Complete Guide to Moving to the Czech Republic in 2026

Prague is the kind of city that stops you in your tracks. You will be walking across the Charles Bridge at dusk, the Vltava River reflecting Prague Castle’s Gothic spires, and it hits you — this is not a postcard. This is where you live now. And the beer you are holding cost $1.50.

The Czech Republic has been on the expat radar for over two decades, but the country that exists today is dramatically different from the budget backpacker stop of the early 2000s. Prague is now a legitimate European tech hub, home to offices for Avast, JetBrains, Kiwi.com, and a growing wave of SaaS startups. The city has fiber internet in most buildings, a metro system that runs like clockwork, and a coffee scene that rivals Berlin. Yet it still costs 40–50% less than Munich, Vienna, or Amsterdam.

What makes the Czech Republic unique in the relocation landscape is the Živnostenský list — the trade license system (commonly called “Zivno” in expat circles) that has been the go-to pathway for freelancers and digital nomads for over 15 years. While other countries scrambled to create digital nomad visas in 2021–2023, Czech freelancers were already legally set up through a system that predates the remote work revolution.

But the Czech Republic is not without trade-offs. Prague has gotten noticeably more expensive, especially for housing. The Czech language is fiendishly difficult. And Czech social culture is famously reserved — making friends takes more effort than in warmer Southern European countries. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to the Czech Republic in 2026 — the practical, data-backed details that most relocation guides skip.

At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions using institutional sources. You can explore the full Czech Republic country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the comprehensive breakdown.

Why People Move to the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic attracts expats who want European quality of life with manageable costs, excellent infrastructure, and a location that puts the entire continent within easy reach. Understanding the core draws helps frame every practical decision that follows.

Central European location is the strategic advantage that makes everything else work. Prague sits almost exactly at the geographic center of Europe. A direct train to Berlin takes about four hours. Vienna is four hours by rail. Munich is reachable in under five hours. Budapest is a six-hour train ride or a one-hour flight. Warsaw, Zurich, Milan — all within easy reach. For expats who want to explore Europe without living in Western Europe, Prague’s position is hard to beat.

Safety is a major draw. The Czech Republic consistently ranks in the top 10 globally on the Global Peace Index. Prague feels safe at all hours — solo women walk home at 2am without concern. Violent crime is extremely rare. The biggest risk is pickpocketing in high-tourist zones like Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge area, and even that is less prevalent than in Barcelona or Rome.

EU membership provides the structural foundation. The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004 and the Schengen Area in the same year. EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely. Non-EU residents gain access to the broader European framework. The country has not adopted the euro — it uses the Czech koruna (CZK) — which actually benefits expats earning in dollars or euros, as the exchange rate has been favorable.

The tech ecosystem is bigger than most people expect. Prague hosts Avast (cybersecurity), JetBrains (developer tools), Kiwi.com (travel tech), Socialbakers, and a growing cohort of SaaS startups. Brno, the second city, has become a genuine tech hub with Red Hat’s second-largest office globally and a university-driven talent pipeline. The Czech Republic produces more engineering graduates per capita than most Western European countries.

The beer deserves its own mention. This is not a stereotype — it is a data point. Czechs consume approximately 150 liters of beer per capita annually, the highest rate in the world by a significant margin. A half-liter of excellent Czech lager at a local pub costs 40–60 CZK ($1.70–$2.50). The brewing tradition here produced both Pilsner and Budweiser (the original České Budějovice version). Beer culture is woven into social life in a way that is genuinely unique.

Public transport is world-class. Prague’s integrated system of metro, trams, and buses covers the city comprehensively. A monthly pass costs 550 CZK (~$24). Trams run 24 hours (night trams on reduced schedules). The system is clean, punctual, and heavily used by locals — owning a car in Prague is genuinely unnecessary.

Visa and Residency Options

The Czech Republic’s immigration system offers several pathways depending on your nationality, employment situation, and long-term goals. The system is bureaucratic — more German than Mediterranean in its approach — but the pathways are well-defined and have been used successfully by thousands of expats.

EU/EEA Citizens: Free Movement

If you hold citizenship in any EU or EEA country, you have the right to live and work in the Czech Republic without a visa. You need to register your residence at the Foreign Police (Cizinecká policie) within 30 days of arrival. You will receive a certificate of temporary residence confirming your right to stay. The process is a single appointment, though the Foreign Police offices in Prague are known for long wait times — arrive early.

Živnostenský List (Trade License / Zivno)

The Živnostenský list — universally called “Zivno” by expats — is the classic freelancer pathway and the reason Prague became a long-term base for digital nomads years before the term went mainstream. This is a trade license that allows you to operate as a self-employed person (OSVČ — osoba samostatně výdělečně činná) in the Czech Republic.

• What it is: A business license that allows self-employment. You register at the trade office (Živnostenský úřad) and receive a license for specific trade activities — typically “free trades” (volné živnosti) that cover consulting, IT, marketing, and most knowledge-work categories.
• Cost: Approximately 1,000 CZK (~$43) for the license itself. Total setup with visa fees, health insurance, and first-month costs runs about $500–$800.
• Visa requirement: Non-EU citizens need a long-term visa (D-type) or long-term residence permit for the purpose of business. Apply at the Czech embassy in your home country. Processing takes 60–90 days.
• Duration: The trade license itself is indefinite. The residence permit is issued for 1–2 years and is renewable.
• Tax obligations: Zivno holders must file Czech taxes, pay social security contributions (minimum ~$120/month in 2026), and arrange their own health insurance (public or private, ~$80–200/month).
• Why expats love it: It provides a legal, long-term residence pathway without needing an employer. You can work for international clients, invoice freely, and build toward permanent residency. Many Prague-based nomads have been on the Zivno for 5–10 years.

Employee Card (Zaměstnanecká karta)

The Employee Card is a combined work and residence permit for non-EU nationals who have a job offer from a Czech employer. It replaced the old separate work permit + visa system.

• Eligibility: Non-EU citizens with a confirmed job offer from a Czech company. The position must be registered in the labor office’s central registry.
• Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable.
• Processing: Apply at the Czech embassy. Processing takes 60–90 days. Employer handles most paperwork.
• Benefits: Access to public healthcare, social security, and a clear path toward permanent residency.

EU Blue Card (Modrá karta)

The EU Blue Card targets highly skilled non-EU workers. The Czech version requires a university degree and a salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross salary (approximately CZK 55,000/month or ~$2,400/month in 2026).

• Eligibility: University degree (or equivalent) plus a job offer meeting the salary threshold.
• Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable. After 2 years with Blue Card status, you can move to another EU country’s Blue Card program with reduced requirements.
• Advantage: Faster path to permanent residency and EU-wide mobility for highly qualified workers.

Long-Term and Permanent Residence

After 5 years of continuous legal residence in the Czech Republic, you can apply for permanent residence (trvalý pobyt). This requires passing a Czech language exam (A1 level — basic proficiency), demonstrating stable income, and having clean criminal records. Permanent residents have nearly all the rights of Czech citizens except voting in national elections. After 10 years of permanent residence (or 5 years for EU citizens), you may be eligible for Czech citizenship.

Cost of Living

The Czech Republic sits in a sweet spot: cheaper than Western Europe but more expensive than the cheapest Eastern European countries like Romania or Bulgaria. Prague has gotten noticeably more expensive since 2020, particularly for rent, but it still offers strong value compared to cities of similar quality in the EU.

Prague is where most expats land, and total monthly costs for a single person range from $1,500 to $2,200 depending on neighborhood, lifestyle, and dining habits. The biggest variable is rent: a one-bedroom in Vinohrady or Žižkov runs $700–$1,000 per month; in Karlín or Holešovice, expect $800–$1,100. Old Town is beautiful but expensive and touristy — $1,200+ for a one-bedroom.

Brno, the second city, is roughly 25–30% cheaper than Prague across the board. Total monthly costs range from $1,100 to $1,700. Rent for a one-bedroom in the center runs $500–$750. The food and beer prices are meaningfully lower, and the overall vibe is more relaxed and less touristy.

Smaller cities like Plzeň, Ostrava, or Olomouc drop further, with total costs of $800–$1,300 per month. These are viable options if you work remotely and want maximum savings, but the expat communities and English-language infrastructure are much thinner.

The Prague vs. Budapest comparison is the perennial Central European expat debate. Budapest wins on raw affordability — it is meaningfully cheaper for rent, dining, and transport. But Prague wins on safety, tech ecosystem maturity, and arguably on architecture and walkability. Beer is actually cheaper in Prague, which matters more than you might expect when it becomes your daily social activity. Both are excellent choices; the right one depends on whether you prioritize the absolute lowest cost or a slightly more polished urban experience.

Healthcare

The Czech Republic has a universal healthcare system that provides solid coverage for residents. Understanding how it works as an expat depends on your visa status and employment situation.

Public Healthcare (VZP)

The public system is administered primarily through VZP (Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna), the General Health Insurance Company. Employees are automatically enrolled — the employer deducts contributions from salary (13.5% of gross, split between employer and employee). The system covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and most procedures with minimal co-pays.

Healthcare quality is high. Major hospitals in Prague include Motol University Hospital (one of the largest in Central Europe), General University Hospital (Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice), and Na Homolce Hospital (popular with expats for its English-speaking staff). Wait times for specialists can be 2–4 weeks for non-urgent cases, comparable to most European systems.

Private Health Insurance for Zivno Holders

Zivno (trade license) holders who are non-EU citizens are typically required to arrange their own health insurance. You have two options:

• Public insurance (VZP): You can opt into the public system as a self-employed person. Monthly contributions are calculated based on income, with a minimum of approximately 2,800 CZK (~$120/month) in 2026.
• Private (commercial) insurance: Companies like PVZP (the commercial arm of VZP), Maxima, or international providers offer comprehensive plans for $80–$200 per month depending on age and coverage level. This is often required for the initial visa application.

Dental care is notably affordable. A routine cleaning costs 500–1,500 CZK ($22–$65). A filling runs 800–2,500 CZK ($35–$110). Many expats come to Prague specifically for dental work, as quality is comparable to Western Europe at a fraction of the price.

Pharmacies (lékárna) are widespread. Most medications that require a prescription in the US are also prescription-only here, but the prices are significantly lower. Over-the-counter medications are readily available.

Where to Live

The Czech Republic’s cities each have distinct personalities, and choosing the right one depends on your priorities around career opportunities, social life, cost, and livability. Here is the breakdown.

Prague (Praha)

Prague is where 80%+ of expats land, and for good reason. It is a city of 1.3 million with world-class architecture, excellent infrastructure, and a mature international community. The key is choosing the right neighborhood — Prague’s districts (numbered Prague 1 through 22) vary enormously in character and cost.

• Vinohrady (Prague 2/3): The expat favorite. Elegant Art Nouveau buildings, leafy streets, excellent cafes and restaurants, and a cosmopolitan feel. Close to the center but residential enough to avoid tourist crowds. One-bedroom: $800–$1,100. This is where most long-term English-speaking expats end up.
• Žižkov (Prague 3): Prague’s bohemian quarter. Once the city’s scrappiest district, it has gentrified significantly but retains an edgy, creative energy. More pubs per square meter than any other neighborhood. One-bedroom: $650–$900. Popular with younger expats and artists.
• Letná/Holešovice (Prague 7): The trendy, gallery-heavy district north of the river. DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, farmers’ markets, craft breweries, and river walks. Holešovice is the more industrial end with converted warehouses. One-bedroom: $750–$1,050. Appeals to the creative-professional crowd.
• Smíchov (Prague 5): Riverside district with good metro access and a large shopping center (Nový Smíchov). More local and less touristy than central Prague. One-bedroom: $700–$950. Good value for families and those wanting good transport links.
• Karlín (Prague 8): The most dramatic gentrification story in Prague. Devastated by floods in 2002, it has been rebuilt into a modern, tech-forward neighborhood with new office buildings, coworking spaces, and trendy restaurants. One-bedroom: $800–$1,100. Popular with tech workers.
• Old Town/Malá Strana (Prague 1): Stunning medieval architecture and the iconic tourist center. Beautiful but extremely touristy, noisy, and expensive. One-bedroom: $1,200+. Most long-term expats avoid living here — it is better visited than inhabited.

Brno

The Czech Republic’s second city (population 380,000) is a genuine alternative to Prague, especially for tech workers and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Brno is home to multiple universities (Masaryk University, Brno University of Technology), which gives it a youthful, intellectual energy. Red Hat’s second-largest global office is here, along with a growing cluster of tech companies.

Costs are 25–30% lower than Prague. One-bedroom rent in the center runs $500–$750. The city has an active cultural scene, good restaurants, and excellent wine country in nearby South Moravia. The expat community is smaller but tight-knit. If Prague’s tourism crowds bother you, Brno is the antidote.

Other Cities

• Český Krumlov: A UNESCO World Heritage town in South Bohemia with a fairytale castle and medieval core. Population 13,000. Stunning but small and seasonal — tourism dominates in summer. Best for remote workers who want beauty and solitude.
• Plzeň (Pilsen): Birthplace of Pilsner beer. A working city of 175,000 with the Pilsner Urquell brewery, a university, and affordable living ($800–$1,100/month). An hour from Prague by train.
• Ostrava: The former industrial capital of Moravia. Very affordable ($750–$1,100/month), with a gritty character and an active cultural revival. The Colours of Ostrava music festival draws 50,000+ visitors. Not for everyone, but great value for remote workers who do not need a big city.

Taxes

The Czech Republic’s tax system is relatively straightforward compared to most Western European countries, and the flat tax rate is one of the key draws for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Income Tax

The Czech Republic uses a two-bracket system: a flat 15% tax rate on income up to 48 times the average wage (approximately CZK 1.9 million or ~$83,000 per year in 2026), and 23% on income above that threshold. This is significantly simpler and lower than the progressive systems in Germany (up to 45%), France (up to 45%), or the UK (up to 45%).

Zivno Tax Specifics

Trade license holders get a particularly favorable deal. Instead of tracking every business expense, Zivno holders can use a flat-rate expense deduction of 60% of gross revenue (for most free trades). This means you only pay tax on 40% of your income. On effective terms, this results in a tax rate of just 6% on gross revenue before social security contributions.

• Social security (sociální pojištění): Minimum contributions of approximately 3,500 CZK (~$150/month) in the first year, then based on prior-year income. Self-employed pay roughly 29.2% of their declared profit (after the flat-rate deduction).
• Health insurance (zdravotní pojištění): Minimum contribution of approximately 2,800 CZK (~$120/month), increasing based on income. Covers public healthcare access.
• Annual tax filing: Deadline is April 1 (or July 1 if filed by a tax advisor). Many expats hire a Czech accountant for 2,000–5,000 CZK ($85–$220) to handle filing.

VAT and Other Taxes

VAT (DPH) is 21% standard rate, with reduced rates of 12% on food, books, and certain services. If your annual revenue exceeds CZK 2 million (~$87,000), you must register as a VAT payer. Below that threshold, registration is voluntary.

Double taxation treaties: The Czech Republic has tax treaties with over 90 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most EU nations. For American expats, the FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) can be combined with the Czech flat tax system to significantly reduce overall tax burden — consult a cross-border tax specialist.

Safety

The Czech Republic is one of the safest countries in Europe and the world. This is not marketing — it is consistently reflected in institutional data.

The country ranks in the top 10 on the Global Peace Index, placing it among the safest nations globally alongside Iceland, New Zealand, and Portugal. Violent crime rates are extremely low. Gun violence is virtually nonexistent, despite the country having relatively liberal gun ownership laws (one of the highest rates in the EU).

Prague’s main safety concern is petty theft, primarily pickpocketing in tourist-heavy zones: Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and on trams in tourist areas. This is standard European tourist-city fare and easily mitigated with basic awareness. Outside these zones, crime is genuinely rare.

For women, Prague and the Czech Republic generally are considered very safe. Solo female travelers and expats report feeling comfortable walking alone at night in most neighborhoods. The well-lit streets, reliable night trams, and general orderliness of Czech cities contribute to a high baseline sense of security.

Scams targeting tourists exist but are diminishing. The main ones: unlicensed taxis at the airport and train stations (always use Bolt, Liftago, or official taxis), currency exchange booths with predatory rates on Wenceslas Square (use ATMs or Revolut instead), and overcharging at tourist-trap restaurants in Old Town (eat where locals eat). None of these affect resident expats once you learn the landscape.

Digital Nomad Scene

Prague has one of the most mature digital nomad communities in Europe. Unlike newer nomad hubs that popped up post-pandemic, Prague’s remote work community has been building for over a decade, largely enabled by the Zivno trade license system that gave freelancers a legal long-term base before most countries even considered the concept.

Coworking Spaces

• Impact Hub Prague: The flagship coworking space, located in a beautiful converted industrial building near Florenc. Strong community programming, events, and a diverse mix of local and international members. Hot desk from ~3,000 CZK (~$130/month).
• Opero: Located in the National Theatre complex on the Vltava riverside. Upscale coworking with a focus on creative and tech professionals. Great views and a refined atmosphere.
• Locus Workspace: Multiple locations across Prague. No-frills, affordable, and reliable. Popular with freelancers who just need a desk and fast internet.
• HubHub: Part of the HB Reavis network with sleek modern spaces in Prague’s business districts. Caters to startups and scale-ups.
• Café coworking: Prague’s coffee scene is excellent, and many cafes are de facto coworking spaces. Kavárna Místo, EMA espresso bar, and Můj šálek kávy are popular choices with good wifi and laptop-friendly atmospheres.

Internet Infrastructure

Internet quality in the Czech Republic is strong. Fiber is available in most Prague apartments, with speeds of 100–500 Mbps common. The average fixed broadband speed is approximately 80 Mbps. Providers like O2, T-Mobile, and UPC offer packages starting at 400–600 CZK ($17–$26) per month. Mobile data is improving but historically has been among the most expensive in the EU — though recent market competition is driving prices down. Most cafes and restaurants offer free wifi.

The Community

Prague’s digital nomad and expat community is large and well-organized. Key touchpoints include Expats.cz (the main English- language portal with forums, events, and classifieds), Prague International meetups, and various Facebook groups for specific nationalities and interests. The community skews toward developers, designers, marketers, and online entrepreneurs — people who chose Prague intentionally and stayed for years, not just passing through.

Brno’s nomad scene is smaller but growing. Impact Hub Brno and a handful of other coworking spaces serve the local community, and the university population keeps the energy young. If you want a quieter, less crowded version of Prague’s remote work lifestyle, Brno delivers.

Cultural Integration

Czech culture has a distinct character that takes time to understand and appreciate. Unlike the warmth-forward cultures of Southern Europe or Latin America, Czech social norms lean toward reserve, directness, and a particular brand of dry humor. Knowing what to expect prevents misinterpreting cultural differences as unfriendliness.

The Czech Language

Czech (čeština) is a West Slavic language with a fiendish case system, gendered nouns, and consonant clusters that will test your pronunciation (try saying “zmrzlina” — it means ice cream). The good news: in Prague, English is widely spoken among the younger generation (under 40), in restaurants, shops, and especially in the tech sector. You can live in Prague for years without Czech.

The bad news: outside Prague, English drops off significantly. In Brno it is still decent among university-aged people but less so among older residents. In smaller towns, you will need basic Czech for daily life. And even in Prague, learning at least basic Czech (greetings, ordering, numbers) opens doors and earns genuine respect. Czechs appreciate the effort, even if your grammar is terrible.

Beer Culture (Pivní kultura)

Beer is not just a beverage in the Czech Republic — it is a cultural institution. Czechs consume approximately 150 liters per capita annually, the highest in the world, beating Germany, Ireland, and Austria by a comfortable margin. The pub (hospoda) is the center of social life. After-work beers with colleagues, weekend sessions at neighborhood pubs, and pub quizzes are standard social rituals.

Czech beer tradition produced both Pilsner (from Plzeň) and the original Budweiser (from České Budějovice). The country has over 500 breweries, and the craft beer scene has exploded in recent years. Expect to pay 40–60 CZK ($1.70–$2.50) for a half-liter at a traditional hospoda, or 60–100 CZK ($2.50–$4.30) for craft options. By law, restaurants must offer at least one non-alcoholic option cheaper than the cheapest beer on the menu.

Food

Traditional Czech cuisine (česká kuchyně) is hearty, meat-heavy, and built for Central European winters. Signature dishes include:

• Svíčková na smetaně: Marinated beef sirloin with cream sauce, cranberries, and bread dumplings (knedlíky). The national dish.
• Vepřo-knedlo-zelo: Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. The classic pub lunch.
• Trdelník: Rolled pastry coated in sugar and cinnamon, sold at street stalls. Technically more of a tourist phenomenon (it is originally Slovak/Hungarian), but ubiquitous.
• Smažený sýr: Deep-fried cheese. The Czech comfort food equivalent of a burger.
• Knedlíky: Bread or potato dumplings that accompany most traditional meals. An acquired taste for some, a revelation for others.

Prague’s food scene has diversified dramatically. Excellent Vietnamese food (Vietnam has the largest minority community in Czechia), Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern options are all readily available. The “Vietnamese restaurant on every corner” phenomenon is a genuine feature of Czech urban life, a legacy of Cold War-era migration agreements.

Social Norms

Czechs are direct, private, and slow to warm up. Small talk with strangers is not common. Customer service can feel brisk compared to American standards. None of this is rudeness — it is simply a different social calibration. Once you are accepted into a Czech social circle, friendships tend to be deep and genuine. The path in is usually through shared activities: pub groups, sports clubs, language exchanges, or work relationships.

Tipping: Round up to the nearest 10–20 CZK at restaurants (roughly 10%). Say the total you want to pay to the server rather than leaving cash on the table. At pubs, rounding up is appreciated but not expected for beers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Czech to live in Prague?

No. English is widely spoken in Prague, especially among people under 40, in restaurants, shops, and the tech sector. You can navigate daily life entirely in English. However, learning basic Czech phrases earns respect and makes interactions smoother. Outside Prague, English proficiency drops off significantly, and basic Czech becomes much more useful.

How does the Zivno (trade license) actually work for digital nomads?

The Živnostenský list lets you operate as a self-employed person in the Czech Republic. You register at the trade office, choose relevant trade activities (most knowledge workers pick “free trades”), and receive a license. Non-EU citizens also need a long-term visa or residence permit for the purpose of business, applied for at the Czech embassy. The license itself costs about $43. Once set up, you can invoice international clients, file Czech taxes, and renew indefinitely. It is the most-used pathway for long-term nomads in Prague.

Is Prague still affordable or has it become too expensive?

Prague has gotten noticeably more expensive since 2020, particularly for rent. It is no longer the ultra-budget destination it was 15 years ago. However, it is still 40–50% cheaper than Munich, Vienna, or Amsterdam for overall living costs. At $1,500–$2,200 per month, it offers strong value for a city of its quality. If you want cheaper within the Czech Republic, Brno runs 25–30% less than Prague.

What is the best neighborhood in Prague for expats?

Vinohrady is the default recommendation and for good reason: elegant architecture, great cafes, cosmopolitan residents, close to the center but residential. Žižkov is better if you want a more bohemian, affordable vibe. Karlín appeals to tech workers. Letná/Holešovice suits the gallery-and-craft-brewery crowd. Avoid living in Old Town unless you enjoy constant tourist traffic.

How safe is the Czech Republic?

Very safe. The Czech Republic ranks in the top 10 globally on the Global Peace Index. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main concern is pickpocketing in Prague’s tourist zones (Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square). Outside tourist areas, crime is genuinely uncommon. It is considered very safe for solo travelers and women.

Can I get permanent residency or citizenship?

Permanent residency is available after 5 years of continuous legal residence. You need to pass a Czech language exam (A1 level — basic), prove stable income, and have clean criminal records. Czech citizenship is possible after 5–10 years of permanent residence, with a more advanced language test and a civics exam. The Czech Republic does allow dual citizenship as of 2014.

Making the Move

The Czech Republic rewards a specific kind of expat: someone who values safety, order, and quality infrastructure; who appreciates understated beauty over flashy modernity; who can tolerate a steep language curve and a reserved social culture in exchange for one of Europe’s most livable cities. Prague is not the cheapest option in Central Europe — Budapest beats it on raw cost — but it offers a combination of safety, architecture, and cultural depth that is genuinely hard to match.

The practical infrastructure is all in place. The Zivno system gives freelancers a clear legal pathway. The Employee Card and Blue Card cover employed workers. EU citizens can move freely. Healthcare is accessible and affordable. Internet is fast. Public transport is excellent. And the beer is the cheapest and arguably the best in Europe.

The trade-offs are real but manageable. Czech is a difficult language, but English works in Prague. The social culture is reserved, but the expat community is large and welcoming. Prague has gotten more expensive, but it still undercuts Western Europe significantly. Winters are cold and grey, but the Christmas markets and cozy hospoda culture make them bearable.

For digital nomads, tech workers, and location-independent professionals looking for a long-term European base, the Czech Republic — and Prague in particular — belongs on the shortlist. It has been quietly delivering on that promise for over a decade.

Considering other Central European options? Read our Complete Guide to Moving to Hungary for a comparison of Budapest’s scene, or explore our Complete Guide to Moving to Germany for Western Europe’s largest economy.