Is the Czech Republic a Good Place for Ex-pats?

The short answer is, obviously, yes. But as is true for any brief explanation in the world, there's a lot more complexity behind it, and there are a few additions one must make to make the short answer accurate. So here's the long answer to whether Czechia is a good place for ex-pats.

Czechia has a lot of variety, but it can generally be divided into a few urban centres and a vast countryside. The urban centres are cities like Prague, Brno, Ostrava or Olomouc, which see much international business, ex-pats and foreign visitors. This means that they also have many English speakers, and they provide opportunities for learning Czech.

Additionally, they will also be easier to find work in. The Czech countryside is a large area with stunning nature and picturesque towns that are never too far away from one another. If you're looking for peaceful and calm living, you will undoubtedly find it here. The prices of property, as well as day to day life, are even cheaper than in the cities (and the cities themselves are much more affordable than most Western European countries).

However, the two main considerable drawbacks here are the language barrier and the lack of work opportunities. However, many people live in the country and commute daily to larger cities, so it may not be a significant planning issue.

If you're looking for a job in the Czech Republic, you're in luck. The country has seen staggering economic growth since the 90s, and many international companies have since set up their branches here. More specifically, many have outsourced their services departments here, including call centres and administration to marketing and PR.

This is why if you are an ex-pat living in Czechia and you don’t speak Czech, finding a job is not as hard as in other Eastern European countries. However, many companies have moved parts of their services here because of the low wages being paid. Together with the low cost of living, the salaries are decent. Still, unless you are hoping for managerial, financial, or professional positions, you will be unlikely to make much money, especially in western countries.

But only very few people move to a new country for work only. Most people want to have some fun as well, and Czechia can deliver. While not a country of gigantic marvels, it can still awe with its beautiful nature, historical castles, romantic ruins, and its artists from all around the world and its lively sports scene. Especially popular is what the Czechs call "cottaging" (“chataření”).

Sought after by urbanites, cottaging is a way of getting out of the city and into the unspoiled and well-protected nature of the country—many love attending festivals of everything from music, theatre, dance or even films. And the winter sees snowfall that's thick enough for both romantic photography and winter sports. Whether in the city or the country, you will find something that will inspire you every day.