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Work · Czechia
Updated September 2026

📄 I work without a written contract or off the books — what are my rights?

Direct answer

A contract exists the moment you work for someone under their direction for pay — a written document is proof, not a condition. You have the same rights to the minimum wage, holidays, sick pay and notice as anyone. The employer must give you the written terms within a short deadline (EU rule: essentials within a week). Ask for them in writing. Státní úřad inspekce práce (SÚIP) (950 179 100) inspects undeclared work and the penalties hit the employer, not you; ČMKOS — odbory (cmkos.cz) represents you; ČSSZ / Úřad práce — odvolání (800 050 248) can confirm whether you are registered and insured.

Call firstStátní úřad inspekce práce (SÚIP)
Report toČMKOS — odbory
If that failsČSSZ / Úřad práce — odvolání

🗣️ What to say

"I have worked for you since [date] as [role], [hours] per week, at [pay]. I have not received a written statement of my terms. Please provide it within 7 days and confirm that I am registered for social security. I also ask for [unpaid wages / holidays] to be paid."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Collect proof of the workMessages, rosters, payslips or cash records, photos at the workplace, colleagues who will confirm.
  2. Ask for the written termsThe employer must provide them. A refusal is itself a breach.
  3. Check your registration: ČSSZ / Úřad práce — odvoláníYour online social-security account shows whether contributions were paid. If not, the employer owes them retroactively.
  4. Report to Státní úřad inspekce práce (SÚIP)Inspectorates enforce registration and pay the worker's back contributions from the employer. You can report anonymously.
  5. Claim what you are owed: ČMKOS — odboryWages, holidays, notice — the labour court accepts proof of work in any form.

📇 All contacts

Státní úřad inspekce práce (SÚIP)Employer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 950 179 100🔗 www.suip.cz/web/suip/podani-podnetu
ČMKOS — odboryLegal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.cmkos.cz
ČSSZ / Úřad práce — odvoláníBenefits, overpayments, appealsWithin 15 days of the decision📞 800 050 248🔗 www.cssz.cz
Okresní soud — pracovněprávní sporInvalid dismissal within 2 months, wage claimsWithin 2 months of the end of employment🔗 www.justice.cz

❓ Frequently asked

Will I get in trouble for working off the books?

The obligation to register and pay contributions is the employer's. Workers rarely face penalties, and inspectorates protect those who report.

Am I a freelancer or an employee?

If they set your hours, your tasks and your tools, you are an employee whatever the invoice says. False self-employment is reclassified by courts and inspectorates.

I was hurt at work and I am not registered

Report the accident anyway — accident insurance covers unregistered workers in most countries and recovers the cost from the employer.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “working without contract rights Czechia”
  • “employer no written contract”
  • “undeclared work report Czechia”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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