Legal Changes Effective from January 2019

We have prepared a list of changes in the area of employment and social security effective from 1^st January 2019 which are worth a look.

 

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

The increase in the minimum wage to CZK 13,350 per month (originally CZK 12,200) is a very positive thing. The minimum hourly wage is now CZK 79.80.

 

PENSIONS INCREASE

There has been a flat increase in all pensions, including partial pensions granted under the Coordination Regulations of the European Union and under international social security treaties. There is no need to apply for the increase as it will be made automatically by the Czech Social Security Administration. You will receive information about the increase by post.

 

A CHANGE IN THE DUE DATE OF ADVANCE PAYMENTS FOR SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS

The period within which the self-employed persons have to pay their monthly pension insurance advance payments and sickness insurance premiums has been extended for the whole respective month. (The deadline used to be the 20^th day of the month.) If you default on your sickness insurance premium payments, you can now pay them within the end of the following month without penalty.

 

If you carry out a secondary independent gainful activity which brings you only small income, you can now ask the regional social security administration office to exempt you from the obligation to pay pension insurance payments. (Pension insurance payments are obligatory for everyone with the tax base of CZK 78,476 per year or more).

 

ELECTRONIC SICK NOTES

The first phase of the incapacity for work data computerisation has been launched and from 1^st January 2019 employers may look up information about their employees’ incapacity for work online (most importantly the date of commencement and termination). After verifying their identity (e.g. through their data box), the employers may simply log into the CSSA ePortal.

 

OTHER CHANGES

Starting from 1^st January, there has also been an increase in salary tariffs in public services, public administration, and the civil service, an increase in compensation for work-related injury and occupational disease, and changes have been introduced to the disbursement of material need benefits.

 

For more information in Czech have a look at the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

 

For specific information regarding your personal situation do not hesitate to contact social experts and lawyers of the Integration Centre Prague and non-governmental non-profit organisations, which offer free counselling.