Minimum wage — the legal minimum payment for work. In 2026, it will be CZK 22,400 per month and CZK 134.40 per hour for a 40-hour week. The increase by 2025 is plus CZK 1,600 (it was CZK 20,800).
Why this is now the only limit
Previously, there was also a guaranteed wage with eight groups of jobs. This has been canceled in the private sector — so the minimum wage remains the only lower limit for a private employer, regardless of how difficult the job is.
Shorter week — higher hourly rate
The monthly rate does not change, but the hourly rate increases:
- 40 hours per week — CZK 134.40/hour;
- 37.5 hours per week — CZK 143.40/hour;
- 38.75 hours per week — CZK 138.80/hour.
The minimum wage affects other thresholds
The right to a tax bonus for children is calculated from it: you need a gross income of at least CZK 11,200 per month (half of the minimum wage), and the annual bonus requires an income of CZK 134,400 (six times the minimum wage).
The legal basis is *communication from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs no. 356/2025 Coll.* of 16.09.2025; the mechanism is defined by government regulation no. 285/2024 Coll. The coefficient increased from 0.422 (2025) to 0.434 (2026), with the goal of reaching 47% of the average wage by 2029.
