For applicants meeting highly qualified work and salary thresholds.
Route overview
Highly qualified salaried role
Typical timeline / duration: Usually the employment-contract period plus three months, up to three years
Important notes
Hold a work contract or binding pre-employment contract for a highly qualified job lasting at least six months.
The salary must meet the Czech Blue Card threshold of 1.5 times the average gross salary: at least CZK 73,823 gross per month from 1 May 2026. The figure is recalculated each year and changes on 1 May.
Show completed higher vocational or university education of at least three years; regulated professions also need the relevant professional authorisation.
Prepare the application, passport, accommodation evidence, contract, qualification evidence, and any required criminal-record documents.
Applications are generally lodged through a Czech diplomatic mission or the Ministry of the Interior; the official processing period is generally 60 days, with longer periods possible in complex cases.
The card is tied to the qualifying highly skilled job and employer; separate notification and timing rules apply when changing jobs, becoming unemployed, or renewing.
Preparation checklist
Passport and application form
Employment or binding pre-employment contract of at least six months
Proof of accommodation
Qualification and professional-authorisation evidence where relevant
Salary evidence
Photographs, police certificate, and certified or legalised documents where required