Finding a flat and proving your address
Know the deposit cap, get a proper written contract, and make sure your landlord can give you the paperwork the immigration office asks for.
Most flats are rented through Czech portals and agencies, and many listings are only in Czech. Expect to pay the first month's rent, a deposit (kauce or jistota) and often an agency fee. By law the deposit, together with any contractual penalty, cannot be more than three months' rent. The landlord also cannot ask you for other kinds of security payments on top.
Always get a written contract (nájemní smlouva). It should say the rent, the monthly advances for services such as water, heating and waste, how long it runs, and the notice period. Ask for a handover protocol (předávací protokol) with photos and meter readings when you get the keys.
Services are paid as advances and settled once a year. You may get money back or have to pay extra, so keep the yearly statement.
If you are a non-EU national, the immigration office needs proof that you have somewhere to live. This can be your lease, a sublease, proof of ownership, or a confirmation of accommodation signed by the owner. If the owner signs the confirmation form, the signature must be officially certified (at a Czech POINT, post office or notary) unless they sign it in person at the ministry. If you sublet from a tenant, you also need the main lease between the owner and that tenant.
The flat needs to have a proper building or street number and be meant for living. Ask before you sign whether the landlord is willing to provide the paperwork, because some refuse.
When you move, report your new address to the Ministry of the Interior within 30 days if you hold a long-term visa or long-term residence permit. You can do it in person, by post, by data box, or by email with a recognised electronic signature. Missing the deadline can lead to a fine.
In Brno
In Brno, you must also update your address for the waste fee by emailing odpady@brno.cz. If you are looking for cheaper housing, the city rents out some municipal flats; ask the Brno Expat Centre or the Centre for Foreigners JMK about current rules.
In Prague
Prague rents are the highest in the country and good flats go fast, so have your documents and deposit ready before viewings. Integration Centre Prague and NGOs such as InBáze or SIMI can review a contract with you for free.
Step by step
- Set your budget: rent + service advances + deposit (max 3 months) + possible agency fee.
- Before signing, ask whether the landlord will provide proof of accommodation for the immigration office.
- Sign a written contract and a handover protocol with meter readings.
- Get the confirmation of accommodation signed with a certified signature if you need it.
- Report your new address to the Ministry of the Interior within 30 days.
- Brno: update your waste-fee address by email.
Last checked 2026-11-09. Open this guide in the app to add the dates to your calendar.