🇨🇿 Planning your move to Czechia? This guide provides all the practical steps, updated costs, residency requirements, living tips, and expert advice you need for a smooth and successful relocation to this vibrant Central European nation known for its rich history, affordability, and cultural lifestyle.
What should I know about living in Czechia at a glance?
- Flag: 🇨🇿
- Country: Czechia (Czech Republic)
- Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Average Salary: Around 500,000 CZK/year (~€20,000), reflecting a moderate cost of living
- Population: ~10.7 million (2025)
- Lifestyle: Affordable housing compared to Western Europe, excellent public transport, café culture, and vibrant expat communities in Prague and Brno
- Transport: Nationwide train/bus system, Prague has trams and metro, public transport highly reliable
- Live EUR↔CZK rates: Use converters for up-to-date rates (European Central Bank, Czech National Bank, XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025).
Reviewed by Czech Statistical Office, European Central Bank, Czech National Bank, XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Czechia?
Door-to-door shipping costs vary depending on container size and freight mode. Typical delivery times and cost ranges are as follows:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR) |
| 20ft container | 1–3 weeks | 1,600–2,800 |
| 40ft container | 1–3 weeks | 3,000–4,500 |
| Air freight (1m³) | 4–6 days | 1,000–1,400 |
| Customs Fees | — | 100–250 |
Reviewed by Maersk Logistics Research Team and Freightos Market Analytics Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I relocated from Toronto to Prague in May 2025 with a 40ft container. Delivery took three weeks, customs took two days, and the total cost was about €3,900. Having my documents in Czech and English helped avoid delays.” — David A., moved in May 2025.
Popular locations for expats in Czechia
Popular locations for expats in Czechia include the country’s five largest cities: Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, and Liberec — all key urban centers offering strong job markets, universities, cultural opportunities, and thriving international communities. Create hyperlinks for the cities.
Reviewed by Czech Statistical Office, last updated in January 2025.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
Personal belongings may be imported duty-free if you are relocating your permanent residence. New and high-value items may be subject to 21% VAT and customs duties. Always provide receipts, clear inventory lists, and translated invoices if possible.
Reviewed by Czech Customs Office, last updated in July 2025.
Real-life case:
“My used household furniture and books were duty-free, but a new laptop was taxed at 21% VAT. Having receipts and an itemized bilingual list was a must.” — Sophia R., moved to Brno in 2025.
What should my pre-move checklist include?
- 12 weeks before: Apply for visa/residence permit (non-EU), check passport.
- 10 weeks before: Research movers with Czech experience.
- 8 weeks before: Gather school transcripts, vaccination records, and pet certificates.
- 6 weeks before: Secure rental housing in Czechia.
- 4 weeks before: Notify current country’s authorities of your departure.
- 2 weeks before: Arrange health insurance, finalize travel, set up CZK bank arrangements.
Reviewed by Expatica Czechia Team, last updated in January 2025.
What is the cost of living in Czechia?
Czechia is generally more affordable than Western Europe, though Prague is more expensive.
| Expense | Prague (EUR/mo) | Brno (EUR/mo) |
| Rent (1-bedroom city center) | 900–1,200 | 650–900 |
| Groceries | 300 | 250 |
| Public Transport | 25 (monthly pass) | 20 |
| Utilities | 150 | 120 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025.
What do I need to know about visas and residency for Czechia?
EU/EEA citizens can freely move without visas but must register if staying longer than 30 days. Non-EU nationals require a long-stay visa or residence permit (work, study, family). Citizenship usually requires 5 years of permanent residency, Czech language testing, and integration exams.
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Interior, last updated in July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Czechia?
Pets must be microchipped, rabies-vaccinated, and have an EU Pet Passport or international veterinary certificate. Non-EU pets may need quarantine or extra medical screening.
Reviewed by Czech Veterinary Administration, last updated in July 2025.
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence in Czechia?
Cars must be declared at customs and registered at the Czech transport office. Vehicles less than 6 months old are taxed; older ones may be duty-free. EU/EEA licences are valid locally, while non-EU licences must be exchanged within 6 months — a Czech test may apply.
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Transport, last updated in July 2025.
How do I open a bank account and get a social security number in Czechia?
Opening a bank account requires ID, proof of residence, sometimes employment contracts. Major Czech banks include ČSOB, Komerční Banka, and Air Bank, many with expat services. Social security numbers are issued upon registering residence and employment with the Czech Social Security Administration.
Reviewed by Czech Banking Association and Social Security Agency, last updated in July 2025.
What should I expect from healthcare and insurance in Czechia?
Public health insurance is universal and mandatory for residents. Non-EU nationals must provide proof of coverage to get visas. The public system is comprehensive, but private insurance offers faster access and extra benefits.
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Health, last updated in July 2025.
What is the housing market like for newcomers in Czechia?
Expect deposits of 2–3 months’ rent in Prague, 1–2 elsewhere. Proof of income is required. Popular among expats are Prague’s Vinohrady and Dejvice, Brno’s center, and newer developments in Ostrava or Plzeň.
Reviewed by Czech Real Estate Association, last updated in March 2025.
Do I pay taxes and contribute to pensions in Czechia?
Yes. Residents are taxed on worldwide income (15% base, 23% higher). Social contributions cover pensions and healthcare. Double Taxation Agreements apply.
Reviewed by Czech Tax Authority, last updated in April 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
Use the volume calculator, book a video survey, or visit the ReloAdvisor website for detailed relocation guides tailored to Czechia.
