Czechia aims to attract more highly qualified foreign workers

Significant changes are coming to Czechia’s immigration system, and they could have a direct impact on foreigners considering moving to the country for work—or on those already here and who have friends or family wishing to join them from abroad.

Starting in July this year, the Czech government is expected to approve a new plan that reshapes how many work visas its embassies around the world can issue each year. The focus? Attracting more highly qualified professionals like IT experts, scientists, and other skilled workers—while scaling back the number of spots for people with limited qualifications.

For foreigners in the Czech Republic with relatives or friends looking to move for work, the changes are significant. If your contacts are highly educated or experienced in fields like technology, science, or digital entrepreneurship, they may find it easier to get in. 

For example, the Czech embassy in India will soon offer 24 new slots specifically for IT specialists through the digital nomad program, allowing them to live and work as self-employed professionals. These visas will also be processed within 45 days—a relatively fast turnaround.

In China, where demand for Czech work visas is rising fast, a new annual cap of 1,170 applications is being introduced. Importantly, most of these will now be reserved for qualified workers. 

The same shift is happening in Thailand, where the Czech embassy in Bangkok will increase its yearly quota from 300 to 460. That includes 100 new places just for skilled workers—a response to huge demand from Thai massage professionals seeking jobs in Czech studios.

Meanwhile, embassies in Tokyo and Taipei may open up 60 spots each for highly qualified professionals—not for local citizens, but for nationals of countries like Vietnam or the Philippines.

But not all news is good. If your friends or family are from African countries and do not hold high-level qualifications, their chances of securing a Czech work visa may shrink.

The Interior Ministry is proposing to cut the quota for low-skilled applicants from countries like Egypt, Zambia, and Ethiopia. However, visa opportunities for African scientists and experts will stay in place.

In short, the Czech Republic is rebalancing its immigration policy to favor skilled labor. For foreigners here with loved ones abroad, it’s a message worth noting: qualified talent is in demand—and now has a clearer path in.