Teaching English in the Czech Republic is one of the most common ways for native English speakers to obtain a visa and start a new life in this beautiful country. However, teaching opportunities aren’t limited to native English speakers or just the English language. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about getting a teaching visa in the Czech Republic.
Teaching English: The Popular Path
The demand for learning English is exceptionally high in the Czech Republic, making it the most sought-after language to teach. However, there are opportunities to teach other languages such as French, Spanish or even Chinese, though finding a job might be more challenging.
Who Can Apply?
- Native English Speakers: Naturally, native English speakers are in high demand for teaching positions.
- Non-Native English Speakers: Even if you’re not a native speaker, you can still secure a visa provided you have experience in teaching and/or some certification such as TEFL.
We at Move To Prague have helped teachers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand as well as South Africa, Philippines, Zambia, Russia, India or Ukraine. Everything is possible, although, some nationalities are certainly more challenging than others.
Types of Visas for Teachers
There are two primary visa options for teachers in the Czech Republic: the Employee Card and the Business Visa. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
1. Employee Card
The Employee Card is generally a better immigration option since there is an employer behind you (which might make it easier to get the application approved), all your social security, tax and health care contributions are taken care of by your employer, and the renewals are more straightforward than in case of the business visa.
Advantages of the Employee Card
- Employment Benefits: Once employed, your employer handles your social security, healthcare, and income tax deductions, simplifying your administrative responsibilities.
- Residence Permit: The Employee Card grants a strong residence status for two years (compared to one year of the business visa).
If you are from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the UK, check out how this change made this process even easier for you: https://movetoprague.com/foreigners-from-nine-countries-will-not-need-work-permits-in-the-czech-republic-misleading-and-incorrect/.
Disadvantages of the Employee Card
- Sponsorship: You need to find a job with an employer willing to sponsor you and assist with your Employee Card application.
- Job Search: Finding an employer willing to help with the Employee Card can be challenging.
- Employer Commitment: You must commit to one employer, making it difficult to change jobs (does not apply to the 9 nationalities mentioned above).
- Employment Requirements: Official schools typically require applicants to apply a lot in advance before the school year starts, have educational background in teaching (not just a TEFL certification), and relevant teaching experience.
2. Business Visa
The Business Visa is a more flexible option, not tied to a single employer or even a specific field. If you get the business visa as an English Teacher and then want to also work in photography, you can easily do that. Even if you want to stick to teaching, you can work with multiple different schools and even have your own private students.
Advantages of the Business Visa
- Flexibility: You can work for multiple schools and are not tied to one employer. This flexibility extends to changing careers as you operate as a freelancer.
- Preferred by Schools: Private language schools often prefer hiring teachers with a Business Visa since it reduces their administrative burden and costs.
- Independence: You obtain a trade license and manage your own freelance business.
Disadvantages of the Business Visa
- Administrative Work: Most of the visa process and subsequent paperwork falls on you. Extensions are also more complicated than employee card extensions. If you use our services to help you with the process though, we make it a lot easier for you. Just contact us here or through any of the contact forms 🙂
- Approval Time: Approval times are longer, taking between 90-120 days compared to 60-90 days for the Employee Card.
The Application Process
Below you can find a very simplified summary of what steps need to be take to secure either an employee card as an English Teacher or Business Visa as the same. If you are looking for more comprehensive guide, either contact us or click the links below which will take you to articles about those specific topics 🙂
Steps to Apply for an Employee Card
- Find an Employer: Secure a job with a school willing to sponsor your Employee Card.
- Collect Documents: Gather necessary documents and apply at the Czech embassy.
- Approval Time: The approval process typically takes 60-90 days.
- Complete Steps in the Czech Republic: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa valid for 60 days, during which you must complete additional steps in the Czech Republic, such as visiting the Ministry of the Interior, giving fingerprints, and getting your residence card.
Steps to Apply for a Business Visa
- Obtain a Trade License: Apply for a trade license to work as a freelancer.
- Collect Documents: Gather necessary documents and apply at the Czech embassy.
- Approval Time: The approval process typically takes 90-120 days.
- Collect Visa: Once approved, collect your business visa from the embassy.
- Get registered: After you collect the visa, you have to get registered with the Foreign Police, activate your trade license and get set up with the tax office, social security office and health care office (where applies). You will also need to set up your data box.
Important Considerations
- 90/180 Rule: For visa-exempt travelers, remember you can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying can lead to penalties.
- Language Teaching: While English is in high demand, teaching other languages is possible but might require more effort to find suitable employment.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for an Employee Card or a Business Visa, teaching in the Czech Republic offers a fantastic opportunity to live and work in one of Europe’s most charming countries. At Move To Prague, we assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free relocation experience. Reach out to us for more information and personalized assistance with your business visa or an employee card application.
