Commerce and Rental: Why Buy Real Estate Abroad in the Czech Republic

The property market in the Czech Republic is maintaining steady growth in 2025. The average price per square metre in Prague exceeded CZK 130,000. At the same time, demand from foreigners increased by 14%, especially in tourist and university cities – Brno, Olomouc, Karlovy Vary. And if you are also interested in this region, read the article further – we will tell you how to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner.

What foreigners are allowed in the Czech Republic

Since 2009, Czech law has allowed EU citizens to purchase property without restrictions. Persons from third countries (including the CIS) are also free to buy properties for personal ownership as long as they do not violate the Foreign Investment Control Act. Only a passport, tax number and proof of source of funds will be required.

In 2025, the procedure is regulated by the country’s Civil Code and does not require additional authorisations. The purchase of real estate in the Czech Republic is accompanied by a standard transaction with notarisation and registration in the Cadastre.

City or resort: where to buy favourably

Location affects not only the price of the flat, but also the potential for capital growth. The difference between cities can be as much as 40% in price per square metre with a similar level of comfort.

Buying a flat in the Czech Republic in 2025 offers a wide range of choices in terms of price, metre and prospects:

1. Prague – business centre, studios from CZK 4.5 million, highly liquid properties with yields up to 6% per annum.
2. Brno – technology cluster, active rental market, one-bedroom flats from CZK 3.2 million.
3. Karlovy Vary – spa segment, relevant for long-term investments, housing from CZK 2.9 million.
4. Plzeň, Ostrava, Liberec – cities with developing infrastructure, ideal for initial investment.

How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner, if the budget is limited – pay attention to the secondary market or houses with history without repair. Such objects are 15-25% cheaper than new buildings.

How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner: preparation of documents

The list of documents remains universal. The transaction is accompanied by a standard legal package:

List of documents:

1. Passport with notarised translation.
2. Identification number (Rodné číslo) – issued by the tax office.
3. A contract of sale (Kupní smlouva) signed by both parties.
4. Power of Attorney (if a representative is involved), also translated and certified.
5. Extract from the property cadastre (výpis z katastru).
6. Confirmation of payment of advance or full amount.
7. Reference from a bank or mortgage institution if you have a loan.
8. State fees paid (0.01% of the amount, minimum CZK 500).

Registration in the cadastre takes 20-30 days. Once the data is entered, the flat in the Czech Republic for non-residents officially becomes property.

Visa, residence permit and permanent residence permit: does buying a home have an impact?

How can a foreigner buy a flat in the Czech Republic and get a visa or residence permit? The mere fact of owning a property does not give an automatic basis for a residence permit in the country. The asset improves the image of the investor. When applying for residence permit or residence permit in the Czech Republic, the presence of housing is considered as a stable connection with the state.

In practice, if an applicant invests CZK 5 million or more in property and has rental income, he or she will receive an advantage when applying for a residence permit on business grounds.

Mortgage

Foreigners in 2025 continue to use local banks’ mortgage programmes. How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner with a loan – apply to institutions with international practice:

1. Czech Savings Bank.
2. Commercial Bank.
3. CSOB.

Terms and Conditions:

• rate from 5.3 per cent per annum;
• down payment – from 30 per cent;
• a term of up to 30 years.

The bank requires a regular income (domestic or foreign), credit history and tax residency registration. Foreigners most often use financing for properties in Prague and Brno, where the value of housing exceeds CZK 4 million.

How to buy a flat in the Czech Republic for a foreigner: the course of the transaction

The process of buying a home in the Czech Republic demonstrates high legal transparency and stability at every stage. All actions are organised in a clear structure that eliminates risks and uncertainties.

The transaction is formalised in a consistent manner:

1. Selection of the object with further legal verification – analysing the property history, encumbrances and debts.
2. Conclusion of a preliminary contract and advance payment – the standard amount is 10% of the cost of housing.
3. Signing of the main sale and purchase agreement with fixing of payment terms and transfer terms.
4. Certifying documents with a notary and submitting an application to the cadastral chamber for registration of the transfer of rights.
5. Transfer of the balance to the seller’s account or a lawyer’s deposit (advokátní úschova) for added security.
6. Handing over the keys and drawing up an acceptance certificate with fixing the condition of the object.

The procedure can be completed in four to six weeks in the standard course of registration. Legal support costs 1-1.5% of the property value, notary services cost about 0.5%. Additional costs may include translation of documents and consultations for international settlements.

Taxes

When buying a flat in the Czech Republic, there is no acquisition tax from 2020. The buyer pays:

• stamp duty for registration – approximately CZK 500;
• annual property tax – CZK 500-5,000 depending on the area and region;
• possible tax on rental income – 15% for residents, 35% for non-residents.

All amounts are subject to declaration. The Tax Service strictly controls transactions, especially those involving offshore accounts.

Housing as an investment: a growing trend

Flats in the Czech Republic for foreigners are becoming increasingly popular for investment. The average rental yield is 4.5 per cent per annum, up to 7 per cent in Prague and Brno. In 10 years, house prices have increased by 98%, especially in the Vinohrady, Karlin and Andel districts.

There is a steady trend towards purchasing properties and then organising long-term leases through professional agencies. The minimum entry fee starts from CZK 2.5 million.

Conclusions

It is no more difficult for a foreigner to buy a flat in the Czech Republic than it is to sign a lease in Berlin. A clear procedure, a stable legal framework, favourable investment conditions and complete transparency make the property market attractive for both living and business.

Moving to the Czech Republic for permanent residence in 2025 is a great opportunity for those who are looking for a comfortable life in a country with a rich history, stable economy and high level of education. The country is known not only for its culture, but also for its affordable cost of living, which makes it an attractive destination for immigration.

Main stages of moving to the Czech Republic for permanent residence

Relocation consists of several key stages: obtaining a residence permit (LPR), finding accommodation, learning the local rules and integrating into society. Each step requires careful consideration, especially if the goal is long-term residence.

Obtaining a residence permit

To start the immigration process, you need to apply for a residence permit. The applicant needs to prove the purpose of stay: it can be work, study, entrepreneurship or family reunification.

Basic Steps:

1. Preparation of documents: passport, questionnaire, income certificate, medical insurance.
2. Submission of the application: the documents are submitted to the Czech consulate or to the local branch of the Ministry of the Interior.
3. Interview: confirmation of intentions and provision of additional documents.
4. Payment of fees: the fee ranges from 500 to 1000 euros, depending on the type of residence permit.
5. Waiting time: application processing takes 2 to 6 months.

Transition to residence

After 5 years of continuous residence with a residence permit, it is possible to apply for permanent residence. Basic requirements:

1. Czech language level (minimum A2).
2. Financial Independence.
3. No criminal record.
4. Residence in the country for at least 183 days per year.

How to find accommodation in the Czech Republic

Finding a place to live is one of the most important steps faced by anyone planning to move to the Czech Republic for permanent residence. The country offers a wide range of property, from renting small flats to buying luxury houses. The cost of housing varies depending on the region, type of property and proximity to the city centre.

Renting a home: key points

Renting is the best option. This is especially true for the first months of adaptation, when it is important to understand the peculiarities of local life:

1. Prices: in Prague, renting a studio flat costs an average of 600 to 1200 euros per month. In Brno or Ostrava, rent will be cheaper – from 400 to 800 euros.
2. Rental types: long term rentals are popular with families and professionals working in the country. For students and travellers, short-term options are relevant.
3. Districts: in the capital, locations vary in infrastructure and comfort level. For example, the centre is suitable for those looking for an active life, while Prague 5 or 6 are great for families.

Buying property: a profitable investment

For those considering a move to the Czech Republic for permanent residence, buying a home is the right decision. It is not only a way to ensure comfortable living, but also an investment in a stable market:

1. Property prices: in Prague, housing costs range from 2000 to 5000 euros per square metre. In Brno, prices are slightly lower, but also steadily increasing.
2. The purchase procedure includes several stages: search for the object, execution of documents, notarisation of the transaction and registration of ownership.
3. Additional costs: buying a property comes with the costs of a notary, realtor and taxes. The total amount of additional costs can be up to 5% of the value of the property.

To find accommodation, you can use specialised platforms such as Sreality.cz, Bezrealitky.cz or contact realtors who will help you find a suitable option.

Work in the Czech Republic for immigrants: opportunities and prospects

Moving to the Czech Republic for permanent residence is often motivated by the availability of the labour market. The country’s economy is growing steadily and the unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the EU.

What professions are in demand?

1. IT specialists: companies related to software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are actively developing in the Czech Republic.
2. Engineers and technologists: the industrial sector remains one of the leading areas of the economy.
3. Health workers: high demand for doctors, nurses and social care workers.
4. Hospitality workers: the tourism industry offers many jobs for people with minimal language skills.

Where to look for a job:

1. Job sites: Jobs.cz, Prace.cz – the most popular resources.
2. Agencies: recruitment companies help you find jobs for long term or temporary contracts.
3. Social media: platforms like LinkedIn give you the opportunity to connect with employers and colleagues.

Adapting to life in the Czech Republic

Moving to the Czech Republic for permanent residence opens a lot of opportunities for immigrants, but successful integration into the local society requires time and effort. Learning the language, culture and active participation in the life of the country are three key elements that will help you feel confident and comfortable in your new environment.

Language learning: the key to successful integration

Knowledge of the Czech language plays a crucial role in your adaptation. Even basic phrases will help to establish contact with the locals, facilitate the process of working with documents and make communication in everyday life more natural. Czechs appreciate it when foreigners show interest in their language and culture, which helps to create a friendly atmosphere:

1. Courses: for those who have just arrived, there are language schools and programmes for immigrants. For example, Czech for Foreigners and Bohemia Institute are popular in Prague.
2. Online resources: Duolingo, Memrise and YouTube channels with Czech lessons offer convenient ways to start learning on your own.
3. Practising in real life: it is recommended to use the language in shops, cafes, markets and transport in order to learn and consolidate your knowledge more quickly.

Cultural adaptation: understanding local traditions

Moving to the Czech Republic for permanent residence means not only a change of residence, but also immersion in a completely new culture. The Czechs are renowned for their respect for tradition, so it is important to learn the specifics beforehand:

1. Respect for punctuality: locals value accuracy and punctuality, so being late for an appointment may be perceived as disrespectful.
2. Love of nature: the country has developed environmental consciousness. Residents actively participate in separate waste collection, keep the environment clean and enjoy spending time outdoors.
3. Holidays and traditions: for example, Advent is widely celebrated in December with Christmas fairs and Masopust, a traditional carnival, is celebrated in March.

Education: international and public schools

For families with children, moving to the Czech Republic for permanent residence includes an important aspect – choosing a school. The country offers a wide range of educational institutions, from public to international schools where programmes are taught in English:

1. Public schools: education is free of charge, but it is conducted in Czech. This is an excellent opportunity for children to quickly adapt to the local culture.
2. International institutions such as the International School of Prague and Riverside School offer programmes in English, including bachelor’s degrees. This is a convenient option for families who are planning a short stay in the Czech Republic or who do not want to disconnect their children from the usual educational system.
3. Extracurricular activities: many clubs, sports clubs and creative studios will help children develop their talents and make new friends.

Conclusion

Moving to the Czech Republic for permanent residence in 2025 is an opportunity to improve the quality of life, gain access to European standards and realise your professional ambitions. Success depends on careful preparation: from choosing the type of residence permit to finding accommodation and adapting to the new society.