If you are planning to move to the Czech Republic and are unsure of how to proceed, this article is for you. Let’s explore the 4 easy steps to relocating to the Czech Republic.
1. Determine the Purpose of Your Stay
If you have done your research and you think the Czech Republic is the right place for you to move to, the first step is determining the purpose of your stay here.
This is super important since different procedures and different sets of documents apply to different visa types. Some visa types are generally better for shorter-term stays (say a year or two), some are preferable for long-term stays (say three years and longer). Some are also easier to get than others.
So, if you only plan on staying for a year because you know you’ll be going back to school after the year, some visa options might not be worth applying for since they might take a long time to prepare for and to get.
It is also not always easy (or even possible) to change the type of your visa. So especially if you plan on staying long-term, choosing the right type of visa to apply for from the beginning might be crucial.
Some of the questions you should be asking then are:
– how long do I plan on staying?
– what is my real reason to move to the Czech Republic?
– what is my long-term goal?
– how soon am I looking to get there?
– am I fine with choosing the proper visa type even if it means moving a bit later or do I want to be there right away even if it means, I might need to change my visa later on?
– how much (time, money) am I willing to invest into the move (see step 3.)?
Once you are clear about your intentions, it is time for Step 2.
2. Consult a Professional
We understand this might sound a bit biased coming from an immigration company 🙂 The truth though is that Czech immigration is not really straightforward. There are often many moving pieces and steps that do not really makes sense (i.e. you must have a year of accommodation booked before you even apply for any type of visa, while you might not even be in CZE).
If you have already moved to (and got visas for) other countries, the Czech system might be a bit more understandable for you (although still very different than say in Asian countries). If you are new to moving internationally, speaking with someone to evaluate your situation and provide advise is certainly a step we would not recommend to skip.
We offer an initial consultation where we discuss your case and help you find the best approach for your move to the Czech Republic.
We’ll be happy to help you throughout the whole moving process (from planning, to collecting documents, booking appointments with Embassies, preparing you for the immigration interviews and way more). Even if you decide to not hire our services to help you with the visa process, the initial consultation leaves you with a better understanding of what you will be facing, what you should and should not do and increases your chances of approval.
Book your consultation with us now below:
An important note – if you are a non-EU citizen planning to move to the Czech Republic, be prepared for the process to take at least 4-6 months. This includes gathering documents, submitting a visa application, and awaiting approval. Therefore, don’t be disheartened if things don’t go as planned or if you encounter difficulties obtaining documents. Remember, this process takes time, and patience is key.
3. Check Your Financial Status
Another important part of the moving process is ensuring you have sufficient funds to move to the Czech Republic. This part is often underestimated which can lead to various troubles.
Czech Republic is no longer a “cheap Eastern European” country and relocation itself can be expensive, not only for obtaining a visa but also for other costs.
For example, when searching for accommodation, you should anticipate paying the first month’s rent, one or two months’ rent as a deposit, plus the agent’s commission (which is typically equivalent to one month’s rent). That means if your monthly budget for a flat is 1 000 USD, you should have at least 3-4 000 USD ready just for moving into an apartment.
Furthermore, in most cases, you can not start officially working until your visa or residence permit is approved (which can take 2-4 months). Even after you start working officially, it’s advisable to have enough savings to cover your living expenses until you receive your first paycheck (which is usually middle to the end of your second working month).
4. Learn the Czech Language
The fourth step is to learn the Czech language. Gaining proficiency in the language will open many doors for you, not only in terms of employment and business opportunities but also for integrating into Czech culture and connecting with the people. Although you can live in the Czech Republic (at least in some of the biggest cities) for years without speaking Czech, you might actually be missing a lot if you don’t.
