Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the Czech Republic is attracting more and more expats: high quality of life, still reasonable cost of living, efficient healthcare system, effective infrastructure. But one question always comes up before packing: is it truly safe to live there on a daily basis, beyond a simple tourist stay in Prague?
The available data is generally reassuring. The main real risks concern petty theft, scams, and certain administrative procedures. A successful relocation requires knowing these risks and slightly adapting your habits accordingly. This overview is based on official statistics, international rankings, and on-the-ground feedback to ensure the best safety conditions.
One of the safest countries in the world for expats
The Czech Republic consistently ranks high in international safety rankings, whether for travelers or long-term expats. Several independent indices converge.
The Czech Republic is ranked the 12th safest country in the world for expats according to a report by insurer William Russell.
The Travel Safety Index 2025 goes even further, positioning it 6th out of 180 countries, while the Global Peace Index places it 11th out of 163 nations. Numbeo, which relies on residents’ perceptions, indicates a national Safety Index of 73.2/100, making it the 12th safest nation in Europe and the second safest in all of Central and Eastern Europe, just behind Slovenia.
This position in the European landscape can be summarized with the following table:
| Index / Source | Czech Republic’s Position | Detail or Geographic Area |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Safety Index 2025 | 6th / 180 countries | World Ranking |
| Global Peace Index 2025 | 11th / 163 countries | World Ranking |
| William Russell (expat safety) | 12th in the world, 8th in Europe | Expat-specific |
| Numbeo Safety Index 2024 | 12th in Europe | Based on residents’ perception |
| CEE Region Position | 2nd safest | Central and Eastern Europe |
Behind these good results are characteristics common to the safest countries: relatively high standard of living, solid education system, respected rule of law, stable institutions, reliable public services, and relatively low crime rates.
The country is a stable parliamentary democracy, a member of the EU, NATO, and the Schengen Area, with no territorial conflict or separatist movement. Corruption is moderate and the judiciary is independent, creating a predictable and reassuring environment.
On a purely criminal level, the long-term trend is clearly downward. Figures from the Police of the Czech Republic show that crime has been declining for about a decade.
In 2024, 173,322 criminal offenses were recorded across the country, about 8,000 fewer than the previous year, representing a decrease of nearly 5%. The national rate is approximately 36 offenses per 1,000 inhabitants, and the majority of cases involve theft and other non-violent crimes. The clearance rate reaches just over 45%, which is relatively high by European standards.
A summary overview allows us to put the risks into perspective:
| Indicator (2024) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Recorded offenses | 173,322 |
| Decrease compared to 2023 | ~ –5% (≈ –8,000 cases) |
| Share of cybercrime | 10% of all crimes |
| Vehicle thefts | ≈ 10,000 cases |
| Dangerous threat cases | 2,072 |
| Extortion cases | 1,559 |
| Homicides | 151 (of which 93 related to personal relationships) |
| Rape (national, daily average) | ≈ 3 cases per day |
| Child pornography cases | > 750 |
Acts of violence do exist but remain statistically rare in a country of about 10.7 million inhabitants. The police rather highlight the rise in cybercrime and fraud (credit, unauthorized access to computer systems) within the overall crime structure.
Prague: a major capital among the safest in Europe
As expected, the capital concentrates the highest number of reported incidents. In 2024, the Police recorded about 40,000 criminal cases there. Yet, even with this volume, Prague remains, proportionally, one of the safest capitals in Europe.
City’s crime index according to Numbeo, well below that of Berlin (44.59) or Paris (57.94).
A study by Compare the Market Australia, which analyzed mentions of theft and scams in online reviews for over 30 destinations, ranks Prague as the 8th safest city: only 2.31 reviews mentioning theft are found per million visitors, compared to 25 in Paris or 17.82 in Barcelona.
This positive image does not mean everything is idyllic.
Local authorities
– crime in Prague decreased by 6.4% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching its lowest level (excluding lockdown years) ;
– the most frequent offenses are simple theft, burglary, fraud, and shoplifting;
– the city concentrates the second-highest share of violent crimes in the country after Moravia-Silesia, with 1,596 such cases in 2024.
The reality for an expat, however, remains quite simple: the main risk is having your wallet or phone stolen on a crowded tram, more than being subjected to a violent assault on the street.
Real everyday risks: pickpockets, scams, and fraud
For an expat, most potential troubles fall under the classic “small” urban risks: pickpockets, taxi overcharging, credit card fraud, rental scams. Criminals primarily target tourists, but new arrivals, who do not yet master local codes, can also be vulnerable.
Pickpockets and theft in public spaces
Pickpocket groups are well-organized, sometimes armed with simple objects (knives, screwdrivers), and use jostling or “encirclement” techniques to steal bags and wallets.
The highest-risk places and situations are known:
– Prague’s hyper-touristic sites: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Prague Castle, upper part of Wenceslas Square;
– major transport hubs: Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) and its park nicknamed “Sherwood,” Florenc (coaches + metro), Anděl, Můstek, Muzeum, Staroměstská, Malostranská, Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí) in the evening;
– certain tram lines frequented by visitors: tram 22 to the castle, and tourist trams 41, 42, and 43;
– terrace cafés, crowded restaurants, attraction queues.
A few simple precautions are often enough to drastically reduce the risk:
To prevent pickpocketing, it is recommended to use a crossbody bag with a zipper, worn in front of you. Avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your back pocket. Never leave a bag on a chair or on the ground unattended, even “for a minute.” Be particularly attentive in the hustle and bustle of public transport.
Authorities recommend, in case of theft, avoiding direct confrontation and going as soon as possible to the nearest police station to file a report within 24 hours, necessary for any insurance claim. Prague has a police station specifically geared towards assisting foreigners who are victims of crime at Jungmannovo náměstí 9, near Můstek station, open 24/7.
Bank card scams, exchange offices, and taxis
As in many major European cities, card fraud and ATM tampering (skimming) exist.
The most frequent problematic practices are:
– installation of card and PIN copying devices on certain freely accessible ATMs;
– overcharging during card payments in unscrupulous restaurants or shops;
– massive overcharging by taxis, especially in highly touristic areas or near train stations.
The basic advice is clear:
For withdrawals, prefer ATMs located inside banks, major hotels, or shopping centers rather than isolated street terminals. Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN. During payments, carefully check the amount displayed before validating, keep receipts, and monitor your online statements. Never exchange money on the street, an illegal practice often linked to counterfeit bills. For taxis, avoid hailing them randomly; instead, use apps (Bolt, Uber, Liftago) or official “Fair Place” stands. Always insist on using the meter or agree on a fare in advance.
The Czech Republic is a highly digitalized economy, but it remains useful to keep some cash in koruna (especially outside major cities) to limit repeated withdrawals and thus the risk of exposing your card.
Bars, nightclubs, and the risk of drink spiking
Major Czech cities have a reputation for loving to party, and beer is omnipresent. This festive culture leads to some excesses that expats should be aware of.
Several elements frequently appear in reports:
– cases of drink spiking (such as rohypnol and other “date rape drugs”) have been reported in bars or clubs;
– some establishments grossly inflate bills, add hidden fees, or use unclear menus (price by weight, mandatory supplements);
– bouncers may sometimes intervene more forcefully than in North America, which can surprise some visitors.
The safety guidelines are the same as elsewhere:
– never leave your drink unattended or accept an already opened beverage;
– decline snacks, cigarettes, or chewing gum offered by strangers;
– carry only the bare minimum (no passport, no large sums) during night outings;
– stick to a level of alcohol that allows you to maintain control and manage your way back;
– in case of harassment, quickly address the bar staff or security, or leave with a trusted group.
Note that the city of Prague has banned organized “pub crawls,” notably to reduce alcohol excesses in the historic center and improve residents’ quality of life.
Legal framework and expat obligations: better to know the rules
Part of the feeling of security comes from the fairly strict adherence to everyday rules, particularly regarding transport, alcohol, and drugs. An expat unaware of these specifics may unknowingly break the law.
Always carry identification
In the Czech Republic, every individual must be able to prove their identity upon police request: passport, residence card, or document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tourists are therefore expected to carry their passport, not just a photocopy.
Failing to present a document can result in an on-the-spot fine, or even detention while verifying identity. In practice, some police officers may accept a digital copy of a passport if the situation is not confrontational, but this remains at their discretion.
The law also requires foreigners to report the loss, theft, or destruction of their documents (passport, residence permit) within three days, under penalty of a fine of up to 3,000 CZK.
Strict transport rules: tickets, trams, drunk driving
Czech public transport is efficient, dense, and safe. In return, the rules are applied without leniency.
Before using public transport, it is imperative to purchase a ticket and validate it in a yellow machine. Ticket inspectors, often in plain clothes, perform checks. An unvalidated ticket is considered invalid and can result in an immediate fine of 1,000 CZK, which may increase if not paid on the spot.
Another particularity that often surprises: trams have absolute priority, even over pedestrian crossings. A driver or pedestrian who cuts off a tram risks both an accident and a penalty.
Driving is subject to a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs, with frequent checks. Offenses can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, or even prison time. Headlights must be on at all times (day and night). From November 1st to March 31st, winter tires are mandatory. Every vehicle must be equipped with a reflective vest, a warning triangle, and a first aid kit.
Expats coming from a non-EU country generally need to hold an international driving permit in addition to their national license; an e-vignette is mandatory for using highways, with different durations available (10 days, 1 month, 1 year).
Drugs, “legal” cannabis, and surrogates
Contrary to an image sometimes portrayed abroad, the country is not permissive regarding narcotics. The possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs (including cannabis beyond the legal THC limits) remain punishable by severe penalties, up to 18 years in prison for the most serious forms.
Some shops sell cannabis-based products containing only traces of THC, within legally permitted limits. This does not change the general severity of authorities towards drugs.
Commercial surrogacy is prohibited. Any payment in connection with such an arrangement exposes the parties (intended parents, surrogate mother, intermediaries) to criminal prosecution. It is highly recommended to consult specialized legal counsel before taking any steps.
Registration with the Foreign Police
All foreign nationals must be registered upon arrival. Hotels, hostels, student residences, and most seasonal rentals handle this step automatically. But if staying with friends or in an undeclared private accommodation, the responsibility falls on the individual.
Non-EU nationals must report to the Foreign Police within three working days of entering the territory; EU citizens have a slightly longer deadline. In Prague, a major office is located on Olšanská street (Žižkov district). Failing to comply with this obligation can not only result in a fine but also complicate the subsequent renewal of a visa or long-term residence permit.
Health: an efficient system, some health risks to know
One of the Czech Republic’s major assets in terms of overall safety is the quality of its healthcare system. It is a Bismarckian-style mandatory insurance system, combining public hospitals and private clinics, offering a very good standard of care on a European scale.
The density of doctors per capita is high, hospital infrastructure is well distributed, and emergency response times are reasonable: the average ambulance intervention time in Prague is about nine minutes. Tap water is drinkable everywhere and food hygiene standards are generally good.
Health insurance and access to care for expats
To legally reside for more than 90 days, all foreigners must be covered: either by Czech public insurance (for permanent residents, employees of Czech employers, or certain categories benefiting from bilateral agreements), or by an approved private insurance.
The public healthcare system is funded by mandatory contributions, shared between employer and employee. It covers most care, including prescription medication and a large part of basic dental care.
Expats who are not eligible must take out commercial insurance with Czech or international insurers. Many expats also choose international private coverage (Cigna, Allianz, AXA…) to more easily access private clinics, which often have more English-speaking staff and shorter wait times for specialist consultations.
Hepatitis A, tick-borne encephalitis, and other present risks
Regarding infectious diseases, several points deserve attention:
An outbreak of Hepatitis A, primarily in Prague, requires vaccination for new arrivals and hygiene measures (handwashing, caution with raw foods). The country is affected by tick-borne encephalitis, especially from April to November in wooded/rural areas; vaccination is recommended for expats often in forests or the countryside. Measles circulates sporadically: check and update your basic vaccines (MMR, polio, etc.). Rabies is present in some wild species (bats); in case of a bite, seek immediate medical attention.
In case of a medical emergency, several numbers are good to know:
– 112: European emergency number, with operators able to answer in several languages (including English, German, French);
– 155: national medical emergency;
– 150: fire brigade;
– 158: state police;
– 156: municipal police.
The Záchranka app, widely used locally, allows you to contact emergency services while automatically transmitting your GPS location and offers first aid guides as well as the location of defibrillators (via the Mapy.com map service).
Housing: a tight market where scammers thrive
Putting aside petty street crime, the most significant risk for a newcomer to Prague or other major Czech cities concerns… apartment rentals. The market is very tight, especially in the capital, with a chronic shortage of available properties and fierce competition among applicants. This is exactly the favorite playground for scammers.
How rental scams work
The typical scheme is often the same:
When faced with a beautiful apartment, well-located and offered well below market prices, be cautious. A common scam involves a supposed owner living abroad or citing bad experiences to refuse any viewing before payment. They request an advance payment (deposit, first month’s rent, administrative fee) via hard-to-trace channels like MoneyGram, Western Union, or a transfer to a third-country bank account, in exchange for enticing photos often stolen from real estate websites. To appear legitimate, the scammer may claim to use a major platform (Airbnb, Flatio…) or an escrow service, but the provided links lead to imitation sites.
Some schemes go further: an accomplice poses as the current tenant, organizes a viewing of a real property (which is not for rent), and collects the money on behalf of a fake owner. Fake ID documents, subletting agreements, or well-forged contracts may be provided.
Recognizing red flags
Several “red flags” should immediately raise alarms:
– rent that is too good to be true: for example, a large, recent apartment in Vinohrady for 15,000 CZK per month when the market is around 25,000–30,000 CZK;
– categorical refusal to organize a physical viewing, even delayed, or to have an inspection by a trusted intermediary;
– pressure to pay quickly on the grounds that there are other applicants “ready to pay immediately”;
– demand for payment via irreversible and untraceable transfer, or to a foreign bank account without a credible explanation;
– lack of proof of ownership or an agency’s authorization to rent.
To limit risks, a few simple rules are recommended.
– never pay any deposit without having seen the property or, at a minimum, obtained a live video tour that verifies the person is actually on-site;
– demand a written contract and read it entirely before signing;
– check, via the cadastre (Czech land registry), that the person presenting themselves as the owner is indeed registered as such for the given address;
– if dealing with an agency, ask to see the mandate authorizing them to rent the property.
Reputable platforms and well-established agencies significantly reduce the risk, even if they never eliminate it completely.
Contract, deposit, and legal pitfalls
The rental contract is always drafted in Czech. If an English version exists, the Czech version prevails legally in case of dispute. It is therefore highly recommended to have the text reviewed by a lawyer or relocation agency before signing.
Several points deserve verification:
The notice period is generally three months for each party, unless otherwise stipulated. Rent increases, without a specific clause, are limited to 20% over three years and must be consistent with the local market, with a three-month notice. For utilities, the contract should provide access to bills and a deadline for the annual settlement. The security deposit does not cover normal wear and tear, only damages and unpaid rent; it is advisable to set in writing a timeframe (e.g., one month) for its return after the move-out inspection.
To minimize disputes, it is wise to establish a detailed “handover protocol” (předávací protokol), with dated photos, at the time of moving in, noting the exact condition of each room and fixture.
Digital security and cybercrime
The Czech Republic shows a high level of digital security in international indices, but cybercrime is on the rise, already representing 10% of all offenses in 2024. The most common crimes involve fraud (credit, online commerce, unauthorized account access) and various remote scams.
For an expat, the same common-sense practices as anywhere in the world apply:
To protect your data and transactions, adopt the following best practices: use complex passwords and systematically enable two-factor authentication; be vigilant against emails or SMS requesting bank details, login credentials, or urgent payments; perform regular software and antivirus updates; verify the reliability of websites where you enter your banking details, preferring known providers.
The good news is that telecom and internet infrastructure is modern, offering stable and fast connections, which facilitates the use of secure services (online banking, VPN, etc.).
Police statistics show that foreigners represent about 12% of individuals prosecuted in the country (compared to a share of the foreign population with a residence permit of about 9.75%, plus tourists and short-term residents). Offenses committed by non-nationals mainly concern:
– driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
– traffic offenses due to negligence;
– petty theft;
– obstructing police or judicial action;
– document forgery.
From the perspective of risks faced by certain expat profiles, several elements stand out:
Women and solo travelers enjoy a good level of public safety, despite the country not ratifying the Istanbul Convention. LGBTQ+ individuals find a relatively tolerant environment in major cities, although same-sex marriage is not recognized. Visible minorities, notably Roma, may encounter distrust or discrimination in a historically homogeneous society.
Overall, however, these phenomena remain contained, and the majority of expats report a high sense of safety in their daily lives.
Emergency management, police relations, and possible recourse
An often underestimated aspect of a country’s safety is how institutions treat victims and ensure crisis management.
Emergency numbers and how 112 works
Besides sector-specific numbers (150 fire brigade, 155 medical emergencies, 158 state police, 156 municipal police), 112 remains the simplest entry point for a foreigner. Free call, accessible even without credit or a SIM card, available 24/7, it connects to a center equipped to determine the caller’s location and transfer to the appropriate service.
Operators can handle calls in several languages (English, German, Polish, Russian, French), with translation assistance if needed. It is imperative to never hang up first and to answer all questions. If uncertain of an exact address, describe nearby landmarks or note the unique code present on the nearest public lighting pole; every lamp post in Prague is equipped with one.
Filing a report: what you need to know
In case of theft, assault, or serious dispute, you must file a report at the main police station of the district where the incident occurred. The police are legally required to provide an interpreter; however, you may have to wait at some stations until one is found. This is one of the advantages of the Jungmannovo náměstí 9 station in Prague, which has an on-site interpreter to accompany foreign victims to the territorially competent police station.
A case number is assigned after filing the report. The victim can request to be informed of the investigation’s progress for up to one month. For compensation, it is recommended to request it within the criminal proceedings with the help of a lawyer, or you may need to initiate a separate civil action.
Individuals arrested or detained have the right to an interpreter, a lawyer, and to have their embassy informed. Consular authorities (British, Canadian, American, etc.) can provide lists of lawyers, explanations of procedures, and basic assistance, without intervening in the course of justice or paying for private services.
Natural risks and overall security context
Regarding natural disasters, the country is in a relatively spared zone. The main recorded hazards are:
The Czech Republic is exposed to several meteorological hazards. Floods and landslides occur during heavy rains, especially in spring and summer, like the significant episode affecting Moravia-Silesia in 2024. Although very rare, destructive tornadoes can occur, as with the spectacular case in South Moravia in 2021. Finally, sporadic forest fires have a notable impact on air quality.
The terrorism risk is considered low, even if it can never be ruled out in the current European context. Public demonstrations and protests occur occasionally, generally peacefully; it is simply recommended to avoid very large gatherings as a precaution.
Daily life: safety based mostly on common sense
In practice, most expats describe their life in the Czech Republic as peaceful and predictable, with reliable transport, moderate street crime, and access to quality healthcare. Prague’s tourist areas require a bit more vigilance, but residential neighborhoods popular with foreigners (Vinohrady, Dejvice, Vršovice, certain parts of Holešovice or Žižkov, etc.) offer an environment where you feel comfortable walking at night, jogging in parks, and letting children go to school alone on public transport.
The Prague municipality is investing in a video surveillance network comprising over 5,000 cameras.
Some habits to adopt for a smooth relocation
Without upending your lifestyle, a few simple reflexes are enough to capitalize on the high level of safety offered by the country:
For a worry-free stay, keep your original documents and means of payment in a safe place, with digital copies. Maintain a discreet attitude in public, without flaunting valuables. Choose your accommodation carefully, refuse any payment before viewing, and bring someone along if needed. Learn a few basic Czech phrases. Finally, note emergency numbers, download the Záchranka app, and locate the nearest hospital and police station upon arrival.
The country’s tourism promotion strategies now place central importance on the notion of safety. The director of CzechTourism, František Reismüller, has indicated that security and sustainability are two major pillars of the agency’s 2026–2030 strategy, with the stated goal of consolidating the Czech Republic’s image as a safe destination for visitors, but also for expats and investors.
In summary, both the figures and experience point in the same direction: the Czech Republic offers an objectively very safe environment for living, working, and raising a family. Risks exist, as everywhere, but they are well understood and managed with a reasonable dose of vigilance and preparation. For those willing to respect local rules and adopt a few common-sense habits, relocation can proceed with great peace of mind.
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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.
