#ImmiUpdatesCzechia Have you decided to study in the Czech Republic? Great choice! Whether you’re a new student or you’ve already been here for quite some time, you might be thinking about a part-time job to gain experience and earn some money. But can you work on your current residence permit? What is the new legislation for student work in 2026 ? Let’s discover your options in the article and find all the necessary information.
Can you work as a student in Czechia?
Can Foreign Students Work in the Czech Republic?
Long-term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Studies
This type of long-term residence permit is intended for third-country nationals who want to study in the Czech Republic for periods longer than 90 days under Section 64 of Act No. 326/1999 Coll.
Your studies need to include a University-accredited study program, language and professional preparation for studies, or secondary school or higher vocational studies carried out as part of an exchange program.
If you hold this type of permit, you have free access to the Czech labor market.
Student Permits from Other EU States
If you are a holder of a valid long-term residence permit or a long-term visa for the purpose of studies issued by another EU Member State, you can stay in the Czech Republic without a visa for as long as 1 year. Here, you also have free access to the labor market.
NOTE: Long-term residence permits from Ireland and Denmark are exempt from the visa-free stay.
Long-term Residence Permit for OTHER Purposes
Watch out if your long-term residence permit is intended for third-country nationals, whose purpose of stay cannot be categorized as “studies” under the law. This applies to non-accredited university programs, studies that are not part of exchange programs, and institutions that cannot be classified under the Education Act and the Higher Education Act.
With this residence permit, you don’t have free access to the labor market. If you want to work in the Czech Republic, you need an additional work permit.
Free Access To The Labor Market
Under Act No. 158/2024 Coll., certain nationals have free access to the labor market in the Czech Republic without requiring a work permit, employee card, intra-corporate transfer card, or blue card.
This includes nationals of the following countries:
- the Commonwealth of Australia
- Japan
- Canada
- the Republic of Korea
- New Zealand
- the Republic of Singapore
- the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- the United States of America
- the State of Israel
NOTE: All citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland also have free access to the labor market without the need of any permits.
Most Common Types of Student Jobs
International students often work under one of two Czech employment agreements:
- Dohoda o provedení práce (DPP) – or an agreement to complete a specific job
- Dohoda o pracovní činnosti (DPČ) – or an agreement to perform a work activity
Both are common options for part-time and temporary work. However, they have different rules concerning working hours and insurance contributions.
DPP
Under DPP, the job cannot exceed 300 hours in a calendar year with the same employer (all agreements counted together). However, with another employer, you get the full 300 hours.
In 2026, a uniform limit applies to social security and health insurance contributions. If you earn 12,000 CZK or more per month under a single DPP with one employer, you need to pay. Below this threshold, contributions are not normally paid. The planned, more complex system of so-called “registered DPPs” was ultimately scrapped.
DPČ
The work activity cannot, on average, exceed half of regular working hours. That means 20 hours per week for a 40-hour workweek. The agreement can be concluded for a maximum of 52 weeks. If you earn up to 4,499 CZK, you don’t need to pay social security and health insurance contributions.
New Rights for Part-Time Workers
The amendment to the Labor Code has granted people working under DPP and DPČ agreements more rights:
The Right to Paid Holiday
One of the most important changes for student workers is that people working under DPP and DPČ can have a right to paid holiday.
The agreement needs to last for at least 28 calendar days during the relevant calendar year. The worker also must perform at least 80 hours of work to be entitled to paid holiday.
Scheduled Working Hours in Advance
DPP and DPČ workers also have more predictable working conditions than they used to. Employers are now required to schedule working hours in advance and inform employees about their shifts. The labor Code also amends rules concerning certain obstacles to work and the information employers must provide to employees.
Minimum Wage
The Czech minimum wage increased again in 2026.
The current minimum wage is:
CZK 134.40 per hour or CZK 22,400 per month for a standard 40-hour working week.
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Sources: FRS
Image sources: pexels
