Czech Republic : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

The Czech Republic joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 and is keen to develop opportunities for European citizens within its country. EU citizens share the same working rights as Czechs so working in the country is relatively easy. A lot of graduate opportunities can be found in the Czech Republic in international companies who have offices there.

• Typical problems encountered: as in most post-Communist countries, bureaucracy in the Czech Republic may occasionally slow down official processes, but citizens of the EU should not encounter many difficulties.
• How to improve your chances: the biggest asset for getting a job in the Czech Republic is a good understanding of the Czech language. Tourism remains a lucrative and growing business in the Czech Republic. There are many ties to the UK in this industry, so tailoring your skills to the tourism sector is a good option for those without Czech language skills.
• Language requirements: English and German are widely spoken, with English being better known by younger people, but the ability to speak and write Czech is still an important requirement for job seekers. A wide variety of Czech language courses are available in Prague. Distance learning courses are available from Eurotalk Interactive .

Where can I work?

• Major industries: automotive industry, the leisure and lifestyle sector, IT/telecommunications/electronics, financial services - major international players in all fields from banking to management consultancy, and machinery and equipment.
• Recent growth areas: the dramatic growth in the secondary sector has led to a shortage of some skills, and specialised manual workers, particularly in the construction and engineering industries are in demand. The tourist industry continues to expand.
• Industries in decline: agriculture has seen a decline in employment.
• Major companies: ČEZ, Agrofret Holdings, Agropol Group, Zentiva, Škoda , Budvar , Pilsner Urquell. Many of the large organisations in the Czech Republic are international and not home grown.
• Search for more companies: Kompass , a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service, British Chamber of Commerce Czech Republic, Europages. 
• Major cities: Prague (capital and largest), Brno, Plzen, Ostrava and Olomouc.

What’s it like working in the Czech Republic?

• Average working hours: typically 40 hours per week, divided into eight hour days.
• Holidays: basic holiday entitlement is four weeks per year.
• Tax rates: all employees pay 4.5% of their wage to health insurance and 6.5% to social security. The stipulated tax rate is set at 15%. This may be adjusted or tax deductions applied in certain circumstances.
• Working practices and customs: business meetings are booked well in advance, and arranged by a fax or formal letter. The country has a complex legal system left over from its Communist days, and bureaucracy may delay many business transactions.