Where Can I Get a Medical Certificate for Work in Prague?

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If you’re an expat, foreign employee, or job seeker in Prague, you’ve likely been asked for a medical certificate for work — and navigating the Czech healthcare system to get one can feel overwhelming. Whether your employer needs proof of your physical fitness, a pre-employment health check, or a specialist’s clearance letter, knowing where to get a medical certificate in Prague quickly and without language barriers is essential. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what types of certificates exist, where to go, what to expect, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.

What Is a Medical Certificate for Work in Prague?

A medical certificate for work (in Czech: lékařský posudek o zdravotní způsobilosti k práci) is an official document issued by a licensed physician confirming that you are physically and mentally fit to perform a specific type of job. In the Czech Republic, this document is not just a formality — it is legally required for many employment categories under Act No. 373/2011 Coll. on Specific Health Services.

Who Needs a Work Medical Certificate in Czech Republic?

• New employees starting a job contract with a Czech employer
• Expats applying for a long-term work visa or employee card (zaměstnanecká karta)
• Workers in physically demanding, safety-critical, or healthcare-related roles
• Foreign nationals required to prove health fitness for their trade license (živnostenský list)
• Employees returning after long-term sick leave

Types of Medical Certificates You May Need

Not all work medical certificates are the same. Understanding which one your employer or the Czech authorities require will save you time and money.

1. Pre-Employment Medical Assessment (Vstupní lékařská prohlídka)

This is the most common type. Your future employer is legally obligated to send you to a designated occupational health physician before you begin work. The assessment checks your general health against the specific demands of your job role.

2. Periodic Medical Examinations (Periodická prohlídka)

Required at regular intervals (usually every 2–4 years depending on your job category and risk level). Your employer typically arranges these.

3. General Health Certificate for Visa or Immigration Purposes

Required by the Czech Ministry of Interior for certain visa types. This is a broader health clearance, sometimes including a TB screening or blood test.

4. Return-to-Work Certificate (Výstupní nebo mimořádná prohlídka)

Needed when returning after a prolonged illness or when changing to a significantly different role within the same company.

Where to Get a Medical Certificate for Work in Prague

This is where most expats get confused. In the Czech Republic, not every GP (general practitioner) can issue an official occupational medical certificate. You need to visit a physician authorised to perform occupational health assessments (závodní lékař or poskytovatel pracovnělékařských služeb).

Option 1: Your Employer’s Designated Occupational Health Provider

By Czech law, your employer must have a contract with a licensed occupational health physician. Always ask your HR department first — they are required to tell you which clinic or doctor to visit, and in many cases, the cost is covered by the employer.

Option 2: Private English-Speaking Clinics in Prague

For expats who are self-employed, between jobs, or whose employer has no designated provider, private international clinics in Prague offer occupational health assessments and work medical certificates in English. This is often the fastest and most convenient route.

Key advantages of using a private English-speaking clinic:

• No language barrier — the entire consultation is in English
• Short waiting times (often same-day or next-day appointments)
• Comprehensive service including all required tests (blood pressure, vision, blood work if needed)
• Familiarity with certificates required for both Czech employers and foreign embassies

Option 3: Czech General Practitioners (Registered Patients Only)

If you are registered with a Czech GP (praktický lékař), some GPs are authorised to issue basic work fitness certificates for Category 1 and 2 risk jobs (low-risk roles such as office work). However, this route is only practical if you already have a registered Czech GP and speak Czech or have a translator. For higher-risk job categories, a specialist occupational health provider is mandatory.

Option 4: Occupational Health Clinics (Pracovní Lékařství)

Several public and private hospitals in Prague have dedicated occupational medicine departments. These are fully equipped to handle complex multi-category assessments, including roles requiring specialist clearance (e.g., drivers, electricians, healthcare workers).

What to Bring to Your Medical Certificate Appointment

Being well-prepared will make your appointment faster and ensure you get the right certificate the first time.

• Valid passport or ID card
• Your employment contract or job offer letter (or at minimum, a written description of your job duties and risk category — your employer should provide this)
• Health insurance card (public insurance card or private insurance documents)
• Previous medical records if relevant (e.g., chronic conditions, recent surgeries)
• Glasses or contact lenses if you use them (vision is often tested)
• For some roles: referral letter from your employer specifying the job category and risks

How Much Does a Work Medical Certificate Cost in Prague?

Costs vary depending on the type of assessment and whether you use public or private healthcare.

• Employer-arranged assessments: Usually free for the employee — the employer pays directly.
• Private clinic (English-speaking): Typically between 1,500 and 3,500 CZK depending on the complexity of the assessment and whether additional tests (blood work, ECG, lung function) are required.
• Public hospital occupational medicine departments: Lower cost but longer waiting times; may require Czech language communication.

Note: Czech public health insurance (VZP and others) does not cover pre-employment examinations — these are considered employer-paid services, not standard healthcare. If your employer sends you, they pay. If you arrange it independently, budget for out-of-pocket costs.

Language Barriers: Getting Your Certificate Without Speaking Czech

For many expats, the biggest hurdle is the language. Medical and bureaucratic Czech is notoriously complex, and a misunderstood instruction can mean getting the wrong type of certificate — costing you time and money.

Practical Tips for Non-Czech Speakers

• Choose an English-speaking clinic upfront — don’t assume your local Czech GP speaks English.
• Ask your employer to provide the job description and risk category form (kategorizace prací) in writing — show this directly to the doctor.
• If using a Czech public clinic, bring a bilingual friend or hire a medical interpreter for the appointment.
• Request that the certificate is issued in both Czech and English — most private international clinics in Prague offer bilingual documentation.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Medical Certificate in Prague?

At an English-speaking private clinic with an available appointment, the entire process — from consultation to receiving the signed certificate — can take as little as 30–60 minutes for straightforward cases. If additional blood tests or specialist referrals are required, allow 2–5 business days.

For public hospital occupational health departments, expect waiting times of 1–3 weeks for a scheduled appointment, which can be problematic if your employer needs the certificate urgently before your start date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my regular Czech GP issue a medical certificate for work, or do I need a specialist?

It depends on your job category. For Category 1 and Category 2 jobs (standard office work, low-risk administrative roles), a registered GP who holds an authorisation for occupational medicine can issue the certificate. However, for Category 3 and 4 jobs — which include physically demanding roles, work with hazardous materials, driving professionally, or operating heavy machinery — you must see a certified occupational health physician (závodní lékař). Using the wrong doctor can result in a legally invalid certificate, causing problems for both you and your employer under Czech law.

2. My employer is a foreign company operating in Prague. Are they still required to organise a pre-employment medical check?

Yes. If you are physically working in the Czech Republic, Czech labour law applies regardless of whether your employer is a Czech or foreign entity. Under Act No. 373/2011 Coll., any employer with staff working on Czech territory must arrange occupational health services. If your employer has not yet set up a contract with a Czech occupational health provider, they are non-compliant — and you, as the employee, can independently visit a private occupational health clinic and request reimbursement. Keep all receipts and documentation.

3. I need a medical certificate for a Czech trade licence (živnostenský list) or self-employment. Where do I get it?

Self-employed individuals and freelancers applying for a Czech trade licence are sometimes asked to provide a health clearance certificate, particularly for regulated trades (e.g., food handling, childcare, some technical professions). In this case, you can visit any private clinic or occupational health provider in Prague — you do not need an employer referral. Bring your trade licence application or confirmation of the specific regulated activity you’re applying for. An English-speaking private clinic is strongly recommended to ensure the certificate is correctly worded for the Czech licensing authority (živnostenský úřad).

PragueDoctors.com’s Insider Tips

Pro Tip #1 — Always ask for the job category in writing before your appointment. Most Czech occupational health physicians will ask you to present a document called „žádost zaměstnavatele o provedení pracovnělékařské prohlídky” — essentially a formal request from your employer specifying your job category and risk level. Many expats arrive without this and are turned away. If your employer hasn’t provided it, ask HR specifically for “kategorizace prací” for your role. Without it, even the best private clinic cannot legally issue a fully compliant occupational certificate.

Pro Tip #2 — Beware the VZP misconception. A surprising number of expats with Czech public health insurance (VZP, ČPZP, OZP, etc.) assume their pre-employment check will be covered. It will not — and if you try to book it as a standard GP visit through your insurance, the physician will either refuse or the certificate may be challenged by your employer as an improperly classified examination. Always treat a work medical certificate as a separate, self-pay service unless your employer explicitly confirms they are paying directly.

Pro Tip #3 — The “apostille trap” for international use. If you need your Czech medical certificate recognised abroad (for example, for a work visa application at a foreign embassy in Prague), a standard certificate is not automatically valid internationally. You may need it notarised or issued with an apostille stamp through the Czech Ministry of Justice. Very few clinics will volunteer this information unprompted. When booking your appointment, explicitly tell the clinic the certificate is for embassy or international use so they can prepare the documentation in the correct format from the outset — saving you a second trip and extra costs.

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