Since 1 July 2007, a new category of highly qualified participants of the Czech pilot project “Selection of Qualified Foreign Workers” has been introduced. It shall be opened for foreigners who are working in the Czech Republic on posts which require university degree and match their profession (education or working experience). Participants in this category are entitled to apply for permanent residence permit already after one and a half years of participation in the project. Another important change in the project is also extension of the “grace period” for a search of a new job, which has been extended from 30 to 45 days.

The pilot project was started in July 2003 by the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and its goal is to bring foreign specialists and their families to the Czech Republic. After 36 selection procedures, the project has over 700 participants and first 153 participants have already received permanent residence permit.