Why Choose the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic offers a stable and high-quality environment for healthcare professionals. The healthcare system is modern and tightly regulated, with a strong focus on professional standards and patient safety. Both public and private healthcare institutions across regions and specialties are actively seeking qualified professionals.

Physicians and other medical workers are highly respected in Czech society. The state supports their professional development through a well-structured system of postgraduate education, specialization, and continuous training. According to the Czech Statistical Office, the average monthly salary of a physician in the public sector ranges between CZK 70,000 and 80,000.

In addition to professional opportunities, the Czech Republic is also attractive in terms of lifestyle. As a member of the European Union, it offers a high standard of public services, a safe environment, and reliable infrastructure. The cost of living is lower than in many Western countries, making it easier to balance work and personal life.

Official Recognition of Professional Qualification for Healthcare Practice in the Czech Republic

A healthcare professional who obtained their education outside the European Union must apply to the Czech Ministry of Health for official recognition of their qualification to practice in the healthcare system. This process is conducted as an administrative procedure and serves to verify whether the applicant’s qualification meets the standards of the Czech system. Only after successfully completing this procedure is it legally possible to practice independently in the Czech Republic.

The outcome of this procedure may result in either:

• Temporary authorization for a fixed period (maximum of one year), granted on the basis of an invitation from a Czech healthcare institution for the purpose of gaining additional knowledge or practical experience; or

• Permanent recognition of qualification with no time limit, granted after successfully passing the recognition exam (aprobační zkouška).

Working Without Having Passed the Recognition Exam

During the preparation period for the recognition exam (aprobační zkouška), a foreign healthcare professional may apply for a temporary permit to practice in the Czech Republic. This permit allows the individual to work under professional supervision at an accredited healthcare facility, in accordance with § 95(1) of Act No. 95/2004 Coll. The process is formally referred to as a Permit for Professional Practice in the Czech Republic Without Recognized Qualification, granted for the purpose of gaining additional professional or practical experience.

This decision is issued by the Ministry of Health based on an individual application and only if the applicant has an official invitation from a specific healthcare facility. The institution must be accredited by the Ministry to conduct the practical component of the recognition process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange the placement — employment is not guaranteed and depends on the interest, staffing capacity, and specialization of the facility.

The permit is always time-limited — typically issued for a maximum period of one year — and may be granted no more than three times. Applications are submitted directly to the Ministry of Health.

This option is ideal for candidates who wish to develop their language and professional skills in a real clinical environment while preparing for the exam. It also provides valuable hands-on experience that can help increase the chances of successfully passing the recognition process.

Recognition of Foreign Higher Education (Nostrification)

The foundation of the entire process is the official recognition of a foreign university diploma as equivalent to a degree issued in the Czech Republic. This administrative procedure, known as nostrification, is governed by Act No. 111/1998 Coll., on Higher Education Institutions. The application must be submitted to a public university in the Czech Republic that offers an accredited study program with similar content and structure.

The application must include:

• a certified copy of the diploma,

• a transcript of records with the number of hours and subject content,

• an official Czech translation of all documents (unless the originals are in Czech or Slovak),

• proof of payment of the administrative fee (the exact amount is set by the university).

If the application is rejected, it is possible to appeal to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. If no equivalent program exists in the Czech Republic, the Ministry itself may issue a decision.

More information about this procedure is available here.

Approbation Exam

The approbation exam is a mandatory part of the process for recognizing professional qualification. Its purpose is to verify whether the candidate’s professional competencies meet the standards of Czech legislation and medical practice.

The exam consists of three parts:

• Written part: A computer-based test focused on professional knowledge according to the field (general medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy), the basic legal framework of healthcare in the Czech Republic, and the structure of the healthcare system. The exam is conducted exclusively in Czech, and a minimum of 70% correct answers is required to pass.

• Practical part: The candidate completes a six-month professional internship under the supervision of a qualified mentor at an accredited institution. They must prepare five case reports that demonstrate their clinical reasoning and ability to apply knowledge in real-life settings. Each internship must be reported to the Ministry of Health within 30 days of starting.

• Oral part: An examination board evaluates the candidate’s professional readiness, including a defense of one of the submitted case reports. The candidate must demonstrate both professional knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively in Czech.