Your first week: a checklist

The handful of things worth sorting in your first days, in a sensible order, with links to the detailed guides.

You do not need to do everything at once. This is a sensible order for the first week. Residence permit steps, such as biometrics or registering an EU stay, are covered in the residence guides.

1. Phone and SIM. A local number makes life easier: SMS tickets, bank codes and doctors all expect one. Prepaid and monthly plans are sold in operator shops and online. Bring your passport.

2. Getting around. Tap your bank card on board for the first days, then buy a pass once your plans are settled. See the public transport guide.

3. Health insurance. If your employer puts you in the public system, choose an insurer and give your employer the details. If not, make sure your commercial policy is valid for your whole stay. Then start looking for a GP. See the health insurance guide.

4. Bank account. Many banks open accounts for foreigners with a passport and residence document, some with English-language apps. Requirements differ, so check with the bank before you go. Your employer will want a Czech account number for your salary.

5. Housing paperwork. Keep a copy of your lease and any confirmation of accommodation. If you move, report the new address within 30 days. See the flat guide.

6. City fees. In Brno, register for the waste fee and pay it by 31 May. In Prague, nothing to file. See the waste fee guide. Then check whether you need to register for TV and radio fees. See the TV and radio guide.

7. Find your people. Expat centres, integration centres and libraries run free advice, Czech classes and events. See places in your city.

In Brno

Make a BrnoID account early. You will use it for the waste fee, your šalinkarta pass, the yearly pass discount and paying transport fines. Brno Expat Centre offers free help for newcomers.

In Prague

Make a Lítačka account early for your transport pass. Expat Centre Prague and Integration Centre Prague offer free advice in English.

Step by step

1. Get a Czech SIM.
2. Tap your bank card on public transport; install the city transport app.
3. Sort health insurance and start looking for a GP (see health-insurance).
4. Open a bank account.
5. File housing paperwork and report any new address within 30 days (see finding-a-flat).
6. Brno: register and pay the waste fee (see waste-fee).
7. Check TV and radio fees (see tv-radio-fees).
8. Visit your local expat or integration centre.

Last checked 2026-11-09. Open this guide in the app to add the dates to your calendar.