Welcome at
Masaryk University! 

Welcome Office can help you with practical issues relating to your relocation. We just need more information about you or your family. After you fill in the online personal questionnaire from HR department, we will get in touch with you by email afterwards.

• If you and your family members are EU/EEA/CH citizens, none of you need a visa. 
• If you or a family member are citizens of another country, you must have a valid visa or residence permit to stay in the Czech Republic.

The Welcome Office and the HR department of your faculty you plan to work at will help you complete all of the essential formalities with your visa or residence permit. Choose from below to get the right information on how to apply:

    ACADEMIC STAFF - research, science, teaching
   ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 
   FAMILY MEMBERS

We advise you to first find a short-term rental for the first month or two and during this time look for a long-term accommodation.

SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION

• MU accommodation - MU may offer you a short-term or long-term accommodation after your arrival to Brno. Please check availability at staff@czs.muni.cz
• Other MU flats and rooms for lecturers - please check availability at staff@czs.muni.cz
• Airbnb
• Flatio – similar to Airbnb, offers accommodation for even just a few weeks

LONG-TERM ACCOMMODATION

• DOMEQ – very popular accommodation among international staff from all over the world. Minimum lease period is 6 months.
• Real estate agencies – here is a list of several agencies that our international employees had a good experience with and who usually speak English. Minimum lease period is usually 1 year.
  • • • Foreigners
      • Bravis
• Bezrealitky.cz – used mainly by locals, you don´t have to pay a commission to the realtor, on the other hand the realtor usually provides you with valuable additional services (e.g. the person leasing an apartment is legally entitled to do so and that the lease contract contains all the necessary provisions.) For a non-Czech speaking person we recommend using a realtor.
• REALSPEKTRUM - even though their website is only in Czech language (they plan to have it translated in 2025), their employees speak English and are ready to help you. 

How does a lease with an estate agency work in the Czech Republic?

• Leases are usually signed for 1 year, can be extended if both sides are happy and can be terminated earlier if proper notice is given (usually one to three months).
• The contract should be bilingual (Czech is the official language, English for your understanding). Czech administration offices (e.g. MOI) also require bilingual or Czech contract.
• This contract needs to be in original or certified copy (you can get this one at any Czech post office „Česká pošta“)
• Only the owner (or an individual with the power of attorney to represent the owner) can lease a flat or house. MOI will check if your landlord is also the owner of the flat (they have access to Property register). If your landlord isn´t the owner of the flat, they must also provide „power of attorney“ document confirming that they agree to provide you with accommodation.

What does the rent usually consist of and how much will you pay when you start a lease?

• Basic rent – the payment just for the flat/room itself
• Utilities – electricity, water, gas, internet, maintenance fee for common spaces
• Deposit – one time payment at the start of your lease, can vary from 1 to 3 months´ rent, is returned upon termination of the rental unless damage has been caused to the property. In that case, the landlord can retain a part or the whole of the security deposit to cover damages
• Comission – one time payment to the realtor for their services, usually equals to 1 months´ rents

The utilities can be paid in two ways:

1. More often - an approximate cost of utilities per month is added to the basic rental fee. Once a year, the landlord adds up the actual consumption of electricity, water and gas and, depending on that calculation, you will either receive a refund or you will be asked to pay an additional sum to make up for the difference
2. Less often – all utilities and its consumption are transferred to the tenant. That means that you have to go/contact each individual provider (mainly gas, electricity) and the contract is transferred to your name. For a foreigner this may be too complicated.

The lease contract may contain a description of the actual state of the flat, the furnishings, and the initial utility meter data. The latter is particularly important. You should check that the recorded figures are accurate. Also, check the furnishings to avoid being blamed for damages caused prior to your moving in.

If you have further questions or you need a help with housing issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us at staff@czs.muni.cz. ​

If you need to store some bigger amount of personal belongings (e.g. before renting a flat for a more permanent stay), there are several options:

• SKLADUJU
  - 3 sizes of storage space
  - Price: 1900 – 3500 CZK/month
  - Location: Brno, Olomoucká
  
  
• MINISKLADY
  - 2 sizes of storage space
  - Price: 1900 – 2900 CZK/month
  - Location: Brno, Královo Pole
  
  
• FLEXI SKLADY
  - 2 sizes of storage space
  - Price: 2500 – 3500 CZK/month
  - Location: Brno, Královo Pole
  
  
• SKLADY STANEK
  - 2 sizes of storage space
  - Price: 2000 – 2500 CZK/month
  - Location: Brno, Řečkovice

As most of information is available only in Czech, Welcome Office is ready to help. Don´t hesitate to contact us at staff@czs.muni.cz.

Where to go: Magistrát města Brna, Odbor registru vozidel a řidičů (only in Czech)

You have to come in person, book an appointment ideally electronically via their website (only in Czech).

You need to bring these documents:

1.  If you buy a new car in the Czech Republic
   - fee 800 CZK
   - filled in a form Žádost o zápis silničního vozidla do registru silničních vozidel
   - proof of technical suitability of roadworthiness of the vehicle (technical license, COC sheet)
   - green card (proves the insurance of the card and is issued based on the VIN number)
   - ID of the owner – passport + biometric card (the owner must have one of these residence permits – permanent residence, long term residence, temporary residence)
   - proof of purchase of the car (invoice, loan agreement, etc), including VAT
   
   
2. If you buy an older car from someone in the Czech Republic (the owner of the car changes)
   - fee 800 CZK
   - filled in form Žádost o zápis změny vlastníka nebo provozovatele silničního vozidla
   - both parties (the seller and the buyer) are present at the registration center, if not, there needs to be a written power of attorney
   - proof of the technical suitability of the vehicle (technical license, COC sheet)
   - vehicle registration certificate
   - vehicle inspection certificate (evidenční kontrola) not older than 1 year
   - green card (proves the insurance of the card and is issued based on the VIN number, within 15 days the new owner should insure the car themselves)
   - ID of the new owner – passport + biometric card (the owner must have one of these residence permits – permanent residence, long term residence, temporary residence)
   
   
3.  If you bring a car from abroad into the Czech Republic
   - fee 800 CZK
   - filled in form Žádost o zápis silničního vozidla do registru silničních vozidel
   - document from the country of origin – registration certificate and technical licence, COC, etc. or any other document confirming the roadworthiness and technical suitability of the vehicle)
   - vehicle inspection certificate (evidenční kontrola) - import technical check at one of the technical inspection stations (STK)
   - green card (proves the insurance of the card and is issued based on the VIN number)
   - ID of the owner – passport + biometric card (the owner must have one of these residence permits – permanent residence, long term residence, temporary residence)
   - certificate from the customs - if the country of origin of the car is not within the EU, also the customs office should be contacted
   - confirmation of tax payment - if the car is new (less than 6000 km) and from within EU, additionaly the Revenue Office (Finanční úřad) should be contacted and added value tax (DPH) to be paid

As it is a complicated process and most of information available only in Czech, Welcome Office is ready to help. Don´t hesitate to contact us at staff@czs.muni.cz. 

• EU citizens do not need additional travel health insurance.
• Non-EU citizens must present health insurance till the beginning of employment (at least one month of coverage is recommended)

Once your visa/residence permit application is approved, you will need to buy the travel health insurance. We recommend to buy online a Basic Foreigner´s Medical Insurance for one month (provided by PVZP). It covers EU countries as well as transit countries.

Brno is the second largest city of the Czech Republic and the capital of the region of Moravia. With a population of just under 400,000, it is much smaller than Prague and is a friendlier, less crowded, and more relaxed city.

• Cost of living
• Quality of life
• Places and tours
• Food and drink
• Events and festivals
• Useful info
• Leisure activities

Things We Love About Brno...

Travelling to CZ with your pet from EU country

What must be done before your arrival to CZ:

Chip

Your pet must get a chip (which must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered). The chip must also comply with the ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785 (the Czech Republic accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to ISO)
The chip number should be recorded on all documentation of your pet's travel to the Czech Republic. The identification of animals using tattoos is recognised only when the tattoo is clearly readable and was demonstrably done before 3rd July 2011.

Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against Rabies, the vaccine must be at least 21 days old (or 1 day after the booster shot). You must have a certificate signed by your vet (it should include information about the vaccine manufacturer, LOT number, and expiration date).

There are also some recommended vaccinations, they are not compulsory:
Dogs should also receive the Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella vaccines.
Cats should also receive the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine.

Documents

Pet animal passport – valid in EU countries, has country code and serial number, for more information about the pet passport you can read here.

Travelling to CZ with your pet from a listed third country

What must be done before your arrival to CZ:

Chip

Your pet must get a chip (which must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered). The chip must also comply with the ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785 (the Czech Republic accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to ISO). The chip number should be recorded on all documentation of your pet's travel to the Czech Republic. The identification of animals using tattoos is recognised only when the tattoo is clearly readable and was demonstrably done before 3rd July 2011.

Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against Rabies, the vaccine must be at least 21 days old (or 1 day after the booster shot). You must have a certificate signed by your vet (it should include information about the vaccine manufacturer, LOT number, and expiration date). The vaccine must comply to the requirements established by the WHO.
Recommended vaccinations:
Dogs should also receive the Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella vaccines.
Cats should also receive the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine.

Documents

Animal veterinary certificate for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats or ferrets (in accordance with the model certificate laid down in Commission Implementation Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1293).
It should be:

• issued prior to travelling by official veterinarian doctor of exporting country
• valid for 10 days from the date of its issue by the official veterinarian until the date of a check at the place of entry into the EU.

Declaration signed by the owner or the authorised person attesting that the pet animal is moved to EU within the non-commercial movement.

In case of a re-entry from a third country to the EU, the pet must have the pet passport instead of the certificate.

Travelling to CZ with your pet from a non-listed third country

What must be done before your arrival to CZ:

Chip

Your pet must get a chip (which must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered). The chip must also comply with the ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785 (the Czech Republic accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to ISO). The chip number should be recorded on all documentation of your pet's travel to the Czech Republic. The identification of animals using tattoos is recognised only when the tattoo is clearly readable and was demonstrably done before 3rd July 2011.

Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against Rabies, the vaccine must be at least 21 days old (or 1 day after the booster shot). You must have a certificate signed by your vet (it should include information about the vaccine manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date). The vaccine must comply to the requirements established by the WHO.
When travelling from some countries, a serological examination can be required to show the level of antibodies.

Recommended vaccinations
Dogs should also receive the Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella vaccines.
Cats should also receive the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine.

Documents

Animal veterinary certificate for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats or ferrets (in accordance with the model certificate laid down in Commission Implementation Regulation (EU) No 2019/1293).
It should be:

issued prior to traveling by official veterinarian doctor of exporting country
is valid for 10 days from the date of its issue by the official veterinarian until the date of a check at the place of entry into the EU

Declaration signed by the owner or the authorised person attesting that the pet animal is to the EU moved within the non-commercial movement

In case of a re-entry from a third country to the EU, the pet must have the pet passport instead of the certificate.

Rabies antibody tiration test
When travelling from a non-listed third country, you must have this test. It will be done by your veterinarian 30 days after the rabies vaccination (test run by approved lab). Mininum level of protective antibodies must be equal to or no greater than 0,5 IU/ML. This test must be performed on a blood sample taken not less than 3 months before your journey.

Life in Brno with pets

Czech people have a highly positive relationship to pets. Dogs are usually allowed in most restaurants, parks, etc.
When traveling with your dog in public transport, trains etc. however, your dog must wear a muzzle, otherwise you can be subjected to a fine.

Dogs - registration and fees

As a dog owner (cat owners are not required to pay any fee), if you are staying in the Czech Republic for longer than 90 days, you must register your dog at Brno municipality – the particular part of the city where you live. Unfortunately there is no general website as each district organizes this by themselves. In order to learn where to go, please visit the municipality website (Brno – city center, Brno-Bohunice, Brno-sever, etc.).

In general the fee for one dog should be around 1500 CZK (if you live in a flat) and 600 CZK (if you live in a house) per year. If you get a new dog in the Czech Republic, you must register it within 15 days of acquiring it and the yearly payment starts when the dog reaches 3 months.

Registration

At your municipality website, download a registration form (there is an example of Brno city-center form), unfortunately it is all in Czech only. Let us know if you need a help with translation and registration too at staff@czs.muni.cz. 
Bring the filled-in form to your municipality office, where you will get a special dog tag (your dog must wear it at all times, the police may check it) and also pay the fee. Please note that in case of moving out of Brno, you must deregister your dog and return the tag.

Veterinary doctors

After your arrival you should ideally find a vet and register your pet there. Veterinary care isn´t included in public insurance system and thus you need to pay for each visit, check up and procedure (each clinic should have a pricelist on their website or they should let you know beforehand the approximate price for the treatment).

Please find a list of some clinics and vets, always check first if they accept new pet patients:

Veterinary university
They have several clinics and specializations, also urgent care available 24/7.
Address: Palackého tř. 1946/1,612 42 Brno

Bohunice – dr. Hladik
Address: Oblá 518, 634 00 Brno-Nový Lískovec

Brno – center – dr. Kubejova
Address: Lidická 706/47, 602 00, Brno

Brno – center - Gabrid
Address: Spitalka 122/33, 602 00 Brno

Public transportation in Brno is organized by DPMB company. Using public transport is the easiest and cheapest way (and sometimes even faster).

There are several ways how to pay for your travels:

• Beep and go – if you have contactless credit/debit card, you can use machines in buses/trams and trolleybuses and simply tap on upon boarding the vehicle
• Paper tickets – you can buy those at the main train stations, tobbacco shops „trafika“ or in yellow ticket machines which are situated at some stops and stations, you validate the paper ticket in the vehicle
• Public Travel Ticket - in case of regular commuting, we advise to get a season ticket (called "šalinkarta" in Brno) - for 1 month/3 months/1 year
  • for city centre, zones 100 + 101 will be sufficient (see the prices)
  • get the Travel Card via Brno iD website or personally in the DPMB ticket office

For times, schedules and routes, see the search engine: https://idos.idnes.cz/en/brno/spojeni/ or get a mobile application Czech Public Transport IDOS with an English version.

To get more information on how to travel in/out of Brno, see the Employee Portal (you need MU login).

Before you arrive, Welcome Office will oferr you a date for welcome meeting - to welcome you and provide you some practical information after your arrival on:

• housing
• registration at Foreign Police/Immigration Office (OAMP/MOI)
• banking services
• public transportation
• mobile operators
• medical examination
• waste collection fee
• family unification
• anything you need to know

If you did not get an invitation for welcome meeting, don´t hesitate to let us know at staff@czs.muni.cz.

EU/EEA/CH

You must register for residence in the Czech Republic within 30 days after arrival at the Foreign Police.

Registration with Immigration Office (Department of Asylum and Migration Policy of Ministry of Interior) is recommended for nationals of EU/EEA/CH countries with stay exceeding 6 months. You will receive a registration certificate which enables you to get several benefits. Check more information at this website. 

NON EU

You must register for residence in the Czech Republic within 30 days after arrival at the Immigration Office - Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, Ministry of Interior (MOI) - address.

The Welcome Office will help prepare your documents, arrange the appointment at Immigration Office and will assist you at the meeting.

Before signing a contract of employment, you will have to undergo a medical examination at our university doctor. Your faculty HR department will get in touch with you and inform you in advance.

University doctor for entrance medical examination:

MUDR. KATEŘINA KOLÁŘOVÁ
Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno (building B22, room 303 and room 302, Bohunice University Campus)
2 minutes walk from the Bohunice Hospital stop
Tel.: +420 549 495 005 at the following times: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Walk-in hours:
Monday 10-12
Tuesday 10-12
Thursday 9-11

Please note that dr. Kateřina Kolářová is not automatically your GP. To find a GP, see the list of English-speaking doctors in Brno and contact them to find out whether they accept new patients.

The faculty HR department will inform you via email about further steps regarding your employment at MU. After medical examination, you will:

• sign the contract of employment with HR department at your faculty
• get access to university information systems (IS, inet, etc.) - receive MU login details
• arrange an employee card
• find out where you will be working, what working hours are, get your keys and any essential equipment
• meet your new colleagues and get to know your faculty/department
• safety and health protection training & fire protection training
• arrange further duties and obligations with HR department and payroll accountant (you may be eligible for bonuses including meal allowances and pension insurance contributions)

• there are three major providers in the Czech Republic – O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone
• we advise to get a Czech SIM card for your phone after arrival (necessary for opening a bank account) - a prepaid card with credit – is a quick and cheap solution, if you just want to browse the internet using wi-fi mainly and be able to call
• Masaryk University cooperates with Vodafone and can offer an employee package for postpaid deals
• after signing the contract of employment at MU, you can simply switch to an employee programme (no need of business phone)

INSURANCE FOR AN EMPLOYEE

As an employee of MU, you are automatically insured and a participant in public health insurance (your insurance company is VZP). The insurance starts on the first day of your employment. It will take some time before you receive your new insurance card (1-1,5 months). In case you need a medical help and do not have your card yet, please let us know. Please always carry your insurance card and ID/passport when going to see a doctor.

INSURANCE FOR A RELATIVE OLDER THAN 18 YEARS

As a family relative who is not employed and thus insured by the employer, you must have a commercial health insurance, according to the law it must be PVZP. Insurance can be arranged and paid easily online. Before going to see a doctor please first check if they do accept the PVZP insurance.

INSURANCE FOR A FAMILY RELATIVE YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS (CHILD)

From 1st January 2024, children under the age of 18 who have a valid long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic will be participants in public health insurance (insured by VZP). The insurance automatically starts on the day when the child receives their biometric card at the Immigration Office (OAMP). The child must be registered with the selected insurance company within 8 calendar days after receiving the permit. Insurance is valid until reaching the age of 18 years or until the expiration of long-term residence permit.

In case your child is already residing in the CZ after 1. 1. 2024 and has a valid commercial health insurance, it is necessary to contact the insurance company of your choice at least 8 days before the expiration of commercial insurance and register your child there. If this does not happen, an insurance debt will arise. You can choose where you will register your child, here is a list.

As you yourself are insured by VZP (code 111), we suggest that you register your child there as well.

More information about health insurance and the list of health insurance companies are available here.