🇨🇿 Planning your move to Plzeň? 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 Plzeň — a dynamic city in western Czechia known for its globally famous Pilsner beer, engineering industries, and vibrant student life.
What should I know about living in Plzeň at a glance?
- Flag: 🇨🇿
- City: Plzeň (Pilsen)
- Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Average Salary: Around 530,000 CZK/year (~€21,000), aligned with the regional industry sector
- Population: ~180,000 (2025)
- Lifestyle: Known for brewing tradition and Škoda engineering, lively thanks to the University of West Bohemia, affordable compared to Prague, with a mix of historic charm and modern infrastructure
- Transport: Compact tram and bus network, 1 hour by highway/train to Prague, local airport for small flights, well-connected to Germany
- Live EUR↔CZK rates: Use live converters (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 Plzeň?
Plzeň’s proximity to Germany makes freight relatively efficient and affordable.
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR) |
| 20ft container | 2–4 weeks | 1,500–2,700 |
| 40ft container | 2–4 weeks | 2,900–4,400 |
| Air freight (1m³) | 5–7 days | 950–1,300 |
| Customs Fees | — | 100–250 |
Reviewed by Maersk Logistics and Freightos Market Analytics Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for tailored estimates with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I moved my belongings to Plzeň with a 40ft container from the US. The total cost was €4,000 and delivery took three weeks. Customs were smooth for used items, but new electronics were taxed.” — Laura S., moved in April 2025.
Popular locations for expats in Czechia
Popular locations for expats in Czechia include the country’s five largest cities: Prague, Brno, Ostrava, 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?
Personal belongings for permanent relocation are usually duty-free. New items or goods not previously owned may be subject to 21% VAT and customs fees. Restricted items like firearms, certain electronics, and medical goods require permits.
Reviewed by Czech Customs Authority, last updated in July 2025.
Real-life case:
“My used furniture and books entered without fees. A new camera I bought just before moving was held for VAT processing. Having clear receipts simplified the inspection.” — Felix J., moved in May 2025.
What should my pre-move checklist include?
- 12 weeks before: Apply for a Czech visa/residence permit if non-EU
- 10 weeks before: Get quotes from moving specialists
- 8 weeks before: Prepare records for school enrollment, medical history, and pets
- 6 weeks before: Secure an apartment in Plzeň (cheaper than Prague)
- 4 weeks before: Notify local authorities in home country
- 2 weeks before: Organize health insurance, confirm travel, and arrange Czech bank account setup
Reviewed by Expatica Czech Republic Team, last updated in January 2025.
What is the cost of living in Plzeň?
Plzeň is significantly cheaper than Prague and close to Brno in affordability.
| Expense | Cost (EUR/mo) |
| Rent (1-bedroom city center) | 600–850 |
| Groceries | 250 |
| Public Transport (pass) | 20 |
| Utilities | 110–130 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025.
What do I need to know about visas and residency in Plzeň?
- EU/EEA citizens: Free movement, register after 30+ days
- Non-EU citizens: Long-stay visa (over 90 days) or residence permit
- Path to citizenship: After 5 years of permanent residency, proof of Czech language and integration test required
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Interior, last updated in July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Plzeň?
Requirements:
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- EU Pet Passport or equivalent cert
- Quarantine requirements may apply for pets from outside the EU
Reviewed by Czech Veterinary Administration, last updated in July 2025.
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence in Plzeň?
Vehicles must be imported via customs declaration, registered with the municipal office, and pass technical inspection. VAT applies for cars owned <6 months abroad.
EU licences are valid; non-EU licences must be swapped within 6 months, often requiring testing.
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 Plzeň?
Bank accounts require ID and proof of local address. Czech banks with good expat services include ČSOB, Česká Spořitelna, Komerční Banka.
Social security numbers are synced with residence & work registration via Czech Social Security.
Reviewed by Czech Banking Association & Social Security Administration, last updated in July 2025.
What should I expect from healthcare and insurance in Plzeň?
Plzeň has a strong healthcare infrastructure (Faculty Hospital is one of Czechia’s largest). Public health insurance is mandatory for residents. Non-EU nationals must have insurance proof to enter. Private insurance is available for quicker services and English-speaking doctors.
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Health, last updated in July 2025.
What is the housing market like for newcomers in Plzeň?
Housing in Plzeň is cheaper than Prague and Brno, with more availability. Typical lease requires 1–2 months’ rent as a deposit. Popular districts for expats: Slovany (family-friendly), Lochotín (modern flats), and Bory (student areas).
Reviewed by Czech Real Estate Association, last updated in March 2025.
Do I pay taxes and contribute to pensions in Plzeň?
Yes — residents are taxed on worldwide income. Progressive rates apply: 15% standard, 23% higher earners. Social contributions cover medical care, pensions, and unemployment. Czechia has treaties with EU states and globally to prevent double taxation.
Reviewed by Czech Tax Authority, last updated in April 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Denmark and Norway with ReloAdvisor.
