This information is primarily intended for international lecturers and visiting lecturers from abroad who have been chosen to work at the University of West Bohemia. It contains such general information as we hope will be useful for any lecturer.
Below you can find information on the procedures/conditions necessary to obtain the work permit and visa for the CR.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me: huclov@rek.zcu.cz
Tereza Huclová
A foreigner may be employed in the CR, provided that he/she has been granted employment permit and residence permit. For more information you can see the Act no. 435/2004 Coll., on Employment.
THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT PERMIT and VISA FOR THE STAY THE CR (THE APPLICANT DOES NOT STAY IN THE CR)
Firstly it is necessary to apply for the work permit and then to submit the visa application As soon as the work permit has been issued, the IO will send it to the lecturer. After this the lecturer can apply at the Czech Embassy for a visa together with other necessary documents.
1. DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE LECTURER TO THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE in order to apply for WORK PERMIT
- file an application for residence visa in excess of 90 days for the purposes of employment at a Czech Embassy/Consulate in your home country; you must attach the valid Czech employment permit to the visa application.
- a photocopy of the page of your passport containing your basic identification data or Passport (valid for at least 90 days after the termination of visa!)
- 3 or 4 passport-size photographs
- the original or an officially verified copy of your qualification documents.
- Medical certificate of your health condition, not older than one month. This document must contain the doctor´s signature (in blue pen), stamp and date. It is better to write the date in numeric format (10. 06. 2007) rather then to state the month in words (June 10, 2007). Also the european system requires to state in order: date, month, year (10. 06. 2007).
As this document can not be older then 1 month, it is necessary to prepare it as the last one, when all other documents are ready. Get in touch with the International Office in order to plan preparation of this document.
- foreign national must pay a fee of CZK 500.
- document confirming the purpose of your stay in the Czech Republic
In the case of employment, a work permit ("Povolení k zaměstnání") is issued by the Employment Office in the Czech Republic. You are required to obtain a visa even if the stay does not exceed 90 days! The requirements for this kind of visa are less complicated than those for a stay exceeding 90 days. Nevertheless, you are advised to inquire at the Czech Embassy/Consulate for specific instructions.
Lecturer may apply for the issue of the employment permit either in person or through a proxy, authorised under a written power of attorney. When the work permit is issued the proxy will send it to the lecturer via mail.
- The Power of Attorney (not older than 180 days) is a notarized statement of authorization issued by the respective official body in the home country. Please contact Tereza Huclova (huclova@rek.zcu.cz) to get this document. After your signature and the notarization, the IO will contact an official court translator who can translate this document into Czech. When the lecturer arrives in Pilsen he/she will cover the expenses (usually around CZK500,--/page).
- Sometimes the Embassy needs a Confirmation of sufficient financial resources for the stay in the Czech Republic. This can be the bank statement from your account in the home country or in the Czech Republic, showing your present balance converted into CZK, together with your name and means of gaining access, i.e. bank card number. This bank statement translated into Czech language must also contain a sentence that you can use this money in the Czech Republic.
For the acceptable amount of minimum financial resources, please inquire at the Czech Embassy/Consulate for details.
N.B.: Documents confirming that you have sufficient financial resources are usually not required, but some Embassies may require them.
- Confirmation of Accommodation in the Czech Republic. If you decide to live in the University dormitories, the IO will arrange and send this document on your address together with Work Permit. If you would like to live in a private flat, please provide the IO a contact for the owner of the flat. IO can arrange signature + notarisation of the Confirmation of Accommodation for you.
1. university dormitory accommodation – a room with shared facilities (rent to be paid by the lecturer – approx. CZK150,-/day)
3. private flat (paid by the lecturer – total rent depends on the owner – around CZK8000/month + utilities CZK2500,--/month)
N.B.: Within 3 days after moving into any accommodation, you must inform the Foreign Police Department (with IO assistance). If you choose to live in a private flat, you are advised to move into the university dormitory accommodation upon your arrival. This option will give you time to find a suitable private flat.
- a notarized copy of your degree/diploma (i.e. teacher’s qualification) and translated into Czech (with the help of the IO). Have a look at the Recognition of Qualification where you can find a list of documents which is needed to begin the process.
N.B.: Work Permit, issued for one year, it is valid only for the teaching position at the university for which it has been issued. If teachers have more than one teaching position with different employers, they must have a separate work permit for each employment.
Translation of the documents
The above-mentioned documents are presented in their original copies, together with officially verified translations into Czech language. If you have troubles finding the translator, the IO can help you.
Deadlines: the Employment Office has from 30 to 60 days for proceeding positive/negative decision (counted from
the day when application for work permit is submitted.
2. DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE LECTURER TO THE CZECH EMBASSY
A Foreigner can apply for visa at the Czech Embassy/Constulate in his/her home country/outside the CR. The application must contain:
- Work Permit
- extract from the Police Records issued by the Police in the Czech Republic.
This form will confirm that you have never been charged by indictment and sentenced for a felony of any kind in the Czech Republic. In order to obtain this extract, you are required to fill out the relevant form which is available upon request at the Czech Embassy/Consulate - your signature must be witnessed by a notary public. With this application, please submit a copy of your Birth Certificate.
- Extract from the Police Records issued in your home country.
This form will confirm that you have never been charged by indictment and sentenced for a felony of any kind in your home country. In order to obtain this extract, your are required to fill out the relevant form which is available upon request at the Czech Embassy/Consulate - your signature must be witnessed by a notary public. In the case of American citizens you can fill in the Affidavit instead of this document. Please contact the Czech Embassy to get it.
- Confirmation of Accommodation in the Czech Republic. If you decide to live in the University dormitories, the IO will arrange and send this document on your address together with Work Permit. If you would like to live in a private flat, please provide the IO a contact for the owner of the flat. IO can arrange signature + notarisation of the Confirmation of Accommodation for you.
- proof of health insurance - it is adviced to have some health insurance for the stay in the Czech Republic before you sign a work contract.
- vallid passport
- to pay a fee which is usually about CZK 1.500-3.500,--
Processing Fee - Fees paid in cash or by money order should be made payable to the Czech Embassy/Consulate. Fees may change without prior notice!
Visa for the purpose of employment is issued for a definite period of time not exceeding one year!
3. WHEN LECTURER RECEIVE A VISA - ARRIVAL IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS TO BRING TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
In order to apply for an extension of any official permit, should you wish to stay in the Czech Republic for another school year, you must bring the following documents with you:
- degree/diploma – original or notarized copy and translated into Czech
- birth certificate – original or notarized copy and translated into Czech
(if applicable, ask the Czech Embassy during the application procedure if the following document is necessary:)
- document stating the names and dates of birth of your parents (if this information is not already included in your birth certificate) – original or notarized copy and translated into Czech
N.B: A notarized copy must always be signed by a notary public and must include his/her official stamp (for notary public read layer where applicable).Once in the Czech Republic, you must report, within 3 days, the commencement, the place and the estimated time of your temporary residence to the Foreign and Border Police. After that, you may start your employment.
It is adviced to have some health insurance for the stay in the Czech Republic before you sign a work contract.
STAYING IN THE CZECH REBPULIC WITHOUT A VISA
U.S. citizens with valid passports can enter the CR withou a visa but only for a period of sty up to 90 days. The purpose of they stay can be: tourism, private business, short study, other purposes that do not include a gainful activity.
For any other stay of longer than 90 days the U.S. citizens must obtain a visa at the Czech Embassy/Consulate in their home country or outside the CR.
To get a visa (purpose: employment) take at least 4 months to process!!!
WHO CAN WORK WITHOUT A WORK PERMIT
- foreign nationals who: holds a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic
- who has been granted asylum
- who is a relative of a member of a diplomatic mission, consular authority or a relative of an employee of an international governmental organisation seated in the Czech Republic, provided that reciprocity is assured under an international treaty executed in the name of the Czech government.
- A national whose execution of office does not exceed 7 consecutive calendar days or the total of 30 days in a calendar year, and if he/she is: a performing artist, an educator, member of a university academic staff, a scientist or a member of a research and development staff taking part in a scientific conference or meeting, a pupil or student aged below 26 years of age, a sportsman/sportswoman, a person procuring the supplies of goods or services in the Czech Republic or a person supplying such services or goods, or a person carrying out assembly works under a commercial agreement, or carrying out warranty and repair works.
EXTENSION OF WORK PERMIT
A lecturer must apply for the extension of the permit at the relevant Labour Office (=Emplyment Office) no later than 30 days before the expiry of the current permit. Earliest it can be 3 months ahead. The application must contain:
- the application form. As it must be filled in Czech language it will be prepared by the IO.
- 2 photos
- the applicant must pay a fee of CZK 250,-
- prepare a copy of the 2 pages of your passport containing your basic identification data. Sign the page with a photo. The signature should be in a blue pen (to avoid any confusion).
- statement prepared by the employer expressing its intention to employ you further - it will be prepared by the IO.
- Power of Attorney which will be signed and notarized. Please contact Tereza Huclova (huclov@rek.zcu.cz) to get the up-to-date form. Fill in the first 2 lines of the form -here is some basic translation:
Ja= I
nar. = date of birth
c. osob. dokladu= number of your passport
stat. prislusnost= nationality
After this, the document should be notarized.
- a stamp for CZK 2.000,- it can be bought by the IO, however the lecturer must pay for it. Some departments contribute by covering this CZK 2.000,- stamp.
After you receive the extended Employment Permit, you must present it at the local Czech Aliens and Border Police station together with other documents. The deadline is 14 days before the current visa expires!
PROLONGING VISA
A Foreigner can apply for visa 3 months in advance/14 days at the latest before the present visa expires. For prolongation of your present visa you will need:
- an application for the extension of the validity of your residence visa in excess of 90 days for the purpose of employment, or file an application for a long-term residence permit for the purpose of employment (for more information, see Residence of Foreign Nationals in the CR).
When filling in the green colour application: number 17.: fill in the dates of your current visa
- Work Permit
- Criminal Record from the CR - this form can be mailed to you by the IO.
- Accommodation contract which must be for the same days as your Work Permit. This Contract must be between the lecturer and the owner of the flat and the whole document must be notarized.
- valid passport
- 4 photos
- a stamp for CZK 1.000,- can be bought by the IO and covered by the lecturer.
- valid Health Insurance Card. Also needed when lecturer collect new visa.
Where to apply? Lecturer must apply in person at the Foreigner Department (in Czech language: "Oddělení cizinecké policie Plzeň město"). The address is:
Slovanská alej 26, Plzeň
It is situated in the basement of the building which belongs to the Police ("Policie ČR oblastní ředitelství služby cizinecké a pohraniční policie v Plzni")
Tel. 974325800, fax 974325808
Opening hrs:
Mo, We: 8:00 - 17:00
Tue: 8:00 - 14:00
If your application is approved, you may continue in your employment.
EXPIRY OF EMPLOYMENT PERMIT
1. upon the lapse of the period, for which it has been issued;
2. the employment is terminated before the lapse of the period, for which the permit has been issued;
3. upon the lapse of the validity period of the residence permit; or
4. if the holder ceases to be eligible to hold the residence permit for another reasons.
The Labour Office may withdraw an employment permit issued to a foreign national if the holder carries out employment in conflict with the issued employment permit or if the permit has been issued on the basis of untrue information (under Section 100(2) of Act no. 435/2004 Coll., on Employment).
VISA FOR A STAY UP TO 90 DAYS (Short-Term Visa)
In order to obtain this type of visa, you will need:
- Passport
- Proof of health insurance to cover the period of stay (arranged by IO)
- 3 Passport-size photographs
- Letter of Invitation issued by the hosting university (provided by IO)
- Confirmation of Accommodation
- Bank statement
- Work Permit
- Any additional documents required in the visa application form
CHANGE OF THE PURPOSE OF STAY: from business to employment
In order to obtain it you will need:
- Work Permit
- Confirmation of Accommodation
- Criminal Record from the Czech Republic
- Insurance in the Czech Republic (VZP, or any other Czech insurance company)
- 2 photos
- valid passport
- letter requesting the change of the purpose of stay
- stamp: CZK 1000
IMPORTANT !
- Travel to the Czech Republic (for the purpose of employment) without a proper visa is illegal!
- Since a long-term visa can only be issued by a Czech Embassy/Consulate abroad, the applicant must wait until the application procedure has been completed.
- All documents must be presented as originals or as notarized copies
- All documents must be presented with an official translation into Czech (and only if necessary legalized with an Apostille)
- All affidavits and legal documents issued and/or signed in the Czech Republic must be notarized by a Czech notary public
- All documents must not be older than 180 days
- The processing time is approximately 90 days from the date of the submission of a complete visa application. In particular cases, the procedure can take up to 180 days!
- When a copy of your degree/diploma (i.e. teaching qualification) has been notarized, the signature and official stamp must be in coloured ink to avoid the confusion that can arise when black ink is used.
- Any notarized copy must be translated into Czech by an official court translator. Please contact the IO for assistence if necessary.
- As of January 1, 2000 a new Act on the Residence of Foreigners in the Czech Republic has come into effect. The exact wording of the Act is available in English or German on the following Internet site of the Czech Ministry of the Interior:
http://www.mvcr.cz/2003/cizinci/index_policie.html
According to this Act, a visa for a stay of more than 90 days can be applied for only at an Embassy of the Czech Republic (i.e. not within the territory of the CR as it was possible before). Please contact the Czech Embassy in your home country for specific details about the visa application procedures. The processing of an application can take up to 180 days.
THE EMBASSIES
Ambassade de la République Tcheque
15, av. Charles Floquet, Paris Cedex 07, E-mail: 0033140 65 13 00, 0033147 83 50 78
paris@embassy.mzv.cz
Embassy of the Czech Republic
26, Kensington Palace Gardens, W8 4QY London, tel.: 0044207-2431115, 0044207-2437920, E-mail: 0044207-7279654
london@embassy.mzv.cz
Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, N.W., Washington D.C., E-mail: 001202-2749100, 001202-2749103, 001202-9668540
washington@embassy.mzv.cz
Other useful information:
http://www.czech.cz/washington
Botschaft der Tschechischen Republik
Penzingerstr. 11-13, Wien, fax: 004318942 125-6, 00431-8941200
Botschaft der Tschechischen Republik
Ferdinandstrasse27, Bonn 1 - Ippendorf, tel.: 0049228-91970, 0049228-9197303, fax: 0049228-9197281
OTHER EMBASSIES / CONSULATES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC: http://www.czech.cz/adra/ada.htm