Changes to Entry Medical Examinations in 2025: What You Need to Know

Dec 20, 2024 3 min reading

This article is valid only for the Czech Republic.

Entry medical examinations will undergo changes next year. What are they, and who will they affect? What is the purpose of these examinations, who pays for them, organizes them, and who has which obligations? Here’s a comprehensive overview for you.

What is an Entry Medical Examination?

An entry medical examination is an evaluation that an employee must (or may—more on that shortly) undergo before starting a specific job. The purpose is to verify that the employee’s health meets the requirements of the position and that they can safely perform their job duties. Entry examinations also help reduce workplace injury risks.

When is an Entry Medical Examination Conducted?

The examination must be completed before starting employment (or before the start of a “work agreement”), no later than the day before employment begins.

The validity of the examination, specifically the certificate of fitness issued by the doctor, is 90 days. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to undergo it earlier.

Who Conducts Entry Medical Examinations?

The examination is carried out by the employer’s contracted doctor. However, you can agree with the employer to visit your general practitioner—this option is available only if your job falls into Category 1 under the categorization of work.

Mandatory Entry Medical Examinations in 2025

In November 2024, the government approved an amendment to Act No. 373/2011 on specific health services. Among other things, it states that starting July 1, 2025, entry medical examinations will no longer be mandatory for professions classified under Category 1 in the categorization of work.

However, this doesn’t mean that employers cannot still require these examinations—it simply won’t be a legal obligation anymore. For non-risk professions, conducting such examinations will be at the employer’s discretion. Future employees can also request the examination, and employers must comply and arrange it.

From now on, employees in Category 1 professions are assumed to be medically fit unless proven otherwise. This change aims to reduce administrative burden and allow for more flexible employment arrangements on both sides.

For professions in other categories, nothing changes; both entry and periodic medical examinations remain mandatory.

Entry Medical Examinations for Temporary Workers (DPP and DPČ)

For those working under “work agreements,” the amendment introduces no changes. If the work isn’t classified as risky or doesn’t have special legal requirements, no entry examination is needed.

How an Entry Medical Examination Works

Besides the physical examination, the entry medical examination also includes administrative steps and possibly additional tests tailored to the future profession. Here’s how it goes:

Administrative Part

The doctor will check your documents—don’t forget to bring:

Proof of identity
Request for the examination
Extract from your medical records
Employment contract, if available
Medical reports on past injuries, chronic, or severe illnesses

The doctor will also inquire about your medical history, including severe illnesses, psychological conditions, injuries, and family history of diseases. They’ll ask about any medications you take regularly, your alcohol consumption, smoking, or other substance use, hobbies, sports, and professional history.

Physical Examination

The basic examination includes measuring blood pressure, pulse, and weight. Your vision, hearing, and neurological and orthopedic health will also be checked. A urine test is mandatory, so bring a sample.

Specialized Tests

These apply to jobs categorized as risky or requiring specific health conditions (e.g., working with chemicals). The content of such tests is tailored to the nature of the future work.

Without specialized tests, the whole examination typically takes less than an hour.

Who Pays for the Entry Medical Examination?

At the time of the examination, you’ll cover the cost yourself. However, the law clearly states that if you start working for the employer and establish a contractual relationship, the employer must reimburse you.

You can also agree with a potential employer for them to cover the examination even if you don’t ultimately start working for them.

Costs vary by region, typically ranging from 300 to 1,000 CZK.

Summary – Obligations of Each Party

Employer’s Obligations

Have a contract with a provider of occupational health services to arrange examinations.
Cover the costs of the examination if an employment relationship is established.
Ensure safe working conditions, considering the employee’s health.
Comply with legally prescribed examination schedules.

(Future) Employee’s Obligations

Undergo the examination if it’s mandatory for their profession or requested by the employer.
Provide relevant and truthful information to the doctor.
Follow any restrictions or specific conditions set by the doctor.

Now you know everything necessary to successfully complete or arrange an entry medical examination. If anything is still unclear, leave it to us—we can handle this area for you too.