EU Blue Card in Czechia 2026: salary from CZK 73,823, education, processing time and changing jobs
Updated: 13 November 2026
The EU Blue Card is a combined work and residence permit for highly qualified professionals. Compared with the employee card it offers more freedom — faster family reunification and easier job changes — but the salary threshold is high. Here are the conditions valid from 1 May 2026.
In short
- Salary at least CZK 73,823 gross a month (1.5 × the average wage of CZK 49,215), valid 1 May 2026 – 30 April 2027.
- Education — a university degree (3+ years); for some IT roles, 3 years of experience in the last 7 years.
- Employment contract for at least 6 months, signed before you apply.
- Processing time up to 90 days (30 under the Key and Scientific Personnel programme).
- Family can join without the 15-month wait and gets free access to the labour market.
Conditions
- Salary: MPSV sets the threshold annually. From 1 May 2026 the average wage for Blue Card purposes is CZK 590,580 a year (CZK 49,215 a month), so the minimum is CZK 73,823 a month. The threshold also applies to part-time work.
- Education: a bachelor’s, master’s or higher vocational qualification of at least 3 years. A foreign diploma may need recognition (nostrification). Regulated professions have extra requirements.
- Contract: an employment contract of at least 6 months; an offer letter is not enough.
How to apply
- The employer confirms the position; you sign the contract.
- Apply at a Czech embassy or, if you are already legally in Czechia, at the Ministry of the Interior.
- Documents: passport, contract, diploma (translated and apostilled where needed), proof of accommodation, photo.
- Fee CZK 2,500.
- Decision within 90 days; in practice it can take longer.
Validity and extension
The card is issued for the contract period plus 3 months, up to 3 years. Apply for an extension in good time, before it expires.
Changing employer
- During the first 12 months, a change of employer must be approved by the Ministry.
- After 12 months you only need to notify the Ministry within 3 working days.
- The new job must still meet the Blue Card conditions, including salary.
Common mistakes
- A contract salary below the threshold — even by a few crowns.
- A contract shorter than 6 months or not signed by both parties.
- The threshold rises every 1 May — check the contract salary at each extension.
- Changing jobs in the first year without the Ministry’s consent.
We arrange your Blue Card
We check your contract and diploma, prepare documents for you and your family and guide the process at the Ministry.
Sources
- MPSV — sdělení č. 44/2026 Sb. o průměrné hrubé roční mzdě pro účely modrých karet
- ARROWS — modrá karta pro vysoce kvalifikované cizince (2026)
- EY — navýšení mzdy pro modré karty
This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Check the current rules before making a decision, or contact us.