Legal
Taiwan among countries with free access to Czech labour market
In mid-February, the government approved an amendment to its regulation expanding the list of countries whose citizens do not need work permits to work in the Czech Republic. Taiwan is now joining the nine countries for which this exemption already…
Electronic signature - easy, fast, legally binding, and worry-free
A simple electronic signature is often perceived as less reliable than a handwritten signature on paper because it is not easy to prove who created it. However, recent court decisions have confirmed that it is fully valid for most common legal…
Employment legislation - what changes apply since 2025?
On 1 January 2025, the long-awaited amendment to the Employment Act entered into effect, bringing changes in labour inspection activities and the employment of persons with disabilities. The aim is to encourage employers to employ more persons with…
Stricter rules on employment of foreigners on horizon
In connection with the preparation of the new Foreigners’ Residence Act, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs proposes to introduce into the Employment Act a verified employer concept.
AMLA: new player in fight against money laundering and terrorist financing
The European Union is stepping up its fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Last year, the new Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) was created. Based in Frankfurt am Main, it will…
Government approves mandatory employers’ contribution to employees' savings
The pension system reform will bring about a major change for employees in certain high-risk jobs. As they will no longer be able to retire early without their pension being cut, the new law includes the obligation for employers to contribute to…
Riskiest systems stopped: AI Act in effect
As of August 2024, the EU Regulation laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (the AI Act) has been in force. A first wave of effects has arrived, as from 2 February 2025 the regulation bans the use of certain AI systems that the…
Trump tightens US immigration policy. Will Czech visa applicants be affected?
On 20 January 2025, just hours after taking the oath of office, US President Donald Trump issued six executive orders covering various areas of immigration policy. These orders, already announced during his election campaign, are intended to…
Anti-Trust Office hands out million-crown fines: How to avoid problems with supplier…
In the past year, the Office for the Protection of Competition conducted numerous on-site investigations concerning significant market power, involving e.g., hotel restaurants, wholesalers, and non-food e-shops. The office focused on whether they…
Amendment to Lex Ukraine headed to president for signature
The senate has passed an amendment to the law allowing the extension of the temporary protection of Ukrainian citizens. Some of them will also qualify for special long-term residence permit. The amendment, also known as "Lex Ukraine VII", contains…
New ESPR regulation bans destruction of unsold clothes
The EU has introduced its new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) which applies to most products and aims to improve their sustainability and promote the circular economy. Below we summarise what exactly the regulation introduces…
Changes in protection of appellations of origin and geographical indications
Currently, the EU does offer any protection of appellations of origin and geographical indications for craft and industrial products and mineral waters and salts. However, this should soon change, and thus, users of existing national protection of…