How to get a work visa in Czech Republic as a Japanese citizen
Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.
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Czech Republic offers Japanese workers 3 distinct visa pathways to live and work legally. Japanese citizens are valued for the world's strongest passport and globally respected engineering and research skills. Applications are made at the Czech Republic diplomatic mission serving Tokyo.
Phù hợp nhất cho ai
- ✓Skilled professionals (Employee Card)
- ✓Highly qualified workers (EU Blue Card)
- ✓Automotive and manufacturing engineers
- ✓IT and shared-service specialists
- ✓Professionals seeking an affordable, central EU base
Available visa pathways
Employee Card
Zaměstnanecká karta
The Czech Employee Card is a combined work and residence permit that serves as the primary route for non-EU nationals taking up employment in the Czech Republic. It was introduced to streamline the process by merging what previously required separate work and residence permits into a single document. The card is valid for up to 24 months and is renewable, making it suitable for both medium-term and long-term employment in the country.
Blue Card
Modrá karta
The Czech Blue Card is the local implementation of the EU Blue Card directive, designed for highly qualified foreign workers with a university degree and a job offer meeting the salary threshold. For 2026, the minimum annual gross salary is approximately CZK 828,000 (CZK 69,000 per month), which is set at 1.5 times the average Czech gross annual wage. The Blue Card is valid for up to 27 months (the employment contract duration plus three months).
ICT Card
Karta vnitropodnikově převedeného zaměstnance
The Czech ICT Card (Intra-Company Transfer Card) enables multinational companies to transfer managers, specialists, and trainee employees from offices outside the EU to their Czech operations. This implements the EU ICT Directive and provides a structured pathway for corporate transfers that is separate from the Employee Card and Blue Card systems. The ICT Card is valid for up to 36 months for managers and specialists, and up to 12 months for trainees.
💡 route.tipFor: Have your Tokyo police clearance certificate ready, and check whether your degree and supporting documents need to be apostilled or legalised for use in Czech Republic.
Application timeline for Czech Republic
Find job in Central Database of Vacancies
Your position must be registered in the Central Database of Vacancies maintained by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
VariesApply for Employee Card at Czech embassy
Submit your Employee Card application at the Czech embassy or consulate. The Employee Card combines work and residence permits.
1 weekProcessing
The Ministry of Interior processes the application. Standard processing takes 60-90 days.
60-90 daysLong-term visa issued
A long-term visa is issued allowing you to enter the Czech Republic.
1-2 weeksTravel and register
Enter the Czech Republic and register with the Foreign Police within 3 working days. Collect your biometric card.
Within 3 daysCommon required documents
Documents commonly required for a Czech Republic work visa for Japanese citizens:
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| Item | Amount | In JPY |
|---|---|---|
| route.cost.minSalary | Kč 828,000 | ¥5,400,000/yr |
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Apply at the Czech Republic diplomatic mission serving Tokyo. Check the official embassy or visa application centre website for appointment booking, fees and current document requirements.
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Làm việc và sinh sống tại Czech Republic
Các ngành tuyển dụng chính
The Czech Republic's main international employers are in automotive manufacturing (Škoda and its suppliers), IT and software, broader manufacturing and engineering, and tourism centred on Prague.
Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống
The Czech Republic is affordable for the EU - Prague one-bedroom rents are around CZK 20,000 a month and regional cities cost less. Prague offers excellent public transport, healthcare and a high quality of life, with the rest of Europe a short train ride away.
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Frequently asked questions
What salary is needed for a Blue Card in Czech Republic?
The minimum salary is Kč 828,000 per year.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Czech Republic?
Processing times range from 4 to 12 weeks.
Can I bring my family on a Czech Republic work visa?
Yes. 2 of 3 visa types allow dependants.
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What are the top industries hiring in Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic's main international employers are in automotive manufacturing (Škoda and its suppliers), IT and software, broader manufacturing and engineering, and tourism centred on Prague.