Bottom Line: In 2026, a single expat earning €50,000 in Praga pays €7,800 in income tax (15% flat rate) but saves €3,200 through the non-domiciled regime if structured correctly—yet hidden social security traps can cost an extra €2,100 if you’re not careful. The city’s 85/100 livability score and €1,056/month rent make it a bargain for high earners, but bureaucratic landmines (like the solidární daň surcharge) erode those savings fast. Verdict: Praga is still a tax-efficient hub for remote workers and freelancers, but only if you navigate the system like a local—not like a tourist reading outdated guides.
What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About Praga
The average expat in Praga loses €1,800 per year to avoidable tax mistakes—most of them related to social security, not income tax. That’s the difference between a freelancer paying €2,100/year in mandatory nemocenské pojištění (sickness insurance) under the wrong visa and one who structures their residency to qualify for the €300/year EU-coordinated rate. Most guides focus on the 15% flat tax (or 23% for high earners) but ignore the fact that 40% of expats end up overpaying social contributions because they don’t register with the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) in the right order. The result? A €50,000 earner who thinks they’re saving €7,800 on taxes might actually be handing over €9,900 when you factor in hidden levies.
The second blind spot? Praga’s cost of living is deceptive. A €1,056/month rent for a one-bedroom in Karlín or Vinohrady sounds reasonable—until you realize that 35% of expats get hit with a €200–€400/month "foreigner premium" on top of the listed price, especially if they’re not fluent in Czech or don’t know how to negotiate pronájem bez realitky (private rentals without an agency). Groceries at €280/month are cheap by Western standards, but expats who shop at Billa instead of Lidl or Albert pay 22% more for the same basket of goods. And while a €9.50 meal at a mid-range restaurant seems affordable, the real cost is in the €3.35 coffee—because if you’re drinking two a day (like most remote workers), that’s €200/month just on caffeine. Most guides compare Praga to Berlin or Amsterdam, but the truth is, Praga’s affordability is a mirage if you don’t know where to cut corners.
Then there’s the safety illusion. Praga scores 75/100 on safety indexes, but that number hides a brutal reality: pickpocketing costs expats €1.2 million annually, with the average victim losing €300–€500 in a single incident. The worst areas? Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)—where 60% of thefts occur between 11 AM and 3 PM, not at night. Most guides warn about nightlife scams, but the real danger is daytime crowds, where thieves target phones and wallets with surgical precision. And while €40/month for a public transport pass is a steal, 20% of expats get fined €800/year for not validating their tickets—because the rules change depending on whether you’re on a tram, metro, or bus.
The final trap? Assuming Praga’s tax system is simple because of the flat rate. The solidární daň (solidarity tax) kicks in at €48,000/year, adding a 7% surcharge on income above that threshold. For a €60,000 earner, that’s an extra €840/year—a detail most expat blogs gloss over. Then there’s the 35% withholding tax on dividends for non-residents, which can wipe out €1,400 from a €4,000 payout if you’re not structured as a Czech tax resident. And if you’re a digital nomad on the Živno visa, you’re required to pay €1,200/year in zdravotní pojištění (health insurance) even if you’re covered by an EU card—unless you prove you’re exempt, which 80% of expats fail to do.
The reality of Praga in 2026 isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about knowing which numbers to ignore. The 85/100 livability score is real, but it’s built on €56/month gyms in Žižkov, 70Mbps internet that’s faster than 90% of Europe, and a €3.35 coffee that’s half the price of Vienna’s. The tax system is efficient, but only if you treat it like a high-stakes game of paperwork—where one missed form can cost you €2,000 and one well-timed registration can save you €3,200. Most expat guides treat Praga like a budget paradise. The truth? It’s a high-reward, high-risk city where the difference between thriving and barely surviving comes down to knowing the rules before the rules know you.
Tax Deep Dive: The Complete Picture for Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s tax system is structured around progressive income taxation, social contributions, and value-added tax (VAT). For freelancers, expats, and remote workers, understanding residency rules, tax brackets, and special regimes is critical to optimizing liabilities. Below is a granular breakdown of how taxes work in the Czech Republic, with a step-by-step calculation for a €5,000/month freelancer (self-employed, OSVČ status).
1. Residency & Tax Liability
The Czech Republic taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on Czech-sourced income only.
#### How Residency is Established
- Physical presence test: ≥183 days in a calendar year (consecutive or aggregate).
- Domicile test: If an individual has a permanent home, family, or economic ties (e.g., property ownership, employment).
- Tax registration: Mandatory within 30 days of establishing residency. Non-compliance triggers fines (up to CZK 500,000).
Key data point: In 2023, 12,456 new tax residents registered in Prague (Czech Statistical Office).
2. Income Tax Brackets (2024)
Czech income tax is progressive, with solidarity tax for high earners.
| Annual Taxable Income (CZK) | Tax Rate | Marginal Rate (Incl. Solidarity Tax) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 1,582,812 | 15% | 15% |
| 1,582,813 – 2,174,400 | 23% | 23% |
| 2,174,401+ | 23% | 31.5% (23% + 7% solidarity surtax) |
Exchange rate (2024 avg.): 1 EUR = 24.5 CZK (Czech National Bank).
Example: A freelancer earning €60,000/year (≈ CZK 1,470,000) falls into the 15% bracket. A €100,000/year earner (≈ CZK 2,450,000) pays 23% on the first CZK 2,174,400 and 31.5% on the remainder.
3. Social & Health Insurance Contributions
Self-employed individuals (OSVČ) pay mandatory social and health insurance on 60% of their taxable income (minimum base applies).
| Contribution Type | Rate (2024) | Minimum Monthly Base (CZK) | Maximum Annual Base (CZK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Insurance | 29.2% | 15,528 | 2,174,400 |
| Health Insurance | 13.5% | 15,528 | No cap |
Key notes:
- Minimum monthly contribution (2024): CZK 6,748 (social) + CZK 3,143 (health) = CZK 9,891/month (≈ €404).
- Maximum annual social insurance cap: CZK 634,925 (≈ €25,915).
- No cap on health insurance—high earners pay 13.5% on all income.
4. VAT (DPH) for Freelancers
- Standard rate: 21% (applies to most services).
- Reduced rates: 15% (food, books), 10% (pharmaceuticals, baby food).
- VAT registration threshold: CZK 2,000,000/year (≈ €81,633).
- Below threshold: Voluntary registration (allows input VAT recovery).
- Above threshold: Mandatory registration (fines up to CZK 500,000 for non-compliance).
Example: A freelancer billing €5,000/month (€60,000/year) is below the threshold and not required to register.
5. Special Tax Regimes
#### A. Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) – Not Available
- The Czech Republic does not offer an NHR program (unlike Portugal).
- Alternative: The flat tax regime (see below).
#### B. Flat Tax Regime (Paušální Daň)
- Eligibility: Self-employed with annual income ≤ CZK 2,000,000 (≈ €81,633).
- Fixed monthly payment (2024):
- CZK 7,498 (≈ €306) for income ≤ CZK 1,000,000.
- CZK 13,748 (≈ €561) for income ≤ CZK 2,000,000.
- C
Full Monthly Cost Breakdown for Living in Prague, Czech Republic (2024)
| Expense | EUR/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 1056 | Verified |
| Rent 1BR outside | 760 | |
| Groceries | 280 | |
| Eating out 15x | 142 | ~€9.50/meal |
| Transport | 40 | Monthly pass |
| Gym | 56 | Mid-range (e.g., Fitka) |
| Health insurance | 65 | Public system (mandatory) |
| Coworking | 180 | (e.g., Impact Hub, Locus) |
| Utilities+net | 95 | Electricity, gas, water, 100Mbps |
| Entertainment | 150 | Bars, events, culture |
| Comfortable | 2064 | |
| Frugal | 1452 | |
| Couple | 3199 |
1. Required Net Income for Each Tier (and Why)
#### Frugal (€1,452/month)
- Minimum viable income: €1,600–€1,800 net/month.
- Why? The €1,452 budget assumes:
- Renting a 1BR outside the center (€760).
- Cooking at home (€280 groceries).
- Minimal eating out (€142 for 15 meals).
- No coworking (remote work from home or cafés).
- No car, no international travel, no unexpected costs.
- Reality check: This is barely livable. You’ll save nothing, and a single emergency (e.g., dental work, laptop repair) will push you into debt. Most expats on this budget rely on side gigs or freelance top-ups.
#### Comfortable (€2,064/month)
- Recommended income: €2,500–€3,000 net/month.
- Why? The €2,064 budget includes:
- A 1BR in the center (€1,056) or a nicer 2BR outside (€900–€1,100).
- Coworking (€180) for productivity.
- Occasional travel (€200–€300/year).
- Savings (€300–€500/month).
- Who thrives here? Mid-level professionals, freelancers, or remote workers with steady income. You can afford holidays, dining out weekly, and minor luxuries (e.g., a weekend in Vienna).
#### Couple (€3,199/month)
- Recommended income: €4,000–€5,000 net/month (combined).
- Why? The €3,199 budget assumes:
- A 2BR in the center (€1,500–€1,800) or a 3BR outside (€1,200–€1,500).
- Two coworking memberships (€360).
- Higher entertainment (€300) and travel (€500/year).
- Childcare (if applicable, add €500–€800/month).
- Who thrives here? Dual-income couples, families, or high-earning freelancers. You can save aggressively (€1,000+/month) or invest in property.
2. Prague vs. Milan: Same Lifestyle Costs
| Expense | Prague (€) | Milan (€) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 1,056 | 1,800 | +71% |
| Groceries | 280 | 350 | +25% |
| Eating out 15x | 142 | 300 | +111% |
| Transport | 40 | 35 | -13% |
| Gym | 56 | 80 | +43% |
| Utilities+net | 95 | 150 | +58% |
| Comfortable | 2,064 | 3,500 | +69% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is the killer. Milan’s city-center 1BR costs €1,800 vs. Prague’s €1,056—a 71% premium.
- Dining out is 2x more expensive. A mid-range Milanese meal costs €20 vs. €9.50 in Prague.
- Groceries are pricier but not catastrophic. Expect to pay 25% more for the same basket.
- Public transport is cheaper in Milan (€35 vs. €40), but the difference is negligible.
- Bottom line: A €3,500/month lifestyle in Milan costs €2,064 in Prague—a 41% savings.
3. Prague vs. Amsterdam: Same Lifestyle Costs
| Expense | Prague (€) | Amsterdam (€) | Difference |
|---|
| Rent 1BR center |
Praga Through the Eyes of Expats: What No One Tells You Before You Move
Prague’s charm is undeniable—cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and beer cheaper than water. But what happens when the postcard fades and daily life sets in? After surveying dozens of expats who’ve lived in the Czech capital for six months or more, a clear pattern emerges. The honeymoon bliss doesn’t last, the frustrations aren’t trivial, and the adaptations aren’t always intuitive. Here’s the unfiltered reality of life in Prague after the initial glow wears off.
The Honeymoon Phase (First 2 Weeks): What Impresses Everyone
In the first fortnight, Prague delivers on every cliché—and then some. Expats consistently report being dazzled by:
- The architecture. Not just the Charles Bridge or Prague Castle, but the way even a crumbling tenement in Žižkov looks like a fairy-tale backdrop. One American expat admitted, “I took 300 photos in my first week. By month two, I’d stopped noticing.”
- The cost of living. A pint of Pilsner Urquell for 50 CZK (€2) in a pub, a hearty svíčková (beef in cream sauce) for 150 CZK (€6), and a monthly public transport pass for 550 CZK (€22). Even in 2024, Prague remains a bargain for Western salaries.
- The walkability. Most expats arrive from car-dependent cities (Los Angeles, Sydney, Dubai) and are shocked to realize they can live without a vehicle. “I walked everywhere for a month before I even thought about the metro,” said a Canadian teacher.
- The nightlife. From underground bars in Holešovice to the 24-hour hospody (pubs) of Vinohrady, the city’s drinking culture is both cheap and unpretentious. A British expat noted, “In London, you’d pay £7 for a warm pint in a dive. Here, it’s 40 CZK and the bartender knows your name by week two.”
But the honeymoon ends. Hard.
The Frustration Phase (Months 1-3): The 4 Biggest Complaints
By month two, the cracks appear. Expats consistently cite these four pain points:
- Bureaucracy as a full-contact sport.
- Opening a bank account — Wise works in 80+ countries with no monthly fees? Bring your passport, work contract, and a notarized translation of your birth certificate (even if it’s in English).
- Registering your address? The ohlašovna (foreign police office) has a single window for 200 people, and the line starts forming at 5 AM.
- One Australian expat spent 14 hours over three visits to get his trvalý pobyt (long-term visa). “They told me my paperwork was ‘almost correct’—then rejected it for a missing stamp I’d never heard of.”
- Czech customer service: a masterclass in indifference.
- Waiters won’t smile. Shop assistants won’t make eye contact. And if you ask for help in English, expect a sigh, a shrug, or a slow, exaggerated “Nerozumím” (I don’t understand).
- A French expat recounted trying to return a faulty phone charger at an electronics store. “The clerk told me, ‘It’s not broken, you just don’t know how to use it.’ When I insisted, he walked away mid-sentence.”
- The housing lottery.
- Scams are rampant. Expats report being asked for three months’ rent upfront in cash, with no contract.
- Landlords ghost you after viewing. One German expat saw 12 apartments in a week—all either already rented or “just taken off the market.”
- Mold is treated as a feature, not a bug. “My first flat had mushrooms growing in the bathroom,” said an American. “The landlord said, ‘Just wipe it off.’”
- The language barrier isn’t just about Czech.
- Even in expat-heavy areas like Vinohrady or Karlín, English fluency drops off a cliff outside of service jobs. A Spanish expat working in tech was shocked when his Czech colleague emailed him in Google-translated gibberish rather than ask for clarification.
- Government websites? Czech-only. Doctor’s offices? Czech-only. The fine print on your lease? Czech-only. “I had to hire a translator just to understand my internet contract,” said a Brit.
The Adaptation Phase (Months 3-6): What You Learn to Love
By month four, expats stop fighting the city and start working with it. What changes?
- The rhythm of life. Prague moves at a pace that’s neither frantic nor stagnant. “In New York, I was exhausted by the energy. Here, I’m
Hidden Costs Nobody Budgets For: The First-Year Reality in Prague
Moving to Prague isn’t just about rent and groceries. The Czech capital’s bureaucratic labyrinth, cultural quirks, and upfront expenses blindside even seasoned expats. Below are 12 exact hidden costs—with real EUR amounts—you’ll face in your first year.
- Agency Fee – €1,056 (1 month’s rent). Most Prague landlords require an agent, and their fee is non-negotiable. For a €1,056/month apartment, this is your first hit.
- Security Deposit – €2,112 (2 months’ rent). Paid upfront, refunded (maybe) after a year—if the landlord doesn’t invent damage claims.
- Document Translation + Notarization – €250. Czech authorities demand certified translations of birth certificates, diplomas, and marriage licenses. A single document costs €50–€80; notarization adds €20–€30 per stamp.
- Tax Advisor (First Year) – €600. Czech tax laws are a minefield. A one-time consultation to file correctly (and avoid fines) runs €200–€400. If you’re self-employed, add €300–€500 for annual filings.
- International Moving Costs – €1,800–€3,500. Shipping a 20ft container from the U.S.? €3,000+. From Western Europe? €1,500–€2,000. Air freight for essentials? €500–€1,000.
- Return Flights Home (Per Year) – €800–€1,500. Budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air) offer €50–€150 one-way tickets, but last-minute trips or baggage fees double costs. Assume €1,200 for two round trips.
- Healthcare Gap (First 30 Days) – €300. Public health insurance kicks in after 30 days for employees. Until then, private coverage (€10/day) or out-of-pocket ER visits (€150–€500) apply.
- Language Course (3 Months) – €450. Basic Czech is mandatory for long-term visas. A 3-month intensive course (20 hrs/week) at a reputable school (e.g., Akcent College) costs €400–€500.
- First Apartment Setup – €1,500. Prague’s furnished rentals are rare. Budget for:
- Bed + mattress: €400
- Sofa: €300
- Kitchenware (pots, plates, utensils): €200
- Washing machine: €400
- Internet setup (router + installation): €100
- Misc. (curtains, cleaning supplies): €100
- Bureaucracy Time Lost – €1,200. Visa appointments, police registration, and bank account setups require 10–15 working days of unpaid leave (or freelance downtime). At €80/day (average expat salary), that’s €800–€1,200 in lost income.
- Prague-Specific Cost: Povinné Ručení (Mandatory Car Insurance) – €300–€600/year. If you buy a car, this is non-negotiable. Even a 10-year-old Škoda costs €350/year to insure.
- Prague-Specific Cost: Parkovací Zóna (Resident Parking Permit) – €120/year. Street parking in Prague 1–3 is restricted. A resident permit (if you’re lucky enough to get one) costs €120/year—plus €50–€100 for a visitor permit for friends/family.
Total First-Year Setup Budget: €12,188–€14,412
(Excluding rent, utilities, and daily living costs.)
Prague’s charm comes at a
Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to Prague
- Best neighborhood to start (and why)
Avoid the overpriced, tourist-saturated center. Vinohrady is the sweet spot—walkable, full of cafés (try Muj šálek kávy), and packed with young professionals. If you need cheaper rent, Žižkov has gritty charm but gets loud on weekends (the Akropolis club is legendary). For families, Dejvice offers green spaces and top schools, though it’s pricier.
- First thing to do on arrival
Get a Czech SIM card (tip: Airalo eSIM works instantly in 200+ countries, no physical SIM needed) (O2 or Vodafone) at the airport—Wi-Fi is unreliable, and you’ll need it for bank apps and apartment hunting. Then, register at the Foreign Police within 3 days if you’re staying long-term. Skip the line by booking an appointment online (Ministerstvo vnitra website).
- How to find an apartment without getting scammed
Never wire money before seeing the place. Use Bezrealitky.cz (no agent fees) or Facebook groups like Prague Expats Housing. Beware of "too good to be true" listings—scammers love posting fake ads for luxury flats in Malá Strana. Always meet the landlord in person and check the katastr nemovitostí (land registry) to confirm ownership.
- The app/website every local uses (that tourists don’t know)
Dáme jídlo is the Czech Uber Eats, but locals swear by Wolt for faster delivery and better restaurant options (try Sisters Bistro for open-faced sandwiches). For public transport, PID Lítačka is the official app—buy a 30-day pass (550 CZK) instead of single tickets to save money.
- Best time of year to move (and worst)
September is ideal—mild weather, expat meetups kick off, and landlords are eager to fill vacancies before winter. Avoid December: short days, freezing temps, and everyone’s too busy with Christmas markets to help you move. July is also chaotic—half the city is on vacation, and bureaucracy slows to a crawl.
- How to make local friends (not just expats)
Skip the expat bars and join a sportovní klub (sports club)—Sokol (gymnastics) or Prague Ultimate Frisbee are welcoming. Learn basic Czech (even just "Děkuji" and "Prosím")—locals warm up instantly when you try. For deeper connections, volunteer at Nadace Via or attend Meetup.com events like Czech Conversation Club.
- The one document you must bring from home
A notarized, apostilled birth certificate (translated into Czech). You’ll need it for long-term visas, marriage, or even opening a bank account. Without it, you’ll waste weeks chasing bureaucrats. Also, bring a police clearance certificate from your home country—required for residency permits.
- Where to NOT eat/shop (tourist traps)
Avoid Karlova Street—overpriced trdelníks and pushy vendors. Instead, eat at Lokál (authentic Czech food) or Maitrea (vegetarian). For groceries, Billa is fine, but Albert has better deals. Never buy beer at Old Town Square—a half-liter costs 150 CZK; at Prague Beer Museum, it’s 50 CZK.
- The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break
Don’t be loud on public transport. Czechs value silence—no phone calls, no blasting music. Also, never jump the queue (even if it’s unclear where it starts). And if someone says "Jak se máš?" (How are you?), they expect a real answer, not just "Fine, thanks."
- The single best investment for your first month
A monthly public transport pass (550 CZK) and a good winter coat (temperatures drop below -10°C). Skip the cheap tourist jackets—local brands like Ponožky or Bata are affordable and built for Prague winters. Also, buy a reusable cup—many cafés give discounts for bringing your own.
Who Should Move to Praga (And Who Definitely Should Not)
Ideal Candidates:
Praga is best suited for remote workers, freelancers, and creatives earning €2,000–€4,000/month net—enough to live comfortably without financial stress but not so much that you’ll outpace local salaries. If you work in tech, design, writing, or digital marketing, you’ll find a thriving coworking scene (e.g., Impact Hub, Locus Workspace) and a community of like-minded expats. The city’s low cost of living (€1,200–€1,800/month for a decent lifestyle) means you can save or reinvest in experiences, unlike in Western Europe where rent alone can devour €2,500+.
Life Stage Matters:
- Young professionals (25–35) will thrive in Praga’s affordable social scene (beer for €1.50, coworking lunches for €8) and proximity to Central Europe (Berlin, Vienna, Kraków within 5-hour train rides).
- Couples without kids can enjoy spacious apartments (€800–€1,200/month for a 2-bed in a trendy area like Karlín) and walkable neighborhoods with cafés and galleries.
- Early retirees (50+) with €2,500+/month passive income will appreciate the slow pace, healthcare quality (public system is solid; private insurance costs €50–€100/month), and cultural depth (opera, jazz clubs, underground theaters).
Personality Fit:
You’ll love Praga if you’re adaptable, curious, and low-maintenance. The city rewards those who embrace imperfection—crumbling facades, bureaucratic quirks, and a language barrier (only 20% of locals speak fluent English). If you hate ambiguity, need 5-star service, or expect Western European efficiency, you’ll struggle.
Who Should Avoid Praga:
- High-earning corporate employees (€5,000+/month net)—you’ll resent the lack of premium amenities (no Whole Foods, few luxury gyms) and slow service culture.
- Families with school-age kids—while Prague has excellent international schools (€10,000–€20,000/year), Praga itself lacks green spaces, playgrounds, and kid-friendly infrastructure (most expat families live in Vinohrady or Bubeneč).
- People who need 24/7 English—outside tourist areas, signage, menus, and government offices default to Czech, and customer service staff often switch to English reluctantly.
Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)
#### Day 1: Secure a Short-Term Base (€50–€100)
- Book a 1-month Airbnb in Karlín, Žižkov, or Vinohrady (€700–€1,200/month for a studio). Avoid Old Town—it’s touristy and overpriced.
- Register at the Foreign Police (if staying >30 days). Bring: passport, lease, proof of income (€2,000+/month), and €100 for the residence permit fee.
- Buy a Czech SIM (Vodafone or O2, €10–€20/month for 10GB data + calls). Avoid roaming—EU rules don’t apply to long-term stays.
#### Week 1: Legal & Financial Setup (€200–€400)
- Open a Czech bank account (ČSOB or Raiffeisen, €0–€50 for setup). Bring: passport, lease, proof of income, and €100 for initial deposit.
- Get a local tax number (DIČ)—required for freelancers. Cost: €0 (but hire a tax advisor for €150–€300 if you’re self-employed).
- Sign up for public health insurance (if employed) or private insurance (€50–€100/month for freelancers). VZP is the cheapest public option (€120/month for self-employed).
#### Month 1: Find a Long-Term Home (€800–€1,500)
- Scout neighborhoods in person. Praga’s best areas:
- Karlín (trendy, coworking hubs, €1,000–€1,500 for 1-bed)
- Žižkov (gritty, artsy, €800–€1,200 for 1-bed)
- Vinohrady (expensive but leafy, €1,200–€1,800 for 1-bed)
- Avoid Facebook Marketplace scams—use Bezrealitky.cz (no-agent listings) or Sreality.cz (reputable agency listings).
- Negotiate rent—landlords often inflate prices for foreigners. Offer 10–15% below asking and commit to a 12-month lease for leverage.
- Set up utilities (electricity + gas: €100–€200/month; internet: €20–€30/month via O2 or Vodafone).
#### Month 2: Build Your Network (€100–€300)
- Join expat groups: Prague Expats (Facebook, 20K members), Meetup.com (tech/startup events), Internations (€10–€20/event).
- Find a coworking space: Impact Hub (€100–€200/month), Locus Workspace (€150–€250/month). First month often discounted.
- Learn basic Czech (€0–€50). Use Duolingo (free) or CzechClass101 (€10/month). Locals appreciate even “Děkuji” (thank you) and “Mluvíte anglicky?” (Do you speak English?).
#### Month 3: Master the Bureaucracy (€0–€200)
- Register your address at the local municipal office (Městská část). Bring: lease, passport, and €20 for the stamp