More foreign workers in Czechia, but labour shortage remains

The number of foreign workers in the Czech Republic continues to rise. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, last year there were 935,000 people from abroad legally working in the country – an 11% increase on 2024.The largest group comes from Ukraine, with nearly 360,000 people.

Despite this, firms still face a shortfall, with the Czech Chamber of Commerce estimating a need for around 250,000 more workers. Employers are keen to hire from abroad, and faster work permit processes could help.

There has been an increase in people coming from the Philippines, driven by high demand and strengthened bilateral ties with the Czech Republic.