Your rights in the Czech Republic: sick leave, vacation, dismissal

Sick leave

• Notify your employer immediately. The doctor issues a sick leave electronically (eNeschopenka) — no need to carry paper documents.
• The first 14 calendar days paid by the employer — 60% of average earnings (with a reduction for high earnings).
• From the 15th day — social insurance (ČSSZ): 60%, from the 31st day 66%, from the 61st — 72% of the reduced base.
• If the illness was caused by a fight or drunkenness, the payout is halved.

Vacation and holidays

• Minimum — 4 weeks per year; for an incomplete year — proportionally.
• There are 13 public holidays in the Czech Republic. For working on a holiday — a day off or an additional payment of at least 100% of average earnings.

Working hours and allowances

• 40 hours per week, shift — no longer than 12 hours; 11 hours of rest between shifts.
• Overtime: salary plus an allowance of at least 25% average earnings (or a day off by agreement). Overtime can be ordered up to 8 hours per week and 150 hours per year.
• Night work (22:00–06:00) and Saturday/Sunday — allowance of at least 10% average earnings.

Trial period and termination

• Probationary period — up to 4 months; each party can terminate the contract in writing without giving a reason.
• Notice period — minimum 2 months, calculated from the date of delivery.
• If wages are not paid within 15 days after the deadline, you can quit immediately and receive compensation for the notice period.

DPP and DPČ agreements

• DPP — up to 300 hours per year with one employer. Up to 12 000 Kč per month, insurance contributions are not paid — but there is no right to sick leave either.
• DPČ — on average up to half of a full week.
• Both are in writing; termination is possible with a 15-day notice period.

Official sources

Data verified on October 4, 2026. Rules and amounts change — check with the source before making important decisions.

• Czech Labor Code (262/2006)
• ČSSZ: questions about sick leave
• Public Services Portal: overtime work
• Labor Code amendments from 1.6.2025 (PDF)