Moving to the Czech Republic from the USA
Moving to the Czech Republic from the USA requires you to deal with a mover who knows the ins and outs of international logistics.
SDC International Shipping has successfully moved people with their entire households to vehicles by sea or air, from port-to-port to door-to-door.
Is It a Good Idea to Move to the Czech Republic?
Many foreigners have a draw to Europe, especially Czech, for a reason. First, the country repeatedly ranks the top safest place in the world. Some Americans say they feel very safe in Czech due to difficulty acquiring weapons. The experts also put it down to a safe community, low crime rate, and terrorism.
Furthermore, Czech has an incredible food scene, especially if you are a meat lover. Besides, there are many things to do and explore, from numerous castles and national parks to “khata’.
Finally, Czechia boasts steady economic growth. According to Heritage, the economic freedom score is 74.4, placing its economy as the 21st in 2022. It’s ranked 14th among 45 European countries with a score exceeding regional and world averages.
How to Move to Czechia
Moving to the Czech Republic is now on your mind, and you are wondering what’s next. You can start as a tourist. The visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. You can explore the country and look for a job in three months.
Once you land a job, you can go for a long-term visa that can last for one to two years and be renewed.
You can also seek a job online in the USA, but we recommend visiting the country before the actual move. Networking is part of that initiative, which will help you find your dream job.
If you are on an assignment, visiting Prague is still a good decision to fish around for a suitable neighborhood, accommodation, and schooling for your children. Despite many online resources and tips on relocation, it is better to see something once than to hear about it a hundred times.
When you are ready to move to Czechia, contact us, and we’ll arrange the shipping of your household goods.
Are you curious about our services?
The page explains how we ship to Czechia from the USA, including essential information about customs rules and documentation for customs clearance.
How SDC Ships Household Goods and Cars
Depending on the size and volume of items you need to ship to the Czech Republic, there are several options available, which we’ll list below.
Shipping in a Container
Through SDC International Shipping, you can access fast and reliable container shipping to the Czech Republic. We can negotiate the best ocean shipping in a single or shared container. If you choose a single container, your items will be shipped immediately after customs export. Conversely, a shared or consolidated container assumes that your goods are loaded with other customers and shipped once it is full.
RORO and Containerized
Shipping a car on a RORO vessel to the Czech Republic requires that your auto is in running condition. It will be driven into the sea ship and delivered to the destination port. This is the cheapest transportation method, but no items are allowed inside the car.
With containerized transport, you can hire a shared 40ft container or the individual 20ft container.
Since the Czech Republic is landlocked, we will ship your consignment to the nearest port of the neighboring country and then deliver it to your home.
Air Freight
You can also opt for air freight to ship your household goods or a car to the Czech Republic. Unlike ocean freight, this service is twice as expensive but the fastest. While sea freight takes 8-12 weeks, sending a container by air from 3 to 7 days.
Other Landlocked Countries in Europe We Ship to
Documents to Ship Household Goods
You can move your household goods to the Czech Republic without paying duty if you follow standard requirements applied in many countries across the world. Here’s the breakdown of those rules:
- You must have lived in the USA or outside the country for at least 12 months.
- Your personal belongings must have been in your possession for at least 6 months, which you don’t intend to sell while in the country.
- After the visa has been stamped in your passport, you have one year to import your goods.
- You must have proof of official registration of your living or employment address.
- Your employer or the company must be licensed to provide services in the Czech Republic.
Once you make sure that you meet these requirements, the next thing is to know what documents you need to import your items:
- Detailed inventory
- Passport copy
- Czech residence permit
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Employer or customer declaration
- Rental contract
- Packing list
Paperwork is always a headache. It can ruin the whole excitement of relocation. Luckily, we are international household movers who can guide you through every step of the shipping process. Your personal coordinator will send you a list of documents you need to collect for export and import. Then, when everything is ready, the documentation and completed forms will be sent to customs in the Czech Republic. We’ll cooperate with relevant parties to accelerate clearance from customs.
Documents To Ship a Car to the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is part of the EU, so you must satisfy emission standards when shipping a car to the country. Your car must pass a technical inspection, including a special request at the RDW for the technical papers with the homologation info.
Vehicles older than seven years are allowed into the country, but that comes at a high tax – 10,000 CZK. As for the duty fees and VAT, you will likely be charged 10% for duty and 19% VAT. However, this information has to be double-checked. Other sources state that no duties and VAT apply to cars owned for at least 1 year and driven in the USA for at least 6 months. Temporary import assumes that you will be required to send the vehicle back to the USA after your employment contract expires; otherwise, be ready to pay an import tax of 10,000 CZK.
Documents for customs:
- Visa and residence permit
- Vehicle Title and registration
- Purchase Invoice
- Driver’s license
- Employer declaration, or
- Your personal declaration
- Temporary insurance
- Housing contract
These regulations are prone to change. Therefore, we recommend contacting customs when planning your move to the Czech Republic.
Additional Services Provided by SDC
Whether you need to ship a piano or artwork, SDC International Shipping has you covered. You can send fragile and bulky items overseas and worry less. As long as our professionals pack and ship your valuable possessions, they are backed by our team. Learn more about overseas artwork shipping and international piano movers.
Also, find out how we can help you protect your high-value personal belongings with marine insurance coverage and international moving insurance.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship to the Country?
Shipping costs vary depending on factors, such as shipment measurements, type, origin/destination, location, and more. We consider all these variables when calculating the shipping cost. Sending a container from the east coast is cheaper than the west coast. For example, the rate for New York to Prague is around $1,600, while it’s almost $3,000 if we send your consignment from LA.
We offer the best-customized shipping solutions for each particular situation. To get a personalized quote for your move, fill out our online form.
Helpful Info Before Moving to the Czech Republic
Moving to Czechia from the USA involves a lot of preparation, packing, and document processing. As your international household mover to Europe, we will help you with everything. But you will also have to make efforts to learn about this beautiful country, its culture, economy, and social life. Here’s a piece of information to help you to get started:
- The Czech Republic was previously known as “Bohemia.”
- The official currency is the krona.
- Driving in Czechia is on the right side.
- The average rental cost of a three-bedroom apartment is around 1,500 Euros.
- The average monthly cost of living for a family is 2,000 Euros.
- English speakers find jobs in the IT industry, real estate, finance, marketing, and consulting.
- Many Americans moving to Prague work in the automotive and electronics industry.
- Expats must have private insurance.
- Czechia has a low unemployment rate.
Cost of Living in the Czech Republic
Prague isn’t the cheapest place in Europe, but it is cheaper than the USA. Certainly, it depends on which part of the US you are moving from and your lifestyle. But we doubt you can find a one-bedroom apartment in your location for $600 even outside the city center unless you are from Fort Wayne, Indiana. In Los Angeles, a three-bedroom apartment in downtown costs around $4,700; in Prague, it’s $1,600.
The capital is a beautiful place to live, but if you move to a smaller and less crowded town, the cost of living will be even more affordable. For instance, the cost of living in Pardubice ranges between 800-1,250 euros. The same is for Hradec Kralove and cute Brno.
Moving Overseas with SDC International Shipping
SDC International Shipping has been in the logistics industry for almost ten years. We’ve moved hundreds of people and have the experience and knowledge to make your relocation to Prague or elsewhere in Czechia hassle-free.
Request a quote from our online form and start your move to Europe today!
Questions People Ask Frequently
How can an American Immigrate to the Czech Republic?
When it comes to immigration, things are different for non-EU citizens. Based on the latest information, there are three pathways to obtaining a residence permit: study, scientific research, and family reunification.
Is Prague affordable to live in?
Prague is the most expensive city and still cheaper than many American cities.
How much money do you need to move to Prague?
Monthly basic costs for utilities, groceries, meals, public transport, and leisure/cultural activities vary from $600 to $1,500. Yet, factors like your lifestyle, apartment choices, and more will affect the overall living cost in the Czech Republic.
What is it like to live in Prague as a foreigner?
Living in Prague as a foreigner is about being surrounded by gorgeous architecture and learning about the culture. The city is very international with immense job opportunities. Most young people speak English and at least another language, like French, German, or Russian. So it’s easy to get information.
You will easily get caught up with nightlife and, of course, delicious and cheap beer. Many praise Prague’s public transport system.
The city has everything from shopping malls, good restaurant options, beautiful parks, and architecture. It feels like a big but compact city.
