Expansion of a visa numeric codes for residence permits

As of 1 June 2026, the numeric codes indicating the type and purpose of residence permits in the Czech Republic have been expanded (see here: https://lnkd.in/dDEnFXEP). This may sound like a boring update — but the opposite is true.

This change should also help employers. Until now, for example, it was not possible to determine from the employee card 🪪 itself what specific type of card it was, i.e. whether it was dual or non-dual one.

This should now change. Employee cards issued after 1 June 2026 may now contain three different codes: code 271 for a dual employee card, code 272 for an employee card with free access to the labour market, and code 273 for an employee card requiring a work permit. This change should therefore make it easier for employers to “read” what needs to be arranged for a particular employee in order for both their stay in the Czech Republic and their employment to be legal.

The change also applies to other residence permits – the new codes will therefore also be used for long-term residence permits for the purpose of study, etc.

The existing codes remain valid, as do residence cards and visa stickers issued before 1 June 2026. It is not possible to request their replacement solely due to the above change.