Moving to the Czech Republic: All About Effective Relocation
Have you ever desired to move to the “golden country”? Then it’s time to consider relocating to the Czech Republic, as this country is full of amazing national parks, charming small towns, medieval castles, rich history, and natural beauty.
Here you will receive complete assistance from IMovingTo, enabling you to easily relocate to the Czech Republic.
Insights About Czech Culture & Lifestyle
Because of its location in the center of Europe, the Czech Republic has a unique culture. The Czechian culture has been impacted by its neighbors, political and social turbulence, wars, and both peaceful and troubled periods.
The Czechs are conservative people. The connection between work and leisure is also more balanced in the Czech Republic than in many other Western countries. The Czechs enjoy their free time and take advantage of it to the maximum.
The majority of both foreigners and Czechs prioritize outdoor and sporting activities. Locals can be seen engaging in weekend activities like fishing, hunting, and kayaking. Beautiful castles and natural wonders can be found everywhere in the Czech Republic because of its rich history and architectural heritage.
It might come as a surprise to you, but almost every employer in the Czech Republic provides a Multisport card as a benefit, and over 2000 sports and relaxation facilities are accessible with this card.
Cost of Living in the Czech Republic
The first thing you should know about expenses in the Czech Republic is that the official currency of this country is the Czech crown (CZK). The average cost of living in the Czech Republic is 36.59% less than it is in the USA. The average monthly cost of living, which includes food, accommodation, public transportation, and entertainment, is between 350 and 750 USD.
However, rates can vary based on your region, housing preferences, lifestyle, and spending patterns.
- Basic bills (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for a small apartment: $229.44
- Monthly transport pass: $20.38
- Three-course meal for a couple in a mid-range restaurant: $32.62
- Cinema ticket: $8.15
Visa Requirements for Expats in the Czech Republic
You should apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to the Czech Republic if you are neither an EU citizen nor a resident of one of the 40 countries exempt from the need for short-term visas.
On the website of the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the Entry & Residence section, you can find a list of these countries as well as other information regarding visa requirements. Except for prospective employees, holders of blue cards, and nationals of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, a visa is always needed to work in the Czech Republic.
Long-term and short-term Schengen visas are the 2 primary types. The holder of a Schengen visa is allowed a 180-day stay that includes 90 days inside the Schengen region. At least 2 weeks before departure, you should apply for a visa from a Czech diplomatic representative abroad.
Keep in mind that there are various Schengen visa categories depending on whether you’re coming for business, leisure, job, or study. A Schengen visa application is typically reviewed in 7 to 15 days.
If you arrange a lengthy business trip or intend to stay in the Czech Republic for longer than 90 days, a long-term Schengen visa is required.
Healthcare System & Insurance Options for Expats
Excellent private medical treatment is available in the Czech Republic, and private hospital staff members are highly trained. Even while private hospitals in the Czech Republic are frequently more expensive than governmental hospitals, they usually have greater facilities for serving foreign patients.
Foreigners who do not have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), do not have permanent residence in the country, and are not working for a Czech company are not eligible for free medical assistance.
Expats are recommended to get proper health insurance after comparing the many plans offered to them to access the best healthcare facilities. Almost every international health insurance provider offers a unique plan. One of the leading companies offering insurance that is well-liked by the expat community already residing in the Czech Republic is Cigna.
How to Find Accommodation in the Czech Republic
The cost of living in Czechia is among the lowest in all of Europe. While the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Prague is $850, the usual monthly rent for a comparable flat outside of Prague will be $700.
While the most famous real estate website in the Czech Republic is reality.cz, ceskereality.cz, and eurobydleni.cz are also very helpful platforms to search for your preferred accommodation.
Renting in Czechia is straightforward, although anyone with a Czech residence permit has the option of purchasing real estate if renting doesn’t meet their needs. Finding a trustworthy broker to assist you is the first step. Given that the Czech real estate industry is unlicensed, this is crucial.
Once you’ve found a property you want to purchase, you should register the home in the Land Registry or Cadastre records. It takes at least twenty days to complete this registration, but it usually takes four to 6 weeks.
Job Market & Career Opportunities in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, where unemployment rates are at historic lows and the economy is expanding, expats frequently find employment. Searching internet portals or getting in touch with a local job recruitment agency might help you find employment.
When it comes to websites for searching for jobs, the most well-known platform is Jobspin.cz which features English-friendly positions. Profesia.cz, Jobs.cz, and Prace.cz, are other Czech job boards where most job advertisements are available in Czech or with a requirement for the Czech language, but there are also many English-friendly positions.
The financial, IT, and tourist sectors are expanding in Czechia. Another highly demanded career option for foreigners looking for employment in the country is teaching English. Therefore, even if you don’t know Czech, you can still obtain employment because English is the primary working language of the majority of big international companies. Speaking the native tongue, however, will provide you with many more opportunities.
Ways to Move Your Belongings in the Czech Republic
Several companies provide moving and shipping services to the Czech Republic. However, it’s important to take advantage of international moving services provided by experienced companies in the industry and trust reputable companies.
For extra comfort, most reliable moving companies usually provide international moving and packing services as well. Still, you should be aware of important information about transforming your possessions.
Depending on the country of origin, the average shipping time is 2–7 business days. All shipping containers arrive at Hamburg’s port in Germany, where Czech Customs will examine the cargo. After approval, shipments will be transported to the Czech Republic by road.
Make sure your car complies with Czech customs’ requirements for road preparedness if you plan to bring it with you; otherwise it won’t be allowed in. The emission standard is one of them. The characteristics of your car, including the brakes, bumpers, engine, tires, and other components, will also be examined.
Best Cities for Expats to Live in the Czech Republic
Prague
For most of its 1,100-year existence, Prague has dominated Central Europe’s political, cultural, and economic sectors. It’s the largest city in the Czech Republic and has about 1.4 million residents. Nowadays, cities like Prague are becoming more international which is why it’s among the best destinations for expats to live in.
Furthermore, it serves as the location of the European headquarters of several well-known corporations, providing lots of employment options for foreigners.
Brno
With about 377,000 inhabitants, Brno ranks as the second-largest city in the Czech Republic.
One of the biggest exposition centers in Europe is the Brno Exhibition Center, which annually hosts several major trade fairs and other occasions. Additional historical attractions in the city include several churches and the regal Spilberk Castle. Additionally, Brno is renowned for being a significant university city.
Ostrava
Ostrava was historically the industrial hub of the Czech Republic, ranking second in terms of both people and territory. Ostrava is a dynamic, unique place with people who are enthusiastic, very direct, and very warm. It is not a town with a lot of natural beauty. Undeniably, there are sights to behold, such as its extraordinary industrial past.
Plzeň
In the Czech Republic, Plzen, the fourth-most populous city, is also one of the richest. The city is beautiful, dynamic, and packed with things to do that will keep you entertained for a few hours at least. It is without a doubt among the best locations in the Czech Republic to relocate.
Pros & Cons of Moving to the Czech Republic
Pros
Historical heritage and natural beauty
The Czech Republic is full of amazing national parks, charming small towns, and medieval castles. It is a country rich in history and natural beauty. More castles and chateaux than in any other nation in Europe can be found in the Czech Republic, where there are over 2000 of them.
The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague itself, including its old town, is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
English is widely spoken
A level of English proficiency is present among about 45% of the Czech population. The language barrier is not a significant issue in the Czech Republic as English is widely spoken there compared to many other European nations.
In reality, communication is simpler in most Czech cities than it is in Spain or Italy.
Large expat community
In the Czech Republic, there are about 500,000 foreign residents, the majority of whom reside in Prague. This indicates that finding friends and social activities that interest you are not challenging.
Since these foreigners have previous experience of moving to the Czech Republic, they can also offer advice and help as you go through details like opening a bank account or obtaining your driver’s license.
Cons
Bureaucracy
The Czech Republic is known for its devotion to bureaucracy. Like Germany and France, the Czech Republic is characterized by slight disorganization and frequent indifference to requests.
There are even times when the various offices do not communicate with one another, the local authorities speak poor English, and the waiting times are excessive. One of the most complicated interactions for expats is the visit to the Foreign Police.
Poor customer service
Customer service in the Czech Republic is poor, which can be very annoying for foreigners accustomed to receiving excellent service. The locals don’t appear too concerned with objecting because it is considered the norm.
For instance, expats may discover that even at grocery stores where there is sufficient staff to open a second cash register, people will patiently wait in line without bothering to inquire with the manager about setting up a second register.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Czech Republic is one of the most desired countries for relocation for those who want to explore a country rich in history and natural beauty, as well as amazing national parks, charming small towns, and medieval castles.
So, don’t hesitate to benefit from IMovingTo’s services for international relocation, and we’ll make sure to guide your relocation without any difficulties!