Family Life in the Czech Republic for Expats: What to Expect

Posted on by Jan Marek

The Czech Republic is a practical country to raise children: it is safe, has low-cost public schooling and healthcare, and offers plenty of parks and outdoor space. The main challenges are language, paperwork and school places. This guide covers what expat families should plan for.

Housing and Budget

Housing is the biggest cost, and renting in Prague is considerably more expensive than in the rest of the country. Many families choose suburbs or nearby towns with good public transport, which gives more space for the money. Everyday costs for food, transport and public services are lower than in many Western European countries, but rents have risen in recent years. See our cost of living guide and our guide to neighbourhoods for expats for a fuller picture.

Schools and Childcare

Education is compulsory for nine years, generally from age six, and public schools teach in Czech. Foreign children who are legally resident can normally attend public schools, which charge no tuition, and schools may offer Czech language support, though how much varies. International and bilingual private schools teach in English or other languages and charge fees, and places can be limited. Our guides compare public and private schools and explain how to choose an international school.

For younger children, kindergarten is widely available from about age three, but places for under-threes are limited. The details are in our childcare guide.

Healthcare and Safety

Everyone who lives in the Czech Republic must have health insurance. Public insurance gives access to a network of paediatricians, GPs and hospitals, and children are normally registered with a paediatrician. Waiting times vary, and some families add private insurance or pay for private clinics for faster appointments. Non-EU residents on some visa types must hold approved commercial insurance, so check what applies to you. See our healthcare guide.

The Czech Republic is generally considered safe, and children often travel to school independently on public transport. Teach older children the basics of the road and public transport. The European emergency number is 112, and you can also call 155 for an ambulance, 158 for the police and 150 for the fire service.

Paperwork

Family reunification and visa processing for non-EU citizens can take months, so apply early and keep copies of your documents. Check current processing times and requirements with the Ministry of the Interior or the Czech embassy. Newcomers also have to register their address, which is explained in our address registration guide, and our visa and permits guide covers residence permits.

Parental Leave

Czech maternity leave lasts up to 28 weeks for a single birth, with a sickness insurance benefit for eligible mothers. Fathers can take two weeks of paid leave after the birth, and parents can stay at home with a child until age three, with a state parental allowance. Eligibility depends on your employment, insurance record and residence status, so check with the Czech Social Security Administration before relying on any of these benefits.

Family Activities

Prague has many parks, including Letná, Stromovka and Petřín, and Prague Zoo is a popular family day out. Museums and science centres run family programmes, so check current opening hours before you go. Outside Prague, hiking, cycling, castles and caves are easy to reach by train. Our day trips guide has ideas. Christmas markets, Easter fairs and local festivals add to the calendar, as described in our guide to Czech holidays.

Making Friends and Settling In

Expat parent groups, international school communities and local clubs are the easiest ways to meet other families. Czech neighbours can seem reserved at first but are generally friendly once you get to know them, and children usually make friends quickly through school and sports clubs. Learning some Czech helps with schools, doctors and neighbours, and our learning Czech guide covers courses.

Common Challenges

  • Language: Official forms, school communication and many doctors’ offices use Czech.
  • School places: Spaces in international schools and popular kindergartens can fill up, so apply early.
  • Isolation: Moving abroad is tiring for both parents and children, so build a social network early.
  • Bureaucracy: Processes can be slow, so keep documents organised and ask for help when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Czech Republic a good place to raise children?

Many expat families find it a good choice, given the safety, public services, green space and relatively affordable schooling and healthcare. The main trade-offs are the Czech-language system and the cost and availability of housing in Prague.

Do my children need to speak Czech?

Not for international schools, but they will need it for public schools. Children generally pick up Czech faster than adults, especially in public schools and kindergartens.

Are public schools free for foreign children?

Public schools charge no tuition for legally resident children, though families pay for meals, trips and supplies. Check with the local school and municipality for your case.

For more, see our living in Prague guide and the Expat and Nomad hub.