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Living in Czech Republic: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Czech Republic.

Landlocked in Central Europe, Czech Republic is a member of the European Union. It attracts expatriates in large numbers due to its modernity, its high income economy, as well as its high living standards.

With a rich history, Czech Republic is deemed to be one of Europe's most stable countries after the fall of the Berlin wall. It offers quality living to expatriates who wish to settle and work here.

As a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic is a key destination for expatriates looking for new opportunities. Thanks to its developed and prosperous economy, along with its great cultural heritage, it has been attracting many foreign professionals, investors, as well as students over the years. European nationals, in particular, can benefit from several advantages on moving there.

Geography and demography

The Czech Republic is surrounded by Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. Far from the ocean, it enjoys a local temperate climate with warm summers and cloudy, humid and cold winters. The country obtained its independence in 1993. It became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999 and of the European Union on May 1st, 2004.

Divided into two major zones, the west side is known as the Bohemia while the east is known as the Moravia. Prague, the capital city, consists of 14 administrative areas known as kraje as well as 6,254 municipalities.

In administrative terms, the country also comprises several districts serving as basic territorial units for several offices, namely courts, decentralized State services, police organizational units, as well as other public institutions.

In 2015, the Czech population consisted of more than 10.5 million inhabitants.

Languages

Czech is not only the official language but also the mother tongue of almost half of the population. However, English and German are taught as second languages at school. Russian, for its part, is less spoken than these two languages despite its origins and immigration. Slovakian is also slowly fading away.

Economy

The Czech Republic is deemed to be one of Central Europe's emerging countries thanks to its highly developed and industrialized economy. Various political and economic decisions and some major upheavals have led to the dismantling of a planned and spectacularly rigid economy followed by the transition to a market economy. Today, the Czech Republic is repairing its economy as well as its laws.

The Czech economy mainly relies on the electrical, mechanical, construction and automotive industries along with services. These two sectors have employed 39.6 and 55.5 % of the population respectively.

Useful links:

Expat.com ' Czech Republic
Official Portal of the Czech Republic www.czech.cz
European Union Portal ' Czech Republic europa.eu

Formalities

Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to the Czech Republic.

Travelling to the Czech Republic

Travelling to the Czech Republic

If you are thinking about travelling to the Czech Republic, you may need to apply for a visa prior to your travels. Or you may not. Find out more in ...

Visas

All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Czech Republic.

Visas for the Czech Republic

Visas for the Czech Republic

If you are planning to travel to the Czech Republic, regardless of the intended duration of stay, you are probably wondering whether you need a visa ...

Work

Dive into the Czech Republic labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Czech Republic.

Accommodation

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Czech Republic. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in the Czech Republic

Accommodation in the Czech Republic

If you are planning to settle in the Czech Republic, finding accommodation will probably be one of your main priorities. It can be quite complicated ...

Study

Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Czech Republic.

Study in the Czech Republic

Study in the Czech Republic

Looking forward to studying in the Czech Republic? Find all that you need to know about relating conditions and procedures in this article.

Health care

Understanding the healthcare system in Czech Republic: public and private health system, health insurance...

Bank

Navigate the banking system in Czech Republic: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.

Tax

All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Czech Republic.

Tax in the Czech Republic

Tax in the Czech Republic

When moving abroad, tax will probably be one of your main concerns. In the Czech Republic, different types of taxes apply to both local and foreign ...

Transport

From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Czech Republic.

Getting around in the Czech Republic

Getting around in the Czech Republic

Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic has a comprehensive transport network including buses, trains, tramway, among others. Wherever you have ...

Driving

Essential information on driving requirements in Czech Republic, driver's license exchange and international permits.

Driving in the Czech Republic

Driving in the Czech Republic

If you are moving to the Czech Republic, especially if you are making a long stay in the country, you will probably want to drive. As a foreign ...

Removal

Moving to the Czech Republic? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.

Communications

Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Czech Republic.

Phones and Internet in the Czech Republic

Phones and Internet in the Czech Republic

On moving to the Czech Republic, you will definitely have to access to telecommunications, whether for work, research or keeping in touch with your ...

Leisure

Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Czech Republic.

Everyday life

Eager to discover what life in Czech Republic looks like? Here's a taste.

Lifestyle in the Czech Republic

Lifestyle in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is by far one of the most attractive destinations in Central Europe for expatriates. Rich in culture and traditions and known for ...

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