The shortage of workers is one of the most frequently discussed problems of the Czech economy – employers have been facing difficulties in finding labour, especially skilled labour, for a long time.
In order to balance the demand for skilled workers with the supply on the labour market, the government approves economic migration programmes within the framework of the migration policy, the aim of which is to guarantee foreigners the possibility to apply for a residence permit at the relevant embassies if they meet the specified conditions, and to simplify and speed up the processing and handling of these applications.

There are many benefits for foreigners participating in government programmes – for example, they have priority over other foreigners interested in migrating to the Czech Republic, when applying.
In addition, they do not need to make an appointment to apply in advance like other applicants – they are automatically allocated a date to visit the embassy on a pre-arranged basis.

With effect from 2024, the government has approved a number of changes to further enhance migration of workers to the Czech Republic, particularly in the Key and Scientific Personnel Programme, the Highly Skilled Employee Programme and the Skilled Employee Programme. How specifically have these programmes changed?

The Key and Scientific Personnel Programme, the Highly Qualified Employee Programme and the Skilled Employee Programme are now open to citizens of Ukraine if they meet at least one of the following conditions:

• holds or is applying for temporary or international protection in another EU country,
• resides in Ukraine and is entitled to travel.

Alternatively, for the first two programmes, it is possible to fulfil the condition of residence in another country on the basis of a long-term or permanent residence permit or a long-term visa. Similarly, inclusion in the third programme is possible if the condition of staying in another country on the basis of a long-term visa or long-term residence permit for less than 2 years is fulfilled, alternatively.

The employer applying for the inclusion of Ukrainian workers in a specific programme is obliged to prove the fulfilment of at least one of the above criteria by a statutory declaration or another relevant document.

In the Key and Scientific Personnel Programme and the Highly Qualified Employee Programme, the place where a foreigner is entitled to apply for a residence permit has been further specified. The embassy of the Czech Republic in the country, in which the foreigner has been granted long-term or permanent residence and has resided there continuously for more than 2 years, is designated as locally competent.

Another change is the new quota setting for employee cards for each country included in the Skilled Employee Programme – the most notable change is the increase in the quota for workers from the Philippines.

In connection with the amendment to the Act on the Residence of Foreigners, which entered into force on 1 July 2023, there was also a change concerning adult dependent children included in the Highly Qualified Employee Programme. Newly, these children cannot obtain a long-stay visa for family purposes or a residence permit for family cohabitation. However, unaccompanied children who will be in the Czech Republic for continuous training for a future profession can apply for a visa for a stay of more than 90 days or a long-term residence permit for the purpose of study together with their parents. If the educational activity in question does not meet the definition of study according to the Act on the Residence of Foreigners (e.g. study at secondary school), it is also possible to apply for a visa for a stay of more than 90 days for an “other” purpose.

There is good news relating to participants in government programmes who have been issued with an English-language certificate of good character. They no longer need to have the document officially translated into Czech, but can attach the original English version to their application.

Another significant simplification has been brought about by the modification of the conditions for inclusion of start-ups in the Key and Scientific Personnel Programme – instead of a business plan, which previously had to be submitted with the application for inclusion in the programme, the so-called pitch deck is now sufficient.

This is an overview of the most significant changes to the government’s economic migration programmes in 2024. However, it is important to always keep in mind the complex legislation in force when employing foreigners. If you are not sure what obligations apply to you as an employer or as a foreigner, please, do not hesitate to contact us. Our expert immigration team will be happy to help you with your specific situation.