Moving to Czech Republic
Prague at the heart of Europe: flat tax and incomparable quality of life
Read the guide EU + SchengenPragueFlat tax 15%European cultureExcellent transportCentral Europe IT hub
Factsheet: Czech Republic
The Czech Republic combines EU and Schengen membership with simple and competitive taxation: 15% flat tax on income, 21% corporate tax, and no wealth tax. Prague is regularly ranked among the best European cities for quality of life. The Czech Republic has not adopted the euro and retains the Czech koruna (CZK), which keeps the cost of living approximately 30-40% below Paris. The country has excellent infrastructure, a strong IT and startup ecosystem, and a central European location that allows easy access to all capitals.
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Czech Republic
Prague at the heart of Europe: flat tax and incomparable quality of life
Capital
Prague
Official language
Czech
Currency
Czech koruna (CZK)
Population
10.9 million
Timezone
UTC+1 / UTC+2 (summer)
🇪🇺 European Union
Yes, EU + Schengen member
Digital nomad visa
EU Residence (ohlasovna)
Cost of living (vs Paris)
-30 to -40%
Why choose Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic stands as one of the best European destinations for expats combining quality of life, reasonable taxation and strategic positioning in Europe.
Simple and competitive 15% flat tax
Income tax is set at 15% for income up to approximately 131,901 CZK/month (about 5,300 EUR) and 23% above. For most freelancers and employees, the effective rate is around 15%. No wealth tax, no CGT on shares held more than 3 years (individuals).
Income tax is set at 15% for income up to approximately 131,901 CZK/month (about 5,300 EUR) and 23% above. For most freelancers and employees, the effective rate is around 15%. No wealth tax, no CGT on shares held more than 3 years (individuals).
Prague: exceptional quality of life
Prague regularly ranks in the top 10 best European cities to live in. Preserved medieval and baroque architecture, thriving food and cultural scene, legendary nightlife, excellent public transport (metro, tram, bus 24/7). All for a cost of living 30-40% below Paris.
Prague regularly ranks in the top 10 best European cities to live in. Preserved medieval and baroque architecture, thriving food and cultural scene, legendary nightlife, excellent public transport (metro, tram, bus 24/7). All for a cost of living 30-40% below Paris.
Central European IT and tech hub
Prague is Central Europe's tech capital. Major international companies (Oracle, SAP, IBM, Red Hat) have set up their European centers here. The startup ecosystem is dynamic with accelerators like Startup Yard. The number of expat developers and tech professionals is very high.
Prague is Central Europe's tech capital. Major international companies (Oracle, SAP, IBM, Red Hat) have set up their European centers here. The startup ecosystem is dynamic with accelerators like Startup Yard. The number of expat developers and tech professionals is very high.
Central location and European connectivity
Prague is 4h by train from Vienna, 5h from Berlin, 6h from Munich. Flights from Vaclav Havel Airport serve all European capitals, often nonstop at very competitive fares. The Czech Republic's central location makes it an ideal base for traveling across Europe.
Prague is 4h by train from Vienna, 5h from Berlin, 6h from Munich. Flights from Vaclav Havel Airport serve all European capitals, often nonstop at very competitive fares. The Czech Republic's central location makes it an ideal base for traveling across Europe.
Charles University and education level
Charles University in Prague (founded in 1348) is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe. The general education level is very high. English is well mastered in professional and tourist settings, although Czech remains essential for complete integration.
Charles University in Prague (founded in 1348) is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe. The general education level is very high. English is well mastered in professional and tourist settings, although Czech remains essential for complete integration.
Czech culture and art of living
The Czechs have a rich culture and strong identity: classical music (Dvorak, Smetana), literature (Kafka, Kundera), cinema, historic breweries. Czech beer is the best in Europe (Pilsner Urquell, Budvar) and the country has the highest number of craft breweries per capita in the world.
The Czechs have a rich culture and strong identity: classical music (Dvorak, Smetana), literature (Kafka, Kundera), cinema, historic breweries. Czech beer is the best in Europe (Pilsner Urquell, Budvar) and the country has the highest number of craft breweries per capita in the world.
Visa & Residence
European citizens do not need a visa to settle in the Czech Republic. Registration with the local town hall (ohlasovna) is the main formality. Freelancers can opt for the self-employed status (zivnostensky list).
EU Residence — Registration (Ohlasovna)
EU citizens can settle in the Czech Republic without a visa or permit. After 30 days of stay, they must register with the town hall of their municipality (ohlasovna) and declare their address. After 5 years of continuous residence, they can apply for permanent residency. The registration procedure is simple and free.
Duration
Unlimited (EU)
Min. income
Timeline
1-3 weeks
Target
Free
Zivnostensky list (freelance/self-employed license)
The zivnostensky list is the Czech self-employed license, equivalent to a French micro-enterprise. It allows you to carry out a commercial or service activity in the Czech Republic. Very popular with freelancers and digital nomads. Quick to obtain at the zivnostensky urad office. Social and health contributions are fixed and very affordable (approximately 250 EUR/month for the first years).
Duration
Unlimited
Min. income
Timeline
1-5 days
Target
1,000 CZK (~40 EUR)
Cost of living
Prague remains significantly cheaper than major Western European capitals despite a notable price increase since 2020. A comfortable expat budget is 1,200 to 2,000 EUR/month depending on the neighborhood and lifestyle.
Estimated monthly budget: 1,200 - 2,000 EUR/month (Prague)
📊 Taxation
The Czech Republic applies simple taxation with a 15% flat tax on income and 21% corporate tax. The system is transparent, stable and predictable for expats and entrepreneurs.
Flat tax IT: 15% and 23%
Income up to 36 times the annual average wage (approximately 63,600 EUR/year) is taxed at 15%. Above that, the rate is 23%. For the vast majority of freelancers and employees, the effective rate is close to 15%. Deductions (social contributions, professional expenses at flat rate or actual) reduce the taxable base.
Corporate tax at 21%
The corporate tax rate is 21%, up from the previous 19% but remains competitive at the European level. Dividends distributed to Czech shareholders are taxed at an additional 15%. For holding structures and international groups, numerous tax treaties (DTT with France) reduce withholding tax.
Dividends and capital gains
Dividends received by individuals are taxed at 15%. Capital gains on disposal of participations are exempt for individuals after 5 years of holding (shares) or 3 years (other securities). A favorable framework for long-term investors.
France-Czech Republic tax treaty
A DTT is in force between France and the Czech Republic. It prevents double taxation and sets tax residency rules for dual nationals. To break French tax residency, you must establish your main residence in the Czech Republic (more than 183 days, center of vital interests).
🚀 For entrepreneurs
The Czech Republic offers a favorable environment for entrepreneurs with simplified formalities, a dynamic tech ecosystem and reduced operating costs.
Zivnostensky list: Self-employed in 24h
The self-employed status (osvc) via the zivnostensky list is the simplest and fastest form. Formation in 1-5 days, very low fixed contributions in the first years (minimums: approximately 130 EUR/month OSSZ + 80 EUR/month ZP), simplified accounting. Ideal for freelancers and consultants with income below 1.5M CZK/year.
SRO: Czech LLC
The Spolecnost s rucenim omezenym (SRO) is the equivalent of a French SARL. Symbolic minimum capital of 1 CZK since 2014. Formation in 5-10 days with a notary. Corporate tax at 21%, accounting and audit required depending on size. Recommended when activity exceeds a certain threshold or requires a formal legal structure.
Prague ecosystem: Tech and Scale-up
Prague hosts numerous accelerators (Startup Yard, Node5, JIC in Brno), regional venture capital funds and European programs (EIC, Horizon Europe). The tech community is international and English is the lingua franca of the ecosystem. Easy access to Central European markets (Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary).
Economic zones and investment incentives
The Czech Republic has industrial and economic zones with tax exemptions that can reach 10 years for qualifying investments (industry, technology). The CzechInvest agency supports foreign investors in their procedures and obtaining available incentives.
❤️ Healthcare
The Czech Republic has a good-quality public health system, accessible to European residents. Private clinics offer a fast and comfortable alternative.
Public system: access via contribution
European residents in the Czech Republic must contribute to Czech health insurance (zdravotni pojisteni) either through their employer or as self-employed. The contribution for a self-employed person is approximately 80-100 EUR/month. Provides access to all public doctors and hospitals.
Private clinics and English-speaking services
Prague has several quality private clinics with English-speaking staff: Canadian Medical Care, Unicare Medical Center, Medici. English consultations for 60-120 EUR. Recommended for the first months before mastering the local public system.
High medical standards
The Czech Republic trains excellent doctors and specialists. Prague is a reference medical center for Central Europe with high-level university hospitals (VFN, FNKV, IKEM for transplants). Faster access to specialists than in France thanks to shorter waiting lists.
Dental medicine: popular destination
Prague is a major dental tourism destination in Europe. High-quality dental care costs 30-50% less than in France or Germany. Many expats take advantage of their Czech residency to address dental issues at lower cost.
Where to live
Prague concentrates the bulk of the expat community, but Brno offers an interesting alternative for those seeking a more affordable university city.
Vinohrady and Zizkov (Prague 2-3)
The most popular neighborhoods for expats and young professionals. Art Nouveau architecture, trendy cafes, international restaurants, parks. Vinohrady is chic and calm, Zizkov more bohemian and festive. Excellent connection to the center via metro and tram.
Best for: Young professionals, digital nomads, creatives
Holesovice (Prague 7)
Neighborhood undergoing rapid gentrification, former industrial area turned Prague's creative hub. DOX Contemporary Art Center, Pragulic, Holesovice market. Still affordable rents, young and international atmosphere. The Brooklyn of Prague.
Best for: Creatives, entrepreneurs, expats seeking authenticity
Dejvice and Bubenes (Prague 6)
Quiet residential neighborhoods, near embassies and the airport. Very popular with expat families and senior executives. International schools nearby (British International School, Park Lane). More traditional and bourgeois atmosphere.
Best for: Families, senior executives, diplomats
Smichov (Prague 5)
Rapidly developing neighborhood on the left bank of the Vltava. Still reasonable rents, good transport connection (metro B), new Nove Smichov district booming. Mix of traditional housing and modernity.
Best for: Families seeking value, employees
Brno
Czech Republic's second city and capital of Moravia, Brno is a dynamic university city (200,000 students) with a strong tech ecosystem (JIC, StartupYard Brno). Rents 20-30% cheaper than Prague. Excellent cultural and food scene. Exceptional nature nearby.
Best for: Tech entrepreneurs, students, families seeking maximum value
Prague 1 — Historic center
Living in the heart of Prague (Stare Mesto, Male Strana, Hradcany) is possible but expensive and touristy. The highest rents in Prague. Ideal for short stays or those who value setting beauty and proximity to everything above all else.
Best for: Temporary stays, executives, heritage lovers
Drawbacks to know
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Czech language barrier
Czech is a Slavic language that is difficult for French speakers. Even though English is well spoken in professional and tourist settings in Prague, it remains essential for administrative procedures, neighborhood life and deep integration. Expect 6-12 months to reach a functional level.
Czech is a Slavic language that is difficult for French speakers. Even though English is well spoken in professional and tourist settings in Prague, it remains essential for administrative procedures, neighborhood life and deep integration. Expect 6-12 months to reach a functional level.
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Long and grey winters
Prague winters are long (November to March), often grey and cold (-10 degrees Celsius possible). The city lacks daylight in winter, which can affect morale. Residents compensate with the cafe and bar culture, but those sensitive to lack of sunshine should take note.
Prague winters are long (November to March), often grey and cold (-10 degrees Celsius possible). The city lacks daylight in winter, which can affect morale. Residents compensate with the cafe and bar culture, but those sensitive to lack of sunshine should take note.
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Rising real estate
Rents in Prague have risen sharply in recent years, especially in neighborhoods popular with expats (Vinohrady, Zizkov, Holesovice). The supply of quality furnished housing remains limited. Using local real estate agencies or expat Facebook groups is recommended to find good housing.
Rents in Prague have risen sharply in recent years, especially in neighborhoods popular with expats (Vinohrady, Zizkov, Holesovice). The supply of quality furnished housing remains limited. Using local real estate agencies or expat Facebook groups is recommended to find good housing.
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Health system: complex navigation
While the health system is of good quality, navigating the Czech public system without speaking the language can be complex. GPs (prakticke lekarstvi) do not always speak English. Plan for private insurance in the first months and identify English-speaking practitioners before encountering a health problem.
While the health system is of good quality, navigating the Czech public system without speaking the language can be complex. GPs (prakticke lekarstvi) do not always speak English. Plan for private insurance in the first months and identify English-speaking practitioners before encountering a health problem.
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No sea or mountains in immediate proximity
Prague is located in central Bohemia, far from the sea (minimum 4-5h drive). The Czech Republic has beautiful regions (Cesky Raj, Southern Bohemia, Sumava) and Slovakia with its mountains is quickly accessible, but beach and sea lovers will need to plan trips abroad.
Prague is located in central Bohemia, far from the sea (minimum 4-5h drive). The Czech Republic has beautiful regions (Cesky Raj, Southern Bohemia, Sumava) and Slovakia with its mountains is quickly accessible, but beach and sea lovers will need to plan trips abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to speak Czech to settle in Prague?
English is sufficient for daily life in Prague's expat neighborhoods and for working in the tech and international sectors. However, for administrative procedures (town hall registration, GP visits, lease contracts) and for genuine integration, Czech is very useful. Sign up for classes upon arrival: progress is quick and very appreciated by locals.
How does the Czech self-employed status (OSVC) work for a French national?
As an EU citizen, you can obtain a zivnostensky list (self-employed license) in 1-5 days at the local office (zivnostensky urad). You then declare your activity to the tax administration (FU) and to social (OSSZ) and health (ZP) organizations. Contributions in the first years are very low (minimums: approximately 130 EUR/month OSSZ + 80 EUR/month ZP). A local accountant (120-200 EUR/month) is strongly recommended.
Will the Czech Republic join the euro?
The Czech Republic is an EU member but has not yet adopted the euro and has no planned date for doing so. The country meets most Maastricht criteria but the political debate remains heated. For expats, this means exchange fees on EUR transactions and some CZK/EUR volatility to factor into budget management.
Is Prague really cheaper than Paris?
Yes, even though the gap has narrowed. A comparable standard of living to Paris (good apartment, regular dining out, cultural outings) costs approximately 1,500-2,000 EUR in Prague versus 3,000-4,000 EUR in Paris. The main savings are on rent (often 2x cheaper), dining and transport. Imported products and electronics are comparable in price.
Can you easily create a Czech company from France?
Technically yes (some service providers offer remote formation via local notaries), but being present for opening the professional bank account and initial procedures is recommended. Creating an SRO requires a notary, a Czech bank account and registration with the commercial register (Obchodni rejstrik). Total formation budget: 500-1,500 EUR.
Is the Czech Republic safe for expats?
The Czech Republic is one of the safest countries in Europe. Prague has a very low crime rate compared to other European capitals. The only issues reported by expats are pickpocketing in very touristy areas (Old Town Square, Charles Bridge) and some classic bar and taxi scams in the center. Outside these tourist zones, daily life is extremely safe.
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