New numbering for Czech Republic Employee Cards takes effect June 1

What changed on the permits

The Czech Republic expanded the numerical purpose codes printed on long-term visas and residence permits on June 1, 2026, according to the Information Portal for Foreigners. The update covers employee cards, long-term visas and residence permits for studies and permits for other educational activities.

Biometric residence cards issued on or after that date carry the new codes automatically. Permits and visas issued before June 1 keep their old codes and remain valid. There is no process to swap an existing card just to reflect the new numbering.

Who feels the change

The update reaches third-country nationals holding employee cards, study residence permits or permits for other educational stays. It is an administrative relabeling, not a new visa category or a change to the right to live and work in Czechia.

Digital nomads and expats are only touched if their stay falls into one of those three categories. Tourists are unaffected unless they transition into one of the listed residence types. Employee cards continue to allow holders to live and work in the country for more than three months, with Schengen travel permitted while the permit is valid.

What permit holders should do

Skip the trip to the immigration office if the only issue is an outdated code. The Ministry of the Interior confirms old codes stay valid and won't issue a replacement card for this reason alone.

For applicants filing or renewing an employee card, the basics remain:

• In-person application at Ministry of the Interior offices
• Fee: CZK 2,500 (about $113)
• Processing time: 60 days standard, 90 days in complex cases
• Renewals: file within the permitted window before the current permit expires

Students and other long-term residence applicants can file from inside Czechia or, in some cases, at a Czech embassy abroad, per Ministry guidance. Anyone applying after June 1 should expect the updated code on the new card without taking extra steps.

For more on permits, fees and timelines across categories, browse our visa updates feed.

Read our full Czech Republic guide for the complete picture.