Moving to Prague | Prague British International School

Q: Will I find it easy to meet other expats living in Prague?

Living in Prague as an expat, you&rsquo;ll meet many people in a similar situation &ndash; the city is a bustling hub of internationals working for big corporations, families with children, diplomats, and digital nomads.According to the country&rsquo;s leading expat portal, expats.cz, the international community in the Czech Republic is approximately 700,000 people strong.

MOVING TO PRAGUE

Welcome to the Nord Anglia Education guide to Prague. On this page, you’ll find detailed information about moving to – and living in – Prague, covering everything from the Czech Republic’s visa requirements to the exceptional education we offer at Prague British International School (PBIS).

JOIN ONE OF THE WORLD’S HAPPIEST CITIES

Prague is a cosmopolitan city, rich in history and culture. Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech capital offers families an excellent standard of living. Prague is an incredibly safe and child-friendly city, too, which is consistently ranked among the happiest places in the world.

When it comes to things to do, living in Prague really does offer something for every member of the family. From baroque castles and food festivals to hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains, you’ll have access to an array of exciting activities.

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO PRAGUE

Looking for practical tips about moving to Prague with your children? We’ve highlighted some things you’ll need to consider before you relocate to the Czech Republic.

Work permits and visas

One of the first things to do before you move to Prague is to investigate – and arrange – the right visas for your family.

Work permits and visas

Whether you'll need a visa to enter the Czech Republic is conditional on your nationality, the reason for travel, and the duration of your stay.

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland you won’t need a visa to enter Prague (and stay for up to 90 days). Citizens of visa-exempt countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan also don’t need a visa.

Long-term visas

To stay for longer than 90 days, families relocating to Prague will need to get a long-term visa. This type of visa is designed for people who plan to work or study in the Czech Republic.

The maximum duration for a long-term visa is one year. Before your long-term visa expires, you’ll have the option to extend for a maximum of 12 months – or you can apply to change the visa status to a permanent residency permit. You can do this at your nearest Ministry of the Interior office.

To find out more or start your visa application, visit the Ministry’s Official Information Portal.

Healthcare and insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in the Czech Republic, enabling families to access Prague’s excellent public and/or private systems.

Healthcare and insurance

The standard of healthcare in Prague is high – in fact, the country’s healthcare scheme has been praised as one of the best in the EU.

The affordability and standard of medical treatment in the country have even seen the Czech Republic emerge as a popular destination for medical tourism. There are many excellent clinics, led by doctors who speak English or German.

It’s compulsory to have health insurance in the Czech Republic, whether through a public or private provider. Czech citizens, residents and anyone working for a Czech employer are automatically insured under the country’s public healthcare system and pay monthly contributions.

Other long-term visitors will need to source their own insurance using one of many reputable providers.

Finding a place to live in Prague

From historic city centre apartments to modern homes in the suburbs, Prague has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets – both to rent and buy.

Finding a place to live in Prague

When moving to Prague, you’ll have a wealth of accommodation choices. Where you live will, of course, depend on your budget, preferred style, and location.

Neighbourhood guide

Prague’s historic centre (known as Prague 1) is made up of five quarters. Hradčany and Malá Strana are located around Prague Castle. Staré Město (Old Town), Nové Město (New Town), and Josefov (the old Jewish quarter) are situated on the bank of the Vltava River. These quarters typically attract younger expats, however, rather than families.

Prague 2 is one of the most popular expat districts, particularly the Vinohrady quarter. Located just east of the city centre, this green neighbourhood houses spacious, high-ceilinged apartments in old-fashioned buildings. Prague 2 is also home to lots of trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and designer shops.

Prague 4, 5, and 6 are probably the most popular districts for expats with families. All three are quiet, residential areas with ample green spaces and a good selection of family housing.

Prague 4, in the south of the city centre on the bank of the Vltava River, has plenty of modern apartment buildings and family homes. Our Kamýk and Libuš campuses are located in this district.
Prague 5 is increasingly popular among expats. Situated around the Anděl metro station, south of Petřín Hill, many families choose to live in Prague 5 because it’s close to the city centre and yet a relatively quiet neighbourhood.
Prague 6, just northwest of Prague Castle, is popular due to its parks and nature reserves. It’s home to a large selection of high-standard family homes, as well as our Vlastina campus. Many embassies are located in Prague 6, too, and it’s also the district closest to Prague Airport.

Recommended links

If you’re looking for somewhere to rent or buy in Prague, the expats.cz website is a useful starting point.

LIVING IN PRAGUE

Our guide to living in Prague covers transport, things to do, and more, ensuring your family has the information they need to settle into this wonderful city.

Getting around

Prague is an incredibly easy city to navigate, thanks to its excellent metro, bus, and tram systems, and its pedestrian-friendly size and layout.

Getting around

Prague’s relatively small size means you’re never far from the city centre. This, in combination with Prague’s excellent public transport system, makes accessing most districts extremely easy.

Public transport

Prague’s metro system has three lines that cover the city, which run from 5am until midnight. Unlike many other metropolises, Prague’s metro is clean, safe, and easy to navigate, with signs and announcements in both Czech and English.

With their iconic red and white design, trams are a symbol of the city. The network is one of the largest in the world and covers most districts, including many areas not served by the metro.

Taxis

Whilst taxis are a more expensive mode of transport to use when living in Prague, they can be a good way to get around outside of rush hours or at night. Reputable companies include AAA Radiotaxi, City Taxi and SEDOP. Uber is also available in Prague.

Renting a car

With so many great public transport options, owning a car can be more hassle than it’s worth. Whilst it may be useful for day or weekend trips out of the city, heavy rush hour traffic, a shortage of parking, and lots of one-way streets mean public transport is a more efficient way to get around Prague.

Bikes

Cycling lanes are incorporated into lots of the city’s sidewalks, and cyclists can use many of the pedestrian zones in the centre. NextBike operates bike-sharing programmes in the city.

Things to do

There’s so much to see and do for families living in Prague, from mountain adventures to museums, castles, and riverside restaurants.

Things to do

Often referred to as the ‘cultural centre of Europe’, Prague is home to famous attractions, exciting events, and countless festivals.

Prague Castle is a must-visit, while the quirky sculptures of the John Lennon Wall area are a big draw for art lovers. Prague Zoo and the Museum of Senses are popular with families. There’s also much to explore beyond the city centre, including day trips to Karlštejn Castle and hiking in Divoká Šárka.

The city itself is full of secret courtyards, independent coffee shops, and underground music venues. Some of our favourite places off the beaten track include:

Žluté lázně: An outdoor sports area with kayak and paddleboard rental.
Altán Grebovka: A vineyard in the middle of the city.
Riegrovy sady: A great place to watch the sunset.
Vrtbovská zahrada: A stunning baroque garden in Old Town.

What’s more, living in Prague makes it easy to visit neighbouring European countries, including Germany and Austria.

Language and culture

Families moving to Prague will enjoy a rich tapestry of cultural experiences – and benefit from opportunities to immerse themselves in the Czech language.

Language and culture

Prague’s culture is deeply intertwined with its language. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and well-established traditions, too.

Music and dance are integral elements of Czech culture, and folk festivals, known as ‘folklorní slavnosti’, are held throughout the year. Czech cuisine, meanwhile, is hearty and flavourful, with traditional dishes like guláš, a delicious beef stew, perfect for sharing as a family.

You can find a comprehensive list of cultural information and events on the expats.cz website.

Learning the Czech language

For many English speakers living in Prague, it can be easy to overlook the importance of learning Czech.

Whilst the city is home to many English-speaking Czechs, once you venture beyond the centre, you’ll quickly discover the value of knowing some basic vocabulary. Plus, learning the language can greatly enhance your experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s culture and connect with locals.

Prague has several language centres that offer expats customised Czech lessons. These often take place in small groups, which make learning faster and more engaging.

DISCOVER PRAGUE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (PBIS)

Prague British International School is a warm, welcoming and vibrant global learning community, where outstanding teachers will inspire your child to achieve exceptional academic results.

We’re committed to nurturing talents and passions beyond the classroom, too, offering life-changing international opportunities, an array of extra-curricular clubs, and eye-opening community service activities. These ensure that every member of the PBIS family grows into a well-rounded global citizen with the skills they need to thrive.

MORE ABOUT PBIS

LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITS

There’s no limit to what your child can achieve at our outstanding school in Prague, both in and beyond the classroom.

Curriculum

Our students follow globally recognised Czech, British, and international curriculum pathways – including the International Baccalaureate – which are prized by the world’s top universities.

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Teachers

PBIS’ highly-qualified British and international teachers create extraordinary learning experiences that nurture our students’ personal growth and inspire academic excellence.

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Social responsibility

Our students are the next generation of global changemakers, who strive to make the world a better place through future-shaping activities with UNICEF, our Student Council, and much more.

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Trips and activities

Your child will discover a world beyond the classroom through once-in-a-lifetime trips, more than 80 extra-curricular clubs, and exclusive collaborations with The Juilliard School and MIT.

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Facilities

Across our three campuses – Kamýk, Libuš, and Vlastina – state-of-the-art specialist facilities provide the opportunities and inspiration our students need to flourish.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Prague a good place to live?

Yes, Prague is a fascinating, culturally diverse, and rewarding place for families.

The city offers a great quality of life: there are lots of green spaces, good public infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a wide selection of cultural and leisure activities. Prague has several family-friendly neighbourhoods (Prague 4, 5, and 6. for example), which balance a quiet residential feel with access to amenities. Getting around the city and its main districts is safe and easy, too.

Will I find it easy to meet other expats living in Prague?

Living in Prague as an expat, you’ll meet many people in a similar situation – the city is a bustling hub of internationals working for big corporations, families with children, diplomats, and digital nomads.

According to the country’s leading expat portal, expats.cz, the international community in the Czech Republic is approximately 700,000 people strong.

Is living in Prague safe?

Yes, Prague is very safe for families. It consistently ranks among the safest cities in Europe, with low levels of violent crime and a strong police presence in tourist and residential areas.

Public transport is reliable, clean, and safe, even at night, making it easy to navigate the city. Prague also offers a wealth of well-maintained parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly amenities, which help to create a great environment for raising children.

What is the weather like in Prague?

Living in Prague, you’ll experience a moderate, continental climate, with cold winters and relatively warm summers.

Winters can be snowy, with temperatures averaging between -5°C and 5°C, while summers are mild, with plenty of sun and temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. In both spring and autumn, residents flock to the city’s beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy food markets, beer gardens, and alfresco events.

What is the local currency?

The local currency is the ‘koruna’ or ‘Czech Crown’.

What timezone is Prague in?

The Czech Republic is in the Central European Timezone, which is +1 hour ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, formerly known as GMT).

This means that 12:00 pm in Prague is:

6:00 am in New York.
11:00 am in London.
6:00 pm in Hong Kong.
8:00 pm in Sydney.