What is an employment contract

An employment contract under the Czech Labour Code (Act No. 262/2006 Coll.) establishes the employment relationship between the employer and employee. It sets the rules for:

• what work is done,

• where and when,

• and what the employee is paid.

📌 Without a signed contract, the employment relationship is invalid.

Mandatory elements of a Czech employment contract

1. Type of work (e.g., “legal assistant”, “sales manager”)

2. Place of work (specific address or municipality)

3. Starting date

✳️ If any of these are missing → the contract is invalid.

Other recommended provisions

• Salary (or reference to a salary letter)

• Working hours (fixed/flexible)

• Probation period (max. 3 months / 6 for execs)

• Fixed vs. indefinite term

• Vacation, benefits, remote work

• Confidentiality, non-compete clauses

• Termination process and notice period

✅ Benefits of a proper employment contract

• protects both employer and employee

• reduces risk of labour inspections or disputes

• provides clarity in case of termination, illness or disputes

• supports legal tax and insurance compliance

❌ Common mistakes

• Missing location or job title

• Salary agreed only orally → unenforceable

• Employee starts without a signed contract

• Illegal conditions (e.g., no reason required for termination)

• No IP clause for creative professions (graphics, IT…)

💡 Pro tip

📌 The employer must also inform the employee in writing within 7 days of additional terms if not stated in the contract:

• pay day

• holiday allowance

• shift system

• social insurance authority

Employment Contract Template – Offer

Available for a symbolic fee:
– Czech-English employment contract,
– optional clauses: remote work, IP rights, confidentiality, fixed term,
– checklist of mandatory terms and legal tips

Contact me via email or form – every working relationship deserves a proper legal start.

FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT NOW?

Employment contract isn’t  just a formality – it’s a legal shield, if drafted properly. And a trap, if not.

Do you want to be sure your contract will hold up even in a crisis? Get in touch and let’s schedule a meeting. I am a specialist on contract law – more information here.