🇨🇿 Planning your move to Prague? 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 Prague, the historic and cultural capital of Czechia and one of the most popular expat destinations in Europe.
What should I know about living in Prague at a glance?
- Flag: 🇨🇿
- City: Prague
- Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Average Salary: Around 650,000 CZK/year (~€26,000), reflecting higher wages than most of the country but balanced by higher rental costs
- Population: ~1.35 million (2025)
- Lifestyle: Lively historic center, international business hub, booming IT/startup scene, vibrant nightlife, world-class cultural events, and strong café/beer culture
- Transport: Extensive public transport network — 3 metro lines, trams, buses; monthly passes cost ~25 EUR; city well-connected by train and Václav Havel Airport
- Live EUR↔CZK rates: Use currency 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 July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Prague?
Door-to-door international shipping to Prague varies depending on container size and delivery type.
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR) |
| 20ft container | 2–4 weeks | 1,700–3,000 |
| 40ft container | 2–4 weeks | 3,200–4,800 |
| Air freight (1m³) | 5–7 days | 1,200–1,500 |
| 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 moved my household items from London to Prague with a 20ft container. The process cost €2,600 including customs duties and arrived in three weeks. Translating my receipts into Czech smoothed customs.” — James H., moved in May 2025.
Popular locations for expats in Czechia include the country’s five largest cities: Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilson, 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 goods can be imported duty-free if you’re transferring your permanent residence.
New items may be subject to 21% VAT; high-value goods can require customs declarations.
Receipts and translated lists are strongly recommended for easy clearance.
Reviewed by Czech Customs Office, last updated in July 2025.
Real-life case:
“My furniture and kitchenware entered duty-free, but a new TV bought a week before relocating was taxed. Having my receipts stamped by customs agents was crucial.” — Oliver T., moved in March 2025.
What should my pre-move checklist include?
- 12 weeks before: Apply for visa/residence permit (non-EU), check passport validity
- 10 weeks before: Book movers specialized in Czechia relocations
- 8 weeks before: Collect education, medical, pet vaccination documents
- 6 weeks before: Finalize housing in Prague, sign rental lease
- 4 weeks before: Notify existing country authorities of departure
- 2 weeks before: Activate health insurance, arrange banking, plan transport from airport
Reviewed by Expatica Czechia Team, last updated in January 2025.
What is the cost of living in Prague?
Living in Prague is higher than elsewhere in Czechia but still reasonable compared to Western capitals.
| Expense | Cost (EUR/mo) |
| Rent (1-bedroom city center) | 1,000–1,300 |
| Groceries | 300 |
| Public Transport (pass) | 25 |
| Utilities | 150 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025.
What do I need to know about visas and residency for Prague?
- EU/EEA citizens: Can live and work freely, but must register if staying >30 days.
- Non-EU nationals: Require a long-term visa/residency permit for work, study, or family.
- Naturalization: Generally after 5 years of permanent residence + Czech language exam + integration proof.
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Interior, last updated in July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Prague?
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- EU Pet Passport or valid vet certificate
- Non-EU pets may face extra checks or quarantine rules
Reviewed by Czech Veterinary Administration, last updated in July 2025.
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence in Prague?
Cars must be declared at customs, undergo a technical inspection, and be registered at the local municipal office.
Cars owned <6 months are taxed, >6 months can be duty-free.
Driving licences from the EU/EEA are valid; non-EU licences usually need to be exchanged within 6 months and may require a local test.
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 Prague?
Opening a bank account requires ID, proof of address, and often proof of employment. International-friendly banks include Česká Spořitelna, ČSOB, Moneta, and Air Bank.
Social security numbers are issued by the Czech Social Security Administration once you register your residence and employment.
Reviewed by Czech Banking Association and Social Security Administration, last updated in July 2025.
What should I expect from healthcare and insurance in Prague?
Public health insurance covers most doctors, hospitals, and emergency care. EU citizens can use EHIC short-term. Non-EU nationals need proof of private/public coverage for visas. Private health insurance is widely used by expats for faster appointments and English-speaking doctors.
Reviewed by Czech Ministry of Health, last updated in July 2025.
What is the housing market like for newcomers in Prague?
Housing is competitive, especially in central districts. Deposits of 2–3 months’ rent are standard. Proof of income and long-term leases (1 year) are common. Expat favorites include Vinohrady (Prague 2), Dejvice (Prague 6), and Smíchov (Prague 5).
Reviewed by Czech Real Estate Association, last updated in March 2025.
Do I pay taxes and contribute to pensions in Prague?
Yes, residents are taxed on worldwide income. Income tax: 15% base, 23% above ~€76,000. Social contributions cover pensions and healthcare. Czechia has tax treaties with the EU, US, UK, and many others to avoid 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 comprehensive relocation guides and expat tools tailored to Prague.
