Fahrta

Documents for drivers from United States to Czechia

The Czech Republic hires drivers from third countries through the Employee Card (zaměstnanecká karta), which is a residence and work permit in one. For several countries the government programme “Qualified Employee” guarantees a consulate appointment.

Your case: United States → Czechia

Visa-free entry for up to 90 days does not allow work. The Employee Card is requested at the Czech consulate in your country before entry; entering to file the application is not allowed.

Driver jobs: Czechia

Steps in order

  1. Vacancy in the register and the programme
    The employer publishes the vacancy with the Labour Office marked “available for Employee Card”. Through the “Qualified Employee” programme (Ministry of Industry and Trade) the application goes to the consulate with priority.
    Ministry of Industry and Trade: economic migration programmes
  2. Employee Card at the consulate
    Documents: passport, employment contract of at least 3 months at no less than the minimum wage, proof of accommodation, criminal record certificate from your home country with translation, photo, fee. Statutory processing up to 60–90 days. After approval a visa to collect the card is issued.
    Ministry of the Interior: Employee Card
  3. Licence, Code 95 and osvědčení řidiče
    Non-EU licences are exchanged at the municipality of residence; a test may be required. Professional competence (profesní způsobilost řidiče): 140 hours of training and an exam. For international transport the employer obtains the osvědčení řidiče (driver attestation) for third-country drivers from the regional office.
  4. After arrival
    Within 3 working days report to the Ministry of the Interior for biometrics and the card. The employer registers you with health and social insurance; bank account.
    Ministry of the Interior: foreigners

Who pays what

The employer pays: Code 95 training, licence exchange, osvědčení řidiče, first housing and travel, programme support. The worker: criminal record certificate, translations, visa fee and the trip to the consulate.

Official sources

This is a general overview, not legal advice. Checked on 25/10/2026. Laws and fees change: verify on the official sites via the links and ask the employer in the chat.

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