Interview: Why expats will thrive on the Czech job market in 2025

Landing a job on the Czech job market as an expat can be a daunting task, but growing opportunities are emerging, especially in sectors like IT, finance, and customer service. In this interview, Jaroslava Rezlerová, Managing Director of ManpowerGroup Czech Republic, discusses the rising demand for non-Czech-speaking professionals, the skill shortages impacting key industries, and the importance of language proficiency and adaptability in securing a successful career in Czechia.

This interview was edited for clarity and length.

“The demand for foreign professionals reflects a strong focus on operational and manual roles, but there’s also a growing need for specialists and managers. For example, around 18,700 foreigners work in management, while 76,700 hold specialist roles in IT, engineering, and finance. Technicians occupy 46,500 positions, and another 41,100 foreigners are in administrative jobs.

Service and sales sectors employ approximately 80,700 foreigners, and craft-related occupations account for 91,800. The largest numbers are in machine operation, with 208,100 roles, and elementary occupations like manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture, which engage 225,000 foreigners. This breakdown highlights the significant reliance on foreign talent across industries.”

The demand for English-speaking specialists has grown, driven by the globalization of business, the tech sector’s expansion, and the increasing presence of multinational companies, particularly in cities like Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, which is a rising tech hub.

Fluency in English is essential for non-Czech speakers, and knowledge of additional languages like German or French is a big plus. Employers value practical skills—adaptability, communication, teamwork—alongside relevant qualifications like degrees or certifications.

Non-Czech speakers typically find opportunities in IT (software development, project management), customer service (often supporting German or Italian clients), finance (such as payroll and financial analysis), marketing, sales, and education.

Yes, absolutely. The Czech Republic faces significant skill shortages in IT, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Companies are looking for IT developers, nurses, machinists, drivers, and skilled tradespeople.

In addition, business services are in high demand. E-commerce, marketing, and data analysis professionals are needed to support expanding international companies and shared service centers. Many of these roles prioritize English skills over Czech, making them more accessible for expats.

The government has increased quotas for foreign workers to address these shortages, and nowadays, roles in tech startups, international companies, and shared service centers are making adaptability and technical skills more critical than Czech proficiency​​​.

Remote work has been a game changer, especially for sectors like IT, finance, and shared services. It allows companies to tap into international talent and gives expats more flexibility in choosing where they live.

That said, it’s not without challenges. Companies must overcome obstacles like coordinating across time zones, managing cultural differences, and adapting their communication strategies. Those who embrace remote work and develop flexible processes thrive, while traditional, office-centric firms risk falling behind. The key is flexibility and a forward-looking approach to team management.

The biggest challenge is the limited availability of roles outside multinational companies. Many positions still require Czech proficiency, especially for interacting with local clients or teams.

Bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of job boards tailored to non-Czech speakers are other obstacles. Even after being hired, expats often struggle with integration. Czechs tend to prefer speaking their native language, even in workplaces where English is the official language.

We encourage companies hiring expats to invest in English training for their teams, ideally at a B2 level or higher, to foster a more inclusive environment.

In some sectors with foreign investments, there’s still significant potential for English-speaking projects, making English increasingly essential. I highly recommend anyone looking to boost their career prospects to start improving their English skills.

Yes, I believe the demand will grow significantly. Globalization, the rise of remote work, and the expansion of multinational companies in the Czech Republic are all contributing factors.

A study by the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL) found that shared service centers will need up to 25,000 new employees over the next two years. These roles will require English or German proficiency and technical skills in IT, finance, and customer service.

As foreign investments increase and more companies embrace English as a working language, expats will find even greater opportunities. I strongly encourage professionals to improve their English skills to stay competitive.