Expatriation in the Czech Republic: The complete guide to settle in

More than 10% of the inhabitants of the Czech Republic are expatriates and this is no coincidence! Among the reasons that push many expats to move to the Czech Republic are the quality of life, the richness of the culture, and the numerous professional opportunities. And with an affordable cost of living, amazing geographical location, captivating cultural heritage and lush nature, the country ticks (almost) all the boxes of an ideal destination.

Formerly part of Czechoslovakia before its separation in 1993, the Czech Republic has a fascinating history and offers a wide variety of things to do and discover. From cultural activities to historical sites, museums & castles to outdoor recreation.

Its culture is particularly rich, marked by many festive traditions that allow you to better understand the country and its people. Plus, The Czechs also hold the world record for per capita beer consumption, if you prefer pints over sites.

Whether you are planning to move there for work or to change your lifestyle, here is the complete guide to a successful expatriation in the Czech Republic.

Key takeaways: Living in the Czech Republic

• Czech Republic is the formal name for the country, and is often used in government or legal documents. However, Czechia is the preferred short name and is often used in sports, business, and for general use.
• Although a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic has not yet adopted the euro. The official currency remains the Czech koruna (CZK).
• 1 euro is equivalent to 24.24 Czech crowns (index as of 24 June 2026).
• The country has a population of about 11 million, including more than one million foreigners, mostly from Ukraine, Slovakia and Vietnam.
• The main cities are Prague (the capital), followed by Brno and Ostrava.
• The official language is Czech, which plays a central role in the country’s national identity and administration.
• Czech cuisine is influenced by Germany, Hungary and Poland, and meat takes centre stage.
• Local life is punctuated by strong traditions, such as Walpurgis Night (April 30), when fires are lit to “burn the witches” and celebrate the end of winter. 

The pros and cons of living in the Czech Republic 

Benefits 

• Prague, and especially its city centre, is a unique city from an architectural and heritage point of view. Prague is the only major European city not to have been bombed during the Second World War, which explains the exceptional preservation of its historical monuments.
• The cost of living in the Czech Republic is moderate compared to Western European countries.
• The country is ideally positioned in Central Europe, with trains to Berlin or Vienna taking around 4 hours from Prague.
• The people are very warm, although they can be initially reserved. 
• Major cities host very well-developed public transport systems.
• Overall, there’s a low crime and delinquency rate. 

Cons 

• Mastery of the challenging Czech language has an broad impact on everyday life.
• Winters are sometimes long and cold, with average temperatures between -3 and 2 degrees. 
• The bureaucracy is quite restrictive.
• Property prices in Prague are high and continue to rise. 

Administrative procedures for moving to the Czech Republic 

For EU citizens

Expatriation to the Czech Republic is relatively simple for citizens of the European Union. French nationals and citizens of an EU member state do not need a visa for stays of less than 3 months in the Czech Republic. For a stay of more than 30 days, it is necessary to register with the Foreigners Police.

It is strongly recommended that you register with the Immigration Police upon arrival. After a stay of more than 3 months, citizens of the European Union can apply for a temporary or permanent residence permit.

The only requirement is to register with the authorities to obtain a registration certificate, a key step in the administrative process, such as getting a driver’s license or buying a vehicle. To obtain it, you must apply in person at the office of the Ministry of the Interior or submit it by email within 30 days of your arrival. Find all the details on the following official website: Czech registration certificate. 

To make it easier for you to settle financially, it is recommended to open a bank account in the Czech Republic. The procedures generally require a passport or identity card, proof of address and sometimes a tax identification number. Local banks offer a variety of expat-friendly services, but it’s a good idea to compare bank fees and offers before making your choice.

Before leaving your home country, remember to make a medical appointment to have a health check-up or organize your vaccinations, which will facilitate your medical care on site.

Do not hesitate to use an official website or online resources to follow the administrative procedures and obtain up-to-date information about your expatriation. 

For third-country citizens

For non-EU expats, you must apply for a long-stay visa (more than 90 days) at the Czech Embassy in your current country of residence. 

You will then have to fill out a dedicated form and provide a number of supporting documents, including: 

• A passport
• A photo
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of the purpose of the stay
• Proof of funds
• A document equivalent to an extract from the criminal record 

Note : After 5 years of residence in the country, you can apply for permanent residency with the Czech authorities. 

Where to live in the Czech Republic? The best cities for expats 

Prague

Unsurprisingly, Prague is the No. 1 destination for expats. The capital offers above all a pleasant living environment, with a very rich architectural and cultural heritage. Suffice to say that there is something almost magical about walking through the Staré Město (Old Town), an emblematic part of Prague, after a day’s work!

The real estate market in the Czech Republic is very diverse, with prices that vary by region; urban areas, such as Prague, are generally more expensive. In Prague, well-located apartments, especially in parts close to tourist centers, can be as expensive as in other major cities in Western Europe.

Prague also has a dynamic labour market, thanks in part to the presence of international companies and promising sectors such as finance, engineering, and tourism. 

Brno

The country’s second largest city, Brno attracts mainly students and young entrepreneurs. It is a real technological hub, with a booming tech and IT sector. The cost of living here is also more affordable than in Prague. 

Říčany

Pronounced “rji-tcha-ni”, this city seduces with its residential areas. Ideal for families, it’s just 25 minutes from Prague by train. Surrounded by greenery, it has several schools and an active cultural life.

Plzeň

Also called Pilsen (which gave its name to the famous beer!), Plzeň is a university town par excellence, with a friendly atmosphere. However, it offers fewer professional opportunities than other major cities in the country.

Czech Republic property price comparison 

You can buy or rent studios, apartments, or houses at prices that vary from city to city. 

Here is an overview of the average prices (in euros) according to Numbeo data from 2026: 

What is the average cost of living for an expat in the Czech Republic? 

According to Numbeo’s latest estimates, a person living alone in the Czech Republic should budget around CZK 34,700 (EUR 1,400) per month, including rent. For a family of four, it costs about 90,600 CZK, or 3,700 euros. 

The cost of living in the Czech Republic is 30% to 40% cheaper than living in the UK. This includes housing, but also monthly energy costs, shopping, transport, health, education and leisure. Accommodation is the main item of expenditure for expatriates, especially in Prague. The cost of living in the Czech Republic is lower than in many Western European countries.

In addition, the unemployment rate in the Czech Republic is at an all-time low, making it easier for expats to find a job and contributing to the stability of the labour market.

However, in terms of the monthly budget, there are strong disparities between cities. Living in Prague is on average 34% more expensive than in Brno, especially because of the rents.

Working in the Czech Republic

Citizens of a European Union member state can work without a Czech work permit and usually find a job easily thanks to an open labour market and a historically low unemployment rate. EU nationals can take advantage of many opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, industry, finance and IT, while people from outside the EU must apply for a work permit.

Non-EU citizens must obtain a permit; There are two main options: 

• Employee Card : valid for 2 years, to be applied for at one of the offices of the Ministry of the Interior; 
• Special Work Visa : valid for 1 year, to be applied for prior to the expatriation at the Czech embassy. 

Expats in the Czech Republic can sign a contract under local law or participate in a V.I.E.

Large international companies and shared service centers are actively recruiting, particularly in the fields of IT and finance, which are particularly remunerative. English is widely spoken in international professional circles in Prague and Brno, but fluency in Czech is still essential for deep integration and for complex administrative procedures. Speaking the native or local language also increases your chances of employment and facilitates daily communication.

In terms of professional opportunities, some sectors are growing rapidly and recruit many expatriates thanks to their qualified profiles. Among them: 

• IT Technology & Services
• Renewable energies
• Health Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Manufacturing Industries 

In Prague, the tourism sector is also very dynamic, due to the attractiveness of the city. 

If looking for a job, you can try: 

• Expats.cz : Includes fliters for English speaking roles
• Úřad práce ČR : Czech Republic Work Office
• Jobs.cz : Leading Czech Private Recruitment Site 

What is the average salary in Czechia? 

Trading Economics reports that the average salary in the Czech Republic is CZK 52,280 per month, or almost €2,150. 

In Prague, expats sometimes enjoy higher average salaries, as they often work for international companies or have positions of high responsibility. 

And what about taxation? 

Taxation in the Czech Republic is more advantageous than in other European countries. Income tax is set at 15% of gross salary when annual income does not exceed CZK 1.58 million (EUR 64,800), and at 23% above this amount.

In addition to this tax, an employee must also take into account health insurance contributions. These amount to 4.5% of the employee’s gross salary, supplemented by 9% paid by the employer.

For self-employed workers, the health insurance contribution rate is around 2.7%.

What is the Czech healthcare system like? 

The Czech healthcare system is considered one of the most reliable in Europe and ranks among the top 20 in the world. Universal health insurance partially or fully covers locals as well as expatriates.

In terms of infrastructure, hospitals and clinics, both public and private, are of very good quality, especially in large cities. These include the Motol University Hospital and the Na Homolce Hospital in Prague.

For comprehensive coverage, expats often purchase international private health insurance. It makes it possible to compensate for certain limitations of the system, such as the partial reimbursement of certain treatments, particularly dental care.

Global Health specializes in expatriate insurance. We offer personalized health coverage plans, valid in the Czech Republic, in your home country, and anywhere in the world.

With us, you benefit from insurance designed for expats, with services adapted to a mobile lifestyle: 

• 100% digitized service
• Multilingual portal
• 24/7 medical assistance
• Network of medical partners in the Czech Republic to easily find a healthcare professional
• Online second medical opinion
• Teleconsultation 

Getting around the Czech Republic 

If you’ve ever been to the Czech Republic, you’ll understand why they say this: getting around the country is a real pleasure ! The national transportation system is comprehensive and well-developed: 

• The train: The railway network connects the main cities and regions with each other. Fast trains such as the InterCity and EuroCity make it easy to get around.
• Buses, trolleybuses and trams: Present in the main cities, they are reliable and affordable (around €1.20 for a 30-minute ticket).
• Metro: Only available in Prague, but very used (sometimes a little too much…). The PID Lítačka mobile app is particularly handy for planning your journeys and buying your tickets.
• Taxi: Convenient in the city, but be careful. From experience, it is best to check that the meter is activated or to agree on a rate in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Drivers can also travel by car. EU driving licenses are valid and can be exchanged for a Czech license. 

Finally, international travel is also very simple. Motorways and railway lines provide easy access to Germany, Austria, Poland, and Hungary. 

Is it good to live in the Czech Republic for families? 

Yes, the Czech Republic is suitable for family life. It is a safe country, with a strong education system. The latest PISA ranking places Czech students in 15th position in the world. 

The country is also proactive in integrating digital-related subjects into primary school, in order to develop digital skills from an early age. 

Among the renowned private schools, are: 

• Prague British International School
• French High School in Prague
• International School of Brno 

On the daily side, there is no shortage of leisure activities to do with the family: 

• Museums, libraries, shows and cultural activities
• Zoos, parks and swimming pools
• Weekend nature outings, such as hiking
• Annual festivals and events, including the Masopust. This traditional carnival will put stars in your children’s eyes!

There are activities and attractions for everyone, regardless of age or interests, you will find things to do in the Czech Republic.