If you plan to work in the Czech Republic, it is important to understand the legal working hours, overtime rules, and employee rights. The Czech Republic follows standard European labor laws that protect workers and ensure fair working conditions.
Standard Working Hours in the Czech Republic
The legal full-time working hours in the Czech Republic are:
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40 hours per week
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8 hours per day
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Usually 5 days per week (Monday to Friday)
This is the standard schedule for most office jobs, factories, warehouses, and service roles.
Typical working schedule example:
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Start: 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM
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Finish: 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM
Actual working hours may vary depending on the employer and industry.
Maximum Legal Working Hours
According to Czech labor law:
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Maximum average working time: 48 hours per week (including overtime)
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This average is calculated over a period of up to 26 weeks
Employers cannot force employees to work beyond legal limits.
Overtime Rules in the Czech Republic
Overtime is allowed but regulated.
Key overtime rules:
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Maximum overtime: 150 hours per year (mandatory overtime)
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Additional overtime possible with employee agreement
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Overtime must be paid extra or compensated with time off
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Overtime pay is usually at least 125% of normal salary
Employees have the right to refuse excessive overtime.
Break Time Rules
Employees are entitled to break time.
Break rules include:
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Minimum 30-minute break after 6 hours of work
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Break time is usually unpaid
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Break is not counted as working time
Some jobs may offer longer or multiple breaks.
Working Hours for Different Job Sectors
Working hours may vary depending on the job type.
Office Jobs
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40 hours per week
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Monday to Friday
Factory and Warehouse Jobs
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8-hour shifts
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Sometimes rotating shifts (morning, evening, night)
Hospitality and Tourism
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Flexible hours
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Weekend and holiday shifts possible
Healthcare Jobs
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Shift-based schedules
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Night shifts common
Night Shift Working Hours
Night work is defined as:
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Work performed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM
Night shift workers may receive:
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Extra pay
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Health protection benefits
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Regulated working limits
Part-Time Working Hours
Part-time jobs are common in the Czech Republic.
Part-time working hours can be:
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10 hours per week
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20 hours per week
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Or any agreed hours less than full-time
Part-time workers have similar legal protections as full-time workers.
Rest Days and Weekly Rest Period
Employees are entitled to rest periods.
Legal requirements include:
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Minimum 11 hours rest between shifts
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Minimum 24 hours continuous rest per week
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Usually Saturday and Sunday are rest days
Some industries may require weekend work.
Paid Leave and Holidays
Employees in the Czech Republic receive paid leave.
Standard benefits:
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Minimum 4 weeks paid annual leave
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Public holidays are usually paid
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Additional leave may be provided by employers
Rights of Foreign Workers
Foreign workers in the Czech Republic have the same working hour rights as local workers.
Employers must:
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Follow legal working hour limits
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Provide breaks and rest time
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Pay overtime properly
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Follow employment contract terms
These rules apply to EU and non-EU workers.
Conclusion
The standard working hours in the Czech Republic are 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day. Employees also receive break time, overtime pay, weekly rest, and paid leave. Foreign workers have full legal protection under Czech labor laws.
Understanding working hours helps you prepare for employment and ensures you know your rights when working in the Czech Republic.