Live and Work in Czech Republic

Work in Czech Republic

Working conditions

The standard working week in the Czech Republic is set by law at 40 hours per week (42.5 hours including a half-hour break for lunch) and is usually divided into five eight-hour working days.

Some employers allow their employees to work flexi-time. This means that their working hours are flexible.

Czech Republic salaries

The minimum wage in the Czech Republic is currently €480 per month. Compared to a Dutch salary, this is of course quite low, but don’t forget that life in the Czech Republic is a lot cheaper than in the Netherlands. The Czech Republic is known as the country with the lowest cost of living.

If you live in the Czech Republic for 183 or more days in a calendar year, you are regarded as a taxable person. The contributions are automatically deducted from your salary (approximately 8%). Of course, there will be a bit more paperwork in the beginning. You will be asked to fill out a form with all the usual details: name, address, etc. But once this is done, there is little bureaucracy left and you are ready to start your new life. Once everything is in place, you will receive a tax identification number (TIN – daňové identifikační číslo), which is written as CZ followed by a 10-digit number and a registration number (identifikační číslo).

Living in the Czech Republic

Advantages of living and working in the Czech Republic

Since the Czech Republic became independent, the country has become increasingly popular as a holiday destination. There are plenty of reasons why the country is so popular. The country has an abundance of culture. Living and working in the Czech Republic offers many advantages. The country is very modern with a high standard of living, a good healthcare system, a stable economy and conveniently centrally located in Europe. The country is also the country in Europe with the lowest unemployment rate. In addition, the Czech Republic is also a lot cheaper than the West European countries. Are you going to take on the challenge of living and working in the Czech Republic?

Accommodation in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is twice the size of the Netherlands, for example, with much fewer inhabitants. In that respect, there is plenty of room. The living costs in the larger cities are roughly comparable to the living costs in the Netherlands. The price of a standard apartment is between €400 and €1200 per month.

Be alert during your search. For example, also make sure that you have read the hidden clauses.

Transport in the Czech Republic

There are two cities in the Czech Republic where you will most likely end up. These are the “Golden City” of Prague and the second city of Brno. Public transport in Prague is easy to use and very safe. In Prague it is possible to purchase an all-access monthly pass. You can use this for metro, tram, bus, ferry and funicular. This costs around €21. Public transport in Brno consists of trams and (trolley) buses. Cycling is also very popular. Bicycle paths have been built in the city.

Food in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic you cook yourself or have food cooked for you. Eating out is very affordable in most places. By Western standards, eating out in the Czech Republic is downright cheap, sometimes dirt cheap. Outside the busy tourist areas and exclusive restaurants, you don’t pay much for a meal. Meat and fish (to a slightly lesser extent) are the main ingredients of the hot meal. Often supplemented with carbohydrate-rich side dishes such as fries, baked potatoes, jacket potatoes, rice or the very popular dumplings (knedlíky). Vegetables are usually not served with a meal. They are used in some dishes, such as cabbage, leek, onion and bell pepper. Sometimes you only see one leaf of lettuce for decoration with a dish. Pork and beef can be found on many menus. Schnitzel, sausage, chops and goulash are popular. Goulash is also a very popular dish. This is usually served with dumplings.

Going out in the Czech Republic

Do you want to go out in Prague? Then there is a great range of bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatre, clubs and much more.

Prague is very popular with theater lovers and opera fans. The city has a wide range of performing arts. Something for every taste! Are you a fan of jazz or rock? Then you are certainly in the right place here! In many clubs you can also enjoy live music. What is very well known about Prague’s nightlife is ‘change’. New restaurants and clubs come and go at a rapid pace. Going out in Brno is also popular. For example, film festivals, jazz concerts and techno parties are regularly held in clubs. In some clubs you can also enjoy live music.

The landscape and nature of the Czech Republic

Nature in the Czech Republic consists of raging rivers, vast forests, rugged mountain ranges, and smooth lakes. Are you looking for some peace? Or do you like to be on the move? The Czech Republic is incredibly rich in nature and everything is possible! The most beautiful nature reserves in the Czech Republic are Šumava, Podyjí, Krkonoše, and Bohemian Switzerland. As soon as you visit the Czech Republic in the summer you will find a lot of crystal-clear glacial lakes, towering slopes, and mysterious bogs in full fog. Taking a hike to the mountain tops is an experience. The trails are passable and the landscapes are very impressive.

Things not to miss in the Czech Republic

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic is a city that can call itself one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city is also called “the golden city”. This is not for nothing because the city has quite a few attractions. Prague’s famous astronomical clock hangs on the Old Town Square ‘Staroměstské náměstí’. Prague Castle, which is one of the largest in the world. Including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Lobkowicz Palace, and St. George’s Basilica. The city is full of museums, good restaurants, and many terraces. From the famous Charles Bridge with its beautiful statues, you have a beautiful view over the Vltava river and of course Prague.

Giant Mountains

This beautiful natural phenomenon can be found on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland. This mountainous area consists of an impressive piece of nature that attracts a huge number of tourists every year. It is especially popular among hiking enthusiasts. The hiking trails are very well-marked. For many artists, this piece of nature is a huge source of inspiration. This area also has no less than twenty slopes for winter sports. The highest is ‘Sněžka and is no less than 1602 meters high. Famous destinations in this area are Pec pod Sněžkou, Teplice nad Metují, and Špindlerův Mlýn. A special sight that you should not miss is the rocks of Adršpach. This city consists of rock formations and a beautiful waterfall.

Breweries

The Czechs are said to be the largest beer drinkers in the world. The most famous brewery is Budweiser Budvar in České Budějovice. Another well-known beer brand from this place is Samson beer. The Krušovice Royal Brewery is also one of the larger breweries in the Czech Republic. The name Pils comes from the Czech city of Pilsen. Here is the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. This is known for its Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus beer.

Castles

You are in the right place in the Czech Republic for visiting castles. The country is full of them. In Prague, for example, there is the ‘Prague Castle’ whose castle area is one of the largest in the world. The front has a size of no less than half a kilometer. Other well-known castles are those of Český Krumlov, Jindřichův Hradec Castle in Jindřichův Hradec, Karlstein Castle in Karlštejn and Hluboka Castle in Hluboká nad Vltavou which itself served as an example for the English Windsor Castle.

Lipnomer

The area around this huge reservoir is often visited as a holiday destination. It is great to stay here in both summer and winter. In the summer there are a lot of water sports. There are also beautiful bungalow parks and campsites. Because it is half an hour from, for example, Český Krumlov, many trips are made from there. In winter there are several slopes on the lake where you can ski or snowboard. There are several restaurants and some entertainment venues in the area.

Healthcare in the Czech Republic

The level of health care in the Czech Republic is absolutely fine! Indeed, many medical posts and hospitals are further away than what you are used to in the Netherlands. Tap water can be drunk as drinking water. The tap water is just not as tasty as the Dutch water. A health risk related to the Czech Republic is the danger of ticks. Therefore, take the necessary precautions when you go out into nature. This is especially true for Moravia and South Bohemia.

Visa and travel insurance

If you are traveling to the Czech Republic, you must have a passport or identity card. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and therefore EU citizens can enter the Czech Republic with an identity card. There is no mandatory period of validity for your passport or identity card, but a validity of at least one month after departure from the Czech Republic is recommended in connection with calamities

Medical insurance is both a practical and necessary concern. The Czech Republic also requires foreigners to have medical insurance for the duration of their stay.

Basic insurance in the Czech Republic is also very cheap.

Safety in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a safe country. Crime rates are low and health risks are not extremely high. Those traveling to the Czech Republic will therefore not have to take any other safety measures than when traveling to an average other European country. In Prague, but also other popular tourist areas and cities, it is important to watch out for pickpockets. For example, in Prague, you have to pay close attention to the Charles Bridge, around the castle, and on Staroměstské námĕstí.