The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and diverse culture. It is also a popular destination for foreigners who want to experience a high quality of life, a low cost of living, and a thriving social scene. In this article, we will explore some of the pros and cons of living in the Czech Republic as a foreigner, as well as some practical tips and resources to help you make the most of your stay.
This country has a diverse and vibrant culture, influenced by its neighbors and its past. You can find many cultural attractions, such as castles, museums, theaters, festivals, and folk traditions. The Czech people are generally friendly, hospitable, and helpful, but they may also be reserved and formal at first. They value honesty, punctuality, and respect for authority.
The official language of the country is Czech, which belongs to the West Slavic branch of the Indo-European language family. It is closely related to Slovak, Polish, and Sorbian. Czech is a difficult language to learn, especially for English speakers, as it has complex grammar, a large number of cases, and many consonant clusters. However, learning some basic phrases and greetings can go a long way in making a good impression and communicating with the locals.
Many Czechs, especially the younger generation, can speak English, as well as other languages such as German, Russian, or French. However, English is not widely spoken in rural areas, small towns, or among the elderly. Therefore, it is advisable to learn some Czech if you plan to live in Czech Republic for a long time, or if you want to integrate into the society and culture.
One of the main attractions of living in Czechia is the relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries. According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living in different countries, the Czech Republic is 30.3% cheaper than the United States and 58.4% cheaper than the United Kingdom. Rent, utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment are all affordable, especially outside of Prague, the capital and the most expensive city in the country. For example, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Prague is around CZK 13,600 (USD 630), while in other cities it is likely lower. Utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, and internet, cost around CZK 6,800 (USD 315) per month for a 915 sq ft apartment. A monthly pass for public transportation costs CZK 520 (USD 24) in Prague and less in other cities. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around CZK 180 (USD 8), while a pint of domestic beer costs CZK 45 (USD 2).
However, the cost of living in Czechia is not the lowest in the region, and it has been increasing in recent years due to economic growth, inflation, and tourism. Some items, such as imported goods, electronics, clothing, and healthcare, can be more expensive than in other countries. Foreigners may also face higher costs for accommodation, as housing aimed at expats tends to be pricier than that for locals. Therefore, it is advisable to do some research and compare prices before moving to the Czech Republic, and to budget accordingly.
There are many reasons why people choose to move to the Czech Republic, but some of the most common ones are:
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can live, work, or study in the Czechia without a visa but must register with the Foreign Police within 30 days. For stays beyond three months, a Certificate of Temporary Residence is required.
Non-EU/EEA nationals need a visa or residence permit, meeting specific criteria like a valid passport, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides details on visas and permits.
Czech Republic offers a robust economy with a high demand for skilled IT, engineering, healthcare, and education workers. Average monthly gross salary was around 38,525 CZK (approx. 1,800 USD) in 2020, varying by sector, region, qualifications, and experience.
Job seekers can explore online platforms like Jobs.cz, Indeed.com, LinkedIn, or recruitment agencies like Grafton, Manpower, or Randstad. Recognition of qualifications by Czech authorities and language proficiency may be necessary based on the job and employer.
Rent is one of the major expenses for foreigners living in the Czech Republic, and it varies depending on the location, size, and quality of the accommodation. As mentioned earlier, Prague is the most expensive city in the country, followed by Brno, the second-largest city. Other cities, such as Olomouc, Usti nad Labem, and Plzen, are cheaper and offer good value for money.
According to Global Property Guide, a website that provides rental price statistics, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the most expensive region of Prague is EUR 1,260 (USD 1,470), while in Brno it is EUR 650 (USD 760). In Olomouc, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is EUR 450 (USD 525), while in Usti nad Labem it is EUR 350 (USD 410). In Plzen, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is EUR 400 (USD 465).
Renting an apartment in the Czech Republic usually requires a security deposit, which is usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent, and a commission fee, which is usually equivalent to one month’s rent. Some landlords may also ask for proof of income, references, and a passport copy. It is advisable to use a reputable real estate agency or website to find and secure suitable accommodation and to read and understand the rental contract before signing it.
Moving to Czechia requires careful planning, considering factors like timing, budget, transportation, packing, storage, insurance, and customs regulations. Finding a reliable removal company is crucial. MuveOne, an international European removals specialist, stands out for its comprehensive services including packing, loading, unloading, storage, and insurance. With experienced movers, modern vehicles, and a network of partners across Europe, MuveOne offers personalized, stress-free moves tailored to individual needs. Whether relocating for work, study, or personal reasons, MuveOne simplifies the transition to Czech Republic. Contact MuveOne for a hassle-free move and a smooth start to your new life.
