Czech Employment Notice Period 2026: When It Starts and Ends

The statutory clock starts on delivery

For notice delivered from 1 June 2025, § 51 of the Labour Code generally starts the notice period on the day the other party receives it. It ends on the day with the same number in the final month; if that date does not exist, it ends on that month’s last day.

Example: a standard two-month notice delivered on 15 August generally ends on 15 October. Delivery evidence therefore matters for both employer and employee.

Two months is typical; some employer grounds use one month

The ordinary minimum notice period is at least two months. The flex amendment introduced a minimum one-month period for employer notice under § 52(f), (g) and (h), covering certain failures to meet requirements, breaches of duties and related grounds.

An employee may resign without stating a reason. An employer may give notice only for a statutory reason and must describe it so it cannot later be substituted by a different reason.

Check older wording in the employment contract

The Labour Code permits a written agreement on a different notice period or its course. MPSV considers an older clause stating “from the first day of the following month to the last day” capable of taking priority, but explicitly notes that experts do not fully agree.

If the contract only refers generally to § 51 or the Labour Code, MPSV says the current statutory rule applies. In a disputed termination, do not rely on a calculator alone—have the contract and delivery reviewed.

Form, delivery and situations needing individual advice

• Notice must be in writing and effectively delivered.
• Do not confuse notice with a mutual termination agreement, which can set an agreed end date.
• Protected periods, organisational changes and allegations of misconduct require extra care.
• Challenges to invalid termination have short procedural deadlines; obtain legal advice promptly.