Renewing your employee card (and other long-term permits)

You can file the renewal from 120 days before your card expires, and the absolute last chance is the card's final day of validity.

The renewal goes to the Ministry of the Interior (its foreigners' department, often called OAMP), not to the Foreign Police. The window is the same for employee cards, EU Blue Cards and other long-term residence permits: no earlier than 120 days before expiry and no later than the last day the card is valid. Long-term visas (the sticker in your passport) follow their own rules, so check with the office if that is what you hold.

For an employee card you normally need the application form, your passport, proof of accommodation and proof of your job (employment contract or agreement). If your job is listed in the central vacancy database and the qualification document you used last time has expired, bring a new one. If you work on a separate work permit, you also need the decision extending it. Unlike your first application, the renewal checklist does not ask for a photo, medical report or criminal record extract.

Blue Card renewals need broadly similar papers plus a highly qualified contract that meets the salary threshold. The Ministry's Blue Card page does not spell out a separate renewal checklist, so bring your contract, passport and proof of accommodation and confirm the rest with the office.

As long as you filed on time, you stay legally in Czechia while the application is being decided, even if your old card expires in the meantime. If you are renewing for the same job, you can keep working without a break.

You can file in person (book first), by post, through a Data Box, by email with a recognised electronic signature, or through someone holding your power of attorney. If you cannot get an appointment before your deadline, use post or Data Box instead of waiting. Once the renewal is approved, you book a separate appointment for fingerprints and photo, and then you have 60 days to collect the card.

Changing employer is a separate process with its own notification rules. The Ministry has a dedicated page on it; read it before you start a new job.

In Brno

In Brno, residence matters for the South Moravian Region are handled at the Interior Ministry office at Tuřanka 1554/115b, 627 00 Brno. Opening hours have been Monday and Wednesday 8:00 to 17:00, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 to 14:00, and Friday by appointment only. Appointment holders go first, so book ahead through the Foreigners Portal user account or the phone line +420 974 801 801.

In Prague

Prague has several Interior Ministry offices, including Cigánkova 1861/2 (Chodov, Praha 4), Žukovského 888/2 (Ruzyně, Praha 6), Pekařská 641/16 (Jinonice, Praha 5) and Kolbenova 942/38a (Vysočany, Praha 9), plus a separate office at Hládkov 682/9 for students. Which one handles your case depends on the district of your registered address, so check the Ministry's list of Prague offices before you book. Bookings go through the Foreigners Portal user account or +420 974 801 801.

Step by step

1. Write down your card's expiry date and count back 120 days. That is the first day you can file.
2. Book an appointment at your Interior Ministry office through the Foreigners Portal user account or by phone (+420 974 801 801). If no slot exists before your expiry date, plan to send the application by post or Data Box instead.
3. Collect your papers: application form, passport, proof of accommodation, employment contract, and any extra document your situation needs (qualification document, work permit extension, agency documents).
4. File the application and pay the CZK 2,500 fee. Keep the confirmation of filing; it proves you are staying legally while you wait.
5. When you hear the renewal is approved, phone to book your fingerprint appointment and bring your passport.
6. Collect the new card within 60 days of the fingerprint appointment.

Last checked 2026-11-09. Open this guide in the app to add the dates to your calendar.