EXPATS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC – CORONAVIRUS IMPLICATIONS OVERVIEW AND GUIDE
Foreword
At rutland & partners we understand that the current situation is extremely difficult, especially for expats who do not speak the language and therefore may encounter substantial lack of information.
We have decided to create this overview in order to help expats in the Czech Republic to navigate in these challenging times.
Disclaimer
This document aims to provide broad overview of the basics, however it cannot encompass all the rules and exceptions. For full details you are encouraged to follow-up with the relevant government authorities or other reliable sources, including but not limited to our advisory.
This overview has been created on 24 March 2020, the situation is developing rapidly, and therefore certain information contained herein may become obsolete.
I need to file for extension or notify the Ministry of certain changes, what should I do?
As you most likely noticed the Ministry of Interior (“MoI”) is closed with the exception of a few agendas. In this case the act on foreigners allows the submissions to be filed via post or via databox (for example by your lawyer).
It is crucial that you do not miss the deadline for extension and send the application in time, state of emergency does not relieve you of the obligation to apply in a timely manner.
I have a pending proceeding and a deadline to meet
Generally speaking you can always request extension of the deadline, under these circumstances where it may be very difficult or even impossible to obtain the requested document(s) we believe your request for extension of a deadline shall be granted as long as the reasoning behind such request is truthful.
My employer is having issues, what If I am laid off?
In the unfortunate event you are about to be laid off it is crucial not to sign any settlement or agreement without a consultation with an expert. Termination by agreement severely impacts the time you will have to find another job and more importantly to retain your employee card.
After termination becomes effective you only have 60 days to find new job, this means effectively only 30 days because your position must be first available via the Labour office for 30 days and not many employers advertise that way. For blue card holders this period is 90 days.
I am a freelancer, can I receive any kind of support?
Yes, the government has decided that it shall waive the social security and health insurance contributions for 6 months (up to the minimum amount), for most freelancers this means saving only the social security payments because in order to be entitled for health insurance you must be a permanent resident.
In addition you may apply for a government sponsored loans, details will be provided shortly.
Also, the deadline for submission of the tax returns and payment of taxes for 2019 has been extended until the end of June.
I have employees, can I receive any support based on that?
Yes, the Ministry of Labor and Social affairs has approved special programme where they plan to reimburse employers between 50-80 % of salaries in cases where the business is severely impacted by the virus. Also certain labor law measures can be implemented in order to decrease the salary of unnecessary employees such as partial unemployment without having to resort to layoffs.
In case you would have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at any time. Our team of experts in all areas of the law (commercial, immigration, employment, bankruptcy) will make sure to protect your interests and guide you through any difficulties you may encounter.
For more information on this subject, please feel free to contact:
JUDr. Monika Rutland, partner
rutland & partners, law firm
tel: +420 226 226 026
email: monika.rutland@rutlands.cz
