Living in :
Czech Republic
Once in the Czech Republic, there are more things you need to do. These include:
Registering your arrival
To enter the Czech Republic, you must have a minimum of 6 months validity on your passport and be aware that it has only recently joined the Schengen Agreement for border controls.
As an EU national you do not need a work permit to work in the Czech Republic. However it is always best to be prepared, and have employment set up before you go.
World Travel Guide - Czech Republic
British citizens no longer need to obtain a residence permit if they plan on staying for longer than 90 days. Note: British Overseas Citizens and those who are holders of British Travel Documents both blue and brown, are not included in this and will need to obtain seperate visas. This said, if you want to get something which requires a contract, eg registering a foreign car or a mobile phone contract, you will need proof of residency in the Czech Republic.
Prague Tourist Guide - Visas
As a new resident, you will be expected to register your arrival within 30 days with the Alien and Boarder Police.
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Tax registration with the authorities
If planning on staying/working/buying a house or car, you must obtain a Social Security Number via the CSSA. If employed, your employer is likely to arrange this for you, however if you are self employed or have your own business, you must speak with your accountant to arrange this or contact the CSSA direct.
CSSZ - Official CSSA website
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Registering children with daycare/school/universities
Information regarding childcare for preschool children can be found here:
Expats - What to look for in a preschool
Expats - Preschools
The rules for compulsory schooling are simple. Children are expected to start school at the age of 6 and stay in it for 9 years. One of the biggest decisions you need to make will be "Do I want my children educated in English, at an International school, or in a Czech school?" These sites may help you with this decision.
The English International School
Expat Focus
Expats - International Schools
Expats - International schools Overview (article)
Expats - Czech Secondary Schools
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Signing up with a Dr or Dentist etc
Many Doctors and Dentists are English speaking, especially in the more commercial areas of the Czech Republic. You have a free choice of general practitioner, paediatrician and several specialists within your area, providing your choice does not bring the doctor's/dentist's list above the maximum patients permitted. For an English speaking Doctor, ask around - other Brits in the neighbourhood can help as well as many of the locals.
The site Expats - Choosing your personal doctor may also help.
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Set up a bank account
Opening a bank account is quite simple. Hopefully, these sites should give you the information you need.
Expats - Opening a Czech Bank Account
Expats - Czech Bank Comparisons
Prague TV - Opening a Czech Bank Account
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Convert your driving license?
The first thing you need to be aware of is if you move abroad, you cannot have your new international address added to your British driving licence.
Directgov - Driving Abroad on a GB Licence
You can apply for an International Driving Permit as a temporary solution although the Spanish authorities will accept your UK licence so this is not necessary. Information about this can be found here:
Driving Permit - International Driving Permit
Alternatively, you have two other choices. Either leave it with your last address in the UK, or submit it to the Czech authorities and have it replaced with a Czech Licence.
The traffic laws are outlined here:
Nova Pravidla - The Main Changes
Nova Pravidla - Penalty Point System
Expats - Driving in the Czech Republic
Expats - Rules of the road
Europa - Getting there
Driving on motorways requires an up to date tax vignette which can be purchased from most post offices and petrol stations. Failure to display one will result in a fine if caught. Also the Czech Republic has a zero tolerance policy for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is a serious criminal offence.
Be aware that it is a requirement under Czech law that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry the following items:
1 x Fluorescent Green High Visibility Safety Jacket
1 x First Aid Kit
1 x Spare pair of prescription glasses (if necessary) - kept in the glove compartment
1 x Warning triangle
1 x Complete set of spare light bulbs
And finally, please remember that although in the UK you can take and pass your driving test at the age of 17, in the Czech Republic, your licence is not valid until your 18th birthday! Other general differences can be found here:
ViaMichelin - Driving in Europe - Similarities and Differences
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Registering or buying a car
Deciding whether to take your car or not is something you will need to think about. What is "right" varies from person to person. For example, for my first move, I took my UK car with me for the first 6 months only. This gave me the security blanket when I wasn't sure if I would stay. Had I returned to the UK, I wouldn't have then had to look for a new car. Having decided to stay, I returned my UK car to the UK, and bought a local one. Just make sure that if you decide to take your own car, your insurance covers you properly with a "permanent green card"!
Don't forget you must also notify the DVLA if you plan to take your car out of the UK either temporarily or permanetly.
Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad
If you choose to take your car to the Czech Republic permanently you will need to take your proof of ownership (your V5 Logbook) and have some kind of proof of residency in the Czech Republic. In addition, you will need to make some modifications before you can register it. These include LHD headlights (they won't accept the dipping stickers) and your speedo needs to show KPH.
The process can be both long and tedious and if you don't know what you're doing can take forever! You are best to find someone to help you with this to ensure you cover all your bases. The following company based just outside Prague is recommended via the Expat website and apparently has a lot of experience in registering cars from the UK. As well as getting all the changes made and ensuring it passes the STK test (MOT equivilent), he will also take care of all the paperwork etc.
Milkot
Like with any company, do your research first - we can not take any liability if you use this person and things go wrong...
Buying a car can be a frustrating business. To register it in your own name, you will need to prove residency.
When buying a used car, there are many stolen/crashed or badly repaired cars around. Always buy from a reputable dealer and take someone who knows about cars with you. Many people import used cars from Germany as a cheaper, more reliable option.
For new cars, again, go to a reputable dealer but shop around for the best prices!
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Search for a job
There are a number of websites which focus on job searchs in the Czech Republic. The following are a few, however we can not take personal liability for any of their content or claims. It is also worth actually going into agencies on the street with your up to date CV.
Official Czech Republic website - How to look for a job
4ICJ
Jobs Abroad
Job Centre Plus
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs
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Register for language courses
Us Brits are terrible when it comes to learning languages! It's awful to walk around the shops and feel illiterate. Seeing the letters but not understanding the words. It can leave you feeling very isolated. Learning the language has many benefits. Firstly, it teaches you the essentials you will need to get by. Secondly, it helps you meet people - often people in a similar situation to yourself. And thirdly, it makes people take you more seriously on a daily basis.
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on language courses.
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Recycling
Each area has its own recycling rules. Make sure you speak with neighbours or the local council to find out the rules for your area.
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If a student, check out the local student life
Once you know where you will be studying, contact your campus to find out about the local social life. Find out the "in" places to go and the local club scene. Most students work hard, but play harder!
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Marrying in the Czech Republic
When living in a foreign country, it is not unthinkable that you might meet and later want to marry someone in the Czech Republic.
More information can be found here:
Foreign Office - Marriage Formalities in the Czech Republic
Foreign Office - Civil Partnerships in the Czech Republic
Expats - Getting Married in the Czech Republic
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British Nationals dying in the Czech Republic
While in the Czech Republic, although none of us wants to think about it, it is possible that you could be left to deal with the death of a loved one. There are many decisions to be made and the following website by the British Embassy in Prague will be of help.
Foreign Office - Deaths involving British Nationals in the Czech Republic
Foreign Office - Help if someone dies
The British Foreign Office have put together a booklet (PDF) which you can download.
Foreign Office - Death Overseas
Please also visit our Repatriation page where we go into this in more detail.
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Protect your pension
As a UK citizen you are entitled to a UK pension when you retire. This can and will be paid into your bank account anywhere in the world. However, whether you get a full or part pension at retirement age depends on your contributions.
Be aware that you are able to pay into a private pension for 5 years after you leave the UK, however advisers also suggest that you consider paying voluntary NI contributions to preserve your state pension entitlements.
You can find out how much to pay by calling the HMRC International Services Helpline on +44 (0) 845 9154811 giving them your UK NI Number. There are many ways to pay, the link below will be of use.
HM Revenue & Customs - Paying NI from abroad
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Keep an eye out for your work / residence permit / insurances / passport lapsing...
This may seem obvious but make sure you know exactly when each of your documents are due to expire! To begin with you may not be able to read the correspondence these companies are sending you. This makes renewal notices very difficult to understand. The last thing you want is to find out that part of your life is no longer legal... Whether it's your right to live in the country or your car insurance have those dates marked clearly somewhere that you check regularly and if it spans more than one year... make sure you copy it over to the following year!
If your passport is due to expire you will need this website:
Foreign Office - Passports
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Emergencies
Emergency Services can be reached by dialing 112, however if you want to get hold of a specific service you can call the following numbers.
Police - 158
Ambulance - 155
Fire Bregade - 150
If anything else goes seriously wrong, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers the following help:
Foreign Office - When things go wrong
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