Czech Republic cuts Single Permit processing to 60 days

What changed in the Single Permit

Czechia has cut the statutory processing time for the EU Single Permit from 90 days to 60 days for applications filed on or after May 1, 2026. The permit combines work and residence authorization for non-EU nationals with a job offer.

Regional labor offices also must now pre-approve job vacancies within 10 working days, down from 20. Employers must submit complete applications because incomplete files can be rejected rather than corrected and the ministry says digital tools and extra staff are helping speed things up.

Who gets the faster timeline

The change mainly affects non-EU workers seeking local jobs in Czechia, including expats in IT, engineering and shortage occupations. It doesn't change rules for pure remote workers or tourists, who use separate pathways or stay limits.

The updated timeline is aimed at applicants who are moving into Czech jobs, not nomads working for foreign employers. A separate digital nomad route exists for some remote workers, but it isn't part of this permit.

What applicants should prepare

Employers still need to post the vacancy, wait for labor market testing and then file with a compliant contract, job details and supporting documents. Applicants should expect extra time for biometrics and card pickup after approval and older filings may need to be resubmitted to meet the new rules.

The fee remains about 2,500 CZK. A June decree may add a 30-day priority lane for certain cases and the ministry’s Employee Card page now lists the 60-day processing standard. Read our full Czech Republic guide for the complete picture and visa updates.