Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the Czech Republic, whether to Prague, Brno, or another city, is about more than just securing a visa and signing an employment contract. To truly put down roots, find opportunities, and avoid getting stuck in an “expat bubble,” the key is your network. In a country where reputation travels fast and a large portion of opportunities are never advertised on job boards, knowing how to connect to the right ecosystem makes a huge difference.
This article provides a concrete method for building a solid, authentic network in the Czech Republic. It combines cultural immersion, frequenting key venues and clubs, participating in events, using online tools, and a personal strategy, all while preserving your energy and authenticity.
Understanding the Czech Context Before Networking
Before handing out business cards left and right, it’s crucial to grasp how professional relationships work in the Czech Republic. The communication style, workplace hierarchy, and the boundary between private and professional life directly influence how you approach people.
In the corporate world, the culture remains formal and hierarchical. Decision-making power is often concentrated at the top, and processes can seem slow but very structured, with a strong emphasis on preparation and factual data. Academic and professional titles are valued, and people often address each other by their title rather than their first name.
Czech communication is known for its clarity and honesty, although it is often delivered with reserve and without excessive emotion. Czechs appreciate a direct approach, avoid raising their voice, and generally do not interrupt. In meetings, emotions are kept in check, which should not be interpreted as a lack of interest. Silent and attentive listening is a common and valued practice.
Another important point for networking: the separation between work and private life. Many colleagues do not easily mix the two, at least initially. Trust is earned over time, and once a bond is established, loyalty can be very strong. For you, an expatriate, this means you’ll need to show yourself as patient, reliable, and consistent rather than “ultra-friendly in a few meetings.”
The Basic Codes: Greetings, Titles, and Small Talk That Matters
Entering a Czech professional circle requires respecting a few rules of etiquette which, if forgotten, can quickly close doors.
The use of “vy” (the formal “you”) is the norm at the beginning, as are the titles “Pan” (Mr.) and “Paní” (Mrs./Ms.), followed by the surname. In many circles, especially more traditional or academic ones, a title such as “Ing.”, “Mgr.”, “Doc.”, or “Dr.” is often added. Switching to first names or the informal “you” (ty) only happens when the relationship is established, and often upon explicit invitation.
A firm handshake and maintaining eye contact are essential during a first meeting, as a weak handshake can be poorly perceived. In meetings, it is customary to exchange business cards at the outset; including your titles or certifications is seen as a sign of professionalism, not pretentiousness.
Regarding light conversation, some topics are safe bets: weather, nature, history, culture, sports, hobbies, or your home country. Showing interest in the local heritage, architecture, castles, or beer (the highest per capita consumption in the world) is generally appreciated. Conversely, starting a conversation about the former communist regime, international politics, war, or money can quickly become tricky unless your interlocutors open the door themselves.
The Importance of Events, Clubs, and Associations for Expatriates
The Czech Republic, and particularly Prague and Brno, has seen several waves of expatriates since the 1990s. The initial foreign investors and professors were joined by cohorts of IT, finance, and logistics specialists, not to mention freelancers attracted by the cost-of-living to quality-of-life ratio. The result: a very dense ecosystem of clubs, groups, associations, and communities aimed at (or open to) foreigners.
Structures created by expatriates to combat isolation and share practical information (like after-work sports groups) form a valuable informal network. These frameworks are conducive to meeting recruiters, local entrepreneurs, decision-makers, or future professional partners.
Classic international clubs like Rotary or Lions are well established in the Czech Republic, but are more oriented towards a local audience, even if English is often spoken. Other organizations, on the contrary, clearly target a foreign audience, such as women’s networks, international sports leagues, or language groups.
Prague: A Major Networking Playground
The political, economic, and cultural capital of the Czech Republic, Prague concentrates a large portion of career opportunities and international networks. Many global companies have their regional headquarters or service centers there, attracting a continuous flow of foreign talent.
To structure your approach, it is useful to distinguish several types of venues and communities.
Expatriate Communities and Social Clubs
Several organizations serve as a social “hub” for newcomers. The InterNations platform, present in over 420 cities worldwide, has a very active community in Prague. It organizes regular meetups, from simple happy hours to cultural outings or more business-oriented events. The membership process is moderated, which filters profiles to a minimum.
Other groups play a similar role, such as “Prague Expats Meetup,” or communities run by the Prague Integration organization, which supports foreigners through cultural events, language exchanges, and community initiatives. Forums like Expats.cz, and their Facebook counterparts, often serve as a virtual gateway: people ask questions about schools, healthcare, taxes, and spot upcoming events.
Women’s Networks and Thematic Associations
For female expatriates, the city offers a rich network of associations. The International Women’s Association of Prague (IWAP), founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization open to all. Its goal is to encourage friendships and introduce Czech culture through numerous activities. The association organizes regular lunches, annual meetings, and publishes a magazine, “The Bridge.” It has even published a “Prague For Kids” guide on children’s activities – a clear indicator that many active mothers frequent it, including women working for international organizations or local companies.
Organizations like Femme Palette and events such as “Women in Tech Prague – OutGeekWomen” bring together professionals from the digital, marketing, and creative sectors. They offer workshops, panels, and networking sessions, providing valuable resources for female expatriates looking to integrate into the local tech ecosystem.
Sports, Leisure, and “Side-Door” Networking
In a country where sports hold an important place, international leagues and clubs are also disguised professional gateways. The International Sports League (ISL), founded by an American expatriate, offers basketball, football, volleyball leagues, and even activities like shooting, mainly for teams from large companies. Participating means playing face-to-face with employees and managers from international companies in a relaxed setting.
Charity or sporting events like the “Heavy Hitters Tournament” softball tournament attract corporate teams, generating many informal exchanges over a drink.
The Prague Post
Cultural Centers and Foreign Institutes
Prague concentrates several international cultural centers that are not just places for language courses or exhibitions, but also for discreet networking. The French Institute, Scandinavian House, the Cervantes Institute organize conferences, screenings, debates, book clubs, and receptions where diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs, and creatives mingle. For a francophone, hispanophone, or Scandinavian expatriate, these venues are natural platforms for integrating into both the local community and a transnational network.
Start-up, Tech, and Sectoral Event Ecosystem
The Czech Republic is clearly a hotspot for start-ups and tech companies, and Prague is its showcase. Major events like WebExpo Prague, DevFest Czech Republic, PyCon CZ, or Czech VR Fest attract hundreds, sometimes thousands of participants each year – developers, founders, investors, product managers.
Alongside major conferences, a myriad of meetups fuels tech life: PragueCrunch, which brings together several thousand members, or series like “Prague Network Nexus” (AI Leaders, Business & Technology, Startup Edition) held in iconic bars like The Alchemist Bar. Themed evenings – B2B SaaS Night, Tech & Business Networking Prague, Investor Connect, Startup Pitch Night – offer short formats where entrepreneurs, freelancers, investment funds, and corporate innovators mingle.
Over 90% of conference attendees find onsite networking very useful.
Coworking, Incubators, and Innovation Hubs
Coworking spaces and incubators play a key role. Impact Hub Prague, part of a global network of over 100 hubs, hosts social entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and start-up teams. Users often emphasize that belonging to this community gives them much more than an office: workshops, mentoring sessions, project presentations, community evenings, all opportunities to build connections. A cited study on coworking even indicates that people who work in these spaces report being on average one-third more productive and significantly more engaged.
University incubators like Point One, linked to the University of Life Sciences in Prague, organize open house days and “pitch your start-up” events that bring together student-entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and company representatives. Even if you are not yet established as a founder, these places are valuable for understanding the ecosystem and identifying projects to join.
Brno: The Second Major Scene for Expatriates and Professionals
While Prague naturally attracts attention, Brno is not far behind. The city has established itself as a major technology hub, with a dense fabric of IT companies, start-ups, R&D centers, and high-level universities. For an expatriate seeking a more compact yet very dynamic environment, Brno is a serious option.
Again, several structures greatly facilitate networking.
Two key structures offer free support to newcomers to facilitate their integration in the South Moravian region.
Organizes free monthly events (seminars, meetups, excursions, tournaments) and provides practical guides on employment, schools, social benefits, and administrative procedures.
Offers free Czech language courses, support with authorities, housing advice, and an event calendar covering daily life and community gatherings.
Informal groups like “English in Brno,” which meets weekly in different bars or cafes, create a space for conversation in English for locals and foreigners. Such meetups are ideal for newcomers who hesitate to dive directly into strictly “business” networking evenings. Bars like East Village or The Immigrant, often frequented by English speakers, serve as unofficial meeting points, complemented by English quizzes or gatherings in parks like Lužánky.
To facilitate your move and social life in Brno, join the Facebook group “Living in Brno.” It serves as a daily channel for foreigners, with job ads, sublet offers, advice requests, and event invitations. For professionals, groups like “Brno Entrepreneurs” bring together founders, freelancers, and managers to exchange project ideas and organize business breakfasts.
Leveraging Digital Networks: LinkedIn, Forums, and Local Groups
In the Czech Republic, job boards are still widely used, but professional social networks have taken a decisive place, especially for skilled or international positions. For an expatriate, judiciously combining online presence and in-person meetings is the most effective strategy.
Using LinkedIn in the Czech Context
LinkedIn is the central tool. Recruitment agencies and companies use it extensively, particularly for mid-level and senior positions. Recruiters conduct a large part of their searches there, sometimes more than half of their sourcing actions. Czech managers and specialists are very present, making the platform essential if you are targeting managerial, tech, or expert roles.
To maximize your visibility with recruiters, it is essential to have a complete and active profile. Use a professional and welcoming photo, a banner related to your industry, and a concrete headline describing your value. Write a clear summary and detail your experiences with quantifiable results. Regularly updating your profile and publishing activity also contribute to increased visibility.
Many Czech professionals make a common mistake: using the headline field (“motto” on the Czech interface) to display a motivational quote or a vague phrase. However, from the perspective of recruiters and the search algorithm, this field should state your function and value. Correcting this point for yourself already places you in a more readable category.
Good LinkedIn networking practices also apply in the Czech Republic: personalized connection requests, short and targeted messages, follow-up after acceptance, relevant comments on your contacts’ posts. Data used by social selling specialists shows that a personalized message multiplies response rates several times over compared to a generic text.
Czech Online Groups, Forums, and Communities
Beyond LinkedIn, the Czech ecosystem is rich in specific forums and groups. Expats.cz, for example, is both a media outlet and a forum widely used by foreigners settled in the country. It features sections dedicated to work, housing, education, bureaucracy, but also social life, with announcements for meetups, hikes, game nights, and sports groups.
Expatriate Facebook groups are an essential resource for settling in the Czech Republic. General communities like “Expats in Prague” or “Expats Czech Republic” exist alongside more specific groups such as “Jobs for foreigners Czech Republic,” “Prahoo – French-speaking expatriates in Prague,” or “Americans in Prague,” “Expat Women in Prague,” and “Queer Expats in Prague.” These spaces allow you to ask questions, identify opportunities, and build a network. Although the flow of posts can be significant, filtering by interest and actively participating in discussions helps you become a recognized member of the community.
In a more specialized vein, technical forums (for example, around developer or designer communities) and platforms like CzechStartups.org serve as virtual crossroads for the innovation ecosystem. Surveys conducted on some Czech tech forums show that a large majority of members report having made at least one significant professional connection there.
Speaking Czech: A Decisive Asset for Leaving the Expat Bubble
Many expatriates work in English-speaking environments, especially in large multinationals or tech start-ups. It would be tempting to consider English sufficient. In practice, even a basic level of Czech radically changes how locals perceive you and opens up relational circles that otherwise remain closed.
The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University (ÚJOP) has offered Czech as a foreign language courses for over 60 years, with various formats (intensive, evening classes). It is the only institution in the Czech Republic ALTE-certified for internationally recognized Czech exams, essential for permanent residence or citizenship applications.
Other private actors like Czech Courses, SOLARIS Language School, the ICJ Institute of Foreign Languages, or smaller schools offer the full range: intensive training, evening classes, online formats, private lessons, corporate modules (including specialized Czech for law, medicine, etc.). Main cities concentrate these in-person offers, especially Prague and Brno, but most institutions have also developed remote options.
Training prices vary considerably depending on the school and format. Very affordable options exist, including courses funded by the European Union or the Ministry of Labor, accessible under certain conditions (such as being registered as a job seeker). Some programs lead to official certificates or state-recognized retraining attestations, a major asset for professional integration.
Beyond language mastery, these courses become real networking venues. Classes are often small, mixing expatriates from very diverse backgrounds, all in the settling-in phase, all looking for reliable contacts. Testimonials show that many professional and friendly connections are forged in these classrooms, reinforced by complementary activities like guided tours of Prague, excursions to historical towns, or social programs offered by some schools.
Using Business and Academic Events to Get Established
The Czech Republic hosts an impressive calendar of conferences, meetings, and symposiums, in the tech world as well as in academic, financial, or industrial fields. For an expatriate, these events represent powerful network accelerators, provided you approach them with a strategy.
Over nine out of ten participants consider networking opportunities at these conferences more valuable than the content of the presentations.
The trick, for an expatriate, is to target a few relevant events per year, prepare in advance (identify key speakers or sponsors, request meetings, prepare a clear pitch of who you are and what you’re looking for), and ensure serious follow-up afterwards. In a country where hierarchy is marked and decisions are made at the top, accessing senior executives directly at this type of event can significantly shorten classic introduction cycles.
The Role of Chambers of Commerce, Embassies, and Official Structures
For self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, or people working in highly international sectors, another gateway is to rely on structures linked to their home country. Binational chambers of commerce and the commercial sections of embassies often serve as information counters and contact databases.
These institutions can direct you to professional events, business clubs, sectoral meetings, or visiting guests. They often publish directories of their member companies, useful for identifying prospects or potential employers. They can also point you to key Czech players in your sector and guide you to relevant local organizations like clusters or professional associations.
To identify specific Czech partners, national bodies like the Chamber of Commerce, CzechTrade, or CzechInvest have resources and databases. They also participate in many trade fairs and seminars, sometimes abroad, where you can meet representatives of Czech companies.
Managing the Legal Framework: Business Visas, Freelancing, and Credibility
Some expatriates build their network as employees, via an Employee Card or a European Blue Card. Others opt for self-employment, applying for a long-stay visa for business activities, often called a “Živno” or freelance visa. This status allows you to work as a sole trader, invoice Czech or foreign clients, or act as a statutory director of a company.
Obtaining and maintaining a freelance status (živnostenský list) requires meeting several obligations: activating a trade license, proof of sufficient funds, subscribing to long-term health insurance, registration with tax, social, and health insurance administrations, and keeping accounts. However, the Czech system offers a simplification through flat-rate expense deductions (paušální výdaje), making administrative management easier for freelancers.
From a networking perspective, being in good standing and able to clearly explain your status reassures your interlocutors. Many companies, especially local ones, remain cautious about unclear structures or people who do not seem to have clarified their tax and social obligations. Conversely, an expatriate who masters these aspects, or who can even advise other foreigners on these issues, quickly gains credibility.
Personal Strategy: Moving from a Survival Network to an Influence Network
Accumulating business cards, joining every existing Facebook group, or hopping from one meetup to another is not enough to build a useful network. The key, in the Czech Republic as elsewhere, lies in a clear strategy and a long-term approach.
Several principles, widely confirmed by networking trainers, can serve as a compass.
First, clarify your goals. Do you want to find a salaried job? Launch a B2B service locally? Access the start-up ecosystem? Get closer to the academic world? Your networking roadmap will not be the same. Without this clarity, you risk exhausting yourself in friendly events that are poorly aligned.
Help others without expecting immediate return, for example by recommending a developer to a founder, sharing useful information on funding, proofreading a CV, or facilitating a relevant introduction. These actions, accumulated, build a solid reputation within a compact business community where word-of-mouth is decisive, making it a particularly effective strategy.
Finally, measure your progress. Some consultants recommend tracking the number of new relevant contacts, meetings turned into concrete collaborations, opportunities generated through word-of-mouth. Without falling into excessive accounting, setting quarterly benchmarks helps you stay active without getting scattered.
To help you structure your initial steps, here are several summary tables presenting useful resources.
Main Job Search and Visibility Platforms
| Platform | Main Specificity | Audience / Language | Notable Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jobs.cz | Country’s leading job board, very generalist | Czech / English | >4M monthly visits, >10,000 English job ads |
| Prace.cz | Varied offers, strong candidate base | Czech / English | >565,000 candidates/year, >5,000 English job ads |
| Profesia.cz | Regional presence (CZ, SK, HU) | Multilingual | ~200,000 visits/month, 70,000 CVs in database |
| Jobspin | Offers for expats and multilingual profiles | English | ~15,000 visits/month, 92% for Prague and Brno |
| Expats.cz | Expat portal with job section | English | Targeted community of foreigners |
Key Communities for Expatriates in Prague
| Structure / Group | Type of Activities | Main Interest for Networking |
|---|---|---|
| InterNations Prague | Social and professional meetups | Access to a wide range of experienced expats |
| International Women’s Association of Prague (IWAP) | Lunches, cultural activities, charity | International women’s network, strong social dimension |
| Prague Expats Meetup | Outings, thematic meetups | Varied contacts, informal atmosphere |
| Prague Integration | Cultural events, integration support | Connections with involved locals and support professionals |
| Expats.cz Forum + Facebook groups | Online discussions, classifieds, mutual help | Practical information, first connections |
Useful Institutions and Services in Brno
| Organization | Services Offered | Added Value for Expatriates |
|---|---|---|
| Brno Expat Centre | Events, practical advice, guides | Structured understanding of the city and its rules |
| Centre for Foreigners – South Moravian Region | Czech language courses, support, social/legal advice | Concrete help with administrative integration |
| Foreigners (agency) | Relocation, visa, insurance, housing | Outsourcing of complicated procedures |
| Groups “Living in Brno”, “Brno Entrepreneurs” | Exchanges, announcements, meetings | Direct access to the local expat community |
Some Language Schools Oriented Towards Foreigners
| School / Institution | Main Location | Specificities |
|---|---|---|
| ÚJOP (Charles University) | Prague | +60 years of experience, official exams, long programs |
| Czech Courses | Prague (multiple sites) | Private school, small groups, intensive and evening formats |
| ICJ Institute of Foreign Languages | Prague & Brno | Accredited by the ministry, network of hundreds of teachers |
| SOLARIS Language School | Prague & Brno | Specialized in corporate courses |
Don’t Neglect Everyday Codes: Punctuality, Meals, and Hospitality
Networking in the Czech Republic doesn’t only happen at big events. Some important decisions and relationships are built at the table or over a coffee. Accepting lunch or dinner invitations, taking the time to participate in a two-hour business lunch without checking your watch every ten minutes, respecting certain codes (politely refusing a second helping once, making a toast “Na zdraví” while looking your interlocutors in the eye) sends a message of respect.
Arriving on time, or even early, for an appointment is perceived as a sign of seriousness. Being more than 5 to 15 minutes late is generally frowned upon, unless a valid reason is clearly explained.
Finally, in Czech business culture, gifts remain modest. A bottle of wine, a book, or a typical item from your home country make good presents after a successful collaboration. High-value gifts can be awkward, or even contrary to some company policies.
From Networking to Anchoring: Turning Contacts into Relationships
Over the months, if you regularly frequent certain communities, you’ll see the transition from a purely utilitarian network (finding housing, a first job, a lawyer, a doctor) to a deeper anchoring network. People you initially met at a meetup may become colleagues, clients, partners in associations, or even close friends.
To turn a simple contact into a beneficial network relationship, adopt the habit of active and regular follow-up. This includes sending a thank you message after an introduction, sharing an article related to a past conversation, or suggesting a coffee to catch up a few months later. Networking experts emphasize the importance of this follow-up, often quarterly, which makes the difference between people who “know people” and those who actually leverage their network.
In the Czech context, where trust is earned slowly but lost quickly, this consistency is even more strategic. Showing that you respect local codes, that you make the effort to speak the language a bit, that you keep your commitments and don’t disappear after getting what you wanted, will help you move from the status of a “passing foreigner” to a full-fledged member of the ecosystem.
Conclusion: Building a Solid Network, a Long-Term Investment
Developing your professional network in the Czech Republic is not based on a single action, but on a set of micro-decisions: joining one club over another, taking thirty minutes for a coffee chat, carefully replying to a LinkedIn message, enrolling in a Czech course instead of staying in your English comfort zone, daring to participate in a corporate football championship or a softball tournament, accepting an invitation to a somewhat formal lunch, frequenting a cultural center or a charity association.
The Czech ecosystem, especially in Prague and Brno, offers many bridges for expatriates: multiple communities, frequent events, high English proficiency, and recognized quality of life. By understanding local codes, using digital tools, and being present on the ground, you can build a solid network and make your stay a real career step.
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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.
