Prague: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Prague in 2026

Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful and safest capitals, with a strong IT sector, good universities and moderate prices by Western European standards. The city is compact, with excellent public transport and a large Russian-speaking community. But for citizens of Russia and Belarus relocation is now almost closed: Czech embassies do not accept their applications for work and business visas, so Prague is realistic mainly for citizens of other countries or those who already hold European Union status.

What it costs to live in Prague

Prices come from two independent 2026 price databases, with koruna converted at the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, about 21.83 koruna per dollar. A square metre in the centre costs about $9,250-10,120.

Where to live in Prague: districts

• Vinohrady - green streets with early 20th-century buildings, cafés and parks, popular with foreigners.
• Karlín - a renewed riverside district with offices and new builds.
• Žižkov - a lively district with bars and rents lower than Vinohrady.
• Holešovice - a former industrial area with galleries and lofts.
• Smíchov - on the left bank, a mall, a station and good transport.
• Dejvice - a quiet district near the universities and airport, convenient for families.
• Old Town and Malá Strana - the historic centre, expensive and touristy.

Visas and residence

For nationals from outside the European Union the main routes are work, study, family reunification and a business visa based on a trade licence, which requires about CZK 156,500 in an account, about $7,200. IT and marketing specialists from 12 countries can use a digital nomad programme with income from about $3,400 a month. The visa is issued for up to a year, followed by a residence permit for up to 2 years. Citizens of Russia and Belarus cannot use these routes now: embassies do not accept their applications, even with a second passport, and since 3 July 2024 holders of Russian non-biometric passports are refused entry. More on the Czech nomad and freelancer visa page.

Taxes in the Czech Republic

Income tax is 15% on income up to CZK 1,762,812 a year, about $80,760, and 23% above, with a basic credit of CZK 30,840 a year. Employees pay 11.6% contributions and employers 33.8%. A sole trader can pay a single monthly lump sum from CZK 9,162, about $420, covering tax and contributions. Corporate tax and VAT are both 21%, and there is no inheritance tax. The double tax treaty with Russia effectively does not work. More on the Taxes in the Czech Republic page.

Renting and buying

Flats are let for a year with a deposit of usually one to three months' rent, and utilities are often paid in advance separately from rent. Good flats in Vinohrady and Karlín go within days, so documents for the lease are prepared in advance. Foreigners can buy flats in the Czech Republic, but a purchase gives no right to residence. Banks rarely give mortgages to foreigners without permanent status.

Climate and everyday life

The climate is temperate: cold winters around zero and warm summers of 20-25 degrees. Public transport - metro, trams and buses - is among Europe's best, and a car is hardly needed in the city. The official language is Czech, while IT and international companies work in English. Healthcare and schools are good, there are international schools for foreigners, and public healthcare is available to those insured in the public system.

Pitfalls

• Relocation is almost closed to citizens of Russia and Belarus.
• High payroll contributions, especially for employers.
• Competition for good flats in the centre.
• Without Czech, government services are harder.
• The double tax treaty with Russia does not work.

Murblz specialists check which routes are open for your citizenship and suggest European Union alternatives if the Czech Republic is closed.