Malta Work Permit

 The island country of Malta is located in the Southern Europe, 80km south of Italy. It is one of the smallest EU countries, with an area of only 316km2 and a population of 533,286 inhabitants.

Still, Malta is a tourism magnet with its elegant capital Valletta, the idyllic island of Gozo, the medieval hilltop town of Mdina, palaces and castles, ancient ruins, cliffs, bays and beaches. Malta became part of the European Union in 2004, and abolished its borders with the other Schengen member states three years later in 2007. Since then on, travelers can enter into Malta with a Schengen visa.

Fun fact about Malta: There are more Maltese people in Melbourne, Australia than there are in Malta.

Malta Entry Requirements

The island country of Malta allows all EU nationals to enter its territory by only carrying an identification document.

However, all non-EU travelers entering Malta through air or sea need to present some other documents. If you are a non-EU visitor, you will need to show the following documents at the Maltese port of entry:

A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond your planned date of exit from Schengen, and issued within the last 10 years.

A visa – if you are subject to the Maltese visa regime.
Travel Health Insurance. Covering medical emergencies in Malta and the whole Schengen area for a minimum of €30,000.
*British passport holders are exempt from the criteria of passport validity and issuance date. 

In some cases, you might be asked to show additional documents as an invitation letter from a Maltese host, roundtrip flight itinerary etc. For more information in these regard you need to consult with the official body that represents Malta in your country of residence.

Besides, the Maltese border officer may ask you some questions about your trip to Malta like:
What is your purpose of visiting Malta?
How long do you intend to stay in Malta?
Where are you going to stay in Malta? Etc.
The Maltese border officer is the one who will give the final decision if you shall be permitted to enter Malta or not. Please, make sure that this officer stamps your passport when you enter Malta. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Malta.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Malta?

As a member of the Schengen Area, Malta applies the visa code to all travelers wishing to step in its territory. According to that, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to Malta if:

You are a citizen of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.

You are a citizen of a third country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Zone, but you were previously rejected from entering Malta or any other Schengen country.
What Documents Are Required for a Malta Schengen Visa Application?

As a traveler in need of a visa, you will need to meet several Malta visa requirements. The mandatory required documents for a short-stay visa to Malta are as follows:

Maltese visa application form. Completely fill in the application form for a short-stay visa to Malta. Learn here how to correctly fill in the Schengen Visa Application Form!
Two passport photos. The photos should be identical and comply with the photograph requirements for Maltese Schengen visa application.
Your valid passport. Make sure your passports meets all of the three criteria listed below:
It has at least blank pages in order to affix visa.
It is no older than 10 years on the date you plan to leave Malta, or the Schengen Zone.
Has a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Malta and the whole territory of Schengen.
Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
Malta Travel Health Insurance. You should present to the Maltese embassy/consulate proof that you have purchased health insurance that covers medical emergencies for at least €30,000 in Malta and the whole Schengen territory.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A document that shows you have a booked flight, to enter and leave Malta. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
Proof of accommodation. Present to the embassy/consulate evidence where you will be staying while in Malta I.e. a hotel reservation.
Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Malta. When applying for a Visa to Malta, you need to show evidence that you possess at least €48 per each day you plan to spend in Malta.
A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Malta, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave and other details.
Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

Additional Maltese Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status
The additional Malta visa requirements depending on your occupational status are as follows: 

If employed:
Employment contract
Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
Leave permission from the employer
Income Tax Return (ITR) form

 If self-employed:
A copy of your business license
Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
Income Tax Return (ITR)

 If a student:
Proof of enrollment
No-objection certificate from school or university
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 If retired:
Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If applicable: 

Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months
>>NOC from employer, school or university.

Additional Maltese Visa Requirements for Minors
Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Malta, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Maltese Visa Requirements in their application file:
Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Malta.
Malta application form signed by both parents.
Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.
Certified copies of ID / passport of both parents
If the minor will be travelling alone with another person:
An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, and expiry date, a recent photograph and valid visa copy.
A notarized parental authorization to travel to Malta, signed by both parents / guardians
*Note: When applying at the Maltese embassy/consulate in home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Malta
According to your purpose of entry to Malta, you will need to provide some additional documents. Following find the additional Malta visa requirements based on your purpose of traveling to Malta.

Malta Airport Transit Visa Requirements

If you need to land at the Maltese airport in order to wait in the international area of the airport for a connecting flight that will take you to your non-Schengen destination country, you will need to apply for a Malta Airport Transit Visa.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Malta

 When applying to obtain a Malta Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

A valid visa (if needed) for the final country you are travelling to.
The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.
Malta Transit Visa Requirements
If you have to disembark at one of the Maltese harbors, under the intention of departing with the vessel or reshipping on other vessel that is bound for a foreign port or place or one coming to Malta to join a vessel in this country, then you should apply for a Maltese Transit Visa.
Required Documents for a Transit Schengen Visa to Malta
When applying to obtain a Malta Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are travelling to.
The ticket for the final country you are travelling to.
Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book.
Letter from the inviting Shipping Company. Issued by the inviting Shipping Company in the Schengen country in which the seafarer will disembark.
Employment contract. Contract with the Navigation Company / ship in order to board the ship.
Malta Tourist Visa Requirements
You will have to apply for a Maltese tourist visa for short stays, if you intend to visit Malta for leisure or recreational purpose as vacations or sightseeing.

Required Documents for a Tourist Schengen Visa to Malta

 When applying to obtain a Maltese Tourist visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
Bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
Travel Itinerary. A description of your trip day-to-day, of what you will be doing in Malta, when you will arrive and leave, and where you will be accommodated etc.
Proof how you will be financing your trip to Malta.

Malta Visitor Visa Requirements

You shall apply for a Maltese Visitor visa if you have been invited to visit Malta by a friend or a family member residing in the island country.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visitor Visa to Malta

When applying to obtain a visa to visit your friends or relatives in Malta, you must provide the following additional documents:

Travel Itinerary. Detailed day-to-day plan of your trip in Malta.
Proof of invitation:
Letter of Invitation. By the relative/friend residing in Malta, inviting you to visit.
Declaration of Proof. Which is a form issued by the Maltese authorities that the host needs to obtain and fill in with the required answers.
A copy of the ID card or passport of host.
Malta Business Visa Requirements
If you are planning to travel to Malta for business purposes such as business meetings, conferences and events, you should apply for a Malta Business Visa.

 Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Malta

 When applying to obtain a Maltese Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

Invitation letter from the Maltese company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.
Copy of inviter’s ID or person signing the invitation letter.
A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Malta.
Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Malta, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Malta Study Visa Requirements

If you wish to travel to Malta under the purpose of attending a study course, internship or training related to your profession, then you will have to apply for a short stay Malta study visa, prior to your trip.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Malta

 When applying to get a Maltese Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).
Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Malta, the establishment of origin and the trainee.
Letter of acceptance. Issued by a Maltese Educational Institution, which includes details of the course/s and its duration. The documents should bear the stamp and the signature of institution’s principal.

Malta Medical Visa Requirements

 If you need to travel to Malta in order to receive medical treatment, as i.e. medical surgeries or health therapies, then you should apply for a short stay Malta Medical Visa.

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Malta

 When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Malta, you must provide the following additional documents:

A local medical report. Issued from a doctor / clinic / hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Malta.
Statement by a Medical Doctor in Malta, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.
Proof of financial arrangement made.
Malta Visa for Cultural/Sports/Film Crews/Religious Purpose Requirements
If you wish to attend a cultural, sports or religious event in Malta, or you are a member of a film crew traveling to the country, then you need to apply for a Maltese visa for Cultural/Sports/Film Crews/Religious Purpose.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Malta for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes
When applying to get a Maltese visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Malta you must provide the following additional documents:
Event Information. As:
Invitation letter from the relevant body in Malta with details upon the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Malta.
Entry tickets to the event.
Enrollment conditions.

Detailed program of the event in Malta.

Other documents that present Names of the applicants (crew members) and other relevant information about the event.
Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Visa Requirements for Spouse of Malta National

 If you wish to visit Malta and you are the spouse (wife/husband) of a Maltese passport holder, you can apply for a short-stay visa for the spouse of a Maltese National.

Required Documents for a Maltese Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Maltese Citizen
When applying to get a Maltese visa as the spouse of a Maltese national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

Proof of Maltese citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Maltese nationality or naturalization order).

Maltese marriage certificate.
Maltese family record book.

Malta Visa for Official Visit Requirements

 When traveling to Malta as a member of an official delegation, representing the government, an institution or an organization, you will need to obtain a Maltese visa for Official Visits prior to your trip.

Maltese Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations

 When applying to get a Maltese visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

Copy of the official invitation copy.

 Verbal note. Issued by a competent authority at your home country confirming
that you are a member of its delegation travelling to Malta.
Evidence about the purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

How to Apply for a Maltese Short-Stay Visa?

 The application process for a short-stay visa to Malta, requires from you to follow the steps listed below:
Find out what visa type you need to enter Malta.
Check out where you need to apply.
Fill in the application form for a Maltese short-stay visa.
Collect the statutory Malta visa requirements.
Appoint a visa interview.
Attend the interview at the appropriate Maltese Embassy/Consulate/VAC.

Where to Apply for a Maltese Short-Stay Visa?

 Depending on the competent Maltese body responsible for visa admission in your country of residence, you may have to apply at one of the following:

The Maltese Embassy
A Maltese consulate

 A Visa Application Center to which Malta has outsourced visa submission
The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Malta has outsourced visa submission
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Maltese Embassy / Consulate / VAC?

 Submit your short-stay visa application to Malta at a Maltese Embassy / Consulate / VAC in your country of residence, only if one of the following statements corresponds to your situation:

Aside of Malta, you will not visit any other Schengen country.
You will visit more Schengen states, but Malta is your main destination, which means:
You will be spending more days in Malta, than in the other countries.
You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Malta.

 Note that in order to be eligible to apply from the country you are currently in, you must be:
 

A citizen of the country from where you are applying.

 A foreign citizen on a permanent / temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.
You cannot apply for a short-stay Maltese visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Maltese Visa?

 The processing time for a Malta short-stay is 15 working days at the minimum. Depending on your situation this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Maltese embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.

To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Maltese short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before you travel to Malta.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Maltese Visa?

 The costs of a Maltese visa for stays up to 90 days within 6-month periods are as follows:
€80 for adults
€40 for children under the age of 12
Free for children under the age of six
Moreover, according to applicant’s nationality, purpose of visit and some other factors, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee, and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.

Check the list of the Maltese Schengen Visa fees, to see if you belong to any of these categories!

How Long Can We Stay in Malta Without a Visa?

 If you are an EU national, you can enter and remain in Malta for as long as you wish without the need to obtain a visa or any other document prior to your trip. However, if you wish to stay longer than three months, you need to register at the local authorities.

If you are the national of a visa-exempt country, you will be permitted to remain in Malta for up to 90 days, within a 180 days period. If you wish to stay longer, you may have to undertake the following actions depending on your country of residence:

Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of South Korea or the United States of America – you need to obtain a residence permit within three months of arrival in Malta longer.

The rest of Malta visa-exempt countries – you need to obtain a Maltese National visa for long-stays from you country of residence, if you wish to stay longer.

On the other hand, if you are the national of a country that still has not reached a visa-free agreement with Malta and the other Schengen members, you will not be allowed to enter the Malta without a visa, at all.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you are familiar with the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Do not break this rule, not even for a day, or you might be fined or banned from entering the Schengen area.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Malta?

Yes, you can extend your Maltese Schengen visa, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Malta, as i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure. You will have to apply for a visa extension at the Maltese police or the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security, Central Visa Unit.

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Malta to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Maltese Schengen Visa.

Can My Maltese Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

 Yes, your Malta visa can be revoked, in case the competent Maltese authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

If you are in Malta when the decision on the revocation of your visa happens, you will be given a deadline to leave Malta. If you do not leave the Malta or the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident in Malta.

Latvia Work Permit

 With one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, Latvia is a destination of choice for many expatriates and international companies. If your company is planning a Latvian expansion, a team of talented workers can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth transition. That said, recruiting employees is just one step of the process. You’ll also need to ensure that all of your employees have the visas and permits they need to live and work in Latvia legally.

Types of Work Visas in Latvia

All foreigners will need one of the following visas based on their intended stay length:

Type A, or airport transit visa: This visa is issued to foreign nationals who need to pass through the airport transit zone in Latvia as they travel to another destination.

Schengen Type C, or short-term visa: This visa is also called a unified visa. It allows a foreign national to stay within the territory of the Schengen Area.

Type D, or long-stay visa: A long-stay visa is granted to foreign nationals who are entering Latvia and need to stay for more than 90 days within a period of six months. This visa also allows the holder to travel throughout other countries in the Schengen Area during this time.

All three of these visas are available as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry within the time the visa is valid. A long-stay visa is necessary for any foreign employees who plan to obtain a residence permit and work in Latvia.

Requirements to Obtain Latvia Work Visas

To live and work in Latvia, foreign nationals will need to obtain three documents: a residence permit, a Type D visa, and a work permit.

The required documents to support a residence permit application vary by the applicant’s country of residence. Details are available online from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).

The documents to support a Type D visa application include:

A passport that has at least two blank pages and three months of validity

A completed visa application form

One passport photo, which should be in color

Documentation of residence permit approval from OCMA

Proof of travel medical insurance

A copy of the applicant’s flight information for the trip to Latvia

Proof of payment for the visa fee

The requirements for a Latvian work permit include:

A passport

Proof of accommodations in Latvia

Documents supporting the employee’s job qualifications, such as a diploma and CV

A copy of the applicant’s residence permit, if available

A letter from the employer

Employees should reach out to the Latvian embassy for a full list of required documents to support each application

Application Process

While a long-stay visa is required for foreign employees, this visa alone does not allow the holder to stay for 90 days. A residence permit is also necessary and should be obtained before application for a visa.

Residence permits are issued by the OCMA, which is a division of the Ministry of Interior. To apply, employees should complete the application form, print it, and sign it. They should submit the completed form along with the required supporting documents, all of which should be notarized and legalized, to the Latvian embassy or diplomatic mission in their country. An appointment is necessary, as applicants will also need to be interviewed. Applicants should receive a decision within 30 days.

After the officials at OCMA have approved the residence permit, applicants can move on to the next step: applying for a long-stay visa. This application should also be submitted at the Latvian embassy. Visa processing typically takes about five business days. Upon approval, the applicant should return to the embassy to pick up their visa.

Before they can begin working, foreign employees will also need a Latvian work permit. To obtain this permit, employees will need to demonstrate proof of employment with a company based in Latvia. In many cases, the residence visa is also a prerequisite. Work permits are issued by OCMA. Processing for work permits may take a month, so it’s recommended that employees apply at their local embassy before traveling to Latvia.

After obtaining the appropriate visa, employees may travel to Latvia. Upon arrival, they should visit OCMA to pick up their residence permit and work permit.

Lithuania Work Permit

 An alien who intends to work legally in Lithuania must obtain a work permit and a national visa D.

An alien who wishes to work in Lithuania should first find an employer – Lithuanian company that would like to hire him/her. Once finding an employer, an alien shall apply on the issue of a work permit in the Republic of Lithuania and national visa D. 

Before submitting the documents for the issue of a work permit in Lithuania, the Labour Exchange of Lithuania must register a vacant position in the Lithuanian company. The vacant position shall be registered no less than 5 working days before the submission of documents for the issue of a work permit in Lithuania. During this period, citizens of Lithuania and permanent residents of Lithuania, meeting the employer's requirements, shall have the right to apply for the vacancy. If, during this period, the employer – Lithuanian company cannot find a suitable candidate for the vacancy, the alien may submit documents for the issue of a work permit in Lithuania to an alien.

The following basic requirements are set for an alien who intends to work in Lithuania:

1. An alien who intends to work in Lithuania shall have a qualification in an appropriate area, the qualification supporting documents (certificates on completion of courses, seminars, practical training, diplomas, etc.);

2. An alien must have at least 1 year of work experience within the last 2 years in an appropriate area and the supporting documents.

Place for the submission of documents for a work permit in Lithuania – a local labour exchange office.

In order to employ the alien under the employment contract, the following documents must be submitted to the Employment Service: 

An application; 

A copy of passport; 

Employer’s information on the alien’s qualification and at least one year of working experience according to his/her qualification within the last two years (the employer’s letter must contain the alien’s qualification, current and former workplaces, wherein the alien has worked under his/her qualification during the last 2 years, duration of working therein, and job title); 

The employer must make sure that the alien has documents approving his/her own qualification (diploma, certificate, etc.) and at least one year of working experience according to his/her qualification within the last two years (work book, certificate from the previous workplace). 

An obligation to employ the alien under the employment contract for a period not shorter than 6 (six) months and to pay the employee’s average wage, provided the company has more employees working the same job, for which a work permit of alien is being applied for; 

A copy of the payment order or a check for the issue of work permit. 

Foreign documents must be legalized or certified with an Apostille in accordance with the established procedure, unless otherwise provided for by other legislation. The translation into Lithuanian of documents drawn up not in Lithuanian must be confirmed by a signature of translator. Copies of documents must be approved by signature and stamp of the head of the company.

Time limits for the issuance of a work permit in Lithuania – up to 7 working days.

After the getting of a work permit in Lithuania, documents for the issue of a national visa D shall be submitted.

Place for the submission of documents for a national visa D – a diplomatic mission or a consular post of Lithuania abroad.

Time limits for the issuance of a national visa D – up to 15 days.

From 01 March 2019, new amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens regarding the issue of temporary residence permits for the aliens who arrive to work unqualified jobs under the employment contract have entered into force.

The aliens will no longer need to submit documents proving their qualificaton and working experience during the last two years. An obligation to submit documents confirming qualification shall remain only for highly skilled aliens who apply for the EU blue card.

If the alien’s profession is included into the list of the most in-demand professions in the Republic of Lithuania, then the alien or his/her employer must, together with an application to issue a residence permit, additionally submit the following:

- The mediation letter of the employer specifying information on the alien’s qualification, current and former workplaces, job position and duration therein, where the alien has worked according to his/her profession for the last 2 (two) years. The employer must ensure that the alien has documents approving his/her own qualification (diploma, certificate, etc.) and at least one year of working experience according to his/her qualification within the last two years. Moreover, the employer must submit an obligation to employ the alien under the employment contract for a period of at least 6 (six) months;

or:

- the mediation letter of the employer described hereinbefore, and the employment contract concluded for the period of at least 6 months.

Czech Republic Work Permit

 Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to be an employed worker in the Czech Republic? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

To become an employed worker in the territory of the Czech Republic, you must obtain the Employee Card. The Employee Card is a type of a long-term residence permit that entitles its holder to reside in the territory of the Czech Republic for more than three months and, concurrently, to work on the job position that the Employee Card is issued for.

Furthermore, it is possible to become an employed worker by gaining the Special Work Visa that is a special type of a visa for a stay of over 90 days (a long-term visa) which authorises its holder to stay and to be employed in the territory of the Czech Republic for a period no longer than one year. An issuing of this visa is enabled based on the regulation of the Government of the Czech Republic only according to the special conditions stated by the Law.

Last but not least, if you want to stay in the territory of the Czech Republic for the purpose of employment for a period no longer than 90 days, you are entitled to apply for the visa for a stay up to 90 days (a short-term visa) for the purpose of employment. Whilst the first two types of residence permits mentioned above are issued by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, the third one belongs under the competence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

The application for an issuing of the Employee Card has to be lodged in person at the Embassy of the Czech RepublicSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• abroad. A third-country national is entitled to lodge the application at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the state of which he/she is a citizen, or that issued his/her travel document or in the state where a third-country national has a long-term or permanent residence permit. Compliance with this condition is waived for a third-country national who is a citizen of a state that belongs to the list of countries whose citizens are entitled to file the application at any Embassy of the Czech Republic abroad.

A third-country national who is already residing in the territory of the Czech Republic based on a long-term visa or a long-term residence permit for another purpose (i.e. different than employment) is entitled the lodge the application at the office of the Ministry of the Interior in the territory of the Czech Republic. In that case, he/she is entitled to lodge the application until the very end of validity of such residence permit.

The application for the Employee Card has to be filled in an official form where has to be stated the number of the job vacancy according to the Central Register of Job Vacancies that can be Filled by Holders of Employee Cards. This register works on the employment portal of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Submission of the application for the Employee Card is charged with the administrative fee. As far as the applications submitted at the Embassy are concerned the administrative fee is equal to 5 000 CZK. Administrative fee should be paid generally in the foreign currency. In case of the application lodged in the territory of the Czech Republic administrative fee is equal to 2 500 CZK. The administrative fee has to be paid in the form of a revenue stamp(s) in that case.

Applying for the Special Work Visa

The application for issuing the Special Work Visa has to be lodged in person at the Embassy of the Czech RepublicSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• abroad, provided that a government regulation was issued which allows a lodging of the applications. It is not possible to lodge this application in the territory of the Czech Republic anyway. The application has to be filled in an official form. Lodging the application for issuing the visa is charged with the administrative fee that is equal to 2 500 CZK.

To obtain the Employee Card, a third-country national must submit:

a valid travel document;

a document confirming availability of accommodation;

a photograph showing the current appearance of the applicant;

a contract of employment or an agreement of work activity;

documents proving the professional qualifications for performance of the desired job, if this condition follows from the nature of the employment or an internal agreement sets such a condition;

if required, an extract from the Penal Registry record and a document proving that he/she fulfilled the conditions set out by the interim measures of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic on the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases.

In case an employer of the applicant is a job agency and the applicant will be temporarily allocated by this job agency to another employer, it is necessary to submit also a document in which there will be stated his/her name, surname, citizenship, birthdate, birthplace and place of stay. There must be stated a kind of work that the applicant should do, place of work, the name of the employer and its registered office in this document as well.

To obtain the Special Work Visa a third-country national must submit:

a valid travel document;

a document on availability of accommodation;

a photograph showing the current appearance of the applicant;

a decision to permit employment, issued by the Public Employment Service of the Czech Republic pursuant to the Employment Act;

if required, an extract from the Penal Registry record and a document proving that he/she fulfilled the conditions set out by the interim measures of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic on the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases.

Further requirements

Originals or else officially authenticated copies of all of the attached documents must be submitted. Travel documents must be submitted in original. All submitted documents in foreign languages must be submitted in their original version and with an officially certified translation into the Czech language. The required attachments to the applications must not be older than 180 days, except for the travel documents and the photograph of the third-country national, provided that corresponds to his/her current appearance.

If a third-country national has applied for the Employee Card abroad and his/her application has been approved, the appropriate Embassy of the Czech Republic abroad will issue a visa for a stay of over 90 days for the purpose of collecting the Employee Card (D/VR) to his/her travel document. Similarly, if a third-country national has applied for the Special Work Visa and his/her application has been approved, the appropriate Embassy will issue a visa sticker.

Before a D/VR or a visa sticker issuing, a third-country national is required to present a medical travel insurance document and, upon request, proof of payment of the insurance premium. The applicant must present this document to the Embassy directly. Medical travel insurance must only be valid for the period from the date of entry into the territory of the Czech Republic until the time when public health insurance coverage will apply to him or her, pursuant to the Public Health Insurance Act - i.e. from the date on which the visa was issued until the start of employment.

Upon arrival in the Czech Republic, a third-country national whom will be issued D/VR has to visit an appropriate office of the Ministry of the Interior to provide biometric data that are necessary for production of his/her Employee Card. He/she will receive the “Certificate on Compliance with Conditions for Issue of an Employee Card” at the office of the Ministry. With this certificate, the applicant can be hired for employment and be employed from the date of issue of the certificate until the date of completion of the proceedings on the application (issuing of the biometric card).

Duration of validity of permits

The Employee Card is usually issued for the duration of the employment but not for more than 2 years, with an option to repeatedly extend its validity. For a job performed on an employment permit, the Employee Card may be issued to a third-country national for the validity of the employment permit.

The Special Work Visa can be issued with the validity not longer than one year.

Conditions for renewal

The validity of the Employee Card can be repeatedly extended, provided principally that the same conditions applicable to the issue of an employee card are met, and can be extended for the period for which

a contract of employment or an agreement of work activity has been entered into but not for more than 2 years. The application for

an extension of the validity of the Employee Card has to be lodged in the territory of the Czech Republic at the office of the Ministry of the Interior. A third-country citizen is entitled to lodge this application before the expiration of the validity of the previous Employee Card at the latest, but not sooner than 120 days before the expiration of its validity.

The validity of the Special Work Visa cannot be extended anyway.

Appeals

A third-country national can appeal a refusal to issue the Employee Card by requesting that the Ministry of the Interior reassess his/her application within 15 days of the original decision being delivered to him/her.

A special Commission at the Ministry of the Interior will examine and make a decision about the request.

Change of employment

A third-country national who resides in the territory of the Czech Republic based on the Employee Card is obliged to notify to the Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior a change of employer, change of the job or the situation he/she wants to be employed on additional job position at the same employer or additional employer.

All these changes (change of employer, change of the job, taking up employment in an additional job at the same employer or at another employer) must be notified at the office of the Ministry and

a notification has to be submitted on a special form.

Detailed information about a notification of these changes

Unemployment

In case a labour-law relation of a third-country national who is a holder of the Employee Card in the territory of the Czech Republic will be ended or revoked, a third-country national is entitled to find a new employer and to notify a change of his/her employer. If the change is notified after the end of the original labour-law relation, a notification must be submitted at the latest 60 days from the end of the relation. Otherwise, the validity of the Employee Card will be terminated according to the Law. A holder of the Employee Card who has a free access to the Labour Market has to notify the change at the latest 3 working days from the day of change.

In case a labour-law relation of a third-country national who is a holder of the Special Work Visa will be ended or revoked, a third-country national will not be entitled to change the employer and he/she will not be entitled to lodge any application for another residence permit in the territory of the Czech Republic.

Change of status

A third-country national who is a holder of a long-term residence permit in the territory of the Czech Republic (incl.the Employee Card) who intends to reside in the territory for another purpose than the one that he/she was granted the permit is obliged to apply to the Ministry of the Interior for a new long-term residence permit. If he/she intends to stay in the territory of the Czech Republic for the purpose of business (i.e. if

a third-country national intends to became a self-worker), it is possible to lodge the application if he/she has been living in the territory for longer than 5 years.

Detailed information about the change of the purpose of residence

A third-country national who is a holder of the Special Work Visa is not entitled to change the status of his/her residence in the territory of the Czech Republic.

Family members

Family members of a third-country national who is a holder of the Employee Card are entitled to apply to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic for issuing a long-term residence permit for the purpose of family reunification. If family members have not resided in the territory of the Czech Republic yet, the application must be lodged at the Embassy of the Czech Republic abroad. Family members who are entitled to lodge this application are specified by the Law.

Detailed information about a long-term residence permit for the purpose of family reunification

Family members of a third-country national who is a holder of the Employee Card or of the Special Work Visa are entitled to apply for a visa for a stay of over 90 days (a long-term visa) for the purpose of family as well. This application has to be lodged at the Embassy of the Czech Republic abroad.

Detailed information about a long-term visa for the purpose of family

Long-term residence status

The status of a long-term EU resident may be granted after five years of continuous residence in the Czech Republic, provided that a third-country national has not seriously disturbed public order or threatened public security in any Member State of the European Union. This status is generally granted simultaneously with a permanent residence permit, but may be granted at a later stage as well.