As part of its broader effort to manage economic migration and prioritize skilled workers, Czechia is introducing significant changes to the visa application process at the Czech Visa Application Center in Dresden, Germany. Dresden has been a key hub for third-country nationals seeking Czech long-term visas and Employee Cards. Its convenient geographic location, high-volume operational capacity, and historical administrative flexibility allowed third-country nationals legally residing elsewhere in the EU to submit applications (even outside the jurisdiction where they were officially residing). This made it particularly popular for applicants seeking convenience over filing in their home country or country of residence, where applying can be more difficult.
Effective January 1, 2026, a zero quota will apply to long-term business visas and Employee Card applications at the Dresden center for most nationalities, meaning such applications will no longer be accepted there unless the applicant falls into a specific exemption category. Individuals in the following exempt categories may still apply in Dresden:
- Nationals of visa-exempt countries under EU rules.
- Nationals of government-listed preferred countries.*
- Nationals participating to designated governmental Program for Highly Skilled Workers: e.g. Scientific Personnel Program, Digital Nomad Program (long term business visa only), Highly Qualified Employee Program (Employee Card only)
Applicants not benefiting from the exemptions need to apply at the Czech Embassy or Consulate in the location where they have legal long-term residence, or in their country of origin.
Many Czech embassies and consulates already have strict quotas on the number of submissions accepted each year. This measure is designed to reduce the number of applications from low-skilled applicants and the misuse of the Dresden Visa Application Center.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
