A new element governed by the law are so-called employee cards, the dual form of which includes both a work permit and residency permit, being designated for foreigners employed in the Czech Republic, i.e. foreigners having an employment contract directly signed with a Czech company. The non-dual form only includes a residency permit and is particularly intended for delegated employees, who will have to arrange for the standard work permit before the residency permit is issued. The employee cards will be in general issued for a term, for which the employment contract or agreement to perform work have been entered into, however for two years at maximum. The card validity may be repeatedly extended.
The employee cards substitute visas for stays exceeding 90 days for the purpose of employment, which will be no longer issued. The act amendment also cancels „Green Cards“, which will also be replaced by the aforementioned employee cards. „Blue Cards“ for highly-qualified professionals will remain valid.
Another new measure is that an employee delegated by their foreign employer to a Czech company to improve their qualification for a period not exceeding 6 months will not need a work permit.
Residency permit applications and pending procedures started before the amendment comes into effect will be subject to the current regulations.