What changed for foreigners in Czechia in 2025–2026: 14 key changes

Updated: 13 November 2026

Rules for foreigners in Czechia change almost every quarter. Here are the key changes of 2025–2026 in one place — with links to our detailed guides.

Work and income

1. Employee card stays valid 90 days after a job ends (since 1 Oct 2025, previously 60) — time to change employer or purpose of stay. More on changing employer
2. Employers must report foreign workers before they start (since 1 Oct 2025). An unreported worker can cost a company up to CZK 3 million; the worker faces a fine and expulsion. More on illegal work
3. Single monthly employer report JMHZ — since April 2026 the start and end of foreigners’ employment are reported only through it.
4. Minimum wage CZK 22,400 from 1 Jan 2026 — it drives employee card thresholds and minimum contributions.
5. EU Blue Card — from CZK 73,823 gross a month since 1 May 2026. Blue Card conditions

Family and children

1. New subsistence minimum from 1 Oct 2026: first adult CZK 5,000, each further adult CZK 3,750. It matters for the income test in family reunification.
2. School enrolment 15 Jan – 15 Feb, kindergarten 15 Mar – 15 Apr — since 2026, with stricter deferrals. School and kindergarten for foreign children

Cars and roads

1. Accidents: call the police if damage exceeds CZK 200,000 (since 1 Jul 2025, previously CZK 100,000); photos can replace the sketch. What to do after an accident
2. Driving without povinné ručení costs more — daily ČKP contributions rose on 1 Jan 2026, and late premiums cannot be paid retroactively.
3. For drivers — annual vignette CZK 2,570, mandatory medical checks for older drivers from age 70, online licence applications via Portál dopravy.

What is ahead

1. Temporary protection has been extended and the rules for Ukrainians are changing. Temporary protection: what is new
2. EET 2.0 from 1 Jan 2027 — businesses should prepare early. More on EET 2.0
3. Self-employed (OSVČ) in 2027 — new minimum advances and the flat-rate tax. OSVČ 2027
4. New Act on the Residence of Foreigners expected from 2029. What will change

And do not forget to report your own changes to the Ministry — deadline cheat sheet.

Sources

• MPSV — minimální mzda od ledna 2026: 22 400 Kč
• EY — zaměstnanecká karta: 90 dní po skončení zaměstnání
• MPSV — nehlášená práce cizinců od 1. 10. 2025
• Policie ČR — dopravní nehody od 1. 7. 2025
• CNN Prima News — změny pro řidiče od ledna 2026
• MPSV — životní a existenční minimum
• CNN Prima News — zápisy do škol a školek 2026

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.