🇨🇿 Planning your move to Ostrava? 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 Ostrava — Czechia’s third-largest city, known for its industrial heritage, cultural revival, and affordable cost of living.
What should I know about living in Ostrava at a glance?
- Flag: 🇨🇿
- City: Ostrava
- Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Average Salary: Around 500,000 CZK/year (~€20,000), slightly lower than Prague and Brno but balanced by much cheaper living costs
- Population: ~280,000 (2025)
- Lifestyle: Once a coal mining hub, now a cultural and student-friendly city with music festivals (Colours of Ostrava), redeveloped industrial areas, and very affordable housing compared to Prague and Brno
- Transport: Good tram/bus system locally, frequent trains to Prague, Brno, Poland, and Slovakia
- Live EUR↔CZK rates: Use live currency converters for the latest exchange rates (European Central Bank, Czech National Bank, XE Financial Data Team, July 2025).
Reviewed by Czech Statistical Office, European Central Bank, Czech National Bank, XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Ostrava?
Container shipments to Ostrava are slightly longer than Prague due to distance from port access points.
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR) |
| 20ft container | 2–4 weeks | 1,600–2,800 |
| 40ft container | 2–4 weeks | 3,100–4,500 |
| Air freight (1m³) | 5–7 days | 1,000–1,400 |
| Customs Fees | — | 100–250 |
Reviewed by Maersk Logistics and Freightos Market Analytics, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote.
Real-life case:
“I shipped my belongings to Ostrava from Paris with a 20ft container, costing €2,200. Delivery took just under a month, and customs cleared without issues for used goods.” — Anja M., moved in June 2025.
Popular locations for expats in Czechia include the country’s five largest cities: Prague, Brno, Pilsen, and Olomouc — all key urban centers offering strong job markets, universities, cultural opportunities, and thriving international communities.
Reviewed by Czech Statistical Office, last updated in January 2025.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
- Used personal belongings: Duty and VAT-free if part of relocation
- New goods: Liable to 21% VAT and applicable duties
- Restricted/prohibited goods: Firearms, medical products, and certain electronics need permits
Reviewed by Czech Customs Authority, last updated in July 2025.
Real-life case:
“My furniture and books came in duty-free. Electronics were checked carefully, but receipts avoided delays.” — Tomas K., moved in 2025.
What should my pre-move checklist include?
- 12 weeks before: Apply for visa or long-stay permit (if non-EU)
- 10 weeks before: Get quotes from movers with experience in Czech inland delivery
- 8 weeks before: Prepare medical, school, and pet records
- 6 weeks before: Confirm accommodation in Ostrava
- 4 weeks before: Notify authorities in your current country of residence
- 2 weeks before: Sort insurance, finalize banking, and travel
Reviewed by Expatica Czechia Editorial Team, last updated in January 2025.
What is the cost of living in Ostrava?
Ostrava is much more affordable than Prague; housing in particular is up to 50% less expensive.
| Expense | Cost (EUR/mo) |
| Rent (1-bedroom city center) | 500–700 |
| Groceries | 250 |
| Public Transport (pass) | 18 |
| Utilities | 100 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025.
What do I need to know about visas and residency?
EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa but must register locally if staying beyond 30 days.
Non-EU citizens require a long-stay visa or residence permit for work, study, or family. Permanent residence is available after 5 years and citizenship after 5–7 years (plus Czech language exams).
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Interior, last updated in July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Ostrava?
All pets entering Czechia must:
- Have a microchip
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- EU Pet Passport or equivalent international veterinary certificate
Non-EU pets may face additional vet checks or quarantine.
Reviewed by Czech Veterinary Administration, last updated in July 2025.
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence in Ostrava?
Cars must be declared, registered at local authority, and pass technical inspection. Cars owned longer than six months before arrival are duty-free.
EU/EEA licences are valid, while non-EU must usually be exchanged within 6 months of arrival.
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 Ostrava?
Major Czech banks (ČSOB, Česká Spořitelna, Komerční Banka, Moneta) offer accounts with English support. Requires ID and proof of address.
Social security numbers are issued when registering employment/residence with Czech Social Security.
Reviewed by Czech Banking Association and Social Security Administration, last updated in July 2025.
What should I expect from healthcare and insurance in Ostrava?
Public health insurance is universal; medical care is generally good quality and improving. EU citizens can use EHIC initially. Non-EU nationals must have proof of insurance for visas. Private clinics with English-speaking staff are available.
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Health, last updated in July 2025.
What is the housing market like for newcomers in Ostrava?
Housing in Ostrava is among the cheapest in major Czech cities. Rental deposits usually equal 1–2 months. Proof of income may be requested. Expats often choose Poruba (student/professional mix) and revitalized Vitkovice for modern housing.
Reviewed by Czech Real Estate Association, last updated in March 2025.
Do I pay taxes and contribute to pensions in Ostrava?
Yes — Czech rules apply nationwide. Income tax is 15% base, 23% higher. Social contributions fund healthcare, pensions, and unemployment. Czechia has tax treaties to prevent double taxation.
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 relocation guides tailored to Ostrava.
