Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the Czech Republic is attracting more and more expats: rising salaries, still reasonable cost of living, high-performing healthcare system, central position in Europe, and strong academic dynamism. But between new immigration rules, choosing a city, finding housing, taxation, and health insurance, the process can quickly become opaque.
This guide synthesizes essential information, from official sources and specialized analyses, to prepare for your move. It is designed to assist you, whether you are coming to work, study, start a business, or join family.
Understanding the General Framework: Country, Cities, and Cost of Living
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe, bordered by Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. Ranked among highly developed countries, it combines a good standard of living, a solid industrial economy – with the automotive sector as the leading industry – and a safe environment: it is among the most peaceful countries in the world.
Prague, the capital, concentrates a large portion of expats, but other cities like Brno, Ostrava, or Plzeň offer interesting, often more affordable alternatives. The overall cost of living in the country remains lower than in many Western European or North American states, but the differences between cities are significant, especially for housing.
Prague or Brno: Two Faces of Expat Life
Prague has about 1.2 million inhabitants and an expat community estimated at nearly 200,000 people. Gothic and Baroque architecture, Charles Bridge, a dense cultural life, an efficient public transport network, and a good work-life balance make it a very popular destination for Erasmus students, foreign employees, and digital nomads.
Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, with a population of about 403,000.
Cost of living indices clearly illustrate these differences:
| City | Cost of Living Index (≈) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Prague | 51 | More expensive than the national average |
| Brno | 43.7 | Significantly cheaper than Prague |
| Plzeň | 45.7 | Intermediate |
| Ostrava | 44.1 | Close to Brno, but a different real estate market |
Overall, Prague is between 15 and 22% more expensive than Brno, depending on the sources and whether rent is included. Conversely, Brno appears between 8 and 18% cheaper than Prague. The gap is particularly pronounced in real estate.
Housing: A Key Expense to Plan For Carefully
The rental market is tight in large cities, especially in Prague, where demand far exceeds supply. Rents there are significantly higher than in Brno, whether for renting or buying.
Here are some benchmark monthly average prices (excluding utilities), based on recent data in Czech korunas (CZK):
| Type of Housing | Prague Center (CZK) | Brno Center (CZK) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom in city center | ≈ 25,288 | ≈ 19,514 |
| 1 bedroom outside center | ≈ 18,935 | ≈ 16,365 |
| 3 bedrooms in city center | ≈ 48,794 | ≈ 30,870 |
| 3 bedrooms outside center | ≈ 33,000 | ≈ 24,566 |
In January 2025, renting a 60 m² apartment cost on average 19,600 CZK per month in Brno, compared to 24,962 CZK in Prague. For purchase, the gaps are just as clear: about 6.7 million CZK for 60 m² in Brno, 8.3 million in Prague. Prices in Prague rose by about 15% in 2024, with a nearly 80% year-on-year increase in new home sales.
In Brno, the average price per square meter for new real estate is 131,300 Czech korunas.
For an expat, this means that housing will weigh heavily on the budget, especially in Prague. According to estimates, an employee earning the regional average salary in Brno spends about 39% of their gross salary on rent for a 60 m² apartment, compared to nearly 45% for a Prague employee in the same type of housing.
Other Costs: Food, Transportation, Leisure
For dining out and groceries, costs are a bit higher in Prague than in Brno, but the differences remain moderate:
| Item | Prague (≈) | Brno (≈) |
|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive meal | 220 CZK | 200 CZK |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | 1,000 CZK | 950 CZK |
| Local draft beer (0.5L) | 60 CZK | 55 CZK |
| Cappuccino | 74.2 CZK | 69.6 CZK |
| Dozen eggs | 73.4 CZK | 63.9 CZK |
Public transportation is generally affordable and well-organized. A single ticket costs about 30 CZK in Prague, 25 CZK in Brno, but the monthly pass is the same: 550 CZK. For utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85 m² apartment, the average amounts are comparable between the two major cities (about 6,700 CZK per month).
On the other hand, leisure and wellness expenses (gym membership, personal care, activities) are significantly higher in Prague: a monthly gym membership is around 1,600 CZK in Prague, compared to just over 1,160 CZK in Brno, while private daycare and international schools are also more expensive there.
Immigration and Visas: What the New Rules Change
Immigration to the Czech Republic is governed by the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals (Act No. 326/1999 Coll.) and, since January 1, 2026, by a major reform that has profoundly changed the procedures without relaxing the eligibility conditions.
The Mandatory “Foreigner Account” and the Role of the Guarantor
The 2026 reform introduces a single online portal, the “Foreigner Account,” managed by the Ministry of the Interior. This account becomes the entry point for most procedures: application submission, tracking, communication with the administration. The status of files can be viewed in English, greatly simplifying life for new arrivals.
Another major change: the introduction of the “guarantor” (sponsor). For most long-term stays, a local entity must vouch for the purpose of the stay: company, university, host institution. This guarantor must:
– confirm the purpose of your stay (employment, studies, investment, etc.)
– report any significant changes (end of contract, change of position, etc.)
– face heavy fines (up to 500,000 CZK) for failure to report or for incorrect data.
In return, the guarantor can follow the progress of your application in real time in the system. The stated goal of this reform is to speed up processing (for example, shortening the processing time for Employee Cards by several weeks) and to eliminate the need to physically queue at offices like the one at Hládkov in Prague.
Types of Visas and Residence Permits
For short stays (less than 90 days), nationals of many countries can travel visa-free within the Schengen area, within the limit of 90 days within any 180-day period. Others must apply for a Schengen Type C visa, valid for tourism, business trips, cultural or sports events, family visits, short training, or official visits. Airport transit Type A visas are for transit in the international zone.
The main concerns of expatriates when relocating to a new country, organized into three broad categories.
All mandatory steps: obtaining a visa or residence permit, registration, opening a local bank account, and registering with authorities.
Finding housing, signing up for essential services (electricity, internet), and organizing day-to-day life in the new environment.
Job search or starting a new position, language learning, discovering the local culture, and building a new social network.
– Long-stay visa (Type D)
– Permanent residence permit
The long-stay visa (Type D) allows stays longer than 90 days, up to a maximum of one year, for a specific purpose: studies, internship, language course, volunteering, cultural or sports activities, medical reasons, family visit, etc. It also allows travel to other Schengen countries for short stays (90 days within 180), provided no work is undertaken there.
When the goal is employment, investment, university studies, or intra-group mobility (intra-corporate transfer), the key step is often a specific Type D visa “for the purpose of collecting a long-term residence permit” valid for 60 days, which allows entry into the country to collect a biometric card. This scheme also applies to permanent residence applications.
Common titles used in formal correspondence include ‘Mr.’, ‘Mrs.’, ‘Miss’, ‘Dr.’, ‘Professor’, or ‘Esq.’. These titles are used to address a person based on their gender, marital status, or profession and typically precede the last name.
– Employee Card: combined work and residence permit for non-EU employees, valid for up to 2 years, renewable. The position must be registered in the central database of job vacancies. In case of contract termination, the foreigner has 60 days to find a new job or another reason for stay.
– EU Blue Card: for highly qualified employment.
– Seasonal Worker Permit, Intra-Company Transfer Card, etc.
– Study residence permit: for students in accredited programs; it grants free access to the labor market during these studies.
– Investment or self-employment permit: for entrepreneurs and investors, often issued for 2 years, renewable.
Purchasing real estate in the Czech Republic does not grant a residence permit in itself but can play a positive role in the application assessment as proof of stable housing.
Application Procedure and Processing Times
For nearly all long-stay applications, submission is in person at a Czech embassy or consulate, by appointment. The competent representation is generally in the country of citizenship, the country that issued the passport, or a country where you already hold a long-term residence permit (at least 2 years). Some nationals listed in a specific decree can submit their application at any Czech embassy.
Documents must be in Czech or accompanied by an official translation. Foreign public documents may require an apostille or super-legalization. A standard long-term visa dossier includes these items.
– valid passport
– passport photos
– proof of purpose of stay (employment contract, university admission, internship contract, etc.)
– proof of accommodation
– proof of sufficient funds
– criminal record extract from the home country (or sworn statement if impossible)
– if applicable, extracts from other countries of long-term residence
– proof of health insurance covering at least the entry period.
Processing times depend on the purpose:
| Long-stay application type | Indicative processing time |
|---|---|
| Studies, teaching activity, research | ≈ 60 days |
| Other purposes (employment, etc.) | ≈ 90 days (up to 120 days if complex) |
| Long-stay visa extension | 14 days |
In practice, one must often add the time to gather documents (certificates, translations, insurance) and possibly the time for an additional inquiry or interview, which the Ministry of the Interior may request.
Rejection of an application can be due to incomplete documents, false information, refusal to attend an interview, being listed as *persona non grata* or in the Schengen SIS, a threat to security, lack of insurance, non-compliance with sanitary measures, or a suspected intention to overstay. In case of refusal, written reasons are notified, and it is possible to request a review within 15 days, with a response within 60 days.
Health and Health Insurance: A Strong System with Strict Rules
The Czech Republic has a Bismarckian-type healthcare system, funded by mandatory contributions to public health insurance funds. The standard of care is high, with one of the highest densities of doctors in the EU and a mix of public and private hospitals. In fact, many foreigners choose the country for medical care due to the good price-to-quality ratio.
Mandatory Health Insurance: Public or Private
Everyone living in the Czech Republic must be covered by health insurance, public or private. For foreigners, three main scenarios emerge:
– Permanent residents (including foreigners): automatic and mandatory enrollment in the public insurance system.
– Employees of a company established in the Czech Republic: possibility to join the public system even without permanent residence; enrollment starts on the first day of work.
– Other long-stay foreigners (non-employed students, inactive spouses, entrepreneurs who don’t meet conditions…): obligation to purchase private “comprehensive coverage” insurance from a company authorized in the Czech Republic.
For EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, European coordination rules (Regulation 883/2004) apply. They can be covered either through their home country with the European Health Insurance Card for temporary stays, or through a Czech fund if they work or reside primarily there. Similar bilateral agreements also exist with some third countries like the USA, Japan, Turkey, several Balkan or Maghreb states, and Israel for its citizens.
Since 2024, foreign minors (under 18) holding a long-term residence permit can also be integrated into the public system under certain conditions, as can some applicants for international protection.
Contributions and Categories of Insured Persons
The general contribution rate for public health insurance is 13.5% of an income base, but the payer varies:
The minimum monthly health insurance contribution amount for self-employed persons in the Czech Republic in 2024.
Failure to pay contributions can lead to the accrual of debt with interest, which can later complicate other procedures, for example, a citizenship application.
Foreigners not eligible for the public system must purchase “comprehensive” private insurance. Since September 2023, it can be contracted from any authorized company. The minimum required coverage has increased significantly: the per-claim limit has risen from 60,000 to 400,000 euros. This insurance must approximate public coverage (childhood vaccinations, maternity, etc.) but remains limited by caps and exclusions (pre-existing conditions, non-urgent dental care, serious psychiatry…).
Access to Care, Emergencies, and Patient Rights
Once enrolled, you freely choose your insurance fund (the largest being VZP) and your contracted practitioners. You are entitled to:
– care defined by law as covered
– choice of physician (general practitioner, specialist) with a contract with your fund
– partial reimbursement of prescribed medication exceeding certain thresholds
– reimbursement for urgent care received abroad, up to the limits of Czech tariffs
– reimbursement for planned care in another EU member state, upon authorization.
Patients must present their insurance card or a temporary certificate at each consultation. In case of loss, it must be reported and a duplicate requested. Without coverage, care is fully payable, often accompanied by deposits and administrative fees.
Emergency numbers are 112 (European standard, English-speaking operator possible) and 155 for an ambulance. For short-term tourist stays, the European Health Insurance Card (for Europeans) or travel insurance is highly recommended.
Working, Starting a Business, Studying: Residence Permits and Taxation
Moving to the Czech Republic to work or start a business requires a good understanding of both immigration rules and the tax system, which operates primarily on a tax residency basis.
Tax Residency and Personal Income Tax Scale
You are a Czech tax resident if you have a permanent home in the country or if you spend at least 183 days there in a calendar year. In this case, you are taxed on your worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on their Czech-source income. In case of conflict between several countries, double taxation treaties (for example with France or the USA) provide “tie-breaker” rules based on the center of vital interests, habitual abode, etc.
The system is progressive:
– 15% up to a certain annual threshold (1,762,812 CZK for a recent reference year)
– 23% on the portion of income exceeding this threshold
Standard tax rates apply to most income, such as salaries, self-employed profits, rental income, and capital gains. However, some foreign investment income, like dividends and bond interest, may be taxed in a separate base at a flat rate of 15%, without the possibility to benefit from the usual tax deductions.
Employees are taxed at source by the employer, who withholds monthly payments (PAYG). Self-employed individuals can opt for a lump-sum regime (paušální daň) combining tax and social security contributions into a single monthly payment.
Tax Benefits and Social Charges
The system provides several tax credits and deductions:
Main tax credits and deductions available to taxpayers to reduce their tax liability.
Annual credit of over 30,000 CZK granted to every taxpayer.
Credit for a low-income spouse, under conditions (e.g., caring for a child under three).
Credits for dependent children, with the amount increasing from the second child onward.
Deduction for interest on a mortgage for one’s primary residence.
Deductions for contributions to certain pension savings or life insurance products.
Deductions for donations made to eligible organizations.
Non-residents can generally only benefit from these advantages if at least 90% of their worldwide income is taxable in the Czech Republic.
Social charges and health insurance contributions are also significant: for an employee, the employee’s share is about 11.6% of the salary (7.1% for social security, 4.5% for health), while the employer pays an additional 33.8% (24.8% + 9%). For the self-employed, monthly minimums are set for health and pension.
Work Permits and the Employee Card
For non-EU nationals, access to the labor market most often involves an Employee Card or an EU Blue Card. Before hiring a non-European, the employer must register the vacant position with the Labor Office, which constitutes a form of “labor market test.” Once the position is open to foreign candidates, the employee can apply for an Employee Card, which combines a work permit and residence permit.
The card is typically valid for two years and can be renewed. In case of contract termination, the foreigner has 60 days to find a new qualifying job or change their reason for stay, otherwise their right to stay may be compromised. Processing times vary between 60 and 90 days depending on the complexity of the case.
Employers must also inform the Labor Office of the start of an EU national’s activity no later than the first day of work, and report the end of a contract or any change in data within 10 days. Fines can reach 100,000 CZK for non-compliance with these obligations.
For the self-employed (OSVČ status), obtaining a residence permit for business activity generally requires:
– obtaining a trade license (Živnostenský list)
– providing proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic
– demonstrating sufficient funds (at least around 110,000 CZK)
– presenting a credible business plan.
Housing: How to Search and What to Watch For
Finding housing is often one of the most stressful steps of relocation, especially in Prague where competition is strong. There are two main approaches: renting a room in a shared apartment or renting an entire apartment.
Shared apartments are more affordable and require less commitment, while standard apartment leases often stipulate a minimum term of 12 months. Apartments can be furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished, with furnished ones logically being more expensive.
Where to Look?
Several channels are used by expats:
Several options are available for searching for an apartment or shared accommodation, from online platforms to traditional agencies.
Like Flatio, oriented towards medium and long-term stays, widely used by digital nomads. Apartments are furnished with guaranteed wifi.
For example Sreality.cz or Bezrealitky.cz (“agency-free”). Very comprehensive but ads are mostly in Czech.
Dedicated to rentals and shared apartments in Prague or Brno. Allow finding offers with or without agency commission.
Locally based, like Engel & Völkers in Prague. Offer professional relocation services.
Most landlords require a security deposit of one to two months’ rent and, if using an agency, fees equivalent to one month’s rent. Electricity, gas, and Internet are not always included in the base rent.
Reading Czech Listings
Listings use particular coding: a “2+1” designates an apartment with two main rooms (bedroom, living room) plus a separate kitchen, while “kk” means *kuchyňský kout* (kitchenette in the room). A “1+kk” is therefore a studio with a kitchenette. The area is expressed in m².
Central districts of Prague 2 (Vinohrady), 3 (Žižkov), 7 (Holešovice), and 8 (Karlín) are very popular with expats for their cafes, restaurants, parks, and transport, but rents are high there. For temporary first accommodation or a tighter budget, more peripheral districts like Prague 4, 7, and 10 offer cheaper alternatives.
Administrative Aspects
The rental contract is often written in Czech, sometimes with an English translation for reference. In case of discrepancy, the Czech version prevails. It is therefore prudent to have the lease reviewed by a professional or a Czech friend. The term can be fixed (for example, one year) or indefinite, usually with a three-month notice period.
For immigration purposes, you will almost always need a “proof of accommodation” signed by the landlord, confirming you are authorized to live at the indicated address. This document is essential for many visa and permit applications, including for self-employed individuals.
Banking, Money, and Purchasing Power
Opening a local bank account is highly recommended as soon as your stay exceeds a few months. Many employers and landlords require a CZK account for salaries or rent. It also helps limit foreign card exchange and withdrawal fees.
A Solid and Highly Regulated Banking System
After a crisis in the 1990s, the Czech banking sector was largely recapitalized by foreign banks and is now considered sound, liquid, and well-regulated. Most major institutions are subsidiaries or branches of European groups (Austrian, French, Italian…). Deposits are guaranteed up to the equivalent of 100,000 euros.
There are several dozen active banks, in addition to over 200 electronic money institutions offering alternative services (like Wise, Revolut, etc.). Major cities like Prague, Brno, or Ostrava have a dense network of branches and ATMs.
Conditions for Opening an Account
Requirements vary from bank to bank, but generally include: requirements
Required documents vary depending on your nationality and situation. Here is a list of items generally requested.
Valid passport or national ID card. A certificate of temporary residence may sometimes be requested.
Passport, visa or residence permit valid for at least 90 days, proof of address (lease, utility bill), and often a secondary document (driver’s license, national ID card).
Student visa and proof of enrollment. An ISIC card issued by the Czech university may sometimes be accepted or requested.
Some banks require a Czech phone number, an initial deposit (from 200 to 2,000 CZK depending on the case), or information on the source of funds. Clients from sanctioned countries may face enhanced due diligence.
It is generally necessary to visit a branch in person to open an account, even though several institutions allow pre-filling an application online. Contracts are always in Czech, but most major banks offer an English interface for online and mobile banking.
Choosing Your Bank
For an expat, key criteria are the availability of service in English, account and card fees, the quality of online banking, and the ease of receiving international transfers. Among players frequently mentioned as suitable for foreigners:
For expatriates in the Czech Republic, several banks are known for their accessibility. UniCredit Bank has a dedicated center for international clients in Prague and offers services in several languages. Česká spořitelna, the country’s largest bank, is often less demanding on required documents. Raiffeisenbank, Komerční banka, and ČSOB are also recognized for being open to foreign clients. Finally, online solutions like Fio banka are appreciated for their low fees and the possibility of remote account opening.
Solutions like Wise can complement a local account to optimize international transfers, with near-market exchange rates and transparent fees, but they are not banks in the classic sense and do not always replace a Czech account for local needs (direct debits, salaries, loans…).
Learning Czech and Integrating
Even though English is commonly used in professional, academic, and tourist circles, Czech remains the language of daily life, administration, public schools, and most services. Learning at least the basics greatly facilitates integration, procedures, and relations with locals.
Many institutions offer Czech courses, in-person or online. For example, the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies at Charles University offers intensive or semester-long programs from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1) levels, sometimes combined with university study preparation.
Major universities (Charles University in Prague, Masaryk University in Brno, etc.) and private schools like Czech Courses also organize evening classes, intensive courses, summer programs, and even domain-specific courses (medical, legal, business Czech). Prices vary widely: from a few thousand CZK for a short intensive module to over 100,000 CZK for multi-month preparatory programs.
The stakes go beyond comfort: for permanent residence, an A2 level in Czech is generally required (with exemptions for children, elderly persons, or those who studied in Czech). For citizenship, specific language requirements also apply.
Children’s Education: Czech or International Schools?
The Czech public school system is free and quite effective, but taught in Czech. Schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 15, with a 9-year primary school followed by secondary education (3 or 4 years). The system uses a grading scale from 1 (best) to 5 (worst), and the school year runs from September to the end of June, with a two-month summer break.
Expat families can choose between this system, which is very integrating, and a wide range of international schools, mainly in Prague but also in Brno, Ostrava, Olomouc, České Budějovice, or Hluboká. These institutions offer British, American, International (IB), or even French, German, or bilingual curricula.
International schools offer instruction in a familiar language (often English), internationally recognized diplomas (like the International Baccalaureate, equivalent to the Czech Maturita), smaller class sizes, and support for mobile students. However, they have drawbacks, including high cost and the risk of lesser immersion in Czech society.
Annual tuition fees in major international schools in Prague often range from 250,000 to 600,000 CZK per student, sometimes more for the later years of secondary school. For comparison, in the cost of living mentioned earlier, a year in an international primary school can reach about 305,000 CZK in Prague and a similar amount in Brno, representing a major expense for a family.
Driving in the Czech Republic: Licenses and Exchanges
Driving with a foreign license is possible, but as soon as you become a habitual resident, the rules tighten, especially if your license is from a non-EU country.
Holders of a license issued by an EU or EEA member state can use it in the Czech Republic as long as it is valid and are not required to exchange it. They may, however, choose to do so.
For holders of a driving license issued in a third country, the obligation to exchange applies as soon as you obtain a long-term residence permit (more than one year) or permanent residence. The exchange application must be made within three months of obtaining this residence permit.
The key condition is that your license complies with international conventions on road traffic (Vienna 1968 or Geneva 1949) and European standards (plastic card or paper format, data in Latin alphabet, specific field structures). If it does not – which concerns countries like the USA, India, the UAE, or Australia – or if the country of origin does not have reciprocal recognition, you will have to go through a Czech driving school and pass the exams (theory, first aid, practical).
The exchange application is made in person at the competent municipal services (for example Na Pankráci in Prague), with documents including:
– your original license
– proof of identity and residence
– proof of actual stay of at least 6 months (employment contract, lease, utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
– a recent medical certificate attesting to your fitness to drive.
The administrative fees are around 200 CZK for standard processing (20 days) or 700 CZK for expedited processing (5 days).
Expat Networks and Social Integration
Finally, beyond legal and material aspects, integration largely depends on building a network. The Czech Republic has a very dynamic associative, community, and international scene, especially in Prague and Brno.
Platforms like InterNations, Meetup, Facebook, or specialized forums (Expats.cz, for example) bring together groups and events for all profiles: language exchanges, hikes, sports, professional networks, expat women’s circles, communities by nationality or interest.
In each major city, like Prague or Brno, expat welcome centers offer orientation services, information seminars, job fairs, and can provide assistance with administrative procedures, job searches, or insurance questions.
This social fabric, combined with a stable economy, a high-performing healthcare system, and a still competitive cost of living, makes the Czech Republic a particularly attractive destination for a well-prepared expatriation project. By mastering the new digital immigration tools, anticipating housing, insurance, taxation, and schooling, and investing at least a minimum in learning Czech, the chances of a successful relocation are high.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
