Statistics show that Russians in the Czech Republic rank fifth in terms of the number of registered foreigners. This is due to a number of reasons, including social stability in the country, the desire to have European citizenship, and a well-developed infrastructure.
Why Russians are moving to the Czech Republic
According to various companies conducting social surveys, about 70% of Russian citizens would like to move to another country. Recently, the number of Russians who have received permanent residence or residence permit has increased significantly. The reasons are as follows:
- Having arrived to study, the young people stayed in the country. Education received in the Czech Republic is recognized in Europe. There are several higher educational institutions that are highly regarded by Europeans - Charles University, VSE (Higher School of Economics), Anglo-American University in Prague. To attract Russian applicants, Czech educational institutions hold various job fairs and open new specialties. The advantage is the possibility of budget education (subject to knowledge of the Czech language).
- Starting your own business, investing. To do this, it is enough to have a tourist visa and a police clearance certificate from the homeland. You can open your own business within one calendar month.
- Work in the Czech Republic (in branches of Russian companies or under a contract). Czech-Russian economic projects remain popular, according to which Russians move to work in the Czech Republic. The unemployment rate in the country is one of the lowest in the EU - no more than 3%. At the same time, the minimum wage established from 01.01. 2021 - 475 euros. The average salary in 2021 was 1,100 euros, for an unskilled worker - 600-700 euros. Citizens of the CIS countries are offered vacancies in the field of information technology, medicine, as well as working specialties.
- It is not difficult to obtain a residence permit if you want and have the opportunity. This requires an investment of 2.7 million euros, opening a company with 20 jobs. Employment also gives you the right to obtain a residence permit.
- Quality medical care.
- Czechs and Russians have similar languages and cultures. The Russian language can be heard in almost any city.
- European standard of living.
In addition, the stability of the kroon against the euro should be noted. This situation has persisted for several years.
A separate category of our compatriots is going to improve their health. The most popular places include Karlovy Vary, Jachymov, Marianske Lazne.
Housing problem
Before moving to another country, it is important to resolve the issue of housing. To buy or rent real estate, it is best to contact a realtor. Renting an apartment in the Czech Republic through an intermediary is a good option if you have a shortage of free time. Plus a wide range of offers.
Of course, you can start looking for housing on your own. This method is more time consuming, as it will take several days to get acquainted with all the proposals. In addition, you need to know the Czech language.
The best way to choose an apartment is via the Internet.
So, you can rent:
- room (with or without owners);
- apartment;
- apartments (large serviced apartment).
The lease term can be any. When making a deal, it is better to sign a contract, which will fix the obligations and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. Such a document, if drawn up correctly, will help to resolve disputable situations (or will not allow them to arise).
Buying real estate in the Czech Republic is a procedure that differs in many respects from that in Russia. For example, you can buy an apartment remotely. You will also be able to get a mortgage online. After the conclusion of the transaction, the buyer is obliged to pay a tax of 4% of the value of the property within three months after the signing of the purchase and sale agreement.
To buy an apartment, you do not need to be a resident of the Czech Republic, have a residence permit or permanent residence.
Foreigners can purchase any real estate (residential or commercial), which allows them to obtain a Czech multivisa according to a simplified procedure.
Country prices
The cost of living in the Czech Republic depends on the region. Prices as of 2021 look like this:
| Expenditure | Cost, EUR |
|---|---|
| Renting an apartment in Prague (1 month): | |
| ● 1-room, | 400-600 |
| ● 2-room, | 700-800 |
| ● 3-room | 1000-1100 |
| Rent an apartment, Brno, 1 month. | 350-450 |
| Rent an apartment, Karlovy Vary, 1 month. | 600-800 |
| Utilities (apartment 60 m 2, living - 3 people) | 150 |
| Apartment for sale in Karlovy Vary, m2 | 1000-1200 |
| Apartment for sale in Ostrava, 60 m2: | |
| ● sleeping area, | 700-900 |
| ● center | 800-1000 |
| Food | |
| Bread, 0.45 kg | 0,6-0,7 |
| Milk 1.5%, 1l | 0,4-0,55 |
| Chicken eggs, ten | 1 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | 0,5-0,6 |
| Apples, 1 kg | 1 |
| Beef, 1 kg | 6-8 |
| Services | |
| Mobile communication services, 1 min. | 0.1 |
| Travel card for all types of transport, 1 month | 21 |
| Internet, 1 month | 15 |
| Taxi, 1 km | 1 |
The table shows the average price indicators for the main products in the Czech Republic. In Prague, prices can be higher.
It is important to note that taxes must be paid by all persons who reside in the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year.
In 2021, taxation in the Czech Republic is set at the following level:
| Tax name | The size, % |
|---|---|
| At a profit | 19 |
| VAT: | |
| ● companies with an annual turnover of 37.5 thousand euros; | 21 |
| ● production of food products, printing industry, medicines; | 15 |
| ● sale of goods within the EU, international logistics services | 0 |
| Income | 15 |
| For transactions from the sale of real estate | 4 |
| For an employee | 11 |
| For the employer | 25 |
Pension program for Russians
A native of Russia who has worked in the Czech Republic for 15 years is entitled to receive a Czech pension. The retirement age is set at 63 years for childless women and 65 years for men. If a woman has children, her retirement age is considered individually by the pension fund.
The average amount of social security in the Czech Republic is 390 euros, which is significantly less than the average pension in Europe. The amount depends on several factors - the amount of earnings, seniority, etc. To apply for a pension, you need to contact the social security department at your place of residence.
The attitude of Czechs towards Russians
The Russian community in the Czech Republic is quite large. There are several organizations in Prague alone. The most famous is the Russian Tradition. It was created and exists with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the City Hall.
When deciding to move to the Czech Republic, it is important to take into account the difference in mentality. In general, Czechs are calm, non-conflict and have a positive attitude towards Russians.
Conclusions
So, let's note the following arguments in favor of moving to the Czech Republic:
- free education;
- inexpensive life by European standards;
- the opportunity to take real estate on a mortgage on acceptable terms;
- a fairly high standard of living;
- large Russian diaspora.
Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the following:
- expensive mobile communications;
- lack of convenience stores and pharmacies;
- most medicines are sold only with a doctor's prescription;
- finding a job with a decent salary for an unskilled employee is quite difficult.
