One of the most beautiful places in the world, Czechia is a gorgeous country to retire in. Home to residents of all age groups, there is something lovely about the country. It’s not just the celebrations, the weekend fun, the cool climate; the landscape adds a mystic allure to the country Known for its ageless buildings in the capital city, the country is a hub of architecture. If you are looking to relax in Czechia during your retirement, then you have made an excellent choice. With a steady economy after its inclusion into the EU, the Czech Republic shorten as Czechia offers so much to its residents.
Located in central Europe with dynamic economic growth, there are several reasons why you should retire in Czechia. This guide provides a few of them as well as tips on how to relocate to the country with ease.
The average retirement age is 63 years for all genders. To receive a state pension, a person must be of the retirement age and must have made the required contributions over the years.
Cost of living
With an affordable cost of living, it offers its residents a comfortable way of living. This is relatively cheaper than the US or other parts of Europe. The cost of living in Prague is different from the capital city and the rest of the country. However, the way you live will determine how much you will need to live comfortably in the country. Your monthly budget should cover transportation, rent, feeding, and recreation. Renting an apartment is cheaper than buying a property, so if you are planning to stay for a short time, it is best to rent a house instead.
Living in Prague
The city has several districts. The old town is situated in Prague 1 and it’s a home for most tourists coming to the city. Tourists flock to the city of Prague, making it a popular destination for foreigners. You will be sure to meet lots of ex-pats like you in the city. Despite what you are dreaming of, living in the city isn’t magical. There are some things like overpriced meals at a restaurant, noise pollution, tourist traps, etc. if you can’t handle living in the city with all the craziness it brings, then renting a house in a residential area is best.
Visa
Czechia does not have a retirement visa. Whether you are a US citizen or a third-country national. As an EU citizen, you can live in the Czech Republic for longer than 90 days. However, if you are from the US or a third-country national, you will have to apply for a long-term visa while in the country. Anyone with Czech citizenship either by birth or by descent is eligible for a visa.
Healthcare
Czechia has an accessible health care system that ranks eighth in the world index. Offering the best free public health services, the country takes the health of its residents seriously. The two types of healthcare in Czechia are free/public healthcare and private healthcare. Public healthcare grants all taxpaying residents access to medical services in clinics and hospitals through taxes paid and medical insurance. You can only receive free healthcare services when you have a permanent residence permit. As an ex-pat in Czechia, buying private medical insurance or using private healthcare is advisable. Private healthcare is the best by far in the country and Europe.
Safety
Czechia is among the safest tourist destinations in Europe, with a relatively low crime rate across the republic. However, there are a few cases of local con artists and pickpockets in bigger cities. With the no-tolerance policy against drunk driving, accidents on the road have reduced drastically. When in trouble or in the case of an emergency, call 112 to speak to the police. You won’t experience any problems in the country provided you strictly stick to the rules.
Transportation
Transport is easy and cheap in Czechia. You will find out that most times, you will have to take a train or bus to move to the city, public transport is the commonly used method of transportation; it’s cheaper and reliable. If you intend to stay longer in the country, you can opt for a long-term pass or book subway tickets online. For ex-pats planning to drive while in the country, you require a driving license and other documents. Czechia offers a service where you can exchange your foreign driver’s license for a local one.
There are several pros to retiring in Czechia and if you are interested in moving there, you should consult an immigration partner for more information.
