Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

Czech Republic

Minimum wage: CZK 22,400 a month or CZK 134.40 an hour for a 40-hour week (from 1 January 2026).
Contract: an employment contract must always be in writing, and you must receive your own copy.
Working time: at most 40 hours a week; a single shift may not be longer than 12 hours. The employer must give you your shift schedule in writing at least 2 weeks in advance.
Overtime: the employer may order at most 8 hours a week and 150 hours a year. You get your pay plus a bonus of at least 25% of your average earnings – or time off instead, if you agree on it. If the time off is not given within 3 months, the bonus must be paid.
Holidays: at least 4 weeks of paid leave a year (5 weeks in the public sector).
Deductions: employees pay 7.1% social security and 4.5% health insurance contributions, plus income tax (see below).

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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