Recognition of professional competence of the EU certificate holder

According to Section 26(2) of the Act on Electronic Communications, special competence earned in another EU Member State may be recognised and a special competence certificate issued by the Office, based on an application, which corresponds to the competence earned in another EU Member State. An adequate certificate is issued to the authorised applicant (see Point 3. below) based on an application:

1. Submission of an application

  • in printed form (pdf form available in Czech and English) by post or personally, or
  • electronically by completing the form ZFO No. 9 (in Czech language) (interactive - electronic signature or data mailbox required). In the form, the applicant has to tick a box "Application for the issue of a professional competence certificate" and select a reason for issue of the certificate: "Recognition of professional competence of certificate holder of an EU Member State".

2. The applicant must enclose the following with the application:

  • a copy of the special competence certificate issued in an EU Member State, based on which it is seeking a suitable special competence certificate as issued by the Office,
  • a copy of a citizen’s ID card or passport, nationals of countries other than Member States must enclose also permanent residence document or meet other requirements according to the Point 3.,

  • one up-to-date photography in a format of 35 x 45 mm, with technical parameters corresponding to parameters of a photography required for issuance of a citizen's ID,

  • a copy of receipt of paid administrative fee in the amount of CZK 400. (Payment in cash is not possible.)

3. Authorised applicants

Recognition of professional competence obtained in other EU Member State can only be granted to an authorised applicant. In compliance with applicable legislation the applicant must meet at least one of the conditions below, whereby professional competence and other competences are recognized under the applicable legislation by these persons:

  1. nationals of a Member State of the European Union, any other contracting state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation,
  2. persons having permanent residence in the Czech Republic,
  3. family members of persons referred to in a) or b) above,
  4. nationals of countries other than Member States if such foreign nationals have been granted in the Czech Republic or in a Member State of the European Union the status of long-term resident in the EU,
  5. nationals of countries other than Member States if such foreign nationals have been permitted to stay in the Czech Republic or in a Member State of the European Union for the purpose of scientific research, study, internships or voluntary services in European Voluntary Service,
  6. family members of persons referred to in d) and e) above if such persons have been permitted long-term stay in the Czech Republic,
  7. persons who have been granted asylum or subsidiary protection in the Czech Republic or family members thereof who have been permitted long-term stay in the Czech Republic,
  8. nationals of countries other than Member States who have become victims of trafficking in human beings or who have been the subject of an action to facilitate illegal immigration, and who cooperate with the competent authorities if such persons have been permitted stay for the same purpose in the Czech Republic or in a Member State of the European Union,
  9. applicant for/or holder of an EU blue card, applicant for/or holder of an employee card, applicant for/or holder of a right to stay for the purpose of seasonal employment, applicant for/or holder of an intra-corporate employee transfer card, or an intra-corporate employee transfer card of another EU Member State, or holder of residence permit in the Czech Republic issued for purposes other than employment, who is employed in the Czech Republic.

Therefore, if the entity applying for the recognition of professional competence certificate, even one issued by EU Member State body, does not comply with any of above-mentioned requirements, then the Act on the recognition of professional competence cannot be applied.

Note: In relation to the United Kingdom withdrawal from the EU ("Brexit"), during the so-called transition period (i.e. until 31 December 2020) all applications for recognition of professional competence licences / certificates of UK citizens and EU citizens obtained in the United Kingdom will be processed under above stated rules. More information on recognition of professional competence after Brexit can be found here.

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