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Planning a move overseas is a big step, so when it comes to removals to Czechia, you’ll need a helping hand. It will help if you do your homework in advance. Learning about the culture, language and what to expect will prepare you for the coming new chapter in your life.
Here is the essential info that you will need about moving to Czechia.
Czechia is the abbreviated name of the Czech Republic. This Central European country went through radical changes during the last century.
Moving from a communist regime to liberal democracy has opened up the country for many more visitors from overseas. It has a culturally diverse background with only around 64% of its 10.5 million residents being ethnically Czech in origin.
The Czech Republic has a continental climate, but everything is in moderation. The summers aren’t quite as hot as southern regions; although winters can be cold, they’re not usually freezing unless you’re at a high altitude. Snowfall is generally scarce during the winter months, except in mountainous areas.
You will find extensive information on the JustLanded website, it is a good reference to prepare for your everyday life in Czechia.
As well as stunning landscapes, the country has many heritage sites with castles, towns and churches offering a picturesque setting.
The national language is Czech, but as a Slavic tongue, it’s notoriously challenging to learn. Experts estimate that to reach an expert level of fluency you need approximately 1100 classroom hours (compared to 600 classroom hours for German). However, once you’re in the country and immersed in the culture it can be quicker to start picking it up.
You’ll find that the main tourist hotspots all speak English, and many young people do. However, authorities and government workers won’t converse in English, and the older generation is unlikely to speak it too.
The reason is simple: until 1989, children were learning Russian in schools rather than English or German. Things have changed for the younger generation; However, this still leaves many people, especially outside the cities, without any working English.
Learning Czech isn’t easy for a native English speaker; There are many differences in the grammar and structure, as well as unique sounds. However, persisting will pay real dividends and help you settle into the local community.
As Czechia is not just a member of the EU, but also part of the Schengen Zone, movement into the country can be remarkably easy.
EU nationals and those holding a Schengen visa don’t require any separate authorisation to enter Czechia for stays of up to 90 days. A few other select countries are also included in this agreement, including Australia, Canada and the US.
EU nationals wishing to stay for longer than 90 days don’t require a formal visa or permit, even if they intend to work, but must register with the authorities.
Visitors from outside the EU or those wishing to work will need to apply for the relevant visa or permit. There are a range of categories which include working, family reunification and study.
Any visitors to the country can apply for permanent residency after five years of living in Czechia.
You will find essential links for British Expats in the Czech Republic on the UK Govt website
In Czechia, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road but getting about isn’t always easy. Despite a well-developed road network, there can be heavy congestion, few parking spaces and narrow streets which also accommodate trams.
For these reasons, most people prefer to use very reliable public transport.
One of the big benefits of the public transport system in Czechia is that ferries, buses, trams and the metro are all integrated. This means you only need to buy one ticket to access any of these forms of transport and can save money by buying a long-term season ticket.
The metro is the fastest way to get around the city and is clean, safe and reliable, operating from 5 am right through until midnight.
There is also a train system but this is not included in the universal ticketing system and must be purchased separately. There are many types of trains including night trains and express trains, as well as steam trains for a vintage experience.
Czechia has an outstanding health service which has been lauded as one of the best in Europe. These high standards coupled with the low cost has made the country very popular with medical tourists.
Czechia nationals and those working for a Czechia employer automatically qualify for state healthcare. Funding comes from contributions by both employees and employers. There are a number of approved insurance funds, all of which broadly provide the same level of cover. When seeking treatment, it’s important to make sure your provider covers this treatment.
On top of their contributions to health cover, Czechia residents and workers may have to cover part of the cost of treatment.
Individuals who do not qualify for the state healthcare system will have to arrange private healthcare and prove it to be if they want to remain in the country for longer than 90 days.
Moving to another country always involves lots of paperwork and planning. Part of this is about understanding the rules around Customs; a reputable international moving company will help to provide you with advice but get to grips with the basics first.
In order to import your household goods, you will need to be registered with the local authorities. You will also be prohibited from selling any of your items for the duration of your stay in Czechia; Furthermore, all of the items must be at least six months old.
One big consideration is whether to take your existing car. Buying a vehicle is a big expense, you may want to take your car to cut down on costs. This is entirely possible, but there is a long list of documentation you will need to produce; the car must be no older than five years; finally, the vehicle cannot be sold and must be exported back out of the country again when you leave.
There are other restrictions and limitations which are very roughly speaking in line with other EU countries. However, there may be some peculiarities unique to Czechia, such as the rules around antiques and the requirements to have two photos of each. Check online to find the latest regulations that apply and you will prevent any unnecessary delays in your belongings passing through Customs.
Whether you choose our Load & Go or our EasyMoves solution, European Moving can help you with your removal. We shall be able to help you with the full list of restrictions that apply to removals to Czechia and also provide advice on a whole range of removal issues you may not have encountered before.