Housing
Prague’s rental market remains highly competitive, influenced by increasing demand and limited new construction projects. The growing number of professionally managed apartments is attracting investors, while rising property purchase prices are pushing more people toward longterm rentals. А proof of long-term accommodation (should be notarized for Non-EU citizens) is required for the residence permit application.
Average monthly rates in Prague
Studio
$650–$1,000
$1,000–$2,300
$1,200–$4,200
$2,500–$10,500
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$850–$1,400
Three-bedroom apartmen
Four-bedroom apartment
Key Trends:
- Apartments are available in both furnished and unfurnished options, with equal distribution.
- The number of professionally managed long-term rentals is increasing, driving investor interest.
- As rents continue to rise, tenants are advised to negotiate lease terms to lock in current rates.
- Vinohrady remains the most popular district among expats thanks to its residential charm, proximity to the city center and modern amenities.
- Holešovice is rapidly transforming from an industrial hub into a vibrant, affordable residential area.
Challenges:
- Rental fees are projected to increase by up to 7% by mid-2025, following rising property prices, especially in prime areas like Praha 1, Vinohrady, and Nové Město.
- Pet-friendly apartments are harder to find, and having a pet increases the required deposit.
- Long-term leases typically require a minimum commitment of one year, making it difficult for tenants with short-term (5–10 months) assignments to find suitable housing.
Immigration
The Czech Republic is part of the EU and Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free entry for Schengen nationals and Schengen visa holders. Additionally, nationals of Argentina, Chile, Israel, South Korea, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Uruguay, and Singapore can stay for 90 days within 180 under bilateral agreements.
EU nationals do not need a visa or residence permit for long-term stays and work but must obtain an EU Registration Certificate if staying over 90 days. For seconded employees from EU countries Posted worker notification also needs to be submitted.
For non-EU workers, available programs include the Employee Card (a national single work & residence permit, up to 2 years), Intra-Company Transfer Permit for seconded workers, and EU Blue Card (for highly qualified workers, up to 4 years). Processing times range from 60 to 90 days, with possible delays.
Upon arrival, non-EU nationals must register their address with the Foreign Police within 3 days, while EU nationals have 30 days to do so.
The Digital Nomad Program is available to nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, and Singapore. It allows marketing specialists, self-employed freelancers, and remote employees to apply for a 1-year Long-Term visa.
The Blue Card is issued to third-country nationals employed in the Czech Republic for more than 3 months in high-skill positions. It’s tied to a specific job, with vacancies listed in a central database for Blue Card holders. The employment contract must last at least 6 months and offer a salary at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary.
Authorities are not issuing (with limited exceptions) any type of visa or residence permit to Russian applicants outside the Czech Republic. Russian nationals are still denied entry for tourism, sport and cultural events, regardless of whether they hold a valid Schengen visa.
EU nationals do not need a visa or residence permit for long-term stays and work but must obtain an EU Registration Certificate if staying over 90 days. For seconded employees from EU countries Posted worker notification also needs to be submitted.
For non-EU workers, available programs include the Employee Card (a national single work & residence permit, up to 2 years), Intra-Company Transfer Permit for seconded workers, and EU Blue Card (for highly qualified workers, up to 4 years). Processing times range from 60 to 90 days, with possible delays.
Upon arrival, non-EU nationals must register their address with the Foreign Police within 3 days, while EU nationals have 30 days to do so.
The Digital Nomad Program is available to nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, and Singapore. It allows marketing specialists, self-employed freelancers, and remote employees to apply for a 1-year Long-Term visa.
The Blue Card is issued to third-country nationals employed in the Czech Republic for more than 3 months in high-skill positions. It’s tied to a specific job, with vacancies listed in a central database for Blue Card holders. The employment contract must last at least 6 months and offer a salary at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary.
Authorities are not issuing (with limited exceptions) any type of visa or residence permit to Russian applicants outside the Czech Republic. Russian nationals are still denied entry for tourism, sport and cultural events, regardless of whether they hold a valid Schengen visa.
Moving
Transportation: household goods in Czechia are mostly transported by road. Seaports in Bremerhaven and Hamburg (Germany) are common departure points for international shipments, and Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) serves as the key air freight hub.
Customs Duties: goods that have been owned for at least 6 months and the individual has lived outside the EU for 12 months can qualify for duty-free importation.
Customs clearance typically takes 1-3 business days.
Customs Duties: goods that have been owned for at least 6 months and the individual has lived outside the EU for 12 months can qualify for duty-free importation.
Customs clearance typically takes 1-3 business days.
