The Czech Republic — officially Czechia since 2016 — offers one of Central Europe’s most compelling combinations of history, quality of life and cost advantage. Prague is one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities: virtually undamaged by the Second World War, a Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architectural masterpiece set on the Vltava river. Beyond its beauty, Prague has become a significant European business hub with a strong tech sector, major multinational European offices and a growing startup scene. For UK nationals, the Czech Republic offers excellent quality of life at a cost meaningfully lower than Western European capitals.
Why Londoners Move to Czech Republic
- Prague’s architecture and culture — among the most beautiful preserved medieval city centres in Europe. Hradčany (Prague Castle), Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square and the Art Nouveau Municipal House represent centuries of extraordinary architecture largely intact
- Cost of living — Prague is significantly cheaper than London, Paris, Amsterdam or Berlin. Rental costs, food, restaurants and everyday services are all dramatically lower. The cost advantage is particularly significant for those with London-level remote salaries
- Tech and business hub — Prague hosts major European offices for companies including Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Accenture, Honeywell and many others. The Czech tech sector is growing, with a significant presence in IT services, cybersecurity and software development
- Central location — Prague is within 2 hours of Vienna, 4 hours of Berlin, 5 hours of Munich by train. The central European position makes weekend travel across the continent straightforward
- Beer culture — Czech beer (Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Kozel) is among the world’s finest. The local pub (hospoda) culture is a genuine social institution with some of the lowest beer prices in Europe
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
UK nationals moving to Czech Republic for more than 90 days require a Czech long-term visa or residence permit from the Czech Ministry of Interior.
Long-term visa (over 90 days) — for employment, study, family reunification or other defined purposes. Apply at the Czech Embassy in London. Processing: 60–90 days. The most common route for UK nationals with a Czech employment offer.
Employee card (Zaměstnanecká karta) — a combined work and residence permit for skilled workers with confirmed employment. Allows both residence and employment on a single document.
Blue Card — for highly qualified workers in shortage professions with a salary above 1.5× the average Czech gross wage.
Long-term residence permit for purpose of business — for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs establishing a Czech business.
Apply at the Czech Embassy, Notting Hill Gate, London. Processing times have improved but remain 60–90 days minimum; allow 3–4 months to be safe.
After arrival:
- Register at the Foreign Police (Cizinecká policie) within 3 working days of arrival
- Obtain your Czech ID number (rodné číslo) — needed for tax registration, health insurance and administrative processes
- Register with a Czech health insurance company — health insurance is compulsory for all Czech residents
Prague: Where to Live
Vinohrady — Prague’s most popular expat neighbourhood. Beautiful late 19th-century apartment buildings, wide tree-lined avenues, excellent restaurants and cafés, strong international community. Prague 2/3 postal districts.
Žižkov — adjacent to Vinohrady, historically working class, now bohemian and increasingly gentrified. More affordable than Vinohrady. The Žižkov TV Tower is a local landmark. Prague 3.
Holešovice — former industrial district on the northern bank of the Vltava, now a creative and food hub. Modern apartment developments alongside converted factory spaces. Growing tech office presence. Prague 7.
Dejvice / Bubeneč — quieter, leafy residential districts in Prague 6. Near the airport, popular with diplomats and families. More expensive but excellent quality.
Smíchov — south of the old town, increasingly popular with young professionals. Good transport, growing restaurant scene. Prague 5.
Cost of Moving from London to Czech Republic
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £500 – £1,000 | Studios, 1-bed flats, personal effects |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,200 – £2,500 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £500 | Full household packing by our team |
Prague, Brno, Ostrava and all Czech cities covered. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Czech Republic.
London to Czech Republic: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Prague | 3–5 working days |
| Brno | 3–5 working days |
| Ostrava | 4–6 working days |
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Czech Republic
What visa do I need to move from London to Czech Republic?
UK nationals need a Czech long-term visa or residence permit for stays over 90 days. For employment, the Employee Card (combined work and residence permit) is the most common route. Apply at the Czech Embassy in London; allow 3–4 months for processing.
Is Czech Republic expensive compared to London?
No. Prague is significantly cheaper — rental costs are roughly 50–60% lower than London for equivalent quality. Restaurants, groceries and services are a fraction of London prices. This makes Prague particularly attractive for those with remote jobs paying London or Western European salaries.
How long does a removal from London to Czech Republic take?
Transit from London to Prague typically takes 3–5 working days.
Does Easy Move handle EU customs documentation for Czech Republic?
Yes. Czech Republic is an EU member state and Transfer of Residence relief applies to all household goods shipments.
What language do I need to know to live in Prague?
English is widely spoken in Prague’s tech sector, international business community and tourist areas. Outside these contexts, Czech is needed for daily administration, healthcare and social integration. Basic Czech significantly improves daily life quality; it is a Slavic language and not easy for English speakers, but even a modest level is appreciated.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.